A Closer Look - Outside

Out of the box, the SilverStone Alta G1M looks unique due to its slim and tall dimensions. With a footprint similar to that of standing ITX enclosures, it will take away considerably less room on your table than a classic chassis. SilverStone has done well to keep the design clean with the focus being the uniquely shaped air vents on the steel panels.


Looking at the front, the majority of the panel consists of a vent with a fine mesh layer behind it as a protective element. SilverStone also includes a USB-C, two USB 3.0, and an audio-combo jack in the bottom-left corner, which further underlines that the Alta G1M should be standing on your desk, ideally to the right of your monitor.


In the rear is not too much besides another steel panel with a vented cover as SilverStone intends the case to look great from all sides. In the very top-right corner is a grommet-covered opening through which you will route your USB, HDMI, and other cables, while a centered, bottom-mounted power plug is connected to the internal PSU bay.


The main side of the SilverStone Alta G1M is on the right, as the motherboard is not only meant to be installed inverted, but rotated 90° as well. This side is where any active cooling will also reside, so the air vent and its dust filter are important. The opposite side comes with a completely solid panel, which is just fine as there is no need for air circulation behind the motherboard tray. That said, SilverStone could have gently embossed the design of the square air vents for texture and uniformity, but that is a purely subjective opinion.


In the top, you will find yet another vented cover with the same signature look underneath of which is the motherboard I/O plate and four expansion slots. A plastic clip at the rear opening allows you to easily bunch up all major cables, and there is plenty of clearance, so you won't have to worry about having to buy special leads with angled connectors.


SilverStone has included a base that raises the frame of the Alta G1M up off the ground to allow for unrestricted airflow. Four holes give you access to the internal 180 mm fan-mounting screws, and a dust filter in the base may easily be removed for cleaning purposes as well.