A Closer Look - Outside

Out of the box, the Thermaltake Ceres 300 TG ARGB looks just like its bigger brother the 500 variant when it comes to the design. However, there are several differences inside and outside. On the exterior is the fact that this smaller chassis no longer utilizes metal for the uniquely shaped frame, opting for plastic instead. This is unfortunate, as that is the singular recognizable design element of the Ceres series. The side panel is not hinged either with the upside being that there is no longer a big black knob present.



Thermaltake has done well by providing creating a large vent in the front which allows for unrestricted airflow and has managed to add a bit of a design element into the panel as well, which really helps to avoid an otherwise monotone surface & vent. The backward bend on the bottom of the panel draws your focus to the plastic gray component and the company branding, so that Thermaltake is able to get away with a small, subtle, black logo. You may pull the plastic front cover off to reveal two 140 mm ARGB equipped intake fans. The black component of the panel also holds a fine mesh dust filter. It utilizes magnets to keep it in place which are unfortunately not very strong. Looking at the rear, the Ceres 300 TG ARGB sports the classic modern case layout with the PSU bay at the bottom of the chassis.


While the Ceres 300 TG ARGB utilizes a clean glass side panel with black framing to keep things looking as tidy as possible. The PSU shroud has been split in two, with the rear providing another vent in the same design as those on the front and top of the chassis. While there isn't much functionality to it, if you happen to have a power supply with ARGB built in, this gives you a chance to at least show it off somewhat. The front section is a solid steel panel that may be replaced by the Thermaltake LCD Panel Kit which is sold separately. On the opposite side of the chassis, Thermaltake has not simply placed a flat steel side panel, but mimics the design even though this is all just one big metal piece - which is a nice attention to detail.


In the rear at the bottom of the chassis, there is the PSU bay with a single set of mounting holes. Above that are the seven expansion slots which come mounted inside Thermaltake's signature, patented frame that may be rotated 90° to allow for vertical GPU mounting should you have the right riser cable. In the very top, there is another 140 mm exhaust fan, which - unlike the one found in the Ceres 500 TG ARGB - is no longer ARGB equipped unfortunately. This means that you should also be able to install big air coolers without issue, something Thermaltake also confirms by communicating clearance of up to 185 mm. There is not a lot of room above this area, which is the main reason the Ceres 300 TG ARGB ends up being smaller than the 500 variant. If you look closer, you will see two zip tie hooks on the left edge of the chassis. That is a nice touch, but Thermaltake could have made them larger and added a third one at the bottom next to the PSU bay. Such improvements would them allow them to include three Velcro strips for the purpose of cleanly routing your exterior cables as well in the best possible way.


At the top, Thermaltake has placed a magnetic cover which protects the fan/radiator mounting position from dust. While it is magnetic, the magnets are rather weak and the plastic corner of the cover kept popping up by simply moving the case around from time to time. There are mounting holes to install up to three 120 mm or two 140 mm fans. Alternatively, you may mount AIOs of up to 360 or 280 mm. The I/O consists of the usual buttons and LEDs as well as the modern standard of two USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C connector and two audio plugs. The USB 3.0 ports are OEM blue, which is a bit unfortunate. The only reason this was ever established was so that users could easily differentiate between USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports. As we have mentioned in previous reviews: as that is no longer a requirement, there is no reason for Thermaltake to keep sticking to blue ones.


On the underside of the chassis, there is a full length dust filter meant to keep dirt and grime out of the PSU and rest of the chassis. You may pull the filter out through the front of the case, which is the best possible solution as you will always have easy, immediate access to it. On our sample, the dust filter did not hold in place well as the plastic clip in the front never snapped into place. As a result it kept sliding around.