I have been looking at a special technician item called a “Top Deck Tech Station” (see right) for a few weeks andwondering whether I should order one from America until the other day when I discovered that a local supplier was stocking them so I picked one up.

So what is a “Top Deck Tech Station”? In the words of its makers it is:

The HSPC Tech Station (patent pending) is a fast-access  computer case  - a hardware workbench bringing PC components within easy reach yet keeping them safe and secure.

The Tech Station makes a perfect workstation for computer hobbyists, overclockers, frequent upgraders, IT Professionals, PC Shops. - For anyone needing frequent and fast access to internal PC components.

With tool-less storage for all PC components* it has solid non-conductive construction and lots of great features…



There are a few features I really like about my Tech Station (other than how accessible the motherboard is) and that is the ATX control kit that comes with it. The ATX control kit has a little power switch, a reset switch, HDD LED, Power LED and a PC speaker. I also really like how they have done the motherboard standoffs. Most of them are just soft rubber parts that stop the motherboard from sliding around but there are also two threaded posts to go through the holes that hold it in place. The point of this is that if you want to change the motherboard that is on it, all you need to do is lift it upwards and it comes off. You also have the option to screw a nut on the threaded post for a more permanent solution.

They are a little expensive based on the materials involved and the assembly takes time, but I was glad I bought it from the very first time I used it. My first use was when I had a clients computer that wouldnt post. I loaded their CPU and RAM onto the motherboard that was installed on my tech station and it was nice to have so much room rather than trying to squeeze parts into a tight case.

The second time I was really glad I had one was when I was using it for data recovery on a clients computer. I left the computer installed on my tech station running for hours and when I came back I noticed that my CPU fan had stopped spinning. I immediately thought this was going to be a big problem so I jiggled the mouse to see if it was still working at the system was running fine, not locked up or dead like I expected. I put my hand on the cpu heatsink and discovered it was completely cool to the touch. It turns out that the big 120mm fan on the side of the tech station was keeping the cpu heatsink cool enough which saved my CPU from potentially frying.

I have only had mine for about a week, I have used it many times since and I am glad I have one. Its definitely an asset to my business.

To buy them:

USA & Canada - Xoxide.com is selling them for $79.99 USD

UK - There are UK based sellers such as KustomPCs selling them for £72.50 but you would be better off ordering one from the official tech station site because it works out cheaper (£43.09) to have one shipped from the US.

Australia - I bought mine from PCCaseGear.com.au for $119 AUD. I buy from them frequently.

If you want more information you can read the makers site here.