We've seen every inch of an empty CDI InWin Alaska 3 but here's a shot through the window of the case filled with hardware.  Even though the case is crammed full of hardware, notice how much free space their still is at the top and to the right of the motherboard.

We didn't intend to compare this case to any others in this review but we did take some temperature readings to give you a baseline for comparison with your personal systems.  With an ambient room temperature of 76.6º F, the internal case temperature hit a Maximum of 78º F and my OC'd T-Bird @ 1.53GHz hit a Maximum temperature of 40º F, after about an hour of heavy gaming.  I'm using a Thermalright SK6 with an 80MM Panaflo fan to cool my CPU.  Should I have used a H.O. fan with the SK6, CPU temperatures would probably have been even lower.  I have been spoiled by the "silence" of the CDI InWin Alaska 3 though, so I prefer the quiet Panaflo fan for the time being.  Heck, with the air flowing at over 350CFMs with just case fans, I could probably get by without any fan on the SK6!

Here are a few more shots of the fully assembled system in my "office".  Having a case like this definitely adds some attitude to my work area.

I'm sure you get the impression that I was very pleased with the CDI InWin Alaska 3 and you'd be right!  This case offers everything the discriminating power user could ask for, all wrapped up in a sexy package.  There is one major caveat though, the price.  A case configured just like ours will sell for $500 US.  If you don't want a custom logo, subtract $100.  Without the marble paint job, you can save another $120.  (For complete pricing, click here)  Considering that some users are willing to spend $300 every few months on a video card, we don't think its unreasonable to say it is justifiable to spend a $300-500 on a case that will not have to be replaced for years.  Bought separately, the parts necessary to perform modifications similar to these on your own case would run almost $300.  Factor in the cost of all the necessary tools and time, and you see that CDI's asking price is reasonable.  We give the CDI InWin Alaska 3 "Cool Case" a HotHardware Heat Meter rating of...

You think you know your hardware? 
Then get into the New HotHardware Forum and Strut your Stuff!