A Closer Look - Outside

There are numerous aspects of the DH-202 taped shut, so that they won't be able to move during the shipping process. A foam sheet has been placed over the display to further protect it.


Thermaltake has kept the general front layout the same when compared to the DH-102, but the new layout looks and feels much better overall. Gone is the grey aluminum bar, the ugly corners and that little drop down door on the lower edge. You now have a card reader and the front I/O behind a long plate which drops down with the push of a button.


Both sides of the DH-202 have large openings, which will allow air to enter the chassis but also give way to dust and will result in you being able to hear every sound coming from within the unit. The large opening on top only adds to the problems in that regard.


Taking a closer look at the front area, we have the 7" display on the left side, along with the IR receiver and the power bottom on the left edge. You will also find two USB 2.0 connectors along with a Firewire and the usual pair of audio connectivity on this side. The other half of the front is filled with the volume dial, the array of buttons to control the information shown on the display. On the bottom edge you will find the 4 port card reader, which should accept all major formats.


Turning the DH-202 over, we have the PSU on one side, two small exhaust fans - just like the DH-102. On the other end are the seven expansion bays for the mainboard, all of which are protected by separate covers which have air vents. Thermaltake has gone all out on these openings and I am a bit dissapointed that nothing seems to have changed since the DH-1 series of HTPC cases.


A nice touch are the golden feet of the chassis. While many may not notice, there is plenty of high-end audio equipment out there with the same type of golden stand-offs.