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Page 1
Introduction
In-Win's computer case lineup has some really radical designs (see for yourself). While the K1 isn't as radical as some of the others, it's still unique in its own right. In-Win is no stranger to making small form factor cases, but the K1 takes a different approach to address spacial concerns. It attempts to provide a similar footprint as many of the All-In-One PCs out there with the flexibility that a PC builder wants and expects.
About In-Win
Packaging
The box that the K1 came in is nothing to write home about. A plain brown cardboard box with the In-Win and K1 logos.
Introduction
In-Win's computer case lineup has some really radical designs (see for yourself). While the K1 isn't as radical as some of the others, it's still unique in its own right. In-Win is no stranger to making small form factor cases, but the K1 takes a different approach to address spacial concerns. It attempts to provide a similar footprint as many of the All-In-One PCs out there with the flexibility that a PC builder wants and expects.
About In-Win
Quote
IN-WIN Development Inc., an ISO 9001 manufacturer of professional computer chassis, power supplies and digital storage devices, is the leading provider of enclosure solutions to system integrators worldwide. Founded in 1985, IN-WIN provides high quality chassis that conform to all safety regulations, as well as unsurpassed customer service.
http://www.in-win.com.tw/US/company.php
Packaging
The box that the K1 came in is nothing to write home about. A plain brown cardboard box with the In-Win and K1 logos.
Page 2
Specifications
Options
http://www.in-win.com.tw/K1/SPECIFICATIONS.html
Package Contents
The box contains the K1 case, monitor mount, hardware, and a smaller box containing the power supply and power cord.
Specifications
- Size - 445mm (17.5")W x 45mm (1.8")H x 237mm (9.3")D
- Supported Motherboards - Intel DH61AG, Intel Marshall Town
- Devices - One 2.5" Internal Hard Drive, One Slim Optical Drive
- 19V DC External AC Adapter (60 or 120W)
- Security - Two Kinsington Lock attach points & Two pad lock HASP locking points
- EPEAT Ready - Complies with IEEE 1680. 1 required and option criterion
- Internal Expansion - One USB port internal to the system that supports wireless features
Options
- Internal Wi-Fi Antennas for 802.1 B, G, & N plus bluetooth (Requires mini PCI-E wireless adapter)
- External Wi-F Antenna connections for specialty Wi-Fi Antennas (Requires mini PCI-E wireless adapter)
- Internal 3W stereo speakers
- Internal smart card reader to support contact and contactless card communications
- NFC connumication compatible
- Display options: All display options support 19" - 27" monitors with 75mm or 100mm VESA mount
- Monitor mounting arm with 100mm height adjustment, tilt and display rotation
- Dual monitor mounting arm with individual adjustments for display tilt and angle of viewing
- All in one type picture frame monitor mount with adjustments or height and depth
- Desktop mounting plate (Bolts unit to desktop and restricts access to rear I/O ports, AC adapter)
http://www.in-win.com.tw/K1/SPECIFICATIONS.html
Package Contents
The box contains the K1 case, monitor mount, hardware, and a smaller box containing the power supply and power cord.
Page 3
The K1's Exterior
The outer shell of the K1 has a nice satin black finish. Since so many monitors are colored the same way, it provides a nice visual consistency to the look of the finished build.
The front has everything you'd need for quick access. There's the power button, four USB ports, headphone and microphone jacks, and optical drive slot. There's also a Smart Card slot should you have the need. The power button lights up blue when turned on and there's an amber hard drive LED. The internal speakers are located on each side of the USB ports.
For air flow, the K1 is vented at both sides (appropriately much more on the processor side) as well as underneath. The bottom also has plastic feet. There's two sets of feet on the bottom. An inner rubber set to prevent sliding and scratching and an outer plastic set for stabilization.
The rear panel has space for the mini-ITX I/O panel as well as knock outs for 2 serial ports, a single parallel port, and external Wi-Fi antennas. There's also a Kensington lock on each side for added security.
The adjustable monitor mount extends from the top rear of the case to support a 19" to 27" VESA monitor. It's also worth noting that the K1 can support dual 19" to 27" monitors with some optional hardware.
The K1's Exterior
The outer shell of the K1 has a nice satin black finish. Since so many monitors are colored the same way, it provides a nice visual consistency to the look of the finished build.
The front has everything you'd need for quick access. There's the power button, four USB ports, headphone and microphone jacks, and optical drive slot. There's also a Smart Card slot should you have the need. The power button lights up blue when turned on and there's an amber hard drive LED. The internal speakers are located on each side of the USB ports.
For air flow, the K1 is vented at both sides (appropriately much more on the processor side) as well as underneath. The bottom also has plastic feet. There's two sets of feet on the bottom. An inner rubber set to prevent sliding and scratching and an outer plastic set for stabilization.
The rear panel has space for the mini-ITX I/O panel as well as knock outs for 2 serial ports, a single parallel port, and external Wi-Fi antennas. There's also a Kensington lock on each side for added security.
The adjustable monitor mount extends from the top rear of the case to support a 19" to 27" VESA monitor. It's also worth noting that the K1 can support dual 19" to 27" monitors with some optional hardware.
Page 4
The K1's Interior
The inside of the K1 is tight on space, but adequate. The optical drive slot is underneath the hard drive tray with posts extending from the top to optionally add a smart card reader. There's an internal USB port to potentially use for a Wi-Fi device, Bluetooth, or a TV Tuner. In the center, there's a cover that goes over the motherboard to support the weight of the monitor. There's two internal 3W speakers already preinstalled that can be removed.
On the front and the right side, there are slots to mount internal Wi-Fi antennae from off of an optional mini PCI-E wireless adapter.
Installation
First you have to remove the outer shell which is held on by two screws (one on each side). To mount the motherboard, you also need to remove the center cover which is held in by four screws (one at each corner). I found it easier to access the screw near the drive tray if the tray was removed. The tray is held in by a single screw and a tab that needs to be depressed as the tray is pulled back. The posts for the motherboard are already where they need to be, so there's little room for error. Also remember to place the heatsink bracket underneath the board before screwing it on. I neglected this and didn't realize it until I had the board screwed on the all of the cables connected There's no obvious way to handle cable management, so take care while routing cables. I left the HD audio cable off until I got the heatsink mounted since it seemed to stretch a bit. Keep in mind that the center cover needs to go back on once everything is mounted. I used the Intel DH61AG motherboard with the Intel HTS1155LP heatsink that's designed for this particular type of case.
The slim optical drive slides into the front of the case. I had to loosen the two screws on the wiring harness to get it to slip into place correctly. I found it strange that there's no way to secure the drive one it's in place. If the drive is pulled too much during use, then the drive will come out.
The hard drive needs to be slipped into the tray from one side then screwed in by 4 screws on the bottom. Once everything's together, the center cover and shell can be placed back on.
In order to attach the monitor mount, you need to take off the bracket cover by removing it's two screws. After screwing the mount to the case, the bracket can be placed back on. It's a nice touch that makes the top of the case a bit more seamless.
The K1's Interior
The inside of the K1 is tight on space, but adequate. The optical drive slot is underneath the hard drive tray with posts extending from the top to optionally add a smart card reader. There's an internal USB port to potentially use for a Wi-Fi device, Bluetooth, or a TV Tuner. In the center, there's a cover that goes over the motherboard to support the weight of the monitor. There's two internal 3W speakers already preinstalled that can be removed.
On the front and the right side, there are slots to mount internal Wi-Fi antennae from off of an optional mini PCI-E wireless adapter.
Installation
First you have to remove the outer shell which is held on by two screws (one on each side). To mount the motherboard, you also need to remove the center cover which is held in by four screws (one at each corner). I found it easier to access the screw near the drive tray if the tray was removed. The tray is held in by a single screw and a tab that needs to be depressed as the tray is pulled back. The posts for the motherboard are already where they need to be, so there's little room for error. Also remember to place the heatsink bracket underneath the board before screwing it on. I neglected this and didn't realize it until I had the board screwed on the all of the cables connected There's no obvious way to handle cable management, so take care while routing cables. I left the HD audio cable off until I got the heatsink mounted since it seemed to stretch a bit. Keep in mind that the center cover needs to go back on once everything is mounted. I used the Intel DH61AG motherboard with the Intel HTS1155LP heatsink that's designed for this particular type of case.
The slim optical drive slides into the front of the case. I had to loosen the two screws on the wiring harness to get it to slip into place correctly. I found it strange that there's no way to secure the drive one it's in place. If the drive is pulled too much during use, then the drive will come out.
The hard drive needs to be slipped into the tray from one side then screwed in by 4 screws on the bottom. Once everything's together, the center cover and shell can be placed back on.
In order to attach the monitor mount, you need to take off the bracket cover by removing it's two screws. After screwing the mount to the case, the bracket can be placed back on. It's a nice touch that makes the top of the case a bit more seamless.
Page 5
Conclusion
The K1 is a great solution to PC builders who want to create a PC that looks and feels like an All In One. It alleviates the concerns enthusiasts have with All In Ones. There's greater accessibility to typical front panel components like USB ports and the optical drive. It provides flexibility to choose a monitor or use one you already have. Individual components can be replaced to make servicing easy. I still can't help but feel that the goal should have been loftier. Why just fix the problems with All In Ones when you could have improved them as well? I was left a little wanting.
What if I wanted the look and feel of an All In One, but wanted the capabilities of a gaming PC? There's no room for added graphics. What if I wanted to protect my data with a RAID configuration? There's no space for an additional hard drives. I think that most people that build their own PCs want to do more. Using the K1 doesn't leave much room for the things that makes building a PC worthwhile. Not that the K1 is bad by any means, I just think that it's limited to a very specific audience.
Conclusion
The K1 is a great solution to PC builders who want to create a PC that looks and feels like an All In One. It alleviates the concerns enthusiasts have with All In Ones. There's greater accessibility to typical front panel components like USB ports and the optical drive. It provides flexibility to choose a monitor or use one you already have. Individual components can be replaced to make servicing easy. I still can't help but feel that the goal should have been loftier. Why just fix the problems with All In Ones when you could have improved them as well? I was left a little wanting.
What if I wanted the look and feel of an All In One, but wanted the capabilities of a gaming PC? There's no room for added graphics. What if I wanted to protect my data with a RAID configuration? There's no space for an additional hard drives. I think that most people that build their own PCs want to do more. Using the K1 doesn't leave much room for the things that makes building a PC worthwhile. Not that the K1 is bad by any means, I just think that it's limited to a very specific audience.