Introduction

At this point in building and reviewing products, I have had my hands in quite a few types and models of cases. Not too long ago I was greeted with an e-mail asking if I would like to review a mini-ITX case. I accepted the challenge and went on Newegg and got a hold of a ZOTAC mini-ITX motherboard to go along with parts I already had on hand, ready for a build. The case finally arrived at my door from A+, one of three of the Cupid series. I asked for the Cupid 3 for reasons I will address later, but there is also a Cupid 1 and a Cupid 2 in this line-up.

A+, which is associated with many other big names in the PC aftermarket retail world, is a branch of Maxpoint GMBH, with research and development going to Nanopoint. Then of course there is Tagan, which is the name the PSUs are under, and the last one being Icy Box for enclosures. Tagan as a whole has been in the market since 2001 and has made quite a name for themselves in eight years, as most tech-oriented readers have at least heard of them, if not bought one of their various products by now. My first look into A+ was when the A+ 380 was released, which has since evolved. A+ makes a variation now called the Diablo, which is similar in concept.

Growing up as a kid, I spent my winters building model cars and planes, which is what I liken this mini-ITX build to. With the interior space being very limited with the basic idea of the mini-ITX form factor, one needs to take their time and make sure everything is secure and in its proper place. Making sure you have a bit of extra time and patience is the key to making it all go together smoothly. The anticipation has gotten to me; I think it's about time we get down to business and show what the A+ Cupid 3 has to offer the HTPC community.