Installation notes
Our test system's motherboard and power supply slipped into the 3D Mars without any difficulties. The tool-free locks on the 5.25" bays didn't get along as well as we'd hoped with our DVD burner, but once we slid the drive in just the right amount, it wasn't too difficult to lock into place. Next up was the hard drive, which was a cinch to anchor to the separate cage with either thumbscrews or regular case screws. With only the graphics card left to install, we encountered another novel element to the Mars' design.

A tool-less expansion card holding mechanism that actually works

Unlike some individual sliding or hinged locks we've used, this single clip did a good job of holding our video card solidly in place without getting in the way of other components or irregularly-shaped expansion cards. With the graphics card installed, our build was complete.

Lots of blue... and space above the motherboard for extra large CPU coolers

Normally one picture of our assembled system would be sufficient, but the Mars comes with both a mesh grill and a clear plastic cover for its side window. I like the look of the metal grill, but I'm not a fan of having additional intakes that don't direct air over specific components.

The standard mesh option

Switching to the plastic cover is straightforward, but it takes some time to remove and replace the ten screws that hold the cover in place.

Swapping the window material

The acrylic window provides an unobstructed view of the system's internals, and it should help to keep dust out, too. However, there's no filter on the Mars' 80 mm side intake fans, so particulates will inevitably make their way into the case.

The alternative acrylic option