Xigmatek Midgard II review with piccies
Hi all,
For anyone who might be considering a new mid tower case, I thought I’d post a positive quick review.
I purchased this case on a this week only offer for £55 from OCUK, and the case arrived via next day delivery.
A nice big brown box keeps the elements at bay, with chunky polystyrene and a plastic baggy preventing any dents and damp.
After pulling out the case with all four limbs, a nice understated case greets you. The front and top of the case feature a tactile rubbery type covering. Xigmatek refer to it as a type of faux leather, but it would be more at home on Batman’s suit; minus the ears and nipples. Its a firm rubbery type stuff. It doesn’t show fingerprints, and looks as though it won’t attract the dust. How it will withstand a future attack with the pledge will be a future story.
The front of the case features 4 removable drive bay covers and a nice big mesh panel. The mesh appears to be aluminium, and doesn’t flex when pressed. I’ve used a flash to highlight the mesh filter lurking behind. Again, lots of rubber covering has been utilised. Its nice to see the rubbery covering over the removable plates as well. A lot of manufacturers opt to pop some black plastic in there.
The top of the case continues the rubbery coated approach. Notice the bevelled edges, which is a nice touch. Close to the front there is a usb3, 2 x usb2, a mic and headphone jack point, a reset and power switch. Further along the top we find a flap, concealing the docking port for a sata drive. This allows for hot swapping without opening up your case. A handy feature if you have lots of drives knocking about, and very few caddies. Further along the top we see the same type of aluminium mesh panel that adorns the front. Again, a little flash magic reveals the black mesh underneath the aluminium.
Dropping around to the back of the case, we are immediately greeted with the usual bottom mounted psu approach. 7 pci slot brackets are available, and they are all the screw in type. Two rubber grommets are present, along with a 120mm fan mount above. The very top of the case features two cut outs in the top panel cover. I can only resume that these are for water-cooling hose. Peeking through the psu cut out, is a brown box of goodies.
The main side panel is coated in mat black paint, which does not scratch easily. Mini screwdriver and fingernail tests reveal several coats of paint and a lacquer. The Midgard II s available with or without a side window, and this version features a twin fan mount that can accommodate 120mm or 140mm fans. The panel is secured with two black thumbscrews.
Opening her up, there’s a nice black interior. Again, the paint finish is very resistant to scratching. The inside features 6 drive bays, each with a slide in drive mount. Holes are also present for ssd’s. At the top, 3 screwless optical drive bays are available. In front of the hard drive bays are mounts for two 120mm fans. We’ll take a look at those later.
The motherboard tray features a cut out for easy access when swapping cpu coolers, and there are 3 main cable access holes for a neat and tidy build. Its also worth noting that there are small holes at the top left of the tray that you can fit a 4pin power lead through. A whole bunch of connection leads are provided, and unfortunately for such a black themed case, in a myriad of colours. A USB3 header lead, sata hot swap dock cable & molex, mobo cable and usb2 cables are present. Some black sleeving would have been nice.
The bottom of the case features the psu mount, with anti vibration foam pad at the back, which is a nice touch. A little forward of this is a bottom 120mm fan mount to allow extra airflow to your GPU. On the back, Xigmatek bundle a black 120mm fan with standard wiring. Again, sleeving Xigmatek, sleeving.
At the very top of the case we get two mounts for either 120mm or 140mm fans. They have to be mounted on top of the chasis, inside the top panel. Otherwise they impede any decent sized cpu cooler that could be mounted.
At the other side of the case, panel removed, we can see lots of tie down points for cable tidying. It’s also easier to see the cable holes. The front fan wire can also be seen. Again, unsleeved.
There’s roughly 20mm of space between the back panel and the rear of the mobo tray. So no squishing of cables and no bulging panels on this case.
http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r522/OrWolf/Midgard II Build/11midgardIIfrontintake.png
The front panel pulls off with a reassuring clack, and reveals those two mounts for 120mm fans. As you can see, the drive cages are behind the fans, and a lot of metal is obscuring all that lovely air. Or is it? We’ll look at that soon.... On a plus point, Xigmatek give you a complete set of extra long black screws for every fan mount bar the side panel. Kudos for that. Looking at the optical drive bays, we see one of the cases' little secrets; a cage for a slimline ODD. The remaining front plates are of the twist off, scar your fingers variety. At the very top of the front you can access the finger hold to pull off the top panel and gain access to the top fan mounts.
The underside of the case has two mesh panels acting as filters for the PSU and 120mm mounts. A nice touch, but they are thin and easily creased if not careful. Also notice the chunky foam coated feet. The firm spongey type stuff should help prevent vibration.
The brown box of goodies!! Opening it up, we find a Xigmatek pci bracket fan controller for 3 fans, lots of mobo mounts and screws, and a rubberised front bezel for the slimline ODD, all in black. Top marks for Xigmatek for including these extras. Also, theres an instruction booklet with rudimentary waffle.
Remember those 120mm fans at the front and the airflow issue? Well, with the squeezing of two clips, out comes the central drive cage.
And leaves you with enough room to fit a stonking gfx card, if the mobo spacing allows. A direct airflow from the front to your card is always a winner.
A test build in this case proved quick and easy, without any cut fingers or harsh language.
In conclusion;
Plus points in my opinion are the following;
Solid build quality
Rubberized exterior front and top panels
Clean bevelled looks
8 fan founts.
Mesh filters.
Removable drive cage
Hidden slimline ODD mount
Slide in drive mounts with SSD support.
anti vibration feet and psu foam strip.
Top mounted USB3 port
Hot swap sata II drive holder.
PCI bracket 3 fan controller
2 x quietish Xigmatek fans
Mobo cut outs for cpu cooler and cable runs
Rubber grommets for water hose
Minus points;
Multi coloured cables
Unsleeved fan cables
Thin bottom filter mesh
Airflow impeded by bottom fixed drive cage
Overall 9/10
The bottom line is that if you are looking for a no fuss, understated case with good build quality and features; then I highly recommend the Midgard II.
Right then, I’m off to fit some braided cables and my 620.
Hi all,
For anyone who might be considering a new mid tower case, I thought I’d post a positive quick review.
I purchased this case on a this week only offer for £55 from OCUK, and the case arrived via next day delivery.
A nice big brown box keeps the elements at bay, with chunky polystyrene and a plastic baggy preventing any dents and damp.
After pulling out the case with all four limbs, a nice understated case greets you. The front and top of the case feature a tactile rubbery type covering. Xigmatek refer to it as a type of faux leather, but it would be more at home on Batman’s suit; minus the ears and nipples. Its a firm rubbery type stuff. It doesn’t show fingerprints, and looks as though it won’t attract the dust. How it will withstand a future attack with the pledge will be a future story.
The front of the case features 4 removable drive bay covers and a nice big mesh panel. The mesh appears to be aluminium, and doesn’t flex when pressed. I’ve used a flash to highlight the mesh filter lurking behind. Again, lots of rubber covering has been utilised. Its nice to see the rubbery covering over the removable plates as well. A lot of manufacturers opt to pop some black plastic in there.
The top of the case continues the rubbery coated approach. Notice the bevelled edges, which is a nice touch. Close to the front there is a usb3, 2 x usb2, a mic and headphone jack point, a reset and power switch. Further along the top we find a flap, concealing the docking port for a sata drive. This allows for hot swapping without opening up your case. A handy feature if you have lots of drives knocking about, and very few caddies. Further along the top we see the same type of aluminium mesh panel that adorns the front. Again, a little flash magic reveals the black mesh underneath the aluminium.
Dropping around to the back of the case, we are immediately greeted with the usual bottom mounted psu approach. 7 pci slot brackets are available, and they are all the screw in type. Two rubber grommets are present, along with a 120mm fan mount above. The very top of the case features two cut outs in the top panel cover. I can only resume that these are for water-cooling hose. Peeking through the psu cut out, is a brown box of goodies.
The main side panel is coated in mat black paint, which does not scratch easily. Mini screwdriver and fingernail tests reveal several coats of paint and a lacquer. The Midgard II s available with or without a side window, and this version features a twin fan mount that can accommodate 120mm or 140mm fans. The panel is secured with two black thumbscrews.
Opening her up, there’s a nice black interior. Again, the paint finish is very resistant to scratching. The inside features 6 drive bays, each with a slide in drive mount. Holes are also present for ssd’s. At the top, 3 screwless optical drive bays are available. In front of the hard drive bays are mounts for two 120mm fans. We’ll take a look at those later.
The motherboard tray features a cut out for easy access when swapping cpu coolers, and there are 3 main cable access holes for a neat and tidy build. Its also worth noting that there are small holes at the top left of the tray that you can fit a 4pin power lead through. A whole bunch of connection leads are provided, and unfortunately for such a black themed case, in a myriad of colours. A USB3 header lead, sata hot swap dock cable & molex, mobo cable and usb2 cables are present. Some black sleeving would have been nice.
The bottom of the case features the psu mount, with anti vibration foam pad at the back, which is a nice touch. A little forward of this is a bottom 120mm fan mount to allow extra airflow to your GPU. On the back, Xigmatek bundle a black 120mm fan with standard wiring. Again, sleeving Xigmatek, sleeving.
At the very top of the case we get two mounts for either 120mm or 140mm fans. They have to be mounted on top of the chasis, inside the top panel. Otherwise they impede any decent sized cpu cooler that could be mounted.
At the other side of the case, panel removed, we can see lots of tie down points for cable tidying. It’s also easier to see the cable holes. The front fan wire can also be seen. Again, unsleeved.
There’s roughly 20mm of space between the back panel and the rear of the mobo tray. So no squishing of cables and no bulging panels on this case.
http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r522/OrWolf/Midgard II Build/11midgardIIfrontintake.png
The front panel pulls off with a reassuring clack, and reveals those two mounts for 120mm fans. As you can see, the drive cages are behind the fans, and a lot of metal is obscuring all that lovely air. Or is it? We’ll look at that soon.... On a plus point, Xigmatek give you a complete set of extra long black screws for every fan mount bar the side panel. Kudos for that. Looking at the optical drive bays, we see one of the cases' little secrets; a cage for a slimline ODD. The remaining front plates are of the twist off, scar your fingers variety. At the very top of the front you can access the finger hold to pull off the top panel and gain access to the top fan mounts.
The underside of the case has two mesh panels acting as filters for the PSU and 120mm mounts. A nice touch, but they are thin and easily creased if not careful. Also notice the chunky foam coated feet. The firm spongey type stuff should help prevent vibration.
The brown box of goodies!! Opening it up, we find a Xigmatek pci bracket fan controller for 3 fans, lots of mobo mounts and screws, and a rubberised front bezel for the slimline ODD, all in black. Top marks for Xigmatek for including these extras. Also, theres an instruction booklet with rudimentary waffle.
Remember those 120mm fans at the front and the airflow issue? Well, with the squeezing of two clips, out comes the central drive cage.
And leaves you with enough room to fit a stonking gfx card, if the mobo spacing allows. A direct airflow from the front to your card is always a winner.
A test build in this case proved quick and easy, without any cut fingers or harsh language.
In conclusion;
Plus points in my opinion are the following;
Solid build quality
Rubberized exterior front and top panels
Clean bevelled looks
8 fan founts.
Mesh filters.
Removable drive cage
Hidden slimline ODD mount
Slide in drive mounts with SSD support.
anti vibration feet and psu foam strip.
Top mounted USB3 port
Hot swap sata II drive holder.
PCI bracket 3 fan controller
2 x quietish Xigmatek fans
Mobo cut outs for cpu cooler and cable runs
Rubber grommets for water hose
Minus points;
Multi coloured cables
Unsleeved fan cables
Thin bottom filter mesh
Airflow impeded by bottom fixed drive cage
Overall 9/10
The bottom line is that if you are looking for a no fuss, understated case with good build quality and features; then I highly recommend the Midgard II.
Right then, I’m off to fit some braided cables and my 620.
Last edited:
Yes, I think Bitfenix do a similar coating. I very nearly purchased the Shinobi, but the drive dock and removable hdd cage swayed me over to the Xigmatek. I'm going to install a slimline ODD after payday, so will post the piccies afterwards. Overall, I'm very happy with this case; especially as it's the exact opposite to the LED bling approach.
