A Closer Look

The first thing you notice once the S21T is unpacked, is the massive display. It measures 12.1 inches, which is by far the biggest on any HTPC enclosure. To protect the touch screen from damage, a thin plastic film has been placed over the LCD. Origen AE has decided to keep the outside simple, clean and sturdy, but the display makes this large HTPC chassis very menacing. The rear of the S21T looks relievingly normal. You will not have to worry about an exotic installation procedure when looking at the back of the HTPC case. As mentioned before, the case sides are completely clean and a single, easily 4 mm thick aluminum piece has been used to form the sides and front of the case.


The lack of air vents is compensated by an ingenious design on the bottom of the case. Two vents have been placed toward the front of the enclosure, right under the hard drive bays. The case feet are of very high quality as well.


You will find a large power button in the left corner of the front, while a very high quality Origen AE logo has been placed on the top right. The HDD LED, front I/O, card reader and optical drive bay are hidden behind the large screen.


The PSU bay is just like any other, as Origen AE follows the theme "if it works, no need to reinvent it". The large fan is completely open and is covered by a seperate fan grill. This is the best choice for a good air flow. The fan is mounted on rubber rings to reduce vibrations. You will find such spacers on every fan in the system. This is another small tidbit one would expect from the most exclusive retail HTPC case known to man.


Above the 7 PCI slots, is a crude fan grill. Origen sells an optional 120 mm fan, which comes with an enclosure to be mounted above the PCI slots. It is a bit surprising that such an useful accessory needs to be bought seperately.