Friday, March 1st 2024

EK Introduces New EK-Quantum InWin 977EK PC Case

EK, the leading name in custom loop liquid cooling, is proudly announcing the launch of the latest water-cooling-focused PC case made in collaboration with InWin, the renowned case manufacturer. The new EK-Quantum InWin 977EK was engineered from scratch with water cooling and ease of use in mind. It's a premium quality PC case that can accommodate two 420 mm radiators, has dedicated mounts for pumps, reservoirs, and combo units, and offers the ultimate user-friendly experience for custom loop liquid cooling enthusiasts.

EK-QUANTUM InWin 977EK
Crafted from a single, robust piece of 4 mm-thick, high-quality brushed aluminium, the outer shell of this PC case proudly embodies the iconic InWin aesthetic. Meticulously bent by skilled artisans using hand-operated techniques, it showcases their dedication to craftsmanship.
Ease of Use
Both the top and the bottom part of the case utilize removable dust filters and radiator mounts that slide out the back of the case by loosening only four screws from the back panel. This greatly simplifies the maintenance and installation of the radiators with fans.

The robust motherboard tray can slide out at the back of the case, simplifying the PC building process. This allows you to install the motherboard, CPU water block, and complete GPU and water block assembly hassle-free.

The power supply mount also slides out of the case, at the same time acting as a pump, reservoir, or combo unit mount. It supports tubular-style combo units like the EK-Quantum Kinetic TBE 300 and flat-style units such as the EK-Quantum Kinetic FLT 240. A dedicated cutout for a rear-mounted pump lets you install a flat-style combo unit directly without using standoffs. In this case, the maximum PSU length allowed is 215 mm while considering the space cables and ensuring they don't collide with the pump.

Rail-Fitted Radiator Mounts
The mounting slots on the radiator mounting frames are centered so you can swap between 120 and 140 mm type radiators, and the ports will still be positioned the same.

The maximum radiator length is 360 or 420 mm, even supporting longer X-Flow variants. A Slim series Surface radiator will sit flush with the mounting frame of the case, and a P series 44 mm thick radiator combined with 25 mm fans will fit with no issues. To be more specific, the top side has a clearance of 75 mm until hitting the motherboard tray, while the bottom has 89 mm. This means there is room for a 58 mm thick X series Surface radiator and 29 mm fans in the bottom. Still, EK recommends the maximum thickness of radiators to be 45 mm, which translates to a P series 420 mm radiator as the recommended maximum.
Invertible Design
This case's ability to slide components in and out is not just a mere convenience during the building process but also allows users to transform it into a reverse ATX setup. By simply rotating the power supply mount and the motherboard tray and sliding them back to the opposite side of the case, you get a reverse ATX setup in a matter of seconds. This means that if your preferred position of this stunning PC case is on the left side of the desk, it can still fully showcase the internals.

All this is possible thanks to the sturdy aluminium extrusions in the bottom and the top of the case. These act as rails for all the sliding components and significantly improve the structural rigidity of the case.

Hardware Compatibility
As previously mentioned, there is no particular PSU size constraint unless the power supply mount is simultaneously used as a combo unit mount with a rear-facing pump. The dedicated space for combo unit installation offers many mounting holes, allowing maximum flexibility when moving the unit around. It can also fit two FLT 120 units for a dual loop and even the upcoming 140 and 280 mm Kinetic combo units.

The reversible motherboard tray can accommodate motherboards that are 310 mm wide, meaning that most extended ATX motherboards can fit as well. The maximum GPU width is 190 mm and the length 330 mm, which allows even the largest GPUs to be mounted horizontally without issues. The case also supports vertical mounting.

RGB-Lit Capacitive On/Off Button
The capacitive Power-On button in the shape of the EK logo is located at the front. It is RGB-lit, and its inside cable guide rotates to account for potential inverted mounting.

Rubberized Feet
The 977EK features two wide ridges along its base acting as feet, additionally raising it and providing stable support when placed on a surface. This gives ample airflow to the bottom radiator and adds to the striking visual appeal of the case. The attached rubber strips take care of the vibration dampening.

Legacy Drive Support
The removable hard drive mount located on the back side of the motherboard tray allows the installation of 2.5" and 3.5" drives. The limit is the actual height/thickness of the devices since it supports up to 26 mm. This should not be an issue in the era where SSD drives prevail, as these solutions are significantly slimmer.

Ample Cable Organization Space
The frustration of encountering insufficient cable space that leads to difficulty closing side panels is a challenge familiar to many. To address common frustrations with cable management, the EK-Quantum InWin 977EK offers a generous 32 mm space for effortless cable organization. To help mitigate the cable management issue, the backside of the motherboard tray is equipped with a great number of slotted holes that can be used as tie-down points with either zip ties or the included reusable touch fasteners.

InWin 977EK Video Showcase


Technical Specifications:
  • Model Name: EK-Quantum InWin 977EK
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 525 x 250 x 575 mm
  • Color: Silver/Black
  • Tinted Tempered Glass Panels: Yes
  • Power Supply Compatibility: ATX up to 285 mm
  • Motherboard Compatibility: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
  • Maximum GPU Length: 330 mm
  • Maximum GPU Width: 190 mm (184 mm to be removable via rails through the back)
  • Storage Drive Maximum Thickness: 26.4 mm
Maximum Fan and Radiator Compatibility:
  • 2x EK-Quantum Surface P420M or P420M X-Flow radiators, including one set of fans for each
Availability and Pricing
EK-Quantum InWin 977EK cases are made in Taiwan and are readily available for pre-order through the EK Webshop and Partner Reseller Network. The estimated shipping date for this product is early April, 2024. The EK-Quantum InWin 977EK is available in Black and Silver color options, priced at €799.90 manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP), VAT included.
Source: EK Waterblocks
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17 Comments on EK Introduces New EK-Quantum InWin 977EK PC Case

#1
HBSound
The black case is extremely lovely looking! Insert a 420 RAD/FAN be in the top and bottom without getting in the way. Classic!
Posted on Reply
#2
AnarchoPrimitiv
I wish InWin would rerelease the 909 with the explicit goal of keeping the price under $200....I always liked that case and never had a chance
Posted on Reply
#3
ThrashZone
Hi,
Not sure why a sliding radiator is needed seeing it's water cooling and they used hard tubing lol

But another solid front panel so auto hard pass.
Posted on Reply
#4
Sp33d Junki3
ThrashZoneHi,
Not sure why a sliding radiator is needed seeing it's water cooling and they used hard tubing lol

But another solid front panel so auto hard pass.
Solid front panel is perfectly fine. Mesh/glass is not ever needed, when you have a direct bottom -> top flow. Designed perfectly for watercooling.
Posted on Reply
#5
HBSound
Without front ventilation. You would have to stand the GPU vertical, so that the airflow from the bottom to the top is not imeded in any way.
I like the case, but I would not pay $800 plus for it. I spent that kind of case on my last Phantek Elite case. Amazing case, but at the time, I really did not know any better - no one fault but my own.
Posted on Reply
#6
bonehead123
Aesthetically pleasing....but feature lacking (no front/top I/O)....and monster price tag = p.A.s.S.....

Hopefully we can get some reviews soon that will test out the slide & glide mechanism, cause if it's not smooth as glass, it will be a major FAIL IMHO :D
Posted on Reply
#7
Dammeron
HBSoundWithout front ventilation. You would have to stand the GPU vertical, so that the airflow from the bottom to the top is not imeded in any way.
I like the case, but I would not pay $800 plus for it. I spent that kind of case on my last Phantek Elite case. Amazing case, but at the time, I really did not know any better - no one fault but my own.
Got a set of 5900X and 3070ti - all LC'ed in Fractal Define 6 (graphic card stays horizontal, since I also have a separate sound card). No problems with solid front door - both the CPU and GPU stay cool&quiet.
Posted on Reply
#8
HBSound
DammeronGot a set of 5900X and 3070ti - all LC'ed in Fractal Define 6 (graphic card stays horizontal, since I also have a separate sound card). No problems with solid front door - both the CPU and GPU stay cool&quiet.
Your case has two large fans sitting right at the front of it, and that air pulls right up through the top. And you have the ventilation at the bottom of your case two. Your case has a lot more space for air to move and flow.

I do respect your point, too.

Posted on Reply
#10
Calenhad
Rotatable motherboard tray is always nice. Bottom to top airflow is nice.
FoulOnWhite799 euro jesus talk about EK taxes.
That price is not nice. But why are we even surprised that the EK tax is this hefty anymore.
HBSoundWithout front ventilation. You would have to stand the GPU vertical, so that the airflow from the bottom to the top is not imeded in any way.
I like the case, but I would not pay $800 plus for it. I spent that kind of case on my last Phantek Elite case. Amazing case, but at the time, I really did not know any better - no one fault but my own.
Unless your case is about as wide as the height of the GPU, this is less of a problem than you think it is. Would air flow better through an open case? Sure. But (forced) air will not stop and wonder why there is a GPU in the way, it will flow round it pretty easily. Just make sure there is some room available, restriction is basically logarithmic to distance. E.g. if you lay a GPU on the bottom intake it will restrict the air flow alot more than if you just raise it a few cm higher.
Posted on Reply
#11
Dammeron
HBSoundYour case has two large fans sitting right at the front of it, and that air pulls right up through the top. And you have the ventilation at the bottom of your case two. Your case has a lot more space for air to move and flow.
My point was that with watercooling both CPU and GPU You can shoot most of the heat directly out of the case (plus the sheer cooling power of 2 240/280mm radiators) and the rest can be cooled with just basic ventilation setup - that's why I don't mind having front vents obstructed.

The best case (pun intended :p) scenario was something similar to old Silverstone TJ07, where You had bottom chamber separated from the rest, perfect for installing radiators, res and pump and all of it had it's own I/O vent holes.
Posted on Reply
#12
HBSound
Nice case and with the right components there is about a $2500 investment prior to equipment.
DammeronMy point was that with watercooling both CPU and GPU You can shoot most of the heat directly out of the case (plus the sheer cooling power of 2 240/280mm radiators) and the rest can be cooled with just basic ventilation setup - that's why I don't mind having front vents obstructed.

The best case (pun intended :p) scenario was something similar to old Silverstone TJ07, where You had bottom chamber separated from the rest, perfect for installing radiators, res and pump and all of it had it's own I/O vent holes.
I got ya. I agree with you! Thanks for sharing.
I also see the Silverstone TJ07 pop up in conversation all over the place. I have read a lot of folks really like that case.
Posted on Reply
#13
SOAREVERSOR
HBSoundNice case and with the right components there is about a $2500 investment prior to equipment.


I got ya. I agree with you! Thanks for sharing.
I also see the Silverstone TJ07 pop up in conversation all over the place. I have read a lot of folks really like that case.
Those haven't been in production for years. They did make a newer model, that cost more than this EK case does, but Silverstone has fallen out of style.

As to the price complaints on this the price is in no way remotely that high for this type of thing. In the past major case vendors have released products at similar prices. Also some major brands, Lian Li, made cases for old brands such as Voodoo PC which cost a good grip more than this case. Some brands still do this.

Higher end stuff is in small batches and the point of it is often that most can't afford it. If most people can afford it than it is no longer high end and just crap. Welcome to marketing and branding.
Posted on Reply
#14
HBSound
SOAREVERSORThose haven't been in production for years. They did make a newer model, that cost more than this EK case does, but Silverstone has fallen out of style.

As to the price complaints on this the price is in no way remotely that high for this type of thing. In the past major case vendors have released products at similar prices. Also some major brands, Lian Li, made cases for old brands such as Voodoo PC which cost a good grip more than this case. Some brands still do this.

Higher end stuff is in small batches and the point of it is often that most can't afford it. If most people can afford it than it is no longer high end and just crap. Welcome to marketing and branding.
I totally agree with you! That case is absolutely amazing! I personally love the black ones too. However, when I think about the cost of fans, radiators, tubing, and all the other components, it seems like we're looking at a total cost of almost $2500.00! And, that's not even including the actual PC equipment yet! I am a fan of EK, and Inwin, but I am learning at some point you have to draw the line.
Posted on Reply
#15
SOAREVERSOR
HBSoundI totally agree with you! That case is absolutely amazing! I personally love the black ones too. However, when I think about the cost of fans, radiators, tubing, and all the other components, it seems like we're looking at a total cost of almost $2500.00! And, that's not even including the actual PC equipment yet! I am a fan of EK, and Inwin, but I am learning at some point you have to draw the line.
www.abeepc.com/?lang=2

www.abeepc.com/jixiangxilie/92.html

A lot of this stuff exists to show off, that's it. Other is industrial for people who make money off it.
Posted on Reply
#16
HBSound
SOAREVERSORwww.abeepc.com/?lang=2

www.abeepc.com/jixiangxilie/92.html

A lot of this stuff exists to show off, that's it. Other is industrial for people who make money off it.
I did my homework for this company in the past. Extremely lovely cases, but when it comes to cooling -

ABEE SMART EM30 BLACK ATX - www.newegg.com/silver-abee-smart-atx-m-atx-mini-itx/p/2AM-04DP-00005?Item=9SIB129FGD1113

I am planning to check out the Asus ProArt PA602 as I want to use it for my next big project. I need to see how much space it offers as I have a large 12x13 motherboard. I am also considering inserting a 200mm radiator at the front of the case, but I need to make sure it won't interfere with the motherboard.
Posted on Reply
#17
SOAREVERSOR
HBSoundI did my homework for this company in the past. Extremely lovely cases, but when it comes to cooling -

ABEE SMART EM30 BLACK ATX - www.newegg.com/silver-abee-smart-atx-m-atx-mini-itx/p/2AM-04DP-00005?Item=9SIB129FGD1113

I am planning to check out the Asus ProArt PA602 as I want to use it for my next big project. I need to see how much space it offers as I have a large 12x13 motherboard. I am also considering inserting a 200mm radiator at the front of the case, but I need to make sure it won't interfere with the motherboard.
Those are different than their cooling centric ones.
Posted on Reply
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