A Closer Look - Outside

Out of the box, the SilverStone FARA R1 Pro looks much like many classic mid-range ATX cases out there. Its design is clean with straight edges and tight corners. While the front is plastic, there is a large metal mesh panel, which is adequate for a chassis of this price range. The only immediate shortcoming of the case in this cost bracket is the simple window implementation with thumb screws holding the glass in place, which we no longer expect in a $90 chassis.


The front consists of a plastic frame with metal mesh, which feels nice and sturdy. The I/O has been placed towards the right edge of the front panel and consists of the power button with a white LED square, unmarked smaller button for either ARGB control or reset, audio combo plug, and a USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 ports. That SilverStone has gone with black USB ports is really nice since it fits the chassis much better, but there is absolutely no need for that single USB 2.0 port anymore.


The main side panel consists of 3-mm-thick, tempered glass with black framing held in place by aluminium thumb screws. On the opposite side, a solid metal panel is secured with two thumb screws.


You may pull the front off to reveal the three 120 mm fans with hub-mounted ARGB LEDs and semi-translucent blades. Interestingly enough, these are not fans SilverStone retails separately.


Taking a closer look at the rear of the FARA R1 Pro, the PSU bay comes with two sets of mounting holes. Above the PSU bay are the seven motherboard expansion slots. Unfortunately, SilverStone made five of the seven the breakout kind without thumb screws, which is an oversight for a case of this price bracket. In the very top, you will find a fourth 120 mm ARGB fan set to push air out the back of the enclosure. Instead of elongated mounting holes, there are several set screw holes to move the fan up or down slightly for utmost efficiency.


Across the top of the SilverStone FARA R1 Pro, a magnetic metal mesh covers an air vent for either two 120 or 140 mm fans. As for AIOs, the best you could do here is a 240 mm since the chassis frame is slightly shorter than with classic mid-towers.


Looking at the underside of the FARA R1 Pro, a basic metal mesh filter protects the PSU from dirt and grime.