The Sunbeam 3D Storm is an improvement over the Quarterback case we reviewed last month. It has many of the same positives as the Quarterback, including tool-less drive bays and PCI slots, but it still has many of the same negatives. The motherboard tray is not removable and the HDD cage requires a screwdriver to remove it. The VGA vent is once again too high up on the side window, which prevents the video card or cards from receiving cooler air. However, the power supply is still optional, and the user can add an entry-level PSU for $10 more.
One of the things I like more about the 3D Storm is the mesh front with washable open-cell foam to help keep dust from entering the system. The black mesh and the silver aluminum add a subtle touch of class to the case and give it a lot of style. The other improvement is the new 3D Core Fan system, which adds greater flexibility to the positioning of the fans, as well as supporting up to four 120mm fans. The Core Fan system works very well to help reduce component temperatures, especially with passively cooled components.
In all, I enjoyed working with the 3D Storm and thought it was very worthwhile for a case in its price range.