There are radically different sets of requirements for judging the usefulness of a desktop and 19" server case, and this comes by virtue of their intended applications. Desktop users are mostly concerned with expansion possibilities, easy to access USB and audio ports, and of course how the case looks.

When it comes to 19" rack server cases, most IT professionals dwell on how strong the chassis is, for potentially thousands of dollars of computer hardware will be installed into it. It's not uncommon that 19" rackmount cases have to survive transportation across continents, handling to and from the server rack for maintenance, and cramped rack space where heat, airflow, and vibration are constant considerations. Whatever the environment, the chassis must protect its contents without sacrificing accessibility or security.

Superficial attributes like bright blue LED lights, dozens of case fans, or stylistic case bezels are generally worthless to anyone who is building a server from off-the-shelf components. Rather the choice comes down to obscure points like whether or not a 19" case can accept redundant power supplies, large dual-processor server motherboards, or deal with all the cabling that goes hand in hand with SCSI-based data storage. the D-Storm D300 can on all accounts.

The iStar D-Storm D300 3U case handled itself with grace in our tests with it, and it's sticker price is an equally palatable $220USD ($250CDN, £115GPB). Although the D-Storm D300 lacks power/reset controls on the rear of the chassis, which we would have really liked to have seen, it's a good 'white box' 19" server rack case. The competition in this field has certainly not been as rigorous as with desktop computer cases, so consequently we see a large standardization in choices across the spectrum of vendors. The iStar D-Storm D300 3U 19" rackmount case does the job, and does it well.