Value and Conclusion
- The Silverstone Precision PS15 sells for US$60.
- Very compact mATX chassis
- Potent cooling possibilities for its size, incl. 240 mm radiator in front
- Basic but useful I/O
- Dust filters on all intake areas
- Includes tempered glass side panel
- GPUs of up to 314 mm will fit
- Plenty of hooks for zip ties on motherboard tray
- Backlit Silverstone logo
- Watch the length of the PSU as the HDD cage is not removable
- Some may miss a second 3.5" drive bay for their applications
- A second fan would have been a fitting addition
- Finished interior needs a lot of TLC to look clean
- Little space between motherboard and side panel
- Lit up Silverstone logo not for everyone
The Silverstone Precision PS15 focuses on being as compact as possible while still offering adequate capabilities and an affordable price tag. While it certainly does check off the small size, the other two points, though still true, are not as clear-cut.
First off, the build quality of the Precision PS15 is very good for an affordable chassis. However, looking at this market segment of mATX enclosures, you have a truckload of options, which are all quite similar. In fact, other mATX cases from major brands start at US$40 US, a whole US$20 less than the PS15, but tend to be bigger and only offer one USB 3.0 port. For the extra cost, Silverstone provides you with a compacter size, two USB 3.0 ports, and better build quality and material mix. However, looking at the $60 market, the playing field is leveled out again with some brands offering two fans and better storage options if you are willing to sacrifice a few extra liters of your desk space.
One area where the Silverstone PS15 trumps the competition is in terms of cooling capabilities for its size with the radiator mounting possibility and additional fans in the top.
In the end, the Silverstone Precision PS15 has a lot to offer and is trying to stand out, as far as possible in this price bracket at least. It is not completely convincing, and a budget-minded user isn't going to be swayed straight to it without considering the many other options on the market. Ultimately, having a more tangible and visible bang for your buck case may trump shaving a few extra liters in volume off your desk for this market segment. However, if tiny with excellent cooling is your thing, the PS15 is right up your alley.