Some observations and personal opinions of the GRID case and PSU:

First, let me say I’m really impressed with the overall features, appearance, and performance of this case and PSU.  It’s a dandy case and comes with a very adequate PSU to boot.  For the overwhelming part, I’m quite pleased to be using this case and have no hesitation recommending this PSU to just about any power user.  Except for extreme overclocked high end SLI or Crossfire rigs It would be difficult to imagine a current system that would need anything more.

As for the case, there are just a few minor things I’m not too excited about.  However, since these are really more of personal preference, I don’t want to count off anything for them.  I do feel, however, that they need to be brought to our attention for anyone considering acquiring this case.  You’ve heard the saying, “Leave no stone unturned.”  Well, I don’t want to leave anything out that might affect the decision to get this case or not.  So, here goes:

1. I’m not too keen on front doors (bezels).  If I want a door, it really should have some way of keeping unwanted personnel from accessing the system.  There’s nothing on this one that can prevent anyone at all from opening it and getting into the system.
   
2. With the bezel closed, there’s no way to see the Power and Activity lights.  I’d really prefer there to be some kind of see-through area so that I could see if the Activity light is flashing.
3. Since there are no switches in this bezel, I’d like to see an option to remove it easily.  (It CAN be removed by pulling off the entire front cover and removing the hinge pins from inside.  However, in order to do this, both side covers have to be removed and the front cover meticulously popped off after freeing the tension latches inside.  Since the inner cover DOES have the power, reset, and lights attached, one needs to be careful not to use too much pressure when pulling the cover off.)
4. After having the system running for several days now, I can attest to the fact that the front fan does pull a lot of air into the case.  Along with this air it also pulls a lot of dust.  AND, this jet-black finish shows this dust very well.  This may be a good thing as it may give the user more incentive to clean things more often.
5. Believe it or not, the Blue Power Light is VERY bright!  I almost wish there was a way to dim this light.  I can turn off all the lights in my computer room and walk across the room by the light of this blue power light.  Yes, it’s that bright!  (So, maybe I should keep the bezel closed, you say?  Yeah, but I’d still like to be able to see the activity light with the bezel closed. )

One other note before we get to the conclusion.  Ultra is sending this unit out with the PSU installed.  I highly recommend that Ultra change this and instead place the PSU into a separate box and attach it to the inside framework with plastic ties.  The reason for this is that the PSU is heavy enough that any shipping company that handles this can easily drop the unit in such a way as to cause the PSU to cause damage to the case.  Ultra sent this case to me and it had some significant damage from being dropped just as I described.  Thankfully, Ultra sent a second case and, sadly, it, too, had some damage but not nearly so much.  So, with two of these showing the same thing, Ultra really needs to give some attention to this matter in order to prevent this kind of damage during shipping and handling.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, I really, really do like this case.  The fact that is comes with a highly adequate PSU just sweetens the deal.  So, let’s look at the Pro’s and Con’s and show you where you can get this case and for how much:

PROS:

1. Sturdy Steel Construction
2. Slick, Highly Polished Black Finish
3. 2 - 120mm Cooling Fans Included
4. Side Cover Ventilation and CPU Air Duct
5. Roomy Interior even for full size Motherboards
6. Tool Less Design for Installing Drive/Devices
7. Finger Grips for Easy Removal of Side Panels
8. Possible to Install a Padlock to Prevent Access to Interior
9. Finger Grip for Easy Opening Front Bezel
10. Powerful 700W XVS Modular PSU included
11. Plenty of Bays for Most System Needs

CONS:

1. The PSU already Installed can be a Source of Damage during Shipping
2. The Blue Power Light is just too Bright
3. The Angle for the Add-in Card Hold Down Screws warrants another look.  Perhaps using Finger Screws instead.
4. No Way to Lock the Front Bezel

 

There you have it.  With just a few things on the negative side, this case is really a fit for most power users and enthusiasts.  Ultra is on the right track with the design and overall features.  If there was even one more thing to consider it might be to add a top vent with fan.  However, this case has some really adequate cooling without anything additional.

I give this case the Editor’s Choice Award.  It may not be everyone’s Cup o’ Tea, but, for those who do choose it, I think you’ll love it!

What do these awards mean?

COST:

The suggested retail price for the ULTRA GRID ATX Case w/700W XVS PSU is $179.99 US.  However, several online retailers are selling the case without the PSU for prices from $59.99 – $74.99.

For these check TigerDirect and Amazon.com

Fry’s Outpost presently has a version with a 500W PSU for $99.99 and a $20.00 Mail-In Rebate.