In addition to the models with bundled power supplies, Ultra also offers a separate line tailored more to the hardware enthusiast. The MicroFly Case - w/ Clear Side line provides a bare bones case, without a power supply, and features upgraded externals. Naturally, the price is a bit lower to compensate, but the base design remains similar among all Ultra MicroFly cases. This line comes in three different colors, black, blue and silver, but otherwise these are equivalent models in terms of specifications, size and features. All cases are constructed of high-grade aluminum and feature a liquid gloss finish.
The MicroFly windowed case design looks great, and is an upgrade compared to the standard model. The case features clear windows on both sides, and the top, creating an almost aquarium-like display of your PC internals. The case dimensions (depth: 15", width: 11.25" & height: 9") are not only suited for Micro-ATX motherboards, but also allow standard depth ATX power supplies and optical drives. This translates into a ton of flexibility when choosing the power supply, and as long as you stick to standard models, the sky is the limit. The same goes for Micro-ATX motherboards, and it's amazing how many performance models are being designed in this format.
The MicroFly w/ Clear Side case is basically a higher-end version of the standard model, and includes all the basics such as two open 5.25" bays and one open 3.5" bay. As with all MicroFly cases, there is a front-mounted temperature display along with 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x Firewire, 1 x Headphone, and 1 x Microphone ports. The front panel includes power on/off and reset buttons, along with hard drive and power LEDs. One noted difference is that because of the side windows, there are no air grills present on this model. All MicroFly cases include an easy-to-use carrying handle, which folds down flush at the front (almost invisible on the black cases) but can easily be lifted up and set in place.
The MicroFly w/ Clear Side case is extremely light, and with no PSU included, also makes the retail package a real cinch to carry. Both side panels can be removed, as well as the top, and this allows full access to the case internals. The motherboard tray is full removable, a killer feature at this price range, but as it's also made of aluminum, care needs to be taken during installation not to bend it. All of the required fan, case and motherboard cables are present, but as this is a PSU-less design, there is a bit more work involved attaching some to the eventual power supply. The back of the MicroFly w/ Clear Side case offers room for four expansion slots, and features a standard mATX I/O shield, that can be easily replaced with the one included with your motherboard.
System cooling is similar to that of the standard MicroFly case, and still robust for a case of this size. There is a front-mounted 80mm fan that pulls cold air and a back-mounted 120mm fan that pushes hot air out. This is a standard design for most mid-tower models, and the presence of a low-noise 120mm cooling fan is a nice bonus, and it can really push the air without raising ambient noise levels. The only real cooling-related difference between the MicroFly w/ Clear Side and the standard model is the absence of side-mounted grills on this case. That's the price you pay for a better-looking system, and in our tests, this really didn't impact cooling by any noticeable amount. The two cooling fans are the key, and as long as they're in gear, we had no problems, even with the reference Pentium D 840 + Radeon X1800 XL combination, which isn't exactly known for running cool.
The MicroFly Micro ATX Case - w/ Clear Side case models do not feature a bundled power supply, but this does allow users added flexibility in choosing their own model. We tested a few models out, including some Ultra PSUs, and the MicroFly w/ Clear Side proved to be a very flexible and powerful system case. It handled standard depth power supplies with ease, and it allowed us freedom in choosing the right PSU for the intended platform configuration. This should not be taken as a blanket recommendation, as some higher-end custom power supplies have been noted as having difficulty with the MicroFly cases.
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