Apevia X-QPack 2 [Archive] - techPowerUp! Forums

Darksaber

10-14-2007, 02:01 PM

[page=Introduction]
Introduction

The company previously called Aspire has changed its name to Apevia. Their new logo looks much like the original one:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/XCruiser/images/apevia_logo.gif

This is the reason they have for changing their name:

Apevia Corporation is the new name for Aspire International Corporation which was established in March 1999. Due to lots of confusions between Aspire cases, Acer's Aspire Notebook systems and Aspire Credit Cards, we have decided to change our name to Apevia Corporation in June 2006. With the strategy of standing behind our customers to ensure their total satisfaction, Apevia has been working closely with its customers and focusing on providing innovative quality PC products and services to keep up with the fast changing market. Today, Apevia is one of industry leaders for PC chassis.

Apevia (http://www.apevia.com) was kind enough to supply us with the X-QPack2 in black/red, but it is availble in multiple colors and variants:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/X-QPACK2-PK-0_100.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/X-QPACK2-BK-0_100.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/X-QPACK2-AL-0_100.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/X-QPACK2-BL-0_100.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/X-QPACK2-OR-0_100.jpg

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/X-QPACK2-GN-0_100.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/X-QPACK2-RD-0_100.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/X-QPACK2-NW-BK-0_100.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/X-QPACK2-NW-AL-0_100.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/X-QPACK2-CM-0_100.jpg

Features

Compact, portable and tasteful design
3 x side see-through windows
Front 2 x USB2.0, 2 x Audio, 1 x Firewire
1 x front LCD temperature readout
1 x 120mm blue UV LED fan at rear
1 x 80mm blue UV fan at front
Sturdy steel handle for carrying around
5 x drive bays: 2*5.25" + 1*3.5" + 2*3.5"(int)
ATX 500W power supply with 120mm fan
Removable motherboard tray for easy installation
Aluminum contracted for best cooling

Even though Apevia lists a 500W power supply, our review unit did not ship with one. This means that we cannot tell you about the quality of the power supply within the unit.

[page=Packaging & Contents]
Packaging & Contents
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/packfront_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/packfront.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/packrear_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/packrear.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/packsidecolors_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/packsidecolors.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/packsidesspec_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/packsidesspec.jpg)
Apevia has not changed much in the design of the package. It also features a plastic handle, as the case is incredibly light. This makes transportation a breeze from the shop or post office. The front and rear of the package show the silver and blue model of the chassis. You need to take a close look at the sides to find all the necessary information. The specifications list a 500W PSU with 12 cm fan, but this X-QPack2 does not ship with one. This fact is mentioned in form of a single silver sticker on the box. The color is also revealed in form of such a sticker - so we got the red one it seems.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/caseinstyro_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/caseinstyro.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/casebrandnew_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/casebrandnew.jpg)
The case is secured with solid Styrofoam spacers on both ends. A heavy duty plastc further protects the X-QPack2 from scratches or the likes. Apevia did not stop there. All windows are covered with a thin plastic film and the front has a a similar protective cover.

Contents
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/contents_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/contents.jpg)
You will not find a lot inside the case. There is a very well illustrated installation manual and a bag of screws with two small cable ties.

[page=The Case]
The Case
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/casenew_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/casenew.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/casefront_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/casefront.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/frontclosenew_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/frontclosenew.jpg)
The first thing you will notice is the aluminum front and new handle. The chassis itself is just as big as the original X-QPack, but the new plastic & aluminum front is about an inch longer, allowing for longer optical drives and thus larger power supplies. This does reduce cost, as Apevia is not required to bundle custom PSUs with the unit. The colored part of the front is made of aluminum, which is a step up from the plastic of the original. Another change in material can be found in form of the handle. It is also made of metal and is spring loaded. This is also a great improvement from the plastic, fold down variant of the original X-QPack.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/caseotherside_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/caseotherside.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/caseside_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/caseside.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/caserear_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/caserear.jpg)
The rear of the case has not really changed. This is another hint that Apevia has not altered anything major within the chassis itself. As with the original, there are three windows, which are held in place by plastic rivets. It would have been great to see a metal implementation to keep the windows in place.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/rearfanout_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/rearfanout.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/mainboardbackplane_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/mainboardbackplane.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/pcibrakets_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/pcibrakets.jpg)
The rear fan is the same as in the original. It can clearly be seen from the outside of the case. The included backplate actually fits modern mATX mainboards. There is a solid aluminum area above the backplate, which remains unused. It would have been great to see some airvents, as this would be quite close to the CPU. The four PCI brakets do not need to be broken out and can be reused at any time.

[page=A Closer Look]
A Closer Look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/caseopen_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/caseopen.jpg)
To reveal the insides, simply remove the two thumb screws and take off the cover. The case integrity is implemented with two rods which are placed on either side within the case.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/hddtray_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/hddtray.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/odds_small.gif (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/odds.gif)
The new X-QPack2 can still take two hard drives, which are placed in a similar tray as is the case in the predecessor. The internal layout has not really changed much in the X-QPack2. The front still holds two 5.25 inch drive bays and a single 3.5 inch bay. Apevia has improved on the screw holes to secure any drives. This improves compatibility and is a necessary change, as the drive is not pushed in as far as in the original X-QPack.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/rearfan_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/rearfan.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/smallfrontfan_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/smallfrontfan.jpg)
We mentioned the rear fan before and it is identical to that of the X-QPack with blue LEDs and a Molex connector. It would have been great to see the use of a mainboard header, as the fan is fairly loud. Apevia managed to place another, smaller, 8 cm fan in the front of the case, but it also uses a Molex connector.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/frontioconn_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/frontioconn.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/mainboardconn_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/mainboardconn.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/lcddiodes_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/lcddiodes.jpg)
The front ports are connected with the usual connectors. There is only a single audio connector, with the label "AUDIO". No mention anywhere wether this is an AC '97 or HD AUDIO connector, which was also a problem with the original X-QPack2. The mainboard connector for power and LEDs are kept in a refreshing white and work flawlessly with the MSI mainboard we used. The LCD power is supplied via a Molex connector and the two diodes are labeled "HDD" and "CPU" respectively.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/traypulled_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/traypulled.jpg)
Just like the first X-QPack, the second iteration has the same mainboard tray. It is secured by two normal screws. It would have been great if Apevia would have used thumb screws here.

[page=Installation & Finished Looks]
Installation
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/trayfilled_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/trayfilled.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/trayinst_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/trayinst.jpg)
Placing the hardware on the tray is done exacly as you would in any other case. After the mainboard, memory, graphics card and CPU & heatsink are properly installed, slide the tray back into the unit. Due to the construction the CPU cooler may not be taller than 76 mm to fit inside the X-QPack2. Graphic cards are not allowed to be longer than 11.5 inches.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/hddtrayfilled_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/hddtrayfilled.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/hddtrayinst_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/hddtrayinst.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/oddinst_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/oddinst.jpg)
The next step is done by installing the hard drive and ODD. The former can be installed outside of the case and then simply inserted into the chassis, while the optical drive is placed in the bay through the front of the case.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/casefilled_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/casefilled.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/casefilledclosed_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/casefilledclosed.jpg)
You now have free choice of a power supply. It should not be larger than 150 x 140 x 86 mm and should have the cable tree towards the side window. Most traditional PSUs with 12 cm fan should fall within these restrictions. After the X-QPack2 has been filled, simply replace the cover and secure it with the thumb screws.

Finished Looks
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/dimmedfronton_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/dimmedfronton.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/frontonclose_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/frontonclose.jpg)
Even though the case front is red and black, the included fans are blue. While it still looks great, red lights and backlight on the LCD would have looked much better.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/dimmedsideon_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/dimmedsideon.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/dimmedrearfan_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/dimmedrearfan.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/dimmedrearon_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/dimmedrearon.jpg)
Taking a look at the side with the room lights dimmed, you can clearly see the blue glow from the rear and front fan. It should look great at any LAN party and this is certainly the right area of use for this case.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/caseon_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Apevia/X_QPack_2/images/caseon.jpg)
The overall look is certainly beautiful and, the new changes warrant a new model name and new looks. In other words it is a valid successor to the original X-QPack.

[page=Value and Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The Aspire X-QPack can be had for $98 US Dollars including the 500W ATX 2.0 power supply, which makes it a great buy. The case in combination with the power supply will set you back just above 80€ in Europe. The case without a PSU comes with a 20 US Dollar or Euro discount.
</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>

Very good price
Nice blue LED fans
Great LCD and connectors up front
mATX format gives you a lot of choice
Well constructed front
Removable cables to front connectors
Solid metal handle to carry case around
Slide out mainboard tray
Even larger aftermarket coolers fit
Should fit larger graphic cards as well!
Two fans within the chassis
Many available colors
A lot of space for such a small case

</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>

Loud fans
Audio mainboard header still a problem
No punch outs in the back for legacy connectors
Plastic front
Fairly sharp edges
Mainboard tray will cause problems with coolers using a backplate
Does not fit fullsize ATX motherboards

</td></tr>
<tr><th>9.0</th>
<td>
The Apevia X-QPack2 does feature a lot of smaller improvements when compared to the first iteration, the X-QPack. The new handle is made of metal instead of plastic, which was one of the biggest downsides for LAN party fans. There is nothing worse as your gaming rig lying in front of you in pieces, because of a weak handle. The aluminum front adds to the quality and the new colors give the buyer a much better choice than the original. Even though Apevia has included a second fan within the X-QPack2, these are still to loud, especially if you keep your PC on the desk, next to your monitor. The use of mainboard headers would help with noise concerns. The longer front finally eliminates the need to modify the case to fit a standard power supply within the chassis and opens up the possiblity to add high-end components. The X-QPack2 is certainly a worthy successor of the original. While it may not be as fancy as some of the other mATX cases, it is very well priced and should be the perfect case for LAN party gamers and does offer unrivaled portability, thanks to the new solid handle.
</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/editorschoice.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/images/budget.gif</td></tr>
</table>

Scortch

10-19-2007, 10:11 PM

I have one of these and love it. It's the exact same case as the older Q-pack, as mentioned, except for the front faceplate. I did run into a problem with the new aluminum faceplate that people may want to be aware of.

I have a Gigabyte GA-965GM-S2 motherboard in it and I am not sure if it's a MB issue or what but, what happens is, when I get any amount of static built up and I touch the front aluminum faceplate (to open the CD drive or something), it will cause the system to reboot. The static is transferred from the faceplate, down through the USB, firewire or sound grounding to the MB. Yea, it should go to ground at that point but, for some reason it causes the reboot.

Now, I can touch the side of the case and it will be properly grounded out and cause no reboot.

Like I said, it may be a MB issue but, it is something to be aware of. I am going to try and connect a wire from the faceplate, to a ground point on the case and see if that helps.

Other than this small annoyance, I love the new Q-pack2 case.

CDdude55

10-20-2007, 09:51 PM

hey Scortch sence you have one do you think this has clearenct for a 8800GTX/HD2900XT? just wondering because the only other case i know of that can is the SG03 but i dont like it as much at this

Scortch

10-21-2007, 04:23 AM

It shouldn't be a problem length or height wise. My 8800GTS fits it with no problems at all. I believe both cards are the same height (mine is like 3 7/8ths inches high) and that leaves like 1/4 in. You have about 12 inches for the video card before you start running into issues and I believe those cards are like 10.6in long? Well, the 8800GTX that is. I don't mess with ATI cards, so no clue.

I'm with you. I liked this one a lot better than the SG03. Get a decent PSU also. The one that comes with them are ok but, I wouldn't trust them with my main gear. They ok if you building a *cheap* internet computer.

Also, on the front, on each side of the metal faceplate where it curves in, there are 2 wire mesh pieces. Don't push on the much when handling the case. It's very easy to pop them out and they are a pita to get back in. You have to glue them back in for them to stay. Just getting to them and all is a pita though because the screws that hold the front faceplate on are a pita.

EnglishLion

10-22-2007, 12:20 PM

The original version had a 1 piece cover if I remember correctly. Is this still the same? I bought a rip off version (EyeT Ecute) of the original later that had a three part cover that all slotted together perfectly it was also slightly longer for ATX PSU and longer GPU. Still had the plastic handle though which is disappointing, although mine hasn't broken and I've not heard of anyone else with a broken plastic handle so maybe it's not so bad after all.

I prefer the look of the front panel now though.

Also if you want a different coloured LCD display they are available seperately if you search hard enough. I found myself a red one (only 1 temp though) and am waiting for it to be delivered at the moment, just need to make sure it fits now! Cost around £5.

devehf

01-02-2008, 04:11 AM

I have a Gigabyte GA-965GM-S2 motherboard in it and I am not sure if it's a MB issue or what but, what happens is, when I get any amount of static built up and I touch the front aluminum faceplate (to open the CD drive or something), it will cause the system to reboot. The static is transferred from the faceplate, down through the USB, firewire or sound grounding to the MB. Yea, it should go to ground at that point but, for some reason it causes the reboot.

Now, I can touch the side of the case and it will be properly grounded out and cause no reboot.

Like I said, it may be a MB issue but, it is something to be aware of. I am going to try and connect a wire from the faceplate, to a ground point on the case and see if that helps.

Other than this small annoyance, I love the new Q-pack2 case.

I also have a Gigabyte Mobo in my Q-pack2 and am having the same reboot problems when i touch the grill. Have you tried unhooking the reset switch? I am thinking this might be the problem.

Scortch

01-02-2008, 06:01 AM

I also have a Gigabyte Mobo in my Q-pack2 and am having the same reboot problems when i touch the grill. Have you tried unhooking the reset switch? I am thinking this might be the problem.

I tried everything. I unhooked everything and the problem lies in the USB, firewire, etc. Anything that grounds out to the plate and MB.

Here is how I fixed my problem though. It works perfectly too as I generated a large enough static charge to hurt when I touched the front panel and it did not reboot.

What you do is, take off the front panel. Look for the little tabs on the inside that bend over to hold the aluminum faceplate to the plastic faceplate. I bent one of the tabs back enough to run a wire under it and twisted around it and then bent the tab back over to hold the wire in place. I then ran the other end to the chassis that the faceplate clips to and the little screws go through. This grounds the aluminum part to the chassis ground and the static no longer goes down to the motherboard.

You can attach the wires any way you want that works for you. Just as long as you have that connection.

I had a long back and forth discussion with Apevia on this issue and they said they had never heard of the problem. I knew exactly what the problem was but, they wanted to make out like there was no design problem with the case. With the aluminum faceplate having no where to discharge the static since the part it hooks to is all plastic, it has no other choice but to ground out to the motherboard and some MBs have problems with this.

All it takes is a direct connection from the aluminum to the chassis ground. It would be a very simple modification for them but, I guess with so few people saying anything (I was the only one he had heard of), it's not a big deal to them.

The guy I talked to about this was Greg at apevia dot com. I mailed him my fix months later, but never received a response from him.

Hope that helps.

devehf

01-03-2008, 06:47 PM

I then ran the other end to the chassis that the faceplate clips to and the little screws go through. This grounds the aluminum part to the chassis ground and the static no longer goes down to the motherboard.

Cool thanks. I will give this a try. So did you remove the faceplate to attach one end of the wire to the faceplate or did you just stick the wire through the clip hole and push it against the faceplate. Is it staying in contact with the faceplate just by gravity/tension?

Scortch

01-04-2008, 01:04 AM

devehf

01-05-2008, 06:28 AM

The aluminum piece is held in place with several tabs bent over. I just bent on of them up, wrapped the wire around it and twisted it together and then bent the tab back down to hold it in place. If you push it back down and have the wire all the way down the bottom of the tab, bending it over should hold it pretty good. If not, maybe a little solder or something.

You should see once you get the whole plastic faceplate loose.

Ahh yes I see what you mean. Man, it was hard getting the plastic front piece off. I couldn't see the 2nd screw holding it in place over under the drive area. I have it wired up now and will give it the shock test. We just installed new carpet so it will be easy to build up some juice.

Scortch

01-05-2008, 05:31 PM

Yea, it is a pita where they located them. Hope it works for you. Seem to work great for me. I built up a good charge till it hurt and it didn't effect it.

I put my wire on the side where the power and reset button was. My problem was reaching over to open the DVD drive and touching the aluminum so the right side is where I put mine. It shouldn't matter though I wouldn't think.

nachowarrior

01-18-2008, 08:39 AM

ground out the faceplate... like, take a wire and ground it. and check your switches to make sure they're grounded too. it's a good possibility that there IS a sensitive part on you mobo... but i think if you start wearing cotton underwear and socks and make an easier ground for your faceplate (adhere a wire that grounds so nothing else will) the problem will stop. remember electricity takes the easiest path to the ground! :-p, if all else fails, use some rubber grommets or if you're too cheap to do those, tear it appart and use some hot glue in between metal parts. :-p that'll work too.