Time to try out a couple of different PCI
risers (right angled PCI extenders used to fit PCI cards
parallel to the motherboard). The Travla C137 comes as standard
with
a single
slot riser card...
...but can also accept a 2 slot riser card
(such as the one made by VIA). This is only possible when
using 0.75" high 3.5" hard drives, or ideally 2.5" laptop
sized hard drives.
We only had a 1" high 3.5" hard drive handy. PCI blanking plates are provided
if you don't want to use one/both of the slots.
The C137 requires an extension
riser card with standard Mini-ITX
motherboards - this fits between the PCI card and
PCI riser card. We've
removed it from
the picture to show the gap that is left otherwise. One extension
riser card comes with the C137.
The rear of the case with a motherboard fitted
and the top back on. The C137 is specified as compatible
with Classic EPIA, EPIA V and EPIA M motherboards. These
all worked
fine in
testing, as did an EPIA CL 6000. We then tried ours with
a couple of EPIA CL 10000s (as pictured), but the boards
had powering up
problems.
We now understand this
to be a "timing issue", and Casetronic and VIA engineers
are working on a solution...
When powered up, the splendid blue
power LED is revealed. More shiny blue things please.
Did anyone notice the hidden additional photos? Click open an image and cycle
through them all using the image
viewer.
Conclusion
The Travla C137 is a very well put together
case that is more solid and professional looking than
the Cubid 26xx cases - its nearest competitor in size and
appearance. The slot on the front of the case for a compact
flash adapter
to sit
behind is a nice
touch,
though
it would have been nicer if a suitable adapter had been provided.
Some users may prefer front mounted USB
or Firewire ports, but there is space for the EPIA M expansion
card at the rear of the case. The 90W
and
120W
PSU options will be enough to drive power hungry PCI
cards, and adds P4 Micro-ATX motherboard compatibility -
expanding the potential market for Casetronic. The 60mm case
fan isn't as quiet as the (slower spinning) fan
on the
very
quiet Cubid 3677/3688 cases,
though that fan probably isn't able to
handle cooling a 3.5" HD,
P4 motherboard and 2 PCI cards. We think a Zalman Fan Mate
would be a very useful (and simple) addition, to slow the
fan down slightly. Usefully, the Travla C137 supports
2 PCI cards on an EPIA in a small form factor, something
no other mainstream case can currently do. The Travla C137
certainly wouldn't
look out of place as a Server or Industrial PC,
or next to a digital cable or satellite unit as a Home Theatre
PC.
*Shameless plug*
You
can buy this case from the Mini-ITX
Online Store!