A quote from Ultra on the Wizard:
"In
the red-hot gaming market, Ultra’s UV Wizard will quickly become the
best-selling case of all time! That’s because the designers at Ultra
understand that nothing captivates the gamer more than a dynamite
combination of dazzling looks and incredible performance. The Ultra UV
Wizard ATX Mini-Tower PC Case is pure eye candy wrapped in a glittering
light show! That’s because its clear UV side panel delivers a
spectacular view of all your amazing ultraviolet colors and killer
components! When it comes to performance – no case can match the UV
Wizard’s versatility, expandability, durability and airflow
technology. Available in your choice of outrageous colors, the
magnificent UV Wizard is compatible with all the leading motherboards
including AT, Baby AT, ATX and Micro ATX. With 7 expansion slots and 9
drive bays (4 external and 5 internal), the UV Wizard leaves you plenty
of room to grow. Connecting all your peripherals is fast and convenient
with high-speed USB and FireWire ports located on the front bezel of
this extreme PC case. The UV Wizard’s large front-panel vent system
allows maximum airflow, the front swing-out bezel cover can be locked
for security, and the side panel features quick-release hardware.
Includes two case fan mounts. Durably constructed of the highest
quality steel, the UV Wizard will bring you years and years of gaming
pleasure at an unbelievably low price!"
*Specifications and quote found at the
Ultra Wizard Mini-Tower ATX Case - MS Blue w/ Blue UV page.
The Ultra Wizard Mini-Tower ATX Case was not damaged upon arrival even
though it's box had a hole in the side of it which most likely occurred
during transport. Sent with the usual styrofoam packaging, the Wizard
was quickly unpacked. The Wizard seems to be a a smaller cousin of the
Ultra Dragon Series ATX Case (similar cases are a very common sight on the modding scene).
The case comes in Black and MS Blue and for those who'd rather have a
pre-installed window on their case, you have the option as to whether
you want a window on the case or not. Color changes do not change the
price while the addition of a window will cost you $10 more dollars.
There is also the option of having a Blue or Green(black case only) UV
reactive window installed which is the version we've received. The
window is protected from scratching during shipping with a sheet of
clinging plastic.
The navy blue paint job is well done as we found nearly no blemishes
throughout the enclosure. The front panel does seem to be a lighter
shade than the rest of the case which seems to be common with plastic
front panels. The door on the front of the case opens easily and is
securely mounted on the case. The door also has a key-lock on it. Some
welcome additions to the front panel, below the door, are the 2x USB
2.0 ports and a FireWire port. Unlike some cases we've reviewed, the
ports are perfectly aligned with the panel overhangs, allowing
effortless access. Overall there's nothing exceptionally revolutionary
about the front panel.
Jumping back to the window, it's tinted slightly blue; strong enough
that you can notice against a white background but against the gray
interior of the case it is barely noticeable. The window has a fan hole
on it, connected to an air-directing funnel. This funnel is meant to
direct the air from your CPU heatsink fan straight out the side of the
case. The funnel is colored a transparent light blue, nearly the same
tone of the window. The funnel is covered by a chrome painted grille
sporting the Ultra insignia. The other side panel is blank with a
groove to help with it's removal. We also appreciated the thumbscrews
for the window side panel as it does make removal quicker and easier.
Mounting screws for the motherboard and PSU are included, along with
the keys to the front door lock.
Once you insert some UV lighting (we chose CCFL's, Ultra brand to be
precise) you get a good look at the window's illumination and reaction
to Ultra Violet light.
On the inside, the case is the usual light gray tone. The motherboard
tray isn't removable but makes up for it with plenty of space to move
around on the inside. Of course, when installing components and
hardware a good order from back to front (furthest from you first
(motherboard)) is suggested. A nice addition in the case is some padded
rests for the motherboard and a cable organizing tie for the wires
going to the front panel. You can also see the grille in front for a
fan (usually intake) to be mounted. Our only gripe with this was that
all four of the mounting holes weren't drilled out. Only the bottom
left and top right were drilled out. With two missing mounts, vibration
and noise increased a little bit.
The back of the case has the usual I/O ports and sports 7 expansion
slots. There is a grille for ventilation in the back, where a fan is
usually mounted. At first impression, this case doesn't appear to have
any designated mounting holes for fans on the back of the case.
Rotosequence suggested that you may be able to use the grille holes to
mount the fan. Sure enough, for an 80mm, the grille holes work. While
it's not that hard to add a few holes with a drill to the case for a
larger fan, it'd be nice to have mounting holes for the quieter and
more effiecient 120mm or 92mm fan variety. It could also be mentioned
either in an insert or on the case itself, that the grille in back is
able to mount a fan upon. It could easily be overlooked by consumers,
just like we did at first.
Overall, the Ultra Wizard Mini-Tower ATX Case isn't too shabby of an offering from
Ultra.
A nice window, overall case design is attractive, the paint was very
smooth with only the front panel being a slightly lighter color, and
the inside of the case has plenty of room to work in. With plenty of
modding potential, the Wizard is a good basic case to start with. The
price is a little steep and the choice of only supporting 80mm fans in
the rear is questionable but we recommend this case to anyone who is
planning on modding a case, doesn't mind a pre-mod window, would like a
plain/basic enclosure, and isn't searching for a full-tower. The Ultra
Wizard Mini-Tower ATX Case receives an 89% rating and a Silver Award.
