The iStar D-Storm D300 3U chassis has a relatively understated appearance, owing to the fact of its utilitarian application. Where most cases nowadays come with glossy paint coats, rows of flashy LEDs, and fans everywhere, the iStar D-Storm D300 3U case is plain and elegant.

The control panel consists of power and reset buttons, two USB2.0 ports, a door lock and several indicating lights for system power, hard drive activity and assorted temperature alarms. The alarms work with the optional control board if it is installed.

The controls all have a very analog feel, and probably haven't changed much since the first 3U server cases were introduced 10 or 15 years ago; the USB ports being the one exception this of course. The reset button is particularly retro in its appearance.

The front panel is well ventilated on every available surface so that air flow is not restricted from being drawn into the case. The swing out aluminum doors are hard anodized for durability, when closed they hide the power and reset buttons from general access. When the doors are locked the computer cannot be turned on or shut down by unauthorized users.... unless the plug is pulled of course. ;-)

Foam filters are included with the case to help keep dust and lint particles from entering into the case. The two filters are removable and washable.

Four 5.25" drive bays and two 3.5" bays are accessible from the front of the iStar D-Storm D300 3U case. There are two additional 3.5" bays for hard drives on the inside as well.

Seven rear PCI expansion slots are present, along with two knockout spots for SCSI cables at the back. A small 0.4 W speaker is built-in in case you need to hook up intrusion or temperature alarms. The iStar D-Storm D300 3U case measures 19" wide, 20.8" deep, and 5.2" high (482 x 528x132mm for the metrically inclined).

The iStar D-Storm D300 3U case comes very firmly packed in a double wall plain brown cardboard box, with rigid foam supports. The double layer cardboard box is sturdy enough to be reused to ship a fully assembled server right back out to a hosting facility. Nice.

Our first impressions of the case were mostly positive. The simple black paint job and hard anodized aluminum front bezel are both classy and professional. The steel used in its construction is heavy gauge, and most edges have been satisfactorily rounded over to reduce the risk of sliced fingers.The large black handles are comfortable enough to hold onto when lugging around a fully loaded 3U server which can weigh upwards of 60lbs.

The features don't stop there, as we're about to show you..