BeanTech, ClearPC, SunBeam, and Logisys: Another Look at the Acrylic Arena

ClearPC Secret Agent Construction

We have seen many new ideas in cases from the various manufacturers in the past few years from solid aluminum wheels, like those on the Lian Li PC-V1000, to alterations in the shape of the chassis. ClearPC has done this by designing the Secret Agent acrylic case to look like a briefcase with an acrylic handle to complete the look.

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The Secret Agent is noticeably smaller than a standard-sized case, like the CS888CL, at 6.25" wide, 18" long and 14.25" high. It is constructed of mostly 3/8" acrylic, which we assume has been laser cut by its clean, bubble-free edges. To allow for the smaller size, ClearPC has designed the Secret Agent in a way that will allow the most necessary of components to be installed efficiently. At one end of the case, which we like to call the front, lies the area for dual 5-1/4" drives on the right, and a power supply on the left. Yes - the power supply mounting area is at the "front" of the clear case beside the 5-1/4" drive bays.

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If this were a normal mid-tower style chassis, we would have frowned in disappointment, but seeing that the Secret Agent is aimed towards the more mobile consumer, we let this minute drawback slide. Also, due to its compact size, the power supply would have not fit anywhere else in the case. The power supply can be mounted with the included thumbscrews.

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There are 3-1/2" drive bays directly above the 5-1/4" drive bays (looking at the case when on its side). Since the Secret Agent is designed to be mobile, keeping the drives to a minimum would make more sense than lugging around, say, a raid strip of 4+ hard drives.

All drives are mounted with the included screws, and the HDD's are mounted with included thumbscrews, which make them easier to remove/replace without the need of any separate tools.

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