I didn't use the 2.5" drive bay, and didn't install a card reader in the external 3.5" bay, so I can't comment on the usability of those. I would recommend installing the 3.5" hard drive, and attach all the cables before installing the optical drive, as it will be very difficult to attach the cables to the hard drive with the optical drive installed. Not sure what problems the previous reviewer had that required him to remove the entire face plate to install the optical drive, as that was not necessary. The partner product, IN WIN CE685.FH300TB3, NE Part# N82E16811108109 has the power button on the front, but is otherwise identical. I purchased this one because at the time it was $10.00 cheaper. At the same price, I'd probably go with the CE685 instead, just for the ... MoreI didn't use the 2.5" drive bay, and didn't install a card reader in the external 3.5" bay, so I can't comment on the usability of those. I would recommend installing the 3.5" hard drive, and attach all the cables before installing the optical drive, as it will be very difficult to attach the cables to the hard drive with the optical drive installed. Not sure what problems the previous reviewer had that required him to remove the entire face plate to install the optical drive, as that was not necessary. The partner product, IN WIN CE685.FH300TB3, NE Part# N82E16811108109 has the power button on the front, but is otherwise identical. I purchased this one because at the time it was $10.00 cheaper. At the same price, I'd probably go with the CE685 instead, just for the front power button. It is a small thing, so if this case is cheaper, I whole heartedly recommend this if you are needing a basic computer without performance add-on video cars.

Would buy again with confidence.

Don't expect to cram a high performance machine in this machine, there is very adequate airflow for a light duty office machine. These series of cases from InWin are definitely my favorite for a large number of office workstations for several law firm clients, not requiring high wattage components.