LIX Systems LX8100-AM2BB-M2NPV HTPC

Looking at the HTPC case we were very intrigued by its design. Unlike most companies that simply use chassis' available in the retail sector, LIX Systems had actually designed the Lx8100 chassis. These cases are manufactured here in the United States using a design model created by LIX Systems (using SolidWorks if you must know). This case was designed to be very compact thus all of the components are positioned very close together -- as we will see later once opening up the chassis. The case itself is made from steel while the cover has a layer of Zinc and is topped with a black powder coating. The finishing layer of this case is black oxide, for easy cleaning and maintaining a great finish. The feet are made of 6061 T6 Aluminum. For helping out those seeking to modify the chassis, LIX Systems has released the design documents for the case under the GPL. With these available designs, users should have no problems designing their own faceplates or installing after-market VFD displays. A dual hard drive version of the Lx8100 chassis will be available soon.

Some of the faceplates available include black acrylic, brushed aluminum acrylic, bronze-mirrored acrylic, and just about every color imaginable. They are also working on wooden faceplates in the near future. LIX Systems had referred to the faceplate possibilities as the "Ikea concept of computers."