A Closer Look - Outside

Taking a look at the chassis right out of the box, the Aquila makes a good impression in terms of quality. Even though the top handles do no look like much, aside from being a design element, both seem sturdy enough to pick your PC up by holding onto both. Due to a good mixture of solid plastic and metal mesh, the overall quality is quite alright as well.


Straight lines and four round corners, very similar to what we have seen with the Xigmatek Elysium, dominate the design. Look at the rear and it becomes apparent that the interior is black as well. Look closely and you can see that one of the side panels is bent out of shape. We got the sample this way, but a bit of tough love and the panel was, once again, straight as a fresh sheet of paper.


Xigmatek has once again tilted the chassis frame backwards by tilting the plastic pieces acting as feet. The unit tilts back quite a bit, but look at its front and the covers used compensate for the tilt nicely by visually removing it. A large, but tinted window can be found on the main side panel. It will also expose any cables you may want to hide in the bottom compartment, but the tinted window should alleviate the issue a bit. You will also find a pair of USB 3.0 and the usual audio I/O inside the front panel. While this set is functional, other case brands with the exact same frame offer a more comprehensive I/O.


The PSU bay itself features two sets of mounting holes for you to install the unit with the fan facing either up- or downward. Due to the way this case is built, I would strongly suggest you install your PSU with the fan facing downward. In the top are the four motherboard-expansion slots, each held in place by a single locking mechanism. Xigmatek also includes a 120 mm fan to push hot air out of the chassis. You may upgrade this fan to a 140 mm variant as the Aquila also features mounting holes for such a fan.


Taking a closer look at the front, there is Xigmatek's logo on the metal mesh. The mesh also acts as an air vent to a fan you install into the Aquila's front. Above the mesh is the 5.25" drive bay. Even though the case frame has been designed to offer a 3.5" drive bay and the look of the Aquila could easily offer it as well, Xigmatek has chosen to do away with it completely.


In the top is a button we have seen before as the Elysium chassis has one just like it. Could Xigmatek's plan have been to call this the Elysium Mini instead? The entire top has also been lined with metal mesh. Youmay remove this cover to reveal spots for two 120 mm or 140 mm fans. Another modification by Xigmatek moved the mounting holes into the chassis frame, while other manufacturers extrude these to allow for better compatibility. The Aquila may be able to hold fans, but they will most likely block the 5.25" drive bay in the process.


Looking at the underside, there is a removable dust filter you may remove for cleaning. Simply pull it out through the front of the chassis to do so. This is a bit complicated as you have to tip the entire unit over in the process.