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Archive for December, 2010
SilverStone ML03 Slim HTPC Case
December 16, 2010
by Keith Soreghen
in Reviews
SilverStone has been putting out some really nice HTPC and SFF cases recently. With recent updates to the Grandia and Sugo series, it’s time for the Milo series to see an update. This series consists of slim HTPC enclosures that integrate easily with other home entertainment equipment. Today we’re reviewing the newest case in the series, the ML03. With a reinforced top cover, the ML03 is capable of stacking with other devices making the slim enclosure an ideal fit in the media cabinet of your choosing. The dimensions of 440 mm (W) x 105 mm (H) x 340 mm (D) ensure a nice fit for your parts without needing to occupy a whole shelf by itself. Micro ATX, Mini-DTX, Mini-ITX motherboards are supported in this model, so the case can accomodate some nice parts for whatever system you intend to build.
The ML03 has some nice features like USB 3.0 ports in the front with an adapter cable included so builders can connect to USB 2.0 motherboard headers if desired. The USB 3.0 cable is the final specification for internal USB 3.0 headers, so it is ready to go when a board with the proper header is installed. Also included is a magnetic air intake filter (FF141) for the top of the case to help prevent dust from entering. We were surprised to see so many mounting points for hard drives, most of which were easy to access. How did the ML03 do in our testing? Read on to find out. For full specs on the ML03, check out SilverStone’s product page.
Clone Your Hard Drive
This is a quick video on cloning an existing hard drive to a new drive. Clone your OS drive so you don’t have to reinstall the operating system. Our main camera was not available so we used a mini DV backup, some footage is less than ideal. We used Acronis True Image Western Digital edition that is available for free from their site.
HighSpeed PC Tech Station
December 5, 2010
by Keith Soreghen
in Reviews
HighSpeedPC sells specialty computer hardware like water cooling kits and fans, but is probably best known for the Tech Station. The Tech Station has been around for quite some time now. The original model has the motherboard shelf on the bottom and the PSU and optical drives would go on the top. That design is still available today and is ultimately a matter of preference, but we prefer the newer Top Deck design. Access to the motherboard is easier and the heavy PSU is on the bottom to keep a better center of gravity and prevent the whole unit from falling over. It will also allow us to better photograph and record the stuff we will be testing and reviewing. So, even though we are late to the party, we thought we would post a quick review here.
