Ikonik Zaria A10 SIM Case

Don't feel bad if you've never heard of Ikonik. Before this review, neither had we, so we did a little digging on this seemingly newcomer to the computer case market. As it turns out, while Ikonik's domain has been registered since 2004, the company so far hasn't been targeting DIY system builders, choosing instead to focus on OEM system vendors, namely iBuyPower and CyberPower. Yes, Ikonik does tout a lineup of enclosures in a handful of different models, but you won't find a single one of them on Newegg, which the company links to on its Where to Buy page.

"Our mission is to become a mature and sophisticated player in the IT-market, driving people and products to its upmost capabilities. Ikonik Technology uses design to ensure people not only use a computer product, but uses a smart looking product too. We are constantly improving the standard of quality, surpassing users' requirements and deliver products with performance, fun, good looks and ease of use. We want to distinguish our self in design, performance and marketing. Our values are simple: honesty, empower people, deliver cutting-edge products, and delight our customers"   Read more...

If Ikonik wants to be a player in the crowded computer enclosure market, it will need to expand its lineup and make its cases available to the DIY crowd. Making headway on the former requirement, the company has just introduced the Zaria A10 SIM which, on paper, appears to offer a compelling chassis solution with solid features and unique styling at a price point that enthusiasts can afford. Let's take a closer look.

Specifications

 Make and Model	Ikonic Zaria A10 SIM
 Colors Available	Silver
 Dimensions	7.9" x 19.3" x 17.3" (W x L x H) 19.8 pounds (net weight)
 Drive Bays	4 x External 5.25" 1 x External 3.5" 5 x Internal 3.5"
 Motherboard Size	Micro and Standard ATX, CEB
 Expansion Slots	Seven
 Front I/O	2 x USB 2.0 1 x FireWire 1394 1 x eSATA 1 x Audio and microphone jack (HD)
 Cooling	1 x 140mm front intake fan 1 x 120mm rear cooling fan (LED) 2 x 80mm right side panel fans (LED) Two water cooling cuouts at rear of chassis Optional placement for one 120mm bottom fan

Along with the requisite screws and motherboard standoffs, Ikonik includes two zip-ties, two self-sticky wiring anchors, an RF choke for the motherboard header wiring, and a soft cleaning cloth to wipe away errant fingerprints. Not many manufacturers have the foresight to include a cloth in their bundles, so we find this a delightful addition. But be forewarned - Ikonik includes exactly nine standoffs and screws, just enough to complete a build, so avoid losing any.

We have to admit that this is the first time we've reviewed an enclosure that came with its own installation CD, and in this case it's used in conjunction with the Zaria A10's "SIM" (System Intelligent Manager) nomenclature. Along with the CD is a wiring bundle which contains four temperature probes wired directly to the Zaria A10's SIM panel on the right side. Much like nVidia's ESA technology, Ikonik's SIM is designed to perform much of the same functionality by allowing enthusiasts greater control over their systems through a GUI-like application within their operating system.