Labs

Xilence's X2 has an inverted layout. The power supply goes at the bottom of the case, and you install the motherboard upside down with the expansion ports at the top. The design means that none of your ports is where you'd expect and they're upside down, which can be annoying.

A large plastic duct inside the case channels air from a side vent to the processor cooler. The air is then expelled out through the back of the case by a noisier-than-average 120mm exhaust fan. The drive bay holds the hard disks sideways under the duct so their heat is also dealt with. It's a fairly good idea but it has its drawbacks. It works only if you have a standard processor cooler with a vertical fan that points towards the duct, and you have to unclip the duct every time you want to work on your PC.

The Xilence X2 has an interesting design that reminds us of Intel's clever but rarely seen BTX form factor. We don't feel that this case's advantages outweigh its limitations, however.