Introduction

Thanks to Caseking.de for making this preview possible.

There are not a lot of Aluminum case manufacturers out there, so it is always interesting to see a new one enter the scene. Cubitek has just announced their first steel case - the Tattoo series. This case combines a few interesting features, but that is not what we would like to show you. Cubitek is also working hard on bringing out a full range of Aluminum enclosures ranging from ITX to eATX cases. One of these cases from the Tank series is called the XL-Tank. This is unit slightly larger than the mid tower. This is the first time this case has been shown to the public and as this is a preview, not a review we will only focus on the look and functionality of the chassis.

The XL-Tank is by no means ready for prime time yet, so we cannot judge the overall quality and feature set for now. Thus, this article will not conclude with a score like a normal review.

Contents

As the retail package is not yet ready (I received the chassis in a plain, brown cardboard box), let us start us with the contents. As you can see above, there are a boat load of different screws, all separately bagged. Two metal handles for the side panels are also part of the extras. Cubitek also includes extension cables for the fans, a USB adapter cable to connect the two USB 3.0 enclosures to the USB 2.0 header on your mainboard. I also had a little sheet with foam spacers, but I cannot tell you what these are for.

A Closer Look - Outside

The XL-Tank chassis combines straight lines with small curvy edges. It is all black and there are currently no plans to offer any other color option. From a design aspect, the chassis makes a very nice, slightly understated but also a bit industrial impression.


Cubitek has chosen to construct the front with an elaborate set of Aluminum pieces. Two long parts run up the side, while a frame circles the air vents and drive bays. There are also small, extruding screws. Turning the chassis around, we can see that the power supply is located on the bottom, with a large fan up top. The edges of this pre-production unit were still quite sharp, but Cubitek will make sure that they are all rounded in the final version.


Both side panels are completely solid and are held in place by thumb screws. There are no windowed versions of their Aluminum cases in planning at the moment, but this may also change by the time these cases ship.


Taking a closer look at the front, in the bottom is the Cubitek logo on a performated panel, behind which the 200 mm intake fan is situated. Above that are four external drive bays. It may look like there are more, but the bottom and top pieces are simply part of the chassis front.


Turning it around, starting at the bottom, the PSU bay utilizes a frame to install on the PSU. It looks very familiar to what Lian Li has implemented as well. Above that are eight mainboard expansion slots so even boards with this many slots can be used within the chassis. Two water cooling openings have been placed next to these slots. A large 140 mm exhaust fan has been placed in the top to pull the hot air out of the XL-Tank.