Ikonik Ra X10 SIM Review

Name: Ikonik Ra X10 SIM
Brand: Ikonik

Darksaber

on Feb 2nd, 2009,

in Cases.

Manufacturer: Ikonik

(6 Comments) »

SIM

While we will not go into too much detail on the SIM module within the Ra X10, we want to give you quick overview of the possible functions. We have reviewed the system before when taking a look at the Zaria chassis, which comes with such a PCB: The concept of controlling your system fans and monitoring temperatures within the operating system is certainly nothing new. Ikonik simply offers it without binding you to a specific mainboard or system. You may toggle the LED lights of all the fans on or off, as these are powered seperately and you may choose to manually control each set of cooling units. For those too lazy to do so, simply set one of the pre-programmed, temperature controlled curves and let the SIM unit do all the work for you.

Feel free to take a look at the Ikonik Zaria A20 SIM review for further details on the System Intelligent Management.

Value and Conclusion

The Ikonik Zaria Ra X10 SIM will set you back around 299 €. This may seem like a lot, but you do get a very unique feature set. For those looking for a cheaper variant, take a look at the Zaria Ra X10 SMOOTH which costs around 199 € instead.

Great overall design
Sand blasted top aluminum cover
Good construction quality
A whooping 13 fans
Very nice push & release concept for the front covers
Unique fan layout
Full mainboard compatibility, mATX, ATX, eATX, CEB
Very sturding screw-less locking mechanism for the expansion cards
Good screw-less system for drives
Separately powered fan LEDs
Clean wiring of rear fan
No specific hardware needed for SIM
Compact, but should fit large graphic cards/CPU coolers
Holds up to 10 hard drives
Space behind front door for extruding devices like fan controllers
Simple, informative package
Available in black or silver

Pricey
No reset button
Fans quite loud at full speed
Side fans of limited use
Door panels do not hold so well without the use of the thumb screws
13 fans may be too much

The Ikonik Ra X10 is just as unique as its little brother - the Zaria A20. Ikonik has tried to differenciate itself with some very useful and handy features, like the screw-less system all over the chassis. The most obvious unique aspect are the 13 fans in combination with the SIM module. The large interior and removable parts make it incredibly easy to work with. Ikonik has also chosen a great looking outer design and a great overall shape and size for their high-end offering. The full complement of I/O, including two eSATA ports, as well as the choice between a wire mesh or Plexiglas window simply add to the overall value of the chassis. It is hard to find anything really bad with the case. The only aspect would be the top row of fans, which will - just as it is the case with the Zaria - be covered by the PSU.
The second problem is the fact, that the fans are quite loud, but the unique SIM module takes care of that problem. Ikonik has opted for some unique and bold features in their cases, which are refreshing and rewarding, even if they come at a price. The case has been placed at a price range where there are very few other options, that said, if the SIM unit is not required, grabbing the case without such functionality also translates into a much cheaper price.