WTF?! Open-air case designs have lengthy been a viable selection for PC customers who need one thing a little bit totally different. However, EVGA’s newest boutique choice takes issues to the acute with a value to match. Those keen to spend the cash on this distinctive system ought to know there will not be lots of them.
The E1 Frame Set is a brand new open-air chassis from EVGA that is accessible now. Open-air instances aren’t new, however this one stands out by holding PC elements in-place with metal suspension cables. The nonexistent overlaying and 100-percent weave carbon fiber body possible make this one of many lightest chassis ever at simply 2.76lbs.
The body and cables maintain the motherboard in place whereas brackets on the entrance band again maintain the graphics card and energy provide, respectively. Mesh racks on the facet and prime can assist coolers. It additionally consists of analog temperature gauges to boost the E1’s industrial theme. Attached to the meters is a entrance I/O port with two USB 3.2 Type-A and one USB-C port. The E1 helps mini-ITX, micro-ATX, ATX, and eATX motherboards.
The three packages EVGA affords are notably costly, and none embrace a whole PC. The Chassis by itself (with the gauges and GPU bracket) begin at $1,599, whereas the opposite two choices add PC elements. The middle-tier E1 Kit 1 consists of an RTX 3090 Ti Okay|NGP|N and a 1600w PSU for $3,699. The priciest set — satirically dubbed the E1 Bare Bones — throws in a Z690 DARK Okay|NGP|N motherboard, a PowerLink 52u adapter for the 3090, and a elaborate transport case for $4,999. That nonetheless leaves a CPU, RAM, storage, and CPU cooler that customers should buy individually.
Those costs would possibly look loopy to most individuals, however EVGA clearly labeled the E1 as an unique product when unveiling it in January. Quantities might be fairly restricted, and solely EVGA members should purchase the E1.
Open-air instances could depart PC elements extra uncovered to mud and moisture than commonplace chassis whereas additionally rising noise. However, the superior airflow helps the system keep cool whereas probably permitting extra space for elements and simpler entry to them. Antec began providing its still-expensive however extra affordable $500 Canon case in May. Japanese firm Nagao Industry produces the N-Frame-OP01 mount to permit monitor set up on the facet of an open-air chassis.
