The Sentey Arvina GS-6400B

There has always been a debate over building versus buying a gaming computer and even those who have decided to build have a hard time agreeing on the right parts. I found myself wanting to put together a new gaming computer, but like most of us am on a budget and wanted to find parts that were good, but not wallet busting.

I decided to start with a case and in my search made the decision to blog about my progress as I slowly built my gaming system. I wanted to start with a case and after seeing an article on the Arvina GS-6400 in Maximum PC, I decided to give them a call to check it out for myself.

I was delighted to find someone from what I call “The class of Alienware”. Fabian Santiesteban, VP of Sales and Marketing for the U.S. and Canada for Sentey he was  also a Vice President and General Manager of Alienware computers for over 12 years before taking his talents to Velocity Micro and finally to Sentey. I knew with his experience he could help me with the information I was seeking. I decided to go beyond a review of the Arvina GS-6400 and ask about Sentey as a company itself and Fabian was more than happy to answer my questions.

Obsolete Gamer: Where does the name Sentey come from?

Fabian: The name originated in Argentina. It is just a creative concept without any specific association or relation.

Obsolete Gamer: How did Sentey begin?

Fabian: Sentey began ten years ago. The Company has been active in the US market for two years.

Obsolete Gamer: Why did you want to make the move into the American market?

Fabian: As we were successful in South America, Sentey wanted to bring that same spark to the United States. We knew this would be a challenge, but with a history of success in Argentina, Brazil and Peru, we felt we could bring this same spark to the North American market. So far, the results of this endeavor have been outstanding

Obsolete Gamer: Can you tell us about the importance of having the right case?

Fabian: Sentey’s unique style is geared for the demands of the serious gamer, but at the same time our products make an elegant center of attention at any lan party or family’s entertainment center. Sentey cases have a ton of space, it has lots of expansion and tons of modding potential. Roominess is important to keep hot components running cool. Our cases are designed to operate noiselessly and effectively move a lot of air. Sentey is quality built to last.

Obsolete Gamer: What products specifically would you want gamers to know about?

Fabian: Sentey aims at establishing a new level of quality and performance by paying attention to the users’ needs. Our case designs serve their purpose in a smart, precise and reliable manner. Our power supply units meet the highest demands in terms of performance and quality. Sentey sells great gaming cases and power supply units at an affordable price.

Obsolete Gamer: Where can we find your products?

Fabian: Sentey products can be found via distribution channels as well as retailers such as Newegg, Micro Center, Ma Labs, Xoxide and others.

Obsolete Gamer: Where can we see Senty products, do you plan to be at more conventions?

Fabian: In 2011, Sentey representatives will be attending Pax West with various partners showcasing our products.

Obsolete Gamer: Can you tell us about what is coming up next for Sentey, a scoop perhaps?

Fabian: Currently, Sentey is focused on cases and power supply units. Before the end of the year Sentey will be marketing branded ATI cards. This product will be sold on-line via etailors as well as retail. There are no specifics on models yet, but there will be something for everyone. We are always looking ways to expand our product line and there are more surprises lined up for next year.

[youtube width=”600″ height=”480″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMuaGehdiKI[/youtube]

The Review

So I had my information on Sentey as a company, now I wanted to test out their gaming case for myself. The first thing I took notice of was the price, at $99 it was a great price for my budget, but I wanted to make sure that the price point did not leave me with a lesser product.

I have been building PC’s since 1997 and seeing the Arvina made me think of the days of larger stronger cases before small form factors came along. The case type is called “high tower” the name fits because the case it tall, but not that wide. At dimensions, 21.65 (L) x 8.43 (W) x 20.47 (H), you will have more than enough room inside to build almost any type of system with enough room for proper airflow and cooling options.

The steel chassis is extremely solid as are the side panels, which have 1mm of steel. The plastic outer panels are glossy giving it a sleek shinny look. However, fingerprints can show up especially in a well-lit room, so perhaps before displaying your rig to your friends you might want to give it a quick wipe down. The case itself weighs about 28 pounds so keep this in mind when you starting adding all your components.

As stated, the inside has a lot of room even with its five 5.25 Drive bays and five 3.5 Drive Bays which are removable. The Arvina has seven expansion slots with plenty of room for dual video cards, 4 USB 2.0 ports, Audio and Microphone ports and an E-Sata port.  In addition, the Arvina as a built in card reader that reads, CF/MD, XD, SD/MMC, TF y MS/M2. The only con here is no USB 3.0 ports, but for the price point, it is still a great deal.

As for cooling, the Arvina comes with, two 80m LED fans for side cooling, one 140mm LED fan for front cooling, one 120mm LED fan for rear cooling and two 120mm LED fans for side cooling for a total of six fans, and the fans and the LED’s can be controlled using buttons on the top front panel of the case. The GS-6400 also supports water-cooling for those who want even more cooling options.

I like a clean looking case inside and outside and the hidden cable design of the Arvina impressed me. The cables are routed beneath the motherboard out of the way of other components. The hard drive trays are easily removable and while the plastic feel a little less sturdy than other designs, I have not found it to be an issue. The outside features a mesh front panel with anti-dust protection and panels that open each individual external bay so everything remains covered.

Overall, the Arvina GS-6400 case is strong and looks great especially when the lights shine through the case and at a price of around $100 it a great case for building a budget friendly gaming system. As for Sentey as a company with the power supplies and cooling options they offer this new kid on the U.S. block may turn out to be a great destination for the gaming PC system builder. I look forward to testing out their power supplies as well as their newly announced branded video cards.

Check out the Flickr photo stream for the Arvina GS-6400 here.

For more information on Sentey check out their website here.

You can view the Arvina GS-6400 on Newegg here.

 

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