Parts Installation

We chose a high-end Skylake CPU (i5-6600K) and an MSI GeForce GTX 970 GAMING 4G to put together a decent gaming system. The PSU is strong enough to handle a potent CPU and such high-end graphic cards as the fresh NVIDIA GTX 1070 or GTX 1080. We also used two OCZ SSDs and a 32 GB kit of Corsair DDR4 memory modules.


This is what the drive cage looks like with an HDD installed. As you can see, it doesn't use a screw-less mounting mechanism, which we don't deem to be problematic, though some users might prefer not having to use a screwdriver during assembly. In order to install the CPU, you have to remove the HDD cage, which should go back into the system last.


Since Shuttle doesn't include an SSD adapter in the bundle, we used those that came bundled with our OCZ SSDs. There should be an SSD adapter or the chassis should have bays especially for 2.5" SSD drives since most users nowadays at least use one. However, Shuttle does offer their PHD3 2.5'' drive holder as an optional accessories. It allows for the installation of up to two 63.5mm (2.5") hard drives or SSDs into a larger 89mm (3.5") drive bay.


The ICE 2 system uses heatpipes for increased performance. The fan depicted above - its model number is DS09225R12HP207 (92 mm, 12V, 0.41A, HDB) - is there to get rid of the heat the heatpipes transfer and will also cool the entire system down.


There is another 80mm fan (CoolFlow DF0801512LFL4A) at the front of the chassis. It not only cools mounted drives down, but creates some internal airflow by pushing hot air toward the rear of the chassis.


If you only use a pair of DIMMs, you should install them into the blue-colored RAM slots.


There is a warning label on the CPU heatsink to inform you of the fact you can only install CPUs with up to a 95W TDP. The most energy hungry Skylake CPUs are the i5-6700K and i5-6600K. Their TDP is 91W.


This case can accommodate a large, dual-slot graphics card, and the 500 W PSU won't have the slighted problem supporting it.

All in all, setting up the system is a straightforward procedure for even those with very little experience in installing hardware. The most difficult parts are installing the CPU and the cooling system, since you have to be very careful about not damaging any socket pins and have to make sure to mount the heatsink onto the PSU correctly. Most cables are preinstalled and prerouted, which keeps cable management work to optimize internal airflow to a minimum.