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Spire Pininfarina
Reviewed by
Dan Ackerman
on 03/24/2006
overview front back front angle internal

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  • Quick specs
  • Product Description: Spire Pininfarina SP-ATX-PALU/B - Tower - Extended ATX
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 7.9 in x 17.7 in x 19.5 in
  • I/O Connectors: 2 x USB 1 x Microphone - Input 1 x Headphones - Output 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
  • See full specifications

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The good: Auto-inspired design; oversize case handles; instructional stickers; innovative design ideas.

The bad: Some innovative ideas not fully worked out; accessing some parts can be awkward.

The bottom line: With a curved case by an Italian sports car designer, the Spire Pininfarina looks great, without crossing over into geek territory. Interior components such as drive rails and cages are innovative but may need another generation or two to work out the kinks.

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CNET editors' review

  • Reviewed by:
    Dan Ackerman
  • Reviewed on: 03/24/2006
  • Released on: 02/01/2006
While most nontraditional midtower cases look like they were invented by neon-addicted LAN-party veterans, Spire had the aluminum curves of its new $99 Pininfarina case sculpted by the legendary car design company of the same name. Founded in 1930, Pininfarina has designed cars for Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, and Maserati. Its take on the PC case echoes the aerodynamic lines of a sports car, with a solid aluminum exterior marred only by a plastic front-panel door hinge that keeps the door from lining up perfectly.

Both of the side panels are made to either drop down flat or lift off completely, thanks to a unique tabbed design and easy-to-grip handles. The easy right-side access makes attaching a motherboard (micro, standard, or extended ATX) a breeze. Inside there's room for three 5.25-inch drives and two 3.5-inch drives, plus a four-slot hard drive cage. One welcome note is the illustrated instructional stickers throughout that explain how to install fans and optical drives. The turnkey drive rails; unique, rotating, removable hard drive cage; and a hidden compartment of screws and accessories are all noteworthy innovations but are sometimes slightly awkward to use in real-world situations.

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Spire Pininfarina

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