A Closer Look

The Mozart IP is based on the old desktop style cases, but brings many advancements not found in the old cases. The sample we received was black, but the Mozart IP also comes in silver. The top panel includes vents compatible with Intel's CAG 2.0, while the bottom features four stylish gold feet with soft foam inserts.


The rear of the case shows that this is a full-sized desktop case with seven available expansion slots. Also worth noting is the use of three silver thumbscrews to secure the back, and the option of adding a security loop.


The front of the case follows the traditional desktop design, but with a few extras. Most notably, there is a door on the left side that flips down to insert a 30, 60 or 80GB iPod (the iPod Shuffle and Nano are not supported). This iPod dock is fully lined with felt to keep your expensive device from being scratched. Below the dock there are front audio, USB and Firewire ports, as well as an LED and an infrared sensor for the remote.


On the right side of the front panel are the door for the optical drive and a window which the Media Lab display can be viewed through. This whole side can flip down to reveal the three 5.25" bays, which by default have the Media Lab in the lower bay and two black covers in the top two bays. When the door is flipped down the attention to detail becomes evident. Thermaltake uses some quality hinges that are tight yet smooth, and both this door and the one for the iPod dock close with magnetic latches. However, there is one thing missing, and that is an external 3.5" bay. Users with 3.5" floppy drives or media readers are going to have to buy a converter, which will cause them to loose the top 5.25" bay.


To remove the top cover simply unscrew the three thumbscrews on the back panel, slide the cover back and then lift off. The inside of the cover is plain, and the vents are small but unrestrictive.