A Closer Look - Outside

The chassis itself feels pretty much indestructible. The design is simple, but still modern and clean. As you an see, Origen AE has chosen not to include a card reader or front connectivity. While this is understandable from a design perspective, I am sure that none of the customers would hold such a feature against the chassis or Origen AE - especially not considering the price tag.


The front of the M10 has four aspects worth mentioning. First off there is the Soundgraph based VFD display. While this version of the display is certainly usable it is not the newest kind which Soundgraph supplies, which is another small disappointment. Sure, I am being picky, but considering the retail price, you should be too. Above the display is the slot loading slimline drive bay, which is an excellent design choice instead of forcing the user to use a traditional drive. To the left you have the circular power button along with the appropriate LED right under the Origen AE logo. Turning the chassis around, there is not much worth mentioning, as it offers usual mainboard backplate cutout and single low profile expansion slot.


The only really unusual feature is the power plug in the rear. It has the same shape as those of notebooks and is comparable in size to those of desktop replacement or 17 inch units.


Both sides of the Origen M10 look identical when photographed. There are two air vents for 60 mm fans, one of which is included. This is quite sufficient as most mini ITX boards only have a single fan header anyways - if at all.


The underside of the chassis holds the four screws which hold the top cover of the M10 in place. These have to be removed to gain access to the interior. Origen AE has chosen to go with some quality feet as well, but I would have not expected anything less of them.