Both of the MicroFly cases proved to be seamless installations, and we were very surprised at how quickly the systems were up and running. Ultra includes a nice installation manual, but experienced builders can jump into this right away. The MicroFly w/ 400 Watt V-Series case is the obvious choice for new system builders, as it comes standard with a 400W power supply. This saves a few steps, and ensures that the internal fan connectors are already configured. The removable motherboard tray is also a key feature, and alleviates much of the stress working with a smaller PC. Just remember that the tray is small and made of aluminum, so it's extremely easy to bend.
The internal wiring is well labeled and extremely easy to use, and there were none of the usual problems attaching case, audio, USB, or Firewire headers to the motherboard. The MicroFly revolves around standardization, and all the external ports worked on the first boot. In some ways, the MicroFly w/ 400 Watt V-Series is no different than using a mainstream mid-tower, and is easier to work with than some. The MicroFly w/ Clear Side offers virtually the same procedure, while adding in the initial step of installing a new power supply first. We also recommend using some common sense with high-end power supplies and CPU coolers, as the MicroFly may have difficulty handling the larger designs.
Real-world usage was surprisingly good for a small form factor PC. We had always associated these systems with limitations and concessions, and were never able to go hog-wild with the configuration. The Ultra MicroFly totally changes that outlook, and we were really only limited by what kind of Micro-ATX motherboard we had available, although interested buyers will find a wealth of high-end AMD and Intel boards to choose from. Operation is virtually silent, airflow and cooling are exceptional for its size, and overall, the Ultra MicroFly is a flexible design that also manages to be very user-friendly and functional.
The MicroFly w/ Clear Side case has a suggested retail price of $80, while the MicroFly w/ 400 Watt V-Series case is a bit higher at $100. Both of these represent excellent values for what you get, and online prices are even better. Here, the MicroFly w/ Clear Side sells in the $65-$70 range, while the MicroFly w/ 400 Watt V-Series is available for between $80 and $89. Both are great values, but the MicroFly with a 400W power supply looks like a steal, especially since the V-series 400W model retails for up to $60.
* Please note that these prices were taken at the time of review and are not meant to reflect long-term trends.
The Ultra MicroFly case offers an exceptional combination of high-end features and diminutive size, making it a very attractive hybrid to a wide range of potential buyers. It's light, looks great, can handle high-end processors and video cards, and Ultra even offers a range of different colors and designs. Sure, the MicroFly case is a bit larger than custom SFF systems, but then again, it offers unparalleled flexibility, excellent cooling and the ability to achieve virtually any Micro-ATX platform or system configuration.
