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Chieftec has maintained its reputation as the most traditional and conservative computer case manufacturer year after year. The chassis that they release can be called “new” quite conditionally, but there is still some progress in them. New connectors appear, the design changes slightly. In general, changes are often cosmetic in nature.
The Chieftec CG-04B-OP case model, which will be reviewed today, belongs to the budget class, which is expressed both in its design and appearance, and in cost. And it is the latter factor that is often decisive for an undemanding buyer. We, for our part, will try to tell you what the new owner of this chassis will get for this money.
Characteristics
| Model | Chieftec CG-04B-OP |
|---|---|
| Product page | chieftec.eu |
| Type of shell | Midi-Tower |
| Dimensions, mm | 407 (H) x 180 (W) x 484 (D) |
| Material | Steel (0.6 mm), plastic |
| Weight, kg | 4,1 |
| Color | Black |
| Form Factor | ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX |
| 5.25″ devices | 2 |
| Devices 3.5″ external | 1 |
| Devices 3.5″ / 2.5″ internal | 2 / 1 |
| Supported number of expansion slots | 7 |
| Fans | front – 1 x 80 / 92 / 120 mm (optional) side – 2 x 120 mm (optional) rear – 2 x 80 mm (optional) |
| Interface connectors | 2 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.0, 3.5mm mic-in and headphone-out |
| Other | – |
| Recommended cost, $ | 40 |
Packing and scope of delivery
The case is delivered to the market in a regular box, on which only the appearance of the front panel is schematically shown in front and behind. There are no characteristics anywhere, logistic information, chassis model and presence (or absence of a power supply in the kit) are indicated on the sidewalls. Protection against damage in transit is provided by two foam dampers and a plastic bag. There are no handles on the sides of the box.
The delivery set looks modest, there are no assembly instructions. But in a small plastic bag there are the following details:
- four disposable plastic ties;
- diagnostic speaker;
- eight insulating pads for screws;
- three brass feet for the motherboard (six more are pre-installed in the pallet);
- four case screws;
- 16 small screws for the motherboard, 2.5″ and 5.25″ drives;
- six screws for hard drives or 3.5″ devices.
Appearance
The case design is extremely simple. This is a regular black steel box with a flat plastic front panel. At the top, there are two bays for 5.25″ devices and one for 3.5″ devices. A large half of the front from below is occupied by a metal grating with small cells.
A round silver start button and two indicators: system power (green) and drive activity (red) are located in the center on the right. A little lower is an insert that houses two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 connectors and two more 3.5 mm microphone and headphone outputs.
The left panel has two grilled vents at the back that can hold two 120mm fans. The side door is held on by screws with a knurled plastic head.
This is what the left panel looks like from the back. It has sufficient rigidity, but if the door is removed, then the geometry of the body is broken and it “leads” slightly in the transverse plane.
The right side is solid and removable. It is also held in place by plastic knurled screws.
No surprises were found on the reverse side of the right sidewall.
The top panel is solid. It can be used without hesitation instead of a shelf.
Behind everything looks almost standard. At the top is a seat for the power supply (it is possible to orient it only with the fan down). Below are seven PCI expansion slots covered with disposable plugs. To the right of them is a small vertical ventilation grille. In the middle of the rear panel are two round grilles for 80mm fans. It should be noted that in our time this is an extremely rare solution, in some ways even an atavism.
At the bottom there are four soft glued legs, 3–4 mm high. There is a hole in the bottom of the front panel for its dismantling.
Let’s see how the case is arranged inside.
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