SilverStone Redline RL05 Review 5

SilverStone Redline RL05 Review

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Value & Conclusion

  • The Silverstone Redline RL05 goes for just under 70 euros incl. taxes or 70 US dollars excl. taxes.
  • Two 140 mm LED fans included
  • Shroud to cover PSU and 3.5" bays
  • Can hold 280 mm thick radiator in the ceiling
  • Can hold 240 mm radiator in front
  • External 5.25" drive bay
  • USB Type-C connector
  • Plenty of space for large graphics cards
  • Lots of room for long PSUs
  • Two SSD trays may be installed to the shroud or behind the motherboard tray
  • Simple implementation of USB Type-C connector
  • Simple metal-mesh dust filters in top and bottom
  • Non-removable filter in front
  • Radiator in ceiling will block external 5.25" bay
  • Only two SSD trays included, but there are four mounting locations
  • Not enough hooks for cable management and zip ties
The Silverstone Redline RL05 aims to be a value-conscious choice for enthusiasts. For that crowd, value, looks, and brand are usually at the very top of the wish list. Silverstone checks both looks and brand off with the Redline RL05. However, the inclusion of a USB Type-C connector, albeit a great differentiator in such a hard price segment, will never be the reason someone will go for this case over another, and it does add a few euros, or dollars, to its price - which could make all the difference in someone's buying decision.

Even if you want to put such a connector to good use, you will have to spend a little extra on buying a board with two USB 3.0 headers, which also limits your choices.

I am spending some time focusing on this feature as it is meant to set the chassis apart from others, but seems to target a small and very particular customer segment. Those who need it will love the Redline RL05 simply for the fact that it has the port. For everyone else, the chassis' value may be a stronger factor as every dollar makes a difference.

Take the Type-C connector out of the equation and the Redline RL05 still remains quite the functional and well-designed chassis, though it does not take the cake when it comes to engineering feats. Yet finding a chassis with two 140 mm fans and such a shroud element right out of the box, alongside good liquid-cooling support, is quite difficult, especially at such a price.

So, the Silverstone Redline RL05 manages to polarize a bit: It is a functional, simple case. It offers unique connectivity, but very simple dust filters, dual radiator support at the cost of the 5.25" drive bay, four locations for 2.5" trays, but only includes two trays, and has an interesting cable-management design, but not enough cable hooks and space for cable routing.

The bottom line is this: If you see yourself putting the USB Type-C connector to good use and, as such, see its value, get this case - that's a no-brainer. If you don't need it, but like the looks and its interior feature set, it certainly is an interesting purchase for its price.
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Jul 24th, 2024 03:29 EDT change timezone

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