When we did our Micro ATX case roundup in January we awarded the Aspire X-Qpack Editors Choice for its excellent thermal performance and value pricing. There were a few gripes we had with the overall build and material quality of the case. As the Aspire X-Qpack was based on one of Chenming’s designs it was only a matter of time till we saw other Chenming re-badgers release their own version.
This time around the latest manufacturer to release a case based on Chenming’s design is Ultra. In the past we’ve reviewed Ultra power supplies and found them to be fairly good units so what happens when you take an Ultra power supply and mate it with a Chenming case design? You get the new Ultra MicroFly.
The MicroFly
Ultra has opted to use a different Chenming design than Aspire did with the X-Qpack. Compared to the Aspire X-Qpack, the MicroFly grows a little in the depth department. Measuring in at 15” (D) x 11.25” (W) x 9” (H) the MicroFly grows a little over an inch in depth. Overall the increased depth isn’t too noticeable unless placed side-by-side next to an X-Qpack.
The overall look has stayed the same with a few subtle differences to the front bezel. More prominent rounded edges outline the front bezel with more dramatic rounded corners. Paint quality is a drastic improvement over the Aspire X-Qpack. It’s no anodized aluminum but the glossy paint job gives it a higher quality look and smooth feel instead of the rough, low quality feel of the X-Qpack. The front bezel is held onto the chassis with four plastic clips and a couple of screws which was adequate for transporting the case fully loaded.
Our sample came in Blue, though Black and Silver are also available. If you opt for a black model there is a Window option. Ultra also sells the MicroFly without a power supply as well.
The most drastic change with the MicroFly is the use of three individual aluminum panels instead of one with the X-Qpack. There aren’t any noticeable material quality improvements with the panels however. Each panel is just as flimsy and flexible as the Aspire X-Qpack. While having three panels may seem convenient it’s actually a bigger pain than having a single panel. Even with three individual panels they’re all connected to each other meaning you have to remove the top panel to be able to remove the two side panels.
Overall chassis quality has been improved a bit over the X-Qpack. The aluminum is noticeably thicker, brushed, and looks similar to the Silverstone SG01, though lower grade. While material quality has improved it’s still quite flimsy and the motherboard tray requires a little finesse to get into the chassis.
A 400 watt Ultra V-Series power supply is included if you opt for a model with a power supply. The power supply supports 20 and 24-pin ATX compatible motherboards and has slightly shorter wiring to accommodate the small space of the MicroFly. Two self adjusting fan headers are available on the power supply for quieter fan operation.
Two fans are installed in the MicroFly—a 120mm exhaust and an 80mm intake fan. Ultra doesn’t seem to publish specifications on the fans but they do operate quietly.
