Which drive bay panel?

[Stu C]

I have recently got an X-Fi Forte soundcard, but my case only has front headphone/mic ports for AC97, not HD Audio, so I need a new solution.

My first though was the simple and elegant Silverstone FP32.

Then I saw the Akasa All-in-One v2 and the Aerocool CoolPanel3 and thought that I might pimp up my case a little at the same time.

I already have an external memory card reader - the Akasa Combo - however, it does not do SD HC and I might be getting a HD camcorder in the near future.

I like the clean, hidden appearance of the Akasa All-in-One, but the Aerocool has more info up front (without having to push buttons to scroll through) and appears to handle more memory cards (more than needed?). I will not be using them for fan control though, as my PWM mobo does that, so they will be for reporting temps and maybe, with a little modding, fan speeds.

Anyone have any opinions or experience with these products?

[this_is_gav]

I have the Silverstone and Akasa (v1) at work. They're fine. Pretty much do what they say really.

I haven't used the Akasa for audio, but I doubt there's any issues there (I think it comes with a dual headed cable, one for AC97 and one for HD, but I might be thinking of something else).

Not used the card-reader in the Akasa either - my Dell monitor handles that.

[Stu C]

What's the screen like on the Akasa? Too small to be useful?

[this_is_gav]

I generally don't look at it (it's hard to see when the tower is on the floor - you have to be no more than 45 degrees vertical really), but when I need to read it it's clear. The key info (the numbers) are all big and bold.