Verdict: The Blizzard dazzles you with LEDs but, with no fans as standard, it's one to avoid

A+ is a spin-off brand of giant Taiwanese case manufacturer Casetek. Unfortunately, all that seems to differentiate the A+ Blizzard from other Casetek designs is the front panel.

It's pretty hard not to notice the Blizzard, because the lower half of the front panel is dominated by 12 blue LEDs arranged in an X formation. In the middle of this pattern is a dial that changes their flashing speed, which you can vary from irritating to nauseating. With the dial set to maximum we certainly found it difficult to hold down our lunch. Fortunately, there is the option to stop the LEDs flashing altogether.

There are five 5.25in drive bays, each covered by a spring-loaded stealth cover. Unfortunately, the spring-loaded mechanism isn't well implemented and the covers tend to snap out of their mountings every time you eject the drive tray. An external 3.5in and four internal 3.5in drive and round off the expansion options.

Behind the cluster of LEDs is what looks like a fan grille, although there isn't actually space to mount a fan. Instead, cool air is designed to be sucked in by two 92mm fans on the left side panel, and then out of the case by a 92mm fan at the rear and an 80mm fan on the roof. However, no fans are supplied as standard.

At £65, the Blizzard is very expensive for a case that's sold without fans. We also doubt whether many people could tolerate the flashing front panel for long, so it's just a frivolous inclusion.

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