CaseLabs M8

I want to start this with what my expectation were before purchasing and my goals of this case/build. I expected a very high quality and robust case that would be flexible with my ever-changing PC hardware. My goal for my build is to have a reliable computer for gaming and usage of high quality parts are required. Looks would come after quality/form. In my experience Case Labs has fulfilled there end of the deal, plus some more.

The looks of this case is perfect for what I wanted. It looks very industrial and reminds me of a server case. No flashy or unnecessary parts is what I wanted and Case Labs delivered.

Overall I am extremely happy with how my purchase has been. It has exceeded what I expected in almost every aspect. It came to my surprise that even though they packaged my case great, it still came damaged. Jim at Case Labs responded to my email promptly and apologized to me for the inconvenience, even though it wasn't his fault. He worked with me on a replacement very fast. Jim definitely knows how we are as PC enthusiast and how setbacks can ruin our day, but he actually made me confident in handling the issue and made that setback much more satisfying. It's very nice to see he takes customer service serious.

The con I mentioned about the lack of paint quality on some accessories is minor and me just being very picky. On some of the 5.25 covers I noticed the paint is finer and rougher in some areas. I can't really explain in good details but from my inexperienced view, it is a flaw, but not something that keeps me up at night.

Case and options I purchased:
MAGNUM M8 Case
ATX Layout: Reverse
MB Side Door: Standard Window
MB Door Window: Clear
PSU Side Door: Solid
Top Cover: Standard Ventilated
PCI Backplate: Fan Holes
HDD Cage Type: Flex-Bay (MAC-102)
2 x Fan Mount, Flex-Bay
1 x Flex-Bay Cover Ventilated

When I purchased my CaseLabs M8, I was not expecting it to come so quickly. Especially with as much hardware as I ordered with it, and accessories. I had thought the store was backed up due to all the orders I had seen on the forums that were made within the last few days, but they came through and had my case to me within a weeks time.

Overall opening impressions on the box were "Wow, this thing is HUGE." and "This is extremely well packed." It was delivered via UPS and they did not dent or ding the box, and it arrived in a very timely manner. The UPS driver even stated "Another one of these CaseLabs thingies. What are they anyways?" I assumed that someone else in my area had ordered one as well

Upon un boxing the thick blue sticky plastic that was used to cover the case and prevent any damage was a pain to get off, but I am happy it was there. The hardest part of the whole assembly process was getting the film off of the clear plexi without damaging or scratching it. Other than that everything lined up perfectly, and I had no real problems with initial build and inspection.

This case provides a very very large amount of customization options and a huge amount of space for any hardware you could possibly dream of putting in it. I do love the case so far, and cant wait to get cracking on the project build.

First thing I would like to say is this case is just amazing. Jim (the wonder behind CaseLabs) has gotten me hooked on his products and so long as CaseLabs is in business I will only use his cases in my personal future builds. Now onwards to the review:

I'll start with the description of the product.
Features (standard equipment)

All aluminum construction - .090" (2.3mm) chassis .063"(1.6mm) doors/covers
Choice of ventilated or solid doors and covers (on a panel by panel basis).
Slide out MB tray.
Choice of one HDD cage assembly (4 drive capacity): either standard or Flex-Bay mount. Note that the flex-bay mount deletes one of the 3U bay covers.
Choice of hex mesh or 40mm fan holes on MB back plate.
Dual PSU mounts (Support bracket available: MAC-123)
Integrated radiator/fan mount
Four single bay filler plates and two triple bay cover plates.
Filler plates for top and bottom radiator openings, 40mm fan openings on MB tray (if selected), PCI slots, and one PSU.
Four sets of mounting brackets for 5.25” devices (MAC-125)
Lamptron anti-vandal style switches (power & reset) and wiring harnesses: blue ring for power and red dot for HDD activity. They are standard switches that can be easily swapped out for custom color combinations.
Four rubber feet with screws (casters are available: MAC-107).
Misc. hardware: Thumbscrews, MB standoffs, Tie-wraps, etc.
Available in black matte or white gloss


Case Configuration Options:

ATX Layout: Standard (N/C), Reverse (20.00)
MB Door: Ventilated (N/C), Solid (N/C), Std. Window (15.00), XL Window (20.00)
PSU Door: Ventilated (N/C), Solid (N/C), Std. Window (15.00), XL Window (20.00)
Top Cover: Ventilated (N/C), Solid (N/C), Tall Ventilated 64mm (25.00), Tall Solid 64mm (25.00), Tall Ventilated 85mm (35.00), Tall Solid 85mm (35.00)
MB Back Plate: Fan Holes (N/C), Hex Mesh (N/C)
HDD Cage Assy: Standard (N/C), Flex-Bay (N/C)


Specifications:

Size: 15"W x 19.06"H x 20.06"D (381mm x 484mm x 510mm)
PCI Slots: 8
Form Factor: mATX - ATX/EATX (12.0" x 10.75”) (305mm x 273mm)
Max Radiator Size: 120.3
Radiator Clearance Above the MB Tray: 100mm
Radiator Clearance Below the MB Tray: 52mm
Cooling Tower Clearance: 180mm
Flex-Bays (5.25” Bays): 10
HDD Capacity: 12 (24 using Flex-Bays)
Weight: 19 lbs.

Note: Sizes shown are for the case only. Rubber feet add .75" (19mm) to height, optional casters add 2.63" (67mm).

Please note the the 120mm holes on the PSU side are for HDD mounts and are not spaced for a radiator.

The description was taken directly from their online store. I received my case with the solid MB door, ventilated PSU door, standard Ventilated top, and a standard HDD bay. I've since purchased an extra flex-mount bay and sometime I'll be ordering other parts to expand my PC. I also watercool, I'll soon have 2 radiators in the case and I'll be no where near filling it. For the person just getting into "high-end" geekdom this is a wonderful case - and it's the baby of the bunch. I do look forward to getting another case from them sometime down the road for a more expansive build. I highly recommend their products, please check them out in the Vendor forums here on OCN.