InWin IW-BM643
While the Foxconn RS-338 (L) mentioned
above differs from the previous RS-224 model that has been tested in both
design and functions (lack of a second expansion slot, different PSU), the
InWin IW-BM643 model is almost an exact copy of the famous IW-BM648 InWin model.
That is why this section will describe in brief and focus on the nuances that have
not been much emphasized in previous reviews on the twin of this model.
The
Product Image
The exterior style has changed much since
our model was tested but the drawings of its straight design is unmistakable.
The front body no longer has the decorative plate on the I / O connector, but
the rear still remains it. Unfortunately, the USB port is still too close
together, so you may encounter some problems if you use them at the same time.
The button is not so useful as in the
previous model. Both the Power and Reset buttons are cut away in the front cover.
The Power button is the only one designed like on the IW-BM648 model and it can
be easier to be pressed thanks to the shrink. The IW-BM643 model can easily
slip back under your power of pressing the button because the keys are hard.
The power and drive indicators are so great
that they still remain vivid in the dark.
The InWin stickers and symbol pasted onto
the keys indicates that this computer case is designed mainly for the upright
style installation although the overall design shows that the installation
should still be horizontal.
The
products observed from the back
Looking at the back of the case, we can
estimate the dimensions. The computer case, when standing upright, is somewhat
wider and higher than the Foxconn. However, its depth is a little bit smaller.
The
accompanying accessories
The IW-BM643 comes with few accessories:
screws, four self-adhesive rubber feet, power cord, and a user manual.
The chassis for an optical drive makes this
model similar to the InWin Antec ISK 310-150 mentioned above, but the hard disk
is installed elsewhere.
The
drive bay
The HDD stand supports two devices (a
2.5-inch drive and a 3.5-inch drives). It is located next to the mainboard from
the expansion card.
The IW-BM643 provides the optimal
combination for the drive bays installation as it allows installing a fast SSD
as the system drive and a conventional 3.5-inch hard drive as file storage. It
could only be better if each compartment is compatible with both 2.5-inch and
3.5-inch drives.
The
integrated speaker
There is a built-in computer speaker at the
front of the chassis itself, near the I / O port.
Panels
to mount the optical drive on
The panels to mount the optical drives on look
very spectacular, but will cause some inconveniences.
The
installation process
In fact, the assembly process went well
until we started with the installation of our optical drives. We were just
having some problems with our graphics cards. Although as compact as the Radeon
HD 6450, it was almost associated with the PSU located at the front of the
chassis.
Of course, an optical drive makes the
full-size interior space more cramped, but they did not anticipate all of the
problems.
Intel
heatsink
The maximum height of the cooling equipment
is limited to the standard sizes of Intel heatsinks. The distance between it
and the optical drives is not greater than a few millimeters. However it is
still what we can expect.
The
path of the cable
The mounting plate of the optical drives, expansion
card installed and the PSU is positioned in a way in which they block the path
of the cable. We had to tamp and press them with the force in the available
hole. This seems to be a flawed design for us.
The
layout of components
Cables from the front USB port can go to
the USB port of the mainboard before we install the optical drive but now it misses
a few centimeters because it must go through the case around the disk. However,
this drawback cannot show that mainboard has another layout of components.
The
layout of components in the case
Well, if you do not need the optical drive
and want to remove its mounting plate, the IW-BM643 will have enough room to
install a CPU cooler to complete while all the cables are connected and
installed successfully without any problems. Therefore, we recommend that you
select a different case if your computer cannot work without an optical drive.
The IW-BM643 is cooled by a thin YSTECH
FD128015LL 80x80x15mm fan that operates at 2,270 RPM according to some of our
monitoring data. The sound is not loud form the fan (the form factor is tiny
and thin, which reduces its noise).
The
complete product after installation
The matte optical drive is not appropriate for
the glossy front panel of the case while it could be difficult to find a drive
with a glossy front. Yes, the IW-BM643 is difficult to be a design masterpiece.
Advantages
·
Compatible with both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives
·
Integrated Computer Speakers
·
Affordable
Disadvantages
·
Difficult to assemble, unless you do not install
an optical drive
·
Raw Design of Power and Reset buttons
·
Poor ventilation system
·
The splint for expansion slot can only be used
once only
InWin IW-BM643’s technical standards
·
Dimensions in mm: 265x100x370
·
Compatibility: Mini-ITX
·
External slot: 1x5.25 "
·
Internal slot: 1x3.5", 1x2.5"
·
External ports: 2 x USB 2.0, 2 audio jacks
·
Fan: 1x80 mm
