Cooler Master has had quite the success with the CM Storm Trooper chassis. The new Stryker utilizes the same shape, design and chassis, but offers different side panels and that important white and black look.
Silverstone is known for pushing the envelope with unique internal layouts. The Kublai KL04 series does just that within the bounds of a mid-tower. We take a closer look at the case to see, if Silverstone has done it again, or if they have not managed to reinvent the wheel this time around.
Lian Li is well known for their Mini-ITX cases. Today we are looking at one of their high-end models, which looks much like a small suitcase, is more compact than the PC-Q08, but still offers nearly the same space within. We stuff the belly of the little PC-TU200 full of hardware and step back to see if it will burst or manage to swallow everything whole.
Cooler Master is breaking the 100 Euro barrier with their latest silent chassis. Going by the name Silencio 650, it aims to please the high-end gamer and quiet computing enthusiast. But is it worth the price premium over the 550D? Read on to find out!
The In Win BUC 101 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the BUC, offering a fancy look with useful features and fairly compact dimensions. As a futuristic interpretation of the original chassis, with a few new features, the BUC 101 warrants another look at the case line - nearly one year after the original.
With every major case manufacturer trying to offer a silent case option, it was just a matter of time before Corsair did the same. Somewhat late to the party, the Obsidian 550D costs a bit more than the competition, but manages to offer an extremely well rounded package giving the user the flexibility between silence and viable compromise for performance.
Cooler Master aims to shrink the HAF X, offering a mid-tower sized variant by the name of HAF XM. Still featuring that rugged, wide and military look, we take the chassis apart to see if it still manages to offer the guts of a war machine, just like the original, or if its looks hide nothing but a bland interior.
With the NZXT Switch 810, the company inches toward the higher end spectrum of the market, offering an XL-ATX chassis in white or black. With a unique interior and some really cool features, the Switch 810 makes a great impression.
Antec is rebooting their entire case line-up and the Antec ONE successfully manages to place itself in the sub 50 Euro market with a unique approach in tooling. Is this the one to rule them all, or will other cases take the cake?
Corsair is extending their case line, further pushing the price down to jump on the bandwagon with the 300R. We take the smallest brother of the Carbide series for a spin to see if it packs the punch of the 400 and 500R, or if other cases offer more performance for your money in this market segment.
The BitFenix Shinobi really put BitFenix on the map for the majority of users with its sleek design and SofTouch surface. Thus it is only natural that BitFenix gives the chassis the growth hormone treatment and offers a full tower variant. We take the XL size Shinobi for a spin and see if it is all fat or mean and lean functionality
Gelid is expanding their product range to include cases. Their DarkForce is the first entry into this crowded market segment. Will it force our head to take notice or is it just another simple blip on our radar?
Is it a mATX chassis? No! Is it a mid-tower case? No! What is it? It is the Xigmatek Gigas! Too big to be a compact mATX cube, but too compact to be considered a mid-tower. Will the Gigas end up being the Frankenstein of cases, or manage to impress with this new approach?
The Cooler Master Cosmos II aims to take the crown as the super car of cases. With a price tag and the looks to match, we take the chassis for a spin in our test lab to see how it holds up and if it manages to impress with features under the hood.
The Antec ONE case has not launched yet, but we had the chance to take an in-depth look at the upcoming entry-level chassis. Will it be able to take the spoiled market by storm, will it be the one for Antec, or will it end up shooting nothing but blanks? While only the retail unit can give a definitive answer, this preview will shed some light on things to come
The Tempest 410 is intended to carry the genes of the original Tempest series, with the updated guts to offer modern features. Clocking in at 80 or 100 US Dollars it will be interesting what makes this chassis stand out from the crowded market.
Antec made a big splash with the P280 and now is following up with a new gamer case called Eleven Hundred. Will the chassis manage to put Antec back on the map for pure gamer/enthusiast cases or leave us unimpressed with a lack of functional features?
The NZXT Tempest 210 is the entry level chassis for the current Tempest family. While costing a bit more than the Source line-up, it shares a lot of functional similarities. We take the case for a spin to find out if it is all a more expensive deja vu or if the Tempest 210 offers more than just higher price tag when compared to the Source variants.
The Xigmatek Midgard chassis has been one of the most popular cases in its price class. After almost 3 years, Xigmatek now presents the successor simply called Midgard II. It features a timeless design just like the original one, but includes a long list of new and updated features. The Midgard II has some big shoes to fill - let us see if it manages to impress as much as the original.
There are very few cases out there, which allow you to cool the CPU passively. Of those most only allow for Mini-ITX boards to be installed. Streacom breaks that tradition by offering the FC5 OD, able to take a mATX board and three 2.5 hard drives, while still offering enough cooling power to keep modern, high-performance CPUs cool. Can the 250 Euro enclosure deliver on all these promises and stand the heat?
The Commander MS-I case is the most affordable of the new cases from Thermaltake. With the choice between a model with two USB 2.0 and one with a mix consisting of a single 2.0 and a single 3.0 connector at the same price point, it is interesting to see what difference such a feature makes in terms of alternatives and placement in the crowded sub 50 US Dollar range.
The Thermaltake Overseer RX-I is positioned just below the Chaser chassis. It costs slightly less, is slightly smaller, but still has a very similar feature set. We take a close look if there is more to it than meets the eye or if the Overseer RX-I offers the same price/performance value as its bigger counterpart.
The NZXT Phantom has been a huge success, spawning various color options including pink and black/orange. The Phantom 410 continues with the same design elements, but at a much smaller overall size - lovingly called "Phantom Mini".
There are a few cube chassis manufacturers out there, but CaseLabs guns for the ultimate chassis with their MAGNUM M8 and M10, right out of the gates. Will it come out guns blazing and mowing down everything in its path or end up shooting nothing but blanks? We aim to find out!
Silverstone has managed to turn heads with the 90° turned motherboard tray. One of the cases, the Raven 2 has now been updated with a new hard drive tray system and USB 3.0. We take the chassis out during the night to see if we manage to scare it away or if it can hold its ground.
Antec aims to deliver a functional, good looking chassis at an interesting price point with the P280. As part of the Performance One line-up, you can expect the ability to fill the chassis with high-end components like an XL-ATX motherboard and long graphics cards. But will the chassis break a sweat doing so or keep on performing?
The NZXT Source 220 aims to deliver cool looks, capable interior, USB 3.0 - all at a really affordable price point. The Source series of cases aims to take on the budget market, but still offers the distinct NZXT looks we have come to expect. How does it turn out?
anidées is a new brand in the tough case market. Their first chassis - the AI6 aims to deliver the utmost quality with a solid choice of features. All this at a sub 100 Euro price point. We were impressed by the quality of materials used and also the attention to detail.
The latest chassis from BitFenix aims to offer "relentless performance". It offers a cool looking design, three retail Spectre cooling fans connected to a fan controller and a whooping four USB 3.0 ports. But will the Raider manage to flex its muscles and withstand our bombardment or will it fail to defend itself?
The Carbide 500R is the high-performance version of the 400R with additional cooling and an edgier design. Will these be enough to justify the higher price tag and will it leave us as impressed as with the more affordable brethren?
The CM Storm Trooper aims to take the gaming crowd by storm and position itself as the elite chassis for LAN Party goers, as it offers a long list of unique and useful features. We take the chassis hostage and stuff it full of hardware to see if it buckles or manages to strike back like a trooper.
Thermaltake's initial release of the Level 10 was co-designed with luxury car manufacturer BMW. The second iteration is a boiled down and condensed version that maximizes all the enthusiast wants while reducing the price considerably. The Level 10 GT just might be the best gaming case on the market.
Stuffed with some cool features, like the hot-swap bay in the front, or the Air Penetrator fan in the top, the Precision PS06 offers many aspects while staying under that oh so important 100 USD barrier. We take the spacey looking chassis for a spin and test the usability of its long list of features.
After the Viako ML-55, we now get to take a look at one of the larger mini-ITX cases by the name "ML-Style". While it is bigger, it also allows for installation of a 3.5 inch drive along with a cool, slot-loading slimline DVD or Blu-Ray. We pull the case apart, stuff it with hardware and close it down to see if it can contain everything or burst at the seams.
Spire packs the Sentor 6004 with six LED equipped fans and offers an extended chassis to allow for large graphics cards to be installed. We pull the chassis apart and fill it with with hardware to see if it manages to impress with its understated, timeless looks or if these are signs of weakness.
Soungraph is the company behind all the great functionality of the major brand HTPC cases found on the market. With their retail products the company enables users to morph their normal cases and employ these as home theater system. We take a look at their first designed HTPC chassis called the Hummin' 3.03 and the first ever wireless USB based touch screen monitor.
The PC-V600F takes the successful V1020 series and shrinks it down for the mATX crowd. We will take the case for a spin to make sure it did not lose any of the important features on the way and to see if the chassis is really worth more than 200 bucks.
Lian Li has made quite a few unique enclosures in the past. This includes the Spider looking PC-T1 or the extravagant PC-888. Now, their newest designer case, the PC-U6, comes in the shape of a snail's house, with round circular shapes. Such a case will turn heads, even with a Van Gogh hanging next to it, that is for sure.
The Fractal Design Define Mini is not only a successful shrink of the award winning Define R3 or Define XL cases, but also adds USB 3.0 to the mix. We take the chassis for a spin to see if the small case really carries the same genes as its bigger brothers.
Akasa can be considered an institution or constant as a computer brand. The Venom Toxic chassis is their latest case aimed at the gaming crowd. The neon green accents make for a badass chassis. We give the large chassis a spin to see if it's all hot smoke or if the Viper has a real toxic bite.
HPTX cases are usually so tall that they do not fit under a normal desk. Lian Li - the company who first offered such a chassis - has managed to shrink things down to mid tower size while still offering HPTX compatibility and the ability to install up to 12 hard drives. We rip the case apart to see how everything is suppose to fit in such cramped spaces.
The Thermaltake Chaser MK-1, a futuristic looking chassis with a long list of useful features manages to impress in terms of looks, but can it hold up on our test bench? We fill the case with hardware to see if it ends up being chased or really manages to stay the chaser in every scenario.
The CORE 1000 is the most affordable entry into the Micro ATX case market from Fractal Design. It is aimed to take on the Cooler Master Elite and the Xigmatek Asgard by offering as many features at an affordable price point. Will it prevail?
After the huge success of the Obsidian and Graphite cases, Corsair is entering the sub $100 market with the Carbide 400R. We show no mercy and review it just like its bigger brethren and are happy to report, that it holds up in an impressive manner.
The Enermax Hoplite has a long list of features and sports edgy industrial looks, which seem to be inspired by other cases in the market but also turns some heads with a competitive price point. We whip out the screw driver to see how it holds up on our test bench - turns out Enermax has done a great job and that tool is barely needed.
With the CORE family of cases, Fractal Design is aiming for the budget market, trying to offer as many of their unique features as possible for a leaner price tag. We take the chassis for a spin to see if the Fractal Design gene is still present or the splicing has gone too far.
In Win is known for their 'out of this world' designs and the BUC is no exception. While the looks may not be for everyone, the case scores big with a long list of useful features, a good set of fans and a very competitive price point.
Cooler Master is one of the most recognizable gaming case manufacturers out there. Growing their mid tower lineup, the Storm series has a new entry, the Enforcer. We'll see if this cost conscious gaming case can hold up to the pressure or falls short of its objective.
Corsair presents the love child of the Obsidian 800D and the Graphite 600T series. The result is certainly stunning, as the Obsidian 650D offers the best of both worlds, with excellent interior design and great exterior looks & functionality
The dust has settled after the huge splash of the NZXT Phantom, the silence was taken by the H2 - what now? The Source series of cases aims to take on the budget market, but still offer the distinct NZXT looks we have come to expect. How does it turn out?
The SpineRex is the latest, full tower chassis from Enermax. Taking its name from the top spine cover, we dig deeper to see if the cool, multi-mode and multi-LED fans are trying to draw your focus away from something, or if they are the triumphant sights of a cool chassis.
After the Define and Array cases, the gloves come off and Fractal Design is jumping into the fray with a classic chassis aimed at the higher end mid-range market. We take the Arc for a spin to see if it keeps us and our hardware afloat in the battle or if the existing players in this price segment have the bigger guns.
Cubitek joins the ranks of Lian Li and Xigmatek with their HPTX-Tank chassis, which is one of three cases on the market capable of holding huge motherboards like the EVGA SR-2. With an unbelievable price tag for an Aluminum chassis, we take a close look to see if it manages to redefine the price / performance segment for such enclosures.
Antec has taken the Fusion Remote Max, shrunk it down to the Fusion Remote and has made things even more compact with the MicroFusion Remote. This case can still take a mATX board and allows for low profile expansion cards to be installed, while still featuring the timeless Aluminum front. We take the case for a spin to see if it still offers everything we are looking for in a HTPC chassis, or if Antec slimmed away all the good stuff.
SilverStone forges ahead with their latest small form factor design, the Fortress FT03. This unique example of form versus function challenges classical case design. Taking the Fortress series upwards with a stacked layout we'll see if the FT03 rises above the SFF competition.
The ISK-100 is the most compact Mini-ITX chassis from Antec, but still allows for two 2.5" drives to be installed along with your choice of Mini-ITX board. We fill the case with hardware to check if things are too close for comfort or if the small dimensions of the ISK-100 leave a good impression.
Xigmatek is growing up and so are their cases. The company has made a name for themselves with their extensive entry- and mid-range enclosures, but the Elysium is not only their first full tower chassis, but it is their first HPTX capable case as well. Let's see if the Elysium is victorious in offering an appropriate resting place of the biggest and fastest hardware out there.
The V2120 may be the largest chassis from Lian Li. It can not only hold a boatload of drives, but also the biggest enthusiast mainboard on the market: the EVGA SR2. With a hefty price tag we take a look at every aspect of the chassis with eagle eyes, to see if it is the ultimate computer case.
The latest addition to the long line of chassis from Raidmax, the Aeolus flies in as a top gaming case under $100. While Aeolus is a tribute to "the ruler of the winds" we'll find out if it blows us away or if the wind is knocked out of our sails in our review.
NZXT's H2 is a very well featured mid tower case in the $100 range that offers a clean and stylish look in both black or white. Even though it comes at a competitive price it includes three fans that can be adjusted using an integrated fan controller.
The Darkfleet series from Antec features a very industrial design and comes jam packed with fans and features. There are models for every budget and the DF-85 is the largest of the bunch. we take a look at the many unique extras within the chassis and walk away impressed by both the price and performance.
The Dragon Rider is not only an extremely cool case to look at, but also has a very long and interesting feature set that should grab your attention. We take the Dragon Rider for a spin and look behind that shield of a front to see if it manages to fend itself off or if the armor is cracked upon closer inspection.
We had a chance to take a look at the BitFenix Shinobi chassis pre-production sample, which is the first budget chassis from the upstart BitFenix. While the Colossus and Survivor managed to turn heads with unique looks, the Shinobi packs an understated design and a mean price/performance punch.
Lian Li has taken the small form factor of the PC-A05N and has changed the interior in favor of mATX compatibility and added space to store up to 7 hard drives within the chassis. With a price tag of just under 100 Euros we take a really close look if it is as innovative as the A05N back in the day or if it is nothing but good looks.
Raidmax is well known for their spacey looking cases and the Blackstorm is no execption. Available in black/blue or white/blue, we enter the storm front to see if what is at the eye of the hurricane.
Fractal Design has enlarged the Define R3 to a full tower with additional features, calling it the Define XL. We tear it apart, fill it with hardware and see if we still have room to breath or if it is all nothing but wasted space
Cubitek is entering the case market with their Tattoo series of enclosures. Ranging from a basic model to one with LED fans and red interior along with a nice set of unique features we take a look at the Tattoo Fire chassis inside and out to see if it manages to light our fire or burns down in the process
Exclusive, in-depth preview of a brand new player in the Aluminum Case market: Cubitek. The Tank Series of cases aim to bring some turmoil into the strong grip exerted by Lian Li and we have the chance to take a quick look at one of their cases, set to be released in Q1 2011.
Fractal has updated the Define chassis once more. The R3 revision comes with an interesting list of upgrades and features. We take it for a spin to see if it can keep up with the modern times and if it manages to impress in the light of stiff competition in the same price segment.
Corsair has put a lot of engineering into their Obsidian case line-up and everyone had eagerly been awaiting their first mid-tower case offering. Enter stage left: Corsair Graphite 600T, which takes a lot of the features of the Obsidian and packs it into a uniqe looking case at a much lower price point. We tear it apart and put it back together, to see if it can impress as much as the Obsidian series.
Xigmatek has managed to impress with their past cases, offering a nearly unbeaten price/performance ratio. The new Pantheon aims to redefine this once more, offering modern features at a very competitive price point. Will it manage to hold its own or crumble on our test bench?
AZZA has a very interesting line-up of cases so far and the Hurrican 2000 is their most sophisticated one yet. It features a menacing look, is filled to the rim with 8 fans (yes 8!) and hot-swap bays for each of the removable hard drive trays. We fill the case with everything - even water cooling and let loose the hurricane.
The NZXT Phantom is the first truly brand-new case from the company in a very long time. It looks great, comes in multiple colors and packs a long list of useful and well balanced features. We take a look at the white version along with the white Hale90, the first 80Plus Gold certified PSU from NZXT and end up quite impressed by both products.
The Armor A60 is a smaller version of the popular Armor A90. It retains the cool and edgy look of the larger brother, but also offers a few new and interesting features and updates. We throw everything we have at the case to see if the Armor A60 remains standing once the dust has settled.
The PC-Q11 manages to swallow a full size ATX power supply, standard optical drive and four hard drives while still looking as slim as today's runway models. The mini-ITX chassis is the successor of the Lian-Li Q07, growing slightly taller but managing to impress with a good list of new features. We peel it apart and stuff it full of hardware to see if it bursts apart or manages to keep its posture.
BitFenix may be a new brand but their first product has landed. The Colossus case is so large that you simply cannot miss it. It is packed to the rim with new and unique features, which make you wonder what we did without them before. We take an in-depth look at the retail version of this massive EATX case that goes for a very affordable 159 Euros.
The Fractal Design Array manages to swallow a whole six 3.5 inch drives and a single 2.5 inch one without the usual dimensions of a mid or full tower case. This makes the ITX chassis a great DIY NAS or server chassis. We dive into the Array to see how they manage to stuff so much hardware into a chassis of this size.
The Thermaltake Armor A90 features some menacing looks, all black interior and plenty of *omph* for the next LAN party. We peak under its armor scales to see if the interior is worth protecting with such a cool look.
The NZXT Vulcan is a mATX gaming case capable of holding large multi-GPU configurations with a convenient carrying handle. We tear it apart and fill it with hardware, to see if it lives up to its promise or turns up to be nothing but smoke and hot ashes.
The GMC H-80 manages to impress with its cool and elaborate looks along with the gun metal gray choice of color. Inside are four fans, two of them with menacing red LEDs - including the big 250 mm one in the side. We tear the beast apart to see if it manages to impress or turn out to be a timid creature.
The LM200 is the middle child of Thermaltake's Luxa2 series of high-end HTPC enclosures. While the LM100 Mini offers a compact size along with a PSU and hefty price tag and the LM300 goes all out with space for a full size ATX board, the LM200 can hold a mATX unit and seems to hit the sweet spot on price / performance as well.
The Define R2 from Fractal Design manages to still turn some heads in the crowded sub 100 Euro case market. It may not look like much at first sight, but Fractal Design manages to stuff it full of useful features, which are simply not present in cases from the competitors.
Microcool, typically known for their heatsinks, recently dove head first into computer chassis with their Banchetto 101 bench station design. With the option to mount your choice of water cooling hardware, this bench station stands out from the rest. Today we take a closer look to see how functional the Banchetto's design is.
The DH-202 succeeds the DH-102, with new looks and a couple of new features. It also costs around 90 Euros more than the aging predecessor. We take this 7" LCD display HTPC case for a speed to see if it gives us a bit of a deja vu or manages to impress with the new look and feel.
The V3 Black is one of the most affordable cases from Thermaltake. It aims straight for the likes of Xigmatek Asgard, which sells for a similar price, trying to walk the thin line between usability and ultimate affordability. We take the V3 Black apart, to see if it manages to go the distance or falls short in the required categories.
The term Utgard stems from the Norse mythology and means "land of the giants", ruled by Utgard-Loki. The Xigmatek Utgard offers you a unique and useful set of features, wrapped into a sturdy, tall and good looking chassis. We dive into the story to find out if the case will be forgotten or live on just as the legend has.
The In Win alpha 360 may have gone under in the masses of cases available on the market, but the Allure manages to rise and be noticed due to the fancy floral pattern and added bling of Swarovski crystals. While it shines on the outside, it manages to screw a few smiles with the inner attributes as well, as we open the Allure up and take a peek inside.
The Hades is part of the Crafted Series and features four fans, a temperature LCD display along with a very edgy, industrial design. The interior is all black and NZXT has chosen a unique approach by having nine 5.25 inch bays and multiple rails for 3.5 inch drives.
Here's Lian Li being Lian Li. The PC-T1 is an open mini-ITX chassis, which is one of the most wacky cases on the planet: it looks like a spider when assembled. Being the case that it is, we wanted to look into the belly of the beast and see if the menacing looks are coupled with the kind of engineering required to pull such a design off.
Dimastech is continously updating their Benchtable and listening to the feedback of both users and reviewers. The V2.5 simplifies many aspects of assembly, while adding new and useful features to the Benchtable. We take a close look at what it has to offer and at the improvements, to see if it is a worthy successor.
Moneual Lab is taking a step into the entry-level case segment with the Y601B slim form factor micro-ATX HTPC case. It looks like the kind of product for anyone looking to save some space on their desktop, or an upright media center. This case from Moneual comes at an amazing value with a price tag of only 65 USD.
The Helios 910 is a simple but sturdy chassis with nine external drive bays up front. It features an all black interior with a menacing looking 230 mm side fan, which comes equipped with blue or red LEDs. Azza is aiming to offer you a useful set of features at a price that won't break your bank.
The Mountain Mods "Ascension Create Your Own" Series cases promise to be the ultimate customizable case for the PC enthusiast. The new Crystal Ship version offers acrylic panels to show off your PC's inner workings. The optional new XL-ATX motherboard tray can easily house the new ten slot enthusiast motherboards. Just how customizable is it and what new options is MountainMods offering?
The Cooler Master ATCS 840 revives the line of cases which essentially made the brand so popular in 2001. It will be interesting to see if the chassis is worthy to carry such an illustrious name and if it can light that same spark of awe and respect for the now established brand.
The Element V is the largest case in Thermaltake's series intended for the professional user. The case features large fans with selectable lighting colors and adjustable rotation speed, all packed into a black and red eATX full tower case.
The vCase3 is a low profile HTPC case aimed at the DIYers out there who want an elegant yet simplistic design to house even the wildest of HTPC systems while not breaking the bank. Today we take a closer look at what the case has to offer.
The WingRS 301 is aimed at the budget user, carrying an affordable price tag of around 40 €. It features a black exterior and plastic carrying handle. Considering the large choice of enclosures at this price range, it will be interesting to see see what the WingRS brings to the table.
The Lian Li PC-B26FB stuffs the high quality interior we have come to expect into an edgy and fairly elaborate exterior. Along the clean lines and top cover with two additional fans, you get a large, blue ring of light in the front. The CaseKing KingMod Edition adds sound insulation material to the chassis to drown out some of the noise the PC makes.
NZXT has taken the Tempest chassis and updated it with numerous small and large improvements. Now called the Tempest EVO it does not only feature design updates but new additions in fuctionality as well. All this, while keeping the same introductory MSRP as the original.
Corsair takes their game to a new high with the Obsidian 800D, offering a full tower chassis with the company's unique device. The case does not only look massive, but also houses four hot-swappable hard drive bays along with an excellent cable management system and a window to show off the guts of the system.
The Dragonlord PC-K58 may not have the same bite as the K62 when it comes to looks, but has the exact same amazing internal functionality and the same feature set. So the Dragon may not look as dangerous but still manages to scorch things up on our review - at a significant discount.
The Lian Li PC-V351 is one ultra compact enclosure, without many of the expected shortcomings. It can swallow a big CPU cooler and long graphics card while managing to keep things cool and quiet. You even have the choice of up to 6 colors - a first for an all aluminum enclosure.
The Cooler Master Lab is their first test bench unit and scores with some extremely compact dimensions along with the possibility to install a full size ATX board. We take a close look to see how it stacks up to the competition from the specialists like DangerDen or DimasTech.
The Lexa S is an updated version of the classic Lexa and Lexa Blackline Series, which goes into a totally different direction. With a much lower price point it is stuffed with a radically different set of features along with four, white bladed fans, a fan controller and the possibility to use a dual radiator within the case. These are just some of the numerous new features of the Lexa S, while the review goes into all the details.
Origen AE has taken their legendary construction quality down to a mini ITX platform with their newest HTPC chassis - the M10. It is made of two thick pieces of aluminum and features an external, passive 150W power brick - two aspects you won't get anywhere else. But is this enough to justify the 400 Euro price tag?
The Lancool PC-K62 is the high-end model of the Dragonlord Series. It comes stuffed with four fans, screw-less systems everywhere you look within that black interior and a cool looking window to top things off. We go in for the kill to see if we can tame the Dragon.
The Luxa2 LM100 Mini is the smallest HTPC enclosure of that brand in the line-up. It can fit a mini-ITX board, but does it manage to deliver a compact and concentrated dose of all the features we look for in an HTPC chassis?
In a market saturated with mid-tower computer cases there are countless designs and different features to choose from. The one choice most people can agree on is getting a good value for their money. AZZA is trying to make this choice easier by offering the Spartan, a case with bold looks for gaming at a low price.
The Element T is the most affordable case in the Element family from Thermaltake. It aims to please both the the professional user and the mainstream gamer. This is certainly no easy task, but he case has space for up to six hard drives, an excellent construction and clean looks along with a large red LED fan up top.
The Xigmatek Midgard aims to redefine the mainstream case segment by packing it full with all kinds of features. From plenty of fan mounts to screw-less systems everywhere, along with an all black interior and a low, low price tag of $60. That is bound to get our attention, so we take a real close look, but will it manage to do away with the doubts?
The Vertex is a very unique HTPC chassis. Shaped like a pyramid and constructed of solid metal sheets along with a choice of three colors, the case is certainly an eye catcher. The chassis is currently available in very limited quantities, but you can count on us to get one of them to fill up with hardware for your viewing pleasure.
The Panzerbox intends to mow down the competition like a tank, as it is aimed at the uncompromising LAN party gamer. The compact case has all the space for large components to pack quite the punch. We take the case for a spin to see if it delivers more than just a menacing look.
The Gladiator 600 is another entry into the fray what some may call the "mainstream case market". We tear the case down from all angles to let you know if it can keep up with today's expectations and deserves the Gladiator name and if it is a worthy evolution from the Centurion.
The NZXT Beta is an extremely affordable enclosure with a sub 50 US Dollar price tag. We take a close look at the case to see if any corners were cut to keep the price down or if NZXT managed to combine usabilty, a solid feature set with that low, low price tag. In other words: will it come across as cheap or affordable?
The Chieftec CH-07B is the newest line-up to the Dragon Series and is aimed at the gamers out there. It can be had in black or red and comes stuffed to the rim with LED equipped fans to keep your hardware cool within the extremly sturdy steel enclosure during those hot fire fights.
The Luxa² LM300 Touch Pro is a new HTPC enclosure for the discriminating home entertainment enthusiast. While Luxa² is a relatively new brand, they are a division of Thermaltake who are no strangers to HTPC cases and accessories. With features such as all aluminum construction, a touchscreen LCD and fully integrated media software, the LM300 Touch Pro seems to be the total package in terms of a complete multimedia enclosure.
The Cooler Master HAF 922 is not just a smaller version of the very cool looking 932. It manages to improve things in many areas, to look even cooler, be even more affordable and possibly strike more fear and awe into your opponent at that next LAN party.
Thermaltake says the new Element S case is designed for Pros: is that true? With a stylish black finish, no annoying lighting, anti-vibration side panels and room for up to seven hard drives and two SSDs that may just be the case.
The AZZA Fantom 900 takes some cues from similar styled cases and gives its interpretation on how a budget minded mid-sized gaming case should be. With many cases that are out there for new builders and gamers wanting to save on money, we'll take a look at what sets the Fantom 900 apart from its competitors and why it's a solid choice for all.
The Lian Li PC-B71 takes the same concept as the A7010 - which is already an excellent choice - and improves on it in many areas. You will get a whopping seven hot swappable SATA bays, with access to them from the front of the chassis, along with an incredible, sophisticated, metal locking mechanism for the mainboard expansion slots. This case may just be the one to inch closer to that perfect 10, even if it comes at a price.
The CM Storm Scout is the newest additon to the gaming line-up of Cooler Master. It comes packed with a lot of gamer oriented features and mean looks. To top things off, the Scout features a built-in handle so you can carry your rig to that next big LAN party without breaking a sweat.
The Lian Li PC-A05N is an extremely compact chassis, which can still hold a full size ATX board, thanks to a unique interior layout. This should make the case a great choice for LAN party gamers or those looking to stuff as much in as little space as possible. Pair the case with one of those Lian Li Maxima Force power supplies and you have a great base for an ultra compact power house.
The X-Fighter takes its inspiration from the Star Wars universe. In Win has gone to great length and created their own design around that aspect. The result is a very interesting chassis with a lot of unique features and one of a kind, animated LEDs, which are certain to draw a lot attention at the next LAN Party.
The DimasTech BenchTable Easy is a metal overclocking/testing station with the possibility to hold large water cooling kits. Unlike some other tables out there, you can stuff this puppy with three optical drives, four hard drives and add double or triple radiators to the rig. On top of that, you can freely choose from a whole array of colors to customize the look of your own Bench Table.
The Gigabyte Setto 1000 looks great on the outside, with its stylish aluminum front and choice of three different colors. The case goes all out on looks, but keeps to the bare minimum on interior features and the price tag as well. This is for all of you who want to pimp their entry level PC or simply want to steer clear of beige OEM enclosures on their first build.
The Lancool Metal Boned K6 packs a lot of the exclusive new features found in the modern Lian Li cases in a sleek and clean designed case. The Lancool Metal Boned K6 is intended for LAN party gamers, wanting great construction quality and sturdiness in combination with the looks and engineering backbone one has come to expect from Lian Li.
The Silverstone Fortress aims to shrink the same awe inspiring and award winning uni-body construction of the legendary TJ07 to a mid-tower case, while still offering modern functionality and all the bells and whistles one should expect from an enthusiast enclosure.
The CM Storm Sniper is Cooler Master's first offering of the new "CM Storm" branding. The gear is intended for the enthusiast, semi-pro or even professional gamer. That said, the Sniper is jam packed with unique features, all wrapped up on a beautiful design and incredible paint job.
Yes, the Coolbay HX looks similar to the Antec 900, but this chassis from NOX manages to score with additional features, a nice interior paint job and better cooling, making it a choice to be taken very seriously, especially considering the price point.
The Ra X10 SIM case is the company's flagship model, featuring the unique software controllable fans and thermal monitoring system for the 13 included cooling fans. On top of that you will be able to stuff the Ra X10 with 10 hard drives, an eATX motherboard, multiple GPUs and a full compliment of external drives - with room to breath.
The NZXT Whisper aims to give you the basis for silent computing with sound dampening all around the interior of the chassis. A large compartment design with the possibility of an eATX motherboard and a heavy duty front door, make for an interesting case.
The Guardian 921 is an interesting looking chassis, featuring a "shield" as a door and a "head" raised above the rest of the case with a temperature LCD screen. Included with the case are three temperature sensors that can be placed at important locations that need to be monitored.
The In Win GD case is a unique gaming case. The case has been designed with a futuristic/robotic theme and the chassis follows this on both the front and side. The innovative VGA Turbo Cooling Solution is a great way for gamers to keep their graphics cards cool when spending hours in-game.
Tagan is a company well known for their power supplies and in recent years have ventured into the case market. In a case market of limitless varieties see how the Tagan A+ Diablo Advance separates itself from the pack with high styling and an elaborate air cooling system that features good looks right out of the box.
The In Win Matrix is a unique and extremely compact mATX enclosure. It looks good all around, thanks to a clever design and features a unique and well thought out interior. Despite its small size you can still fit in a regular graphics card and several harddisks.
The Spedo Advance package looks like a modded and tuned sports car. There is plenty of space for optical drives and it can hold six hard drives. The three 230 mm fans cool that engine inside the chassis.
The Cooler Master HAF 932 is a great looking case with its industrial and rugged design. It sports two 230 mm fans to cool those parts to the max. Removable hard drive trays and plenty of space for large components, all packed up inside this steel case makes for a perfect combination.
The X500 is the shrunk version of the already awesome Tyr PC-X2000 case by Lian Li. The larger brother already blew our socks off, featuring a unique layout, great design and lots of features. We take a close look at the Tyr PC-X500 in the hopes to find the same great feature set in a more compact enclosure.
The Lian Li PC-A7010 takes many of the features found in the Armorsuite or X2000 and wraps it into a sophisticated, but understatement clean look. Every feature within the case aims for ease of use, reliability and to deliver a quiet computing experience.
The Zaria A20 is a unique chassis. Having features like a kick-start power button, interchangable side window, out of the ordinary fan placement are just some of the highlights. The optional SIM module gives you total access to your fans, their lighting and several thermal sensors within the Zaria A20.
Lian-Li is known for their unique high-quality cases. They are now offering a chassis for the Xbox 360. The black case should finally make your console look good next to that fancy TV of yours. We pack the XB-01 with the consoles guts to see how it fares.
Chieftec's new HM-02B HTPC case has been specifically designed to support regular sized graphics cards and power supplies. Integrated in this very reasonably priced media PC enclosure are a VFD display, card reader and vibration dampening for optical and hard drives, making it one of the best choices on the market we encountered so far.
The Aerocool Hi-Tech 7 Pro features a huge 400 mm fan which is the biggest ever seen on a computer case so far. Also included is a fan controller and thermal monitor up front. We fire the turbine up to see how that monster fan performs.
Akasa has taken the Mirage-62 case and has updated it using thick aluminum panels, adding air vents which also can be used for water cooling units and a stylish new front door. The mid-tower case features loads of space and some clever design choices to make it big enough for even the largest power supplies and longest graphics cards.
Lian-Li is pulling out all the stops with the new Tyr case series. On our testbench is the X2000, which is not only the tallest case we have ever tested, but is packed with SATA backplates for six hard drives, three 140 mm fans and a long list of other features, too numerous to mention.
The Lian-Li V1010 is the successor of the very popular V1000. It now incorporates some of the new and unique features, which you will find in the X2000 or X500, at a much lower price point.
The Hiper Osiris is the company's newest offering in the crowded case market. It features numerous improvements over the Anubis, while coming in at a lower price point. The case also comes in black or silver and successfully improves on everything we criticized in our Anubis review.
The X-Supra is a new mainstream case from Apevia, which features all the usual extras like a handful of colorful fronts, screw-less design and fan controller. On top of that you can go for a huge 250 mm side fan or a windowed variant with a smaller 120 mm fan. The special edition features a solid side panel.
The Silverstone TJ07 has been on the market for quite some time, but still impresses every time you lay eyes on it. This is the reason you will see the case at every show, always filled with the latest and greatest in hardware. That is certainly enough reason for us to take a close look at the TJ07.
The Raidmax Iceberg is a sturdy case designed to suit the gamer who is also conscious of style. Coming stock with three 120 mm blue LED fans and a side panel window in addition to being quite sturdily constructed of aluminum, this case is made to please gamers.
The Altair A380 is an affordable slim HTPC case, with a very clean look coupled with a very durable construction. The included power supply is 80 Plus certified and can easily power today's mATX boards with multi core CPUs. Also included is an infrared remote control which is compatible with Windows Vista.
For nearly five years, Mountains Mods has been wowing the enthusiast community with their series of cube cases. Now Mountain Mods takes that to the next level with the classic U2-UFO design gone "Hyper Modular" with the "Choose Your Own" case. The possibilities are endless. How will you create yours?
In our CES 2008 coverage of Lian-Li you saw the awesome Lian Li PC-P80 R AMD Spider Edition case. These cases are just now coming through manufacturing, and TPU is one of the first sites in the world to bring you a detailed look at this new case. It features nearly everything an enthusiast could want, but is it truly the dream of an ADM/ATI fan?
The Hiper Anubis is an incredibly sturdy chassis, which goes the "trusted and true" route. You will not find any fancy layout or interior screw-less system, but thumb screws instead. The beautifully designed front is one good reason to give the Anubis a little plaque with a unique serial number on it.
The Cooler Master Centurion 590 is a very affordable entry level case that brings a lot of features from much more expensive enthusiast class enclosures. Its nine 5.25" drive bays offer ultimate expandability, large video cards will also find a comfortable home in it.
The enclosure market is a one tough cookie. From what Tempest offers, NZXT is certainly bringing an advanced feature set to the entry-level crowd or people seeking simple design. If you're on a tight budget, want to save up some money for better performing hardware and don't care about premium features like a removable motherboard tray you should check out this case.
The new Lian-Li Armorsuit PC-P60 is a very elaborate case, which is quite different from the understatement shape of their usual enclosures. Three LED fans are built into the very detailed front door and a top airduct guides air out of the case toward the back. Even though the case retails at $269 it offers a lot of premium features justifying the cost.
The Cooler Master Cosmos S is the "sport" variant of the original Cosmos chassis. Coolermaster has taken various aspects of the Stacker series and fused them with the original Cosmos case. The door is gone and the plastic top has been redesigned to fit a triple radiator of your choice. The new Cosmos S is also made of Aluminum which makes it much lighter.
The Lancool brand is created by Lian-Li and combines the flawless, understatement exterior with the sturdy bones of steel. This makes for the name "Metal Boned K7". The case is meant for LAN Parties and offers the same innovations found in the more expensive Lian-Li branded cases.
The Apevia X-Jupiter Jr. is a very cool looking case at a very low price point. This means you can expect a flashy exterior with a traditional interior, making it a great budget LAN party case. The case comes features a door with integrated LCD temperature display and is available in a wide range of colors.
Today we takes a look at the new Acrylic HTPC case from Sunbeam. Aside from the fact that this case is completely see-through and UV reactive, what really sets this case apart from other HTPC cases is that this case features a total of eight internal 3.5" bays. This feature makes it possible to have multiple terabytes of media storage directly in the HTPC itself.
The NZXT Rogue is a very unique case. It combines the portability of a cube with the possiblity to install large graphic cards and high performance power supplies. A carrying strap is also included, to make carrying the black or silver cube - featuring either blue or red LEDs - to and from a LAN party as easy as possible.
The Sigma Luna has a clean look with a brushed aluminum finish. It is light-weight, yet I still found it surprisingly sturdy. The large side panel window, sleek door design, silver accents, and chrome trim highly compliment the black satin finish. Top this off with an all aluminum chassis and tool-free installation, and you get a combination that is a pleasure to work with and look at.
Thermaltake has created a new Xaser case, and this time it is a monster. The Xaser VI is a huge "super-tower" case with room for Extended ATX motherboards, seven 5.25" bay devices, seven hard drives and up to ten PCI slots. There is an incredible amount of ventilation with the mesh on the front, top and sides, and there are even some other features that make this an ideal watercooling case.
The Alpha is NZXT's latest entry level case offering. While it does not cost a lot, it has enough space for an 8800 GTX or Ultra. This means that you can save a bit of money on the chassis and spend it on actual hardware, without having to worry about compatibility issues.
The DH-101 is Thermaltake's latest midsize HTPC offering. It features the well known Soundgraph iMON Graphical VFD and a lot of extra controls. It takes a normal ATX mainboard and has space for up to three hard drives, which leaves you free to choose which components you wish to install.
The Origen AE S10V is a pure HPTC case. It is compact and features a VFD with an integrated IR receiver for that Vista MCE remote. You will not find custom software or unneeded features inside this case, which makes it such a perfect choice for that big, 1080p TV you have in your living room.
The Apevia X-QPack 2 is the successor of the original X-QPack. Notable changes include the full size 500W power supply by placing a slightly longer front cover unto the chassis. A 8 cm fan has been added in the front of the case to actively cool your memory. Apevia also added a few more colors and one with a camouflage design.
The Gigabyte iSOLO 210 represents the company's newest mid-range product. At a price of just under $100 it comes with a very solid aluminum and steel front, a great design and a screwless installation system. There are round openings for watercooling, as well as plenty of space, even for large graphic cards and power supplies.
Ever find that you never seem to have enough room in your chassis? Then it's time to get a full sized tower. Lian Li has several large towers, and now they have a new one - the PC-A70. Today we'll take a look at the new PC-A70 from Lian Li and see if it's worthy of the Lian Li brand name.
NOX XTREME Moonlight is the name of the newest case from NOX. This case is aimed at gamers looking for a light-weight performance midi-tower. Can a case from a relatively new company even begin to compete with offerings in the same class from established companies?
The Cooler Master RC-690 is their newest mainstream case. It combines the benefits of great aircooling, screwless design and compatiblilty with large graphic cards with solid steel construction. All this comes at a very affordable price point. The case can be had with or without a window.
The UFO Acrylic Cube case from Sunbeam has a lot of unique features for a clear plastic case. The cube design is unlike other clear cases I've seen, and its compact size makes it great for smaller systems or users with space restrictions. There is a large amount of "WOW-factor" that comes with a case like this, and it is sure to turn some heads.
3D Mercury is the name of GIGABYTE's first ever case with an integrated water cooling system. The case is aimed at first time water cooling buyers and is extremely easy to setup and maintain. Is this case worth the money or is it just another overpriced attempt to fuse a water cooling system and a chassis?
The Cooler Master Cosmos is the company's newest high-end offering designed to be a follow up on the highly successful Stacker Series. The case did not only grow in dimension & weight but also offers a long list of new and unique features. You will find seperate hard drive drawers, four fans and foam covered side panels among many other details.
Today, more and more consumers are adding PCs to their home theater systems. With the goal of using it to watch DVDs, listen to music and surf the Internet, these consumers want something that functions well and looks great. The Thermaltake Mozart IP helps bring all those features to the home theater, with the added bonus of an iPod dock that works with or without the PC powered on. Using the included Media Lab display and iMedian software, many functions are at the user's fingertips with an infrared remote control.
The Origen AE S21T with a retail price of about $1000 is the company's flagship HTPC case. Its features like unique layout, incredibly solid construction, modern design, 12.1 inch full HD capable motorized dropdown touch screen and insane price are something you will not find in any other HTPC enclosure. It created a lot of waves as soon as first images surfaced on the Internet and was a big attraction at CeBIT this year.
One of the biggest names around in the consumer computer world has a new case out called the Triton 180. GIGABYTE, well known for their motherboards and graphics cards has a reach on just about every product type out there in the computer market. So today we will see if their cases are as good as their other products.
The Sugo SG02 is a small form factor case for MicroATX motherboards which is based on the SG01 Evolution but brings it to the mainstream segment at a much lower price point. The interior of the SFF case is kept very simple but efficient, which makes installation a breeze, while the very unusual white color variant will certainly stand out on any desk, living room or LAN party and goes great with a silver optical drive or two.
The Tuniq 3 is a mid-tower ATX case boasting an aluminum front panel and a CCFL base, along with Sunbeam's 3D Core Fan and a windowed side panel. There are ten total bays to install drives and devices, all of which are tool-less. The PCI slots are tool-less as well, making it easier to swap out hardware. In fact, the Tuniq 3 offers a lot of features for less than $70 USD.
NZXT has updated the Lexa series with a more affordable Blackline versions. The steel cases can be had with either blue or red lighting effects and feature all the bells and whistles of the original Lexa, but with an all black color. Aside from the awesome outside looks the Lexa features a clean interiour which has lots of space, even for the biggest video cards. An LCD display with three sensors completes the package.
Over the years, fans inside computer cases have more than doubled in size. Original case fans were 80mm, but more recent cases are including 140mm or even 250mm fans. The XClio 3060 Plus takes it one giant step further by including a huge 360mm side panel fan. Is bigger really better?
The newest addition to Thermaltake's Soprano line of cases is the Soprano RS 101, an entry-level mid-tower boasting a glossy piano-black finish to the front bezel. With tool-less PCI slots and drive bays, a full sized window with a myriad of fan options and plenty of style, Thermaltake scores a big win for the budget-minded consumer.
Danger Den has been making water cooling blocks for ages. Now the company has decided to expand its portfolio and has started offering cases. Danger Den offers acrylic cases, with optional UV panels. Today, we take a look at the Torture rack - a case that is supposed to let you stress components to the max, provide adequate cooling for them, and make it easy for you to change over stuff quickly and efficiently.
The Antec Sonata III is continuing the line-up with new looks, interior layout and a very solid and highly efficient EarthWatts 500W power supply. All this for a mere $149 USD, so we take a real close look and fill it with some high end hardware to let you know how it holds up.
The Spire Pininfarina is a very unique case, designed by the Italian design studio. The 6 mm thick aluminum and steel body make this case really heavy. It is a real back breaker if you plan to carry this one to a LAN party. The unique looks also continue with the butterfly doors, which make for some very simple installation.
The NZXT Hush is the newest case in their line-up. The name is also the main feature of this enclosure, as the interior is covered by noise reducing dampening foam. This includes the bottom, sides, front and top of the case. While the interior layout is not very unique, but the screwless design is a great addition and works well. As we are used to from NZXT the exterior design looks great, especially with the blue LED fan and lighting in the door.
One of the things I like about the Sunbeam 3D Storm case is the mesh front with washable open-cell foam to help keep dust from entering the system. The black mesh and the silver aluminum add a subtle touch of class to the case and give it a lot of style. The 3D Core Fan system adds greater flexibility to the positioning of the fans, as well as supporting up to four 120 mm fans. The Core Fan system works very well to help reduce component temperatures, especially with passively cooled components.
The Cooler Master Stacker 832 is the company's biggest, baddest and by far most unique case. It is the third generation Stacker and has not only grown in overall dimensions but also has some very unique features. Screwless drive installation, mainboard tray and very quiet fans make this case perfect for high-end SLI or Crossfire systems.
If you are constantly changing components and playing with new hardware you sure have noticed that using a case is not the right way to do it. For years HighSpeedPC has been offering their easy to use Tech Stations that give you an open bench to work with. The new 'Top Deck' Tech Station removes one of the biggest problems of the original offering by placing the motherboard - just as the name suggests - on the top.
Lian Li continues the expansion of their Classical Series cases, and today we take a look at one of the newest editions - The PC-A12. We'll take a look at the layout and features of this case to see if it's worth its 140 USD price.
NZXT is well known for producing some very high quality components. The Adamas is constructed of 3 mm thick sheets of aluminum and only utilizes the best in materials and some very innovative engineering. A price tag of just under $200 US Dollars demands this quality as well as high expectations on compatibility and the installation process. We take a close look at every aspect of this case to let you know if it is worth it.
The Sunbeam Quarterback is a midtower ATX case with tool-less drive bays and PCI slots, Core Fan system, VGA vent and a side window. The front bezel adds a door that makes the case look as muscular as a quarterback, which definitely adds to its style.
The Moneual LAB MonCaso 932 series carries a price tag of just under $900, but features all the specifications to justify it. A 7" touchscreen LCD placed inside an incredibly solid all aluminum case, a great software and easy installation as well as the included keyboards are what you get for your money. We take a real close look at the case which costs more than most complete systems and let you know if it is worth it.
The Lanbox Lite is geared toward the budget minded user, while still giving you all the benefits of its more expensive Lanbox brethren. With a large price difference of around 30-40 USD and no major differences, besides the front of the case, this is an easy choice for anyone wanting an affordable small form factor case. We try it out and let you know if it is just as good as the bigger, more expensive variant.
The Antec Fusion is a fully featured HTPC case that includes a 430W power supply. The case looks more like a A/V receiver than a case. This fact makes it by far the best fitting HTPC we had the pleasure of testing so far. It completely blends in with the big volume knob, VFD and beautiful white LED. But not only the outsides of the case are unique, the inside is divided in compartments for the mainboard, power supply and hard drives. We fill the case with hardware and take a close look at all the features, hoping it delivers more than just beautiful looks at a great price point.
3R System offers a full range of cases and quite a few HTPC variants. The newest such case is the HT-4000, which is a mid tower. This may be quite unusual for high quality HTPC cases, but everything found in such cases can also be found here - including the LCD, card reader and remote control. 3R System has managed to create a great, fully featured, beautiful and rock solid home theater case.
When it comes to cases Lian Li is one of the biggest names around. Today we take a look at the new PC-A16b case from Lian Li. Features like an adjustable HDD rack, thumb screw design, lots of room to work in a mid-tower, it's very well designed. If you're looking for a well made mid-tower with simple looks, or just a case in general; the Lian Li PC-A16 is good place to start.
The Thermaltake Bach VX case is nothing ordinary, even though the slogan "The Charm of the Ordinary" may imply some form of simpleness. The case sports some gorgeous looks and comes feature packed from start to finish. A brushed aluminum front, black drive bay covers, multiple locks and a partially screws-less design are just some of the highlights. We fill the case with hardware and let you know if we are still smiling in the end.
The Thermaltake LanBox is a portable case, which - as the name implies - is perfect for LAN parties. It features a large, comfortable and very sturdy handle, while keeping the weight down. It may cost more than other SFF cases out there, but certainly shines in every aspect. We let you know if the money is well spent for this case that is made to be the ultimate LAN party case.
The Ultra X-Blaster is a midi tower ATX case with a lot of potential. It may sport a small price tag, making the buy an easy one, but certainly does not disappoint. The case is quite sturdy, features drive rails for easy installation as well as a screwless setup for expansion cards. The included 400W XVS FlexForce modular power supply is a great addition, making this case the perfect allrounder for anyone looking to build their own system.
Lian Li is entering the media PC enclosure market with their PC-C30 series. With more and more media system components available and enthusiasts looking for the perfect balance of form and functionality the PC-C30 series is a perfect choice. Many enclosures limit builders and enthusiasts to certain components where as the PC-C30 allows them to use whatever they need to fit their demands.
Apevia is the new company name of Aspire. The Apevia X-Cruiser sports three gauges with blue light as well as a window for a small price tag. While the inside is quite simple and does not feature anything out of the ordinary, the outside look of the case did bring a smile to our face, especially considering the price tag and multiple color choices available.
The PC-A10 is a fantastic case. All the little things that Lian Li does over and over again make this case stand out from the crowd. The anti-vibration mounts for the fans, drives and side panels, the removable motherboard tray, PSU tray and drive cages, as well as the tool-less design make this case a pleasure to work with.
The Akasa Mirage 62 can simply be described as the Hummer of PC cases - wide, big, black. The front looks sweet, but the interior looks even sweeter. Black interior and a mirror finish mainboard tray just ask for a window panel to be used. This case delivers everything you may need, from total access to your parts to all the space you could ever need - even for QuadSLI and 1kW power supply. So if you can afford the $150 price tag, this case is for you.
The Zalman HD135 Media PC case was designed to be low-profile, yet you can install full-height video card(s) in it without the need for a riser card. It is also possible to use a standard sized power supply and a regular optical drive. Space for storage is also plenty, you can stuff up to 6 HDDs in this case which is just 135mm high. The HD135 is made from all aluminum and is available in black and silver for a price of $299.
If we could describe the XLCIO A380 which is identical to the A+Case Twin Engine with one word it would be: monstrous. Not because of looks, as it looks incredibly sleek. The case sports two huge 25 cm fans which light up and are a definitely a huge attraction at LAN parties. Big fans don't have to be loud - the included fan controllers allow you to fine tune the fan speed and noise as needed. Even at maximum speed the fan noise of this $110 case is barely audible.
The Ultra Grid case does not only sport a great paint job, but includes two 12cm fans, a 500W power supply, a great door with magnetic locks and a fancy "Ultra" air duct. It even has space for 11 drives. We take a close look at the case & the included V-Series 500W power supply to figure out if the case has everything we look for when we pay a penny short of $150 or if it leaves a hurtful void in our wallet, wishing we have gotten more.
The Thermaltake Mozart TX is one of the biggest PC cases ever made. It has so much space that you can put two systems into it. You have five drive bays and seven 3.5" bays, a total of ten fans can be installed into this case which seems like a great candidate to be fit with water cooling. We test the silver, all aluminum version of this $300 monster case.
The Ultra Aluminus case may look like your standard Chieftec case, but do not be fooled by first impressions. It is much different under the hood (or side panel for that matter) and has a lot to offer. The perfect paint job just rounds up the entire case which can hold up to 12 drives, has a removable motherboard tray and space for two 12 cm fans. If you are looking for something unique, check out this case.
The Silverstone TJ08 is a great little case at first sight. The front is incredibly well made and looks quite nice. The case can fit a mATX board and standard power supply. On second look however, the case exhibits some horrid paint and built quality. It costs twice as much as some from the competition and one is hard pressed to find any reason to recommend the Silverstone TJ08 case over much cheaper and even better variants.
The Cooler Master Centurion 540 is a mATX case with a sleek aluminum front, sporting very nice blue LEDs and a black fan grill. While the outside appearance leaves nothing to be desired, the inside does not disappoint either. The hardware installation is a breeze and the great fan mounting positions make it an ideal candidate for water cooling. The case definitely has the Cooler Master quality, but still a very affordable price tag.
Lian-Li is known for the great computer cases they make. Now they offer the new V series of cases, but even the classic ones have not remained unchanged. The Lian-Li PC-G50 may look absolutely tiny and cute from the outside with its perfect, sturdy build quality and paint job. Given the small size we were surprised that we could stuff a full sized ATX board equipped with a huge CPU cooler into the case comfortably and managed to keep it all cool with the two included 12cm fans.
Sunbeam Tech was founded in 2000. They specialize in computer accessories, and some hardware. Sunbeam is known for their case lights and cooling products, including the well known Tuniq Tower. Today we have the Sunbeam Silent Storm on the test bench. It features a clean office look and a big "Core fan" which improves air flow through your case.
The Aspire X-QPack is a unique case, which has everything the gamer is looking for. It is small and portable, thanks to the integrated handle and has all the room one could need. The small power supply still packs a punch and can power all the latest hardware with its 420W. But Aspire did not stop there - they included a 12 cm blue LED fan, as well as thermal probes so you can keep an eye on your temps while playing your favourite games at a LAN party. We crammed the case completely full, using every last screw that was included and checked out how it performed.
Thermaltake provides the Tai-Chi in two versions, one with pre-installed water cooling and one without. Obviously the water cooled equipped Tai-Chi comes with a hefty price tag and is one of the most expensive cases. Gazing at this behemoth one would expect it to do laundry too, however everything I wash turns pink even the poka dots. So after having to explain to the kids we didn't get a new TV I lugged the box indoors. Time to see what's inside the crate and makes this the top of the line Thermaltake offers.
The Matrix VX is a new budget case from Thermaltake with a great amount of features borrowed from high-end cases. It is specifically designed for LAN party users with full aluminum, screwless drive installation, two 120mm fans for case ventilation, side panel with large transparent plexiglass and net weight only of 3.8kgs.
Thermaltake is making a variety of products for computer enthusiasts: cases, coolers, power supplies, water cooling and other accessories. The Thermaltake Eureka is their latest full-tower case. It has a solid front door and is made from all aluminum with a brushed metal look. Sliding drive rails and tool free drive cages make installation easy. A removable motherboard tray completes the feature set of this high-end case.
If you are an enthusiast who is always playing with hardware, constantly swapping components, the HighSpeedPC Tech Station might be for you. We test the large version which offers plenty of space to add serious watercooling or even more exotic stuff. During our review we check if it's easy enough to put together and we also put a system inside the Tech Station to see if it can live up to the expectations.
The Mambo is another competitively priced case from Thermaltake. It weighs only 6.2kg but still offers all the comfort of a full tower case. Its elegant black design makes it pleasing for the eyes of the more mature computer users.
Sansun is a new and rather unknown company, which produces various types of hardware including premodded cases. There are different designs available, the one that we tested has a Batman theme. It looks good and performs pretty well at the same time.
For several years Thermaltake has been making "cool" hardware for the enthusiast. This includes heatsinks, fans, cases and other cooling solutions. Today we take a look at the Thermaltake VB6000SWS, an affordable case for people who still want a good looking computer.
Featuring a sleek and chic brushed aluminum shell the Lian Li PC-65b is all anyone could wish for in a mid tower. With the ability to remove the motherboard and PSU in just a couple seconds. Lian Li is known for their elegant and classy cases, they are designed and built to carry on the motto: a purchase you'll never regret.
