| Xigmatek Gigas uATX Computer Enclosure |  |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases | |
| Written by Bruce Normann | |
| Thursday, 16 August 2012 | |
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XIGMATEK Gigas Micro-ATX PC Case
Manufacturer: XIGMATEK Co., Ltd. Full disclosure: The product used in this review was supplied by XIGMATEK
Mention the term Small Form Factor and most people think of a PC case that you can hold in one hand. The term first came into use when the PC giants HP, Compaq, and IBM were all trying to shrink the corporate desktop computer down to size. Everything inside these Mini-Me versions was proprietary back then, until the BTX standard came out. BTX saw only limited adoption, especially if you compare it to the hugely popular ATX standard that was developed around the same time. Now, the genre is dominated by mini-ITX systems, which put an amazing amount of capability into a truly tiny package. Left out in the cold for the most part, are the micro-ATX systems that are smaller than a full sized tower, but bigger than the true SFF miniatures. Back in the 60's, if you were playing a game called Twenty Questions, you might ask, "Is it bigger than a breadbox?" I'll wait for you to Google that... The answer, for the Xigmatek Gigas is, just barely. In the IT world, we have the "Pizza Box" form factor, so why not the Bread Box? I think one loaf of whole wheat, one loaf of white bread, one rye, and one cinnamon raisin ought to fit easily in there. So this is a big breadbox, a family size version. Since the ODD opening on the front of the case is the only visual cue to its size, here are the actual numbers: 278(W) x 322(H) x 396(D) mm (10.94 x 12.68 x 15.59 inches). The question that came to my mind when Benchmark Reviews first saw the Gigas was, "Why this design?" I think it's because consumers want sleek, fashionable components in their life, and big tower cases are past their expiration date, as far as industrial design goes. There is an increasing focus on small, svelte boxes that work with a mini-ITX or a micro-ATX motherboard. The tiniest boxes give up some measure of performance in exchange for space, and at the other end of the spectrum are the mid-sized models like the Gigas. With a more muscular form factor that can handle the most powerful components available, and only a self-imposed limitation of a micro-ATX motherboard. Of particular importance is the ability to handle full-sized graphics cards, up to 320mm in length and full power PSUs up to 300mm long. XIGMATEK Gigas Case Features
XIGMATEK Gigas Case Specifications
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