Closer Look: AZZA Solano Exterior

Lets see now if AZZA can live up to their mission statement and deliver a great performing, functional case for a price you are willing to pay. The theme for this full ATX case is red, although you wouldn't think it when looking at the box below.

The Solano 1000R is a revision of the original Solano 1000, in case you haven't guessed already, the 'R' stands for red, and it seems that AZZA have just used the same box. The only reference to this new revision is a tiny little picture in the bottom right corner and on the side panel. It would have been nice if it had its own box or maybe a picture of the 1000R version on the reverse of the box, so that the box can be displayed to show which revision is inside.

I was impressed by the size of this case when I got it out of the box, it's a full ATX case and is a real handful to carry, but that's what I like in a case. I want room to put in what I choose - no matter what the size of the particular piece of hardware might be. The Solano 1000R is a classic design with a modern twist, I like how the side panel deviates from the path of 'normal' square window cases, and that red 230mm fan looks like it could cool my car radiator, let alone my hardware.

A view of the Solano 1000R from the front here shows ten 5.25" bays, which are all usable should you ever find the need to. You can truly personalise your desktop PC the way you want to - Imagine your DVD/BD-R combi drive in the bottom slot - for those amongst us who like their case to sit on top of the desk (like me). If you don't like where AZZA have put their logo then you can simply pop it out and move it to where you like or even do away with it altogether. A little sneak peek of whats to come here too, is that something red I see hiding behind the mesh bay covers?

Looking down on the top of the case here you can see that AZZA have decided to place the I/O panel, power and reset buttons on top of the case. Behind them is a coin tray style area that is built into the top panel, this is also a handy docking area for when you are transferring data to a device or charging via a USB cable. Then behind that is all vented area, whats underneath will come later in the review.

A side view here gives some indication to the overwhelming size of this case, funny thing is that this actually overlaps my desk. It measures 20" wide x 21.5" tall at its highest point and that curved top gives the case a nice finish. I cant help but notice a symbol in the red fan LED's that reminds me of my WW2 gaming days (which I'm sure is not intended). And that interior just jumps right out at you too. There is a handle built into the fan bezel which assists in the removal of the side panel, which I must add, was not stiff or difficult to remove right from the start.

The Red paint-job found it's way round to the back too which is a nice touch - some of the best looking cases have the rear left untouched. AZZA really went all out here, and looking at the rear of this case you can tell it has the enthusiast in mind, there are vents everywhere possible - even in the expansion bay covers. A bottom mounted PSU seems to be the norm nowadays along with the water cooling ports

A bottom view here shows more airflow capability, the bottom vent being for the PSU intake and the one above that is for case fans, with the option to install either 140mm or 120mm there (on the interior). Four massive feet keep the Solano 1000R standing in the intended orientation - more on these when we look closer.

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