2006 Info about Arena Electronic GmbHthe
European branch office of CHIEFTEC Industrial Co. Ltd

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From 2002 -2006 this was the official website for Arena Electronic GmbHthe European branch office of CHIEFTEC Industrial Co. Ltd.

Arena Electronic GmbH manufactures cases for personal computers. In 1994, Arena Electronic GmbH was founded with the aim of serving both the OEM, ODM and distribution channels. Since then they represent the CHIEFTEC brand along with their products in Europe, the Middle East, the CIS regions and Africa, while striving for further expansion in emerging markets. The Company provides the cases to the global original equipment manufacturer, original design manufacturer, and the distributing segment industries. Arena offers chassis power supplies and accessories. Arena offers the products worldwide.
Content is from the site's archived pages providing an edited glimpse of what this site offered in 2006.

The current websites for:
Arena Electronic GmbH: www.old.chieftec.eu
CHIEFTEC: http://www.chieftec.eu/de/

 

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2006

 

Welcome to the Marketing-Area of Arena GmbH

In our constantly increasing online archive you'll find among banners, datasheets, presentations and technical manuals, high resolution pictures of our entire product portfolio to support your distribution, advertisements and product description activities.

Chieftec – The number 1 for professional Computer cases

For the last 25 years the name CHIEFTEC has stood as a world-wide synonym for first class solutions in the PC-Case market.

At three highly modern production facilities in Asia, more than 6,000 motivated employees and specialists are working daily around the clock to fulfill the needs and wishes of leading OEM customers and numerous international distributors.

Our In-house R & D department are not only developing new designs and technologies for our own product lines, they are also working closely with customers to ensure that new ground is broken.

Continuous innovative advances guarantee Chieftec’s leadership with Desktop, Tower and Server cases.  “Often copied, but never reached” is the maxim of Jason Yang, CEO of Chieftec Industrial Co. Ltd.

In 1995 Arena Electronic GmbH was founded in Düsseldorf as the european centre of CHIEFTEC Industrial Co.Ltd.  From here customers both at home and abroad were delivered to.  With over 1200 qm warehouse area, direct containers etc. guarantee a prompt just-in-time delivery.  The sales department  also compromises a Service center, which ensures an immediate RMA response.

Enclosed some pictures of our new office in Ratingen.

 

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Frequently asked Questions

Do you have a question regarding a Chieftec product ?

Is there anything unclear for you with the installation ?

On these pages you will find a multitude of answers about various aspects of the Cheiftec cases. For detailed instructions regarding the installation of components into our cases, please take a look at the section titled “Manual”: http://www.chieftec.de/?page=service&language=uk

Further Tipps regarding Case-modding, Overclocking, etc, you will find under the relevant websites.

• Colour of the cases
  1. I need to know the exact colour code/paint number of my case.
  Please note that the colours listed below are actually PANTONE colour codes and not RAL colors.

  Weiß: 414 C	Gelb: 606 C
  Schwarz: 446 C	Grün: 364 C
  Blau: 2758 C	Lila: 5185 C
  Silber: 877 C	Braun: 491 C

  
  2. My case has some scratches on it, do you have the corresponding paint pen?

  3. Where can I purchase the appropriate case colour ?
  Unfortunately we do not sell any colour varnish pens.  However you can go to your local DIY store or paintshop, where they can mix the colours for you.
  4. For the CD-Burner/DVD-Drive, do you sell the covers in different colours to match the cases ?
  As mentioned in the previous question, you can go to your local DIY store or paintshop where they can mix the colour for you.

 

• Fans
  1. How do i achieve the best possible air circulation inside the case ?

  In principle the air should circulate from the bottom front of the case to the top back, i.e. the fan/s at the front of the case should blow in cold air and the warm air should come out of the back of the case.  Please also watch out for any disturbance in the air flow, for example if the cables inside the case are mislaid, this could seriously affect and hinder the air circulation.  Please also take a look at the manual for further information.

  2. I want to change the fans at the side of the case.  Is there anything in particular that I should watch out for ?
  To change the fan, first of all carefully open the side panel of the case.  The next step is to disconnect the power to the PSU.  The fan is held in place by 4 small black bolts.  With a pointed object, gently press the bolts from within to push them out.  You can then pull them out completely.  By removing the bolts in this way, they can be reused.  To build in the new fan, you just have to follow the same procedure but in reverse order.

  3. Are the fans already inside the case when delivered ?
  Our coloured cases are already sold with an 80mm fan inside the side panel.  However, this does not include the black or white cases (they come without a fan).  The reason why these colours are supplied without a fan, is further explained under point 7.

  4. Should the fans at the side of the case bring air into the case, or out of the case?
  The advantage of having a fan in the side panel is, that cold air will be pushed inside the case.

  5. With the BX models it is possible to build a fan into the case at the same height as the HDD cage.  Should this fan bring the air into the case, or take the air out?
  The fans are always meant to push cold air in the case to keep the HDD's cool. The warm air will be pushed out by an optional fan on the back of the case or by the power supply's fan

  6. I have now set up my case with fans, but now the case is much louder than before.
  If you want to install more fans into your case, then you must be careful of the following points.  For example, every extra fan could cause more noise.  When you buy a fan, take your time and keep an eye open for the silent running fans as this can make all the difference.  Vibration noise can also be reduced by using rubber sleeve between the fan and side panel.

  7. Do the black Chieftec cases also come with fans at the sides?
  Unfortunately not. A recent study showed that cases in black and white were used the most for business systems.  Not so much importance is placed on cooling in office areas, as the systems are never really overloaded so a fan is not included.

  8. Can the clip holder for additional fans also be fitted with a dust filter?
  There are a number of places where you can buy the dustfilters for our cases.  You can find  further information on the internet under the usual Modder and Overclocker websites.

  9. I have the case-model LCX-01SL-SL-B. I would like to know, which fan should be connected where and how?
  You have the possibility to build 1 x 120mm and 5 x 92mm fans into the case.  The 1 x 120mm fan you build in at the back of the case and this fan should blow the air out of the case.  Then on the left-hand side of the case there is a fan holder for 3 x 92mm fans.  These fans should also blow the air out of the case.  The remaining 2 x 92mm fans that go on the other side of the case, should blow air into the case.
  Fact:
  The air is successfully blown into the case through the 2 x 92mm fans on the right hand side of the case.  The air is then blown out of the case through the 1 x 120mm fan on the back of the case.  The grille on the right hand-side of the case also helps to bring air into the case, which in turn is blown out of the case by the 3 x 92mm fans on the left-hand side of the case.

• USB/Firewire

  1. How to... connect USB Tray internal regarding USB/IEEE1394?
  The USB/IEEE 1394 must be connected to your motherboard if your motherboard supports this features.
  http://www.chieftec.com/images/cad/35-usb-04

  2. Is it possible to connect the USB-Tray to an USB/IEEE1394 PCI card?
  No, it is not possible to connect the USB-Tray to an USB/IEEE1394 PCI card by using normal cables.

  3. Color description of the internal cables
  yellow => Audio
  blue => Firewire
  black => USB

  4. Actual PIN Assigment of the internal Frontpanel connectors for USB/Firewire/Audio
  On the following grafic we'll show you the Pin assigment of the internal Audio, Firewire and USB cables.

  

• Spare parts/Accessories
• Guarantee procedure

  1. How long does the guarantee for my Chieftec case last ?
  All of our cases come with a 2 year manufacturers guarantee.  However, any damage to the case which is caused by improper handling, or through natural deterioration, is not covered by the guarantee
  2. How long does the guarantee for my Chieftec PSU last ?
  All of our PSU’s come with a 2 year guarantee
  3. Can I send my defective PSU back to you directly for repair?
  Unfortunately it is not possible to deal with us directly regarding guarantee issues.  Please contact your local trader for such issues, as they can normally help you further.

• Insulation Mats
• Front door
• Manuals
• Catalogues
• Ferrit-ring
• Radio mouse and keyboard
• Water cooling
• I/O Shield
• Ordering
• Power Supply
• SATA Backplane
• BTX Formfactor
• 19" IPC chassis

 

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An Update:

Having lived in Europe for about 5 years after college, I didn't realize that Chieftec professional equipment is not available in the US. It was a rude awakening when I returned to NYC to start a new job. I was astounded. On the current Chieftec's website they list all the countries where their products are available from the Czech Republic to Italy to Moldova. Twenty-five countries in Western Europe plus the United Kingdom and Iceland. But not in the US. Thank goodness for WWW. I can do searches to find the best alternatives to the Chieftec's products.

Sometimes I can't imagine life without the WWW. Obviously people survived quite well. But it's so weird that I can't get Chieftec here and wonder if a company like the SEO consultancy TNG/Earthling could help them stake a claim here by making them findable in Google. Then it would seem that the doors to new sales would open for them. I for one would be that customer and I'm sure there are others. The world is so big, yet sometimes so tiny.

As with all things, I am now ensconced in my new job and feel comfortable with the professional brands of equipment that the tech department uses. And if you need a rug cleaner in NYC, I have just the one!

 

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PRODUCTS

PC Chassis

 

Bravo Series	UNI Series	CX Series	Mesh Series
Smart Series	BX Series	Dragon Series	Apollo Series
s
Smart Series BTX	Maestro Series

 

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Servers

 

Jumbo File Server	Arena File Server

 

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Accessories

SATA Backplane	External Box	Power Supply
Removable Frames	Smart USB Interface	Cooling Solution
PC-Modding	Inlets for BX-Series	Cable & Others

 

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19" IPC

1U 2U 3U       4U 5U

 

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More Background On Arena-Chieftec.com

 

Arena Electronic GmbH, once operating under the domain Arena-Chieftec.com, served as the European branch office of CHIEFTEC Industrial Co. Ltd., one of the most respected manufacturers of professional-grade PC cases and computer enclosures in the world. From 2002 to 2006, the now-archived site provided an invaluable portal for distributors, OEMs, and end-users to access high-resolution product images, manuals, and technical documentation to support product marketing and technical service efforts.

Though Arena-Chieftec.com is no longer active, its legacy persists through CHIEFTEC’s global footprint and the reputation Arena Electronic GmbH built in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the company, its historical and cultural significance, product offerings, operational goals, ownership structure, consumer reception, and lasting impact on the PC hardware market.

Historical Background and Ownership

Founded in 1994, Arena Electronic GmbH was established in Düsseldorf, Germany, with the intent of serving Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs), and distribution channels throughout Europe and beyond. The company was formed as a European operational arm of CHIEFTEC Industrial Co. Ltd., a Taiwan-based company that had already established a strong presence in the Asian market.

By 1995, Arena had become the central distribution and service hub for CHIEFTEC in Europe, operating a significant logistics center and support infrastructure to ensure timely delivery and customer satisfaction. It was from this hub in Ratingen, near Düsseldorf, that Arena began exporting PC enclosures and related products across Europe, the Middle East, and even the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

CHIEFTEC’s CEO Jason Yang once described the brand's ambition with the maxim:

“Often copied, but never reached.”

This phrase not only summarized CHIEFTEC’s design leadership in the case market but also encapsulated Arena’s role as a diligent and innovative distributor of high-performance components across global territories.

Product Portfolio: PC Chassis, Servers, and Accessories

Arena, representing CHIEFTEC’s manufacturing excellence, offered a vast product lineup tailored for both personal computing and enterprise needs.

PC Chassis Series

The company’s core offering was its PC case line, known for robust build quality, thermal efficiency, and aesthetic customization. Their series included:

• Bravo Series
• UNI Series
• CX Series
• Mesh Series
• Smart Series (including BTX form factor)
• BX Series
• Dragon Series
• Apollo Series
• Maestro Series

Each series targeted a different segment—from gamers and enthusiasts seeking airflow and customization, to enterprise users needing stability and noise reduction.

Server Cases

Arena also marketed Jumbo File Servers and Arena File Servers, which catered to business environments and data centers. These systems were built with an emphasis on expandability, security, and heat dissipation—key concerns for server infrastructure.

19” Industrial PCs (IPC)

For industrial clients, Arena distributed a wide range of rack-mountable IPCs, including 1U, 2U, 3U, 4U, and 5U chassis designs for mission-critical applications.

Accessories and Modding Tools

Arena’s website showcased extensive accessories and modification kits, including:

• SATA backplanes
• External boxes
• Removable frames
• Power supplies
• Smart USB interfaces
• Custom inlets for BX-Series
• Cable management tools
• Cooling systems

This selection positioned CHIEFTEC not just as a manufacturer of hardware, but as a total system builder’s solution provider, allowing users to customize builds to extreme levels of precision and function.

Design and Engineering Excellence

A key differentiator for CHIEFTEC products distributed by Arena was the in-house R&D department. Located within the company’s main production facilities in Asia, this team was instrumental in developing new designs and technologies not just for CHIEFTEC-branded products, but also in collaboration with clients.

The R&D emphasis on:

• Silent operation
• Improved airflow
• Thermal control
• Modularity
• Industrial-grade durability

helped CHIEFTEC and Arena stand out among competitors during the explosive growth of the custom PC and enterprise markets of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Customer Support, Service & Warranty

Arena’s commitment to customer service was evident through a robust RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) system, detailed extensively on its website. Registered clients could easily submit claims for defective items via downloadable forms, with a clear 2-year limited bring-in warranty provided on all CHIEFTEC products.

Key RMA guidelines included:

• Marking of RMA numbers on packaging
• Providing invoices and serial numbers
• Secure packaging in original materials
• Policies for “Dead on Arrival” (DOA) returns
• Exclusions for shipping damage and out-of-warranty items

This structured service model, combined with a service center in Ratingen, ensured that distributors and clients could trust CHIEFTEC products to be not only high-quality but also well-supported post-sale.

Cultural & Market Significance

Arena played a critical role in introducing CHIEFTEC to emerging global markets, particularly in regions where reliable hardware was difficult to source. Its presence in Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe provided consumers and system builders in those areas with access to hardware that matched or exceeded international standards.

Moreover, Arena helped shape the visual and functional language of the modern PC case, promoting innovations such as:

• Tool-less drive bays
• Modular power supply mounts
• Custom-colored panels (with PANTONE code references)
• Fan optimization layouts
• USB/FireWire front panel integration

These features, once rare or enthusiast-only, became industry standards thanks in part to Arena’s role in widespread distribution.

Arena's FAQ and Knowledge Base: A Legacy Resource

A unique component of the Arena-Chieftec.com website was its extensive FAQ section, which covered topics from paint color matching and case fan setup to USB connector pin-outs and noise reduction.

Examples of guidance included:

• Recommended airflow directions (front-to-back, bottom-to-top)
• Fan installation/removal techniques with vibration dampening
• Matching fan size to case models (e.g., LCX-01SL-SL-B supported 1x120mm and 5x92mm fans)
• Clarifications on USB, FireWire, and audio internal cable pin-outs
• Color coding for audio (yellow), FireWire (blue), USB (black)

These resources empowered both professionals and hobbyists to optimize their builds and troubleshoot issues independently—setting a precedent for transparent tech support.

Proximity & Location

While headquartered in Taiwan, CHIEFTEC’s European operations—under Arena—were headquartered in Ratingen, Germany, a city near Düsseldorf. This strategic location gave Arena excellent logistical access to the EU and a strong presence in Germany’s robust technology manufacturing sector.

Its 1,200 square meter warehouse allowed for:

• Container-level shipments
• Just-in-time inventory management
• Onsite service center for RMA handling and repairs

This infrastructure was crucial in building trust with distributors and integrators, particularly in high-demand regions like the UK, France, and Italy.

Reception & Popularity

CHIEFTEC cases were—and continue to be—highly regarded among enthusiasts, modders, and professionals. Many fans of Arena’s products lamented the lack of U.S. availability, as reflected in a user’s comment included on the archived site. After returning to New York from Europe, the commenter expressed frustration at being unable to buy CHIEFTEC equipment locally—an anecdote underscoring the brand’s cross-continental appeal.

CHIEFTEC’s reputation for quality and durability often meant that their cases were used in both performance gaming rigs and silent professional setups, serving users from both ends of the spectrum.

Press, Media, and Web Footprint

While the Arena-Chieftec.com domain is now archived, CHIEFTEC maintains an active digital presence through:

• chieftec.eu (global and EU markets)
• chieftec.de (Germany-specific support)
• Regional distributors across 25+ countries

Media coverage historically highlighted CHIEFTEC’s role in pushing industrial design standards for PC cases forward, often comparing them favorably with other tier-1 brands such as Antec and Cooler Master.

Goals and Expansion Ambitions

Arena and CHIEFTEC shared a mission to:

• Expand into emerging markets
• Deliver modular, future-proof hardware solutions
• Provide reliable, silent, and thermally-optimized chassis

Their focus on partnering with OEMs and ODMs also ensured that their cases formed the backbone of thousands of custom systems across sectors from education to finance, medical, and engineering.

A Lasting Legacy

Although Arena-Chieftec.com is now a part of internet history, the influence of Arena Electronic GmbH on global PC hardware distribution cannot be overstated. Through strategic operations, meticulous service, and representation of CHIEFTEC’s values, Arena helped redefine what PC cases could be, making them more modular, accessible, and visually appealing.

Even today, CHIEFTEC products are used by tech enthusiasts and system integrators who appreciate clean design, efficient cooling, and reliability. Arena’s legacy lives on in every case, chassis, and enclosure bearing the CHIEFTEC name throughout Europe and beyond.

 

 

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