Chassis makers take aim at gamers
Lucrative gaming market a target for manufacturers Antec and CM Storm
An earlier Antec chassis
Two vendors have launched chassis products for the games market.
CM Storm has unveiled Sniper, a gaming-grade PC chassis, which it developed with help from gaming teams such as SK-Gaming, Team Fnatic and Mousesports.
Meanwhile, Antec has launched a rival product through specialist distributor VIP.
The key to a good gaming chassis is air flow, according to the makers of Sniper, as top games machines pack on so much computing power which is used for long periods of time that even one extra fan can make a difference.
The new chassis has three large fans and a series of smaller subsidiaries. The chassis houses a 200mm blue LED fan in the front, a top exhaust 200mm LED fan and an optional 200mm VGA intake. In addition, there are six 120-140mm fan locations for more cooling.
CM Storm Labs’ second invention offers another glimpse into the gaming world. It is a specially designed PCI-bracket that sits at the back of the main chassis, locking peripherals and the side panel in place.
“Theft is an occupational hazard for the serious gamer,” explained Miodrag Relic, CM’s marketing manager. “You can return from the toilets at a LAN party and find your gaming mouse and headset have gone. Sometimes even your entire system.”
Relic outlined other essentials demanded by the pro-gamer. The Sniper allows system builders to offer carry handles, multi-position water cooling holes, tool-free design, and expandability for peripherals, high-definition drives, optical drives and function panels.
Meanwhile, Antec has appointed specialist distributor VIP to bring its Nine Hundred Two gaming case to the system builder channel.
VIP’s product manager Victoria Davies said Antec’s Nine Hundred Two chassis is the “ultimate gaming case”, with its variable six-speed fans, expansion slots and built-in washable air filters. “The additions to this case show Antec is listening to customers and taking action,” she said.