A Closer Look - Outside

Some may be worried that so much plastic may result in a case feeling flimsy, but rest assured, all areas of the front panel are surprisingly solid. GMC covers the entire front with a plastic film to protect it from scratches. The case is not black but rather a so called "gun metal gray". This is a very nice choice and the paint job is excellent.


GMC went into great detail for the front design. It is made completely out of plastic, which may be an issue for some, but as mentioned before it feels very solid and only the drive bay covers could be considered somewhat fragile. Due to the shiny parts, some areas are finger print magnets, so you better have something to wipe things down with. Turning the chassis over reveals a gun metal grey rear as well. This means that the interior is of that color as well.


Both sides are very elaborately designed, which further adds to the overall looks of the H-80. The main side holds a large 200 mm intake fan, which may be replaced by four 120 mm units and there are two air intakes behind plastic shrouds as well. These pieces are not just for looks, but cover actual openings in the side panel. The other side is completely solid but features a few extruded areas. It is great to see the amount of detail GMC has put into the overall design of the chassis.


Taking a closer look at the front, the top area is filled by all the expansion bays. Two of the three 5.25 inch bays feature drop down covers, so you are free to use any color optical drive without disturbing the overall look of the chassis. There is a single 3.5 inch one hidden behind a drop down cover at mid level. You will find a 120 mm intake fan behind a cover on the bottom. This semi-transparent piece of plastic may be flipped upward for easy access to the dust filter, allowing you to clean it with ease.


Turning the H-80 over, we have the 120 mm exhaust fan next to the mainboard rear I/O on the very top. There is very little space above and to the right of the cooling fan, which may restrict as far as the CPU cooler is concerned. We will see later on if that turns out to be true. Below that are the seven expansion bays, each protected by clip-on covers. Right between the rear exhaust unit and these bays are two openings to route water cooling tubing through. On the very bottom is the PSU bay which gives you the option to install the PSU in two directions, but as we will see later on, only one way will make sense.


There is another plastic contraption on the top of the chassis. The overall appeal of it is a purely subjective matter, but it houses an additional fan which pulls hot air out of the case. This brings the total number of included unit to four - quite respectable.