PC Case Reviews & Buyer Guides - Tech4Gamers http://tech4gamers.com/category/reviews/cases/ All About Technology And Gaming News Sun, 10 Nov 2024 14:57:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://tech4gamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/cropped-tech4gamers-logo-32x32.png PC Case Reviews & Buyer Guides - Tech4Gamers http://tech4gamers.com/category/reviews/cases/ 32 32 XPG Invader X BTF Review: Cooling Done Right https://tech4gamers.com/xpg-invader-x-btf-review/ Sun, 06 Oct 2024 19:11:22 +0000 https://tech4gamers.com/?p=280298 The XPG Invader X BTF is a solid mid-tower case that supports full ATX backplug motherboards and offers a sleek panoramic view with tempered glass panels. It provides ample cooling with five pre-installed A-RGB fans and room for up to 10 fans, including support for 360mm radiators.

XPG Invader X BTF Review: Cooling Done Right is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

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Nauman Siddique

At Tech4Gamers, I take on the role of Hardware Reviewer with pride. My responsibilities involve a thorough examination of essential hardware components like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, and CPU coolers, among others, focusing on their complexities and functionalities.

 

 

 

See full bio

Today, I am testing the XPG Invader X BTF, a successor to last year’s Invader X, which we tested earlier. The key difference between both cases is that the original Invader X can support mATX motherboards with back plugs, whereas the Invader X BTF now supports full ATX-size back plug motherboards.

It seems like this is a joint venture with Asus, as BTF is the naming convention of Asus for the back-plug motherboards. However, I will be using an MSI Project Zero back-plug motherboard for the test build. Maybe XPG needs to reconsider the naming convention to say brand-free!

Why Trust Tech4Gamers
  • Sameed Hussain is our hardware expert who has been building and testing PCs for years.
  • 40+ PC cases tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 600+ hours spent testing different PC cases for our reviews.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we test PC cases).

At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.

Key Takeaways

  • The XPG Invader X BTF supports full ATX backplug motherboards, offers a panoramic view, and comes with excellent cooling solutions.
  • You should buy the XPG Invader X BTF if you want a high-end PC case that offers good features and supports backplug motherboards.
  • You should not buy the XPG Invader X BTF if you want the best bang for the buck as there are more backplug-supported motherboards releasing that offer better value.

Here are some features:

  • The BTF version is 10mm taller than the original Invader X to make room for ATX size backplug motherboards.
  • XPG has removed the riser cable to reduce the price for the BTF version compared to the original Invader X.
  • The BTF version has 4x reverse blades A-RGB fans and 1x regular A-RGB fan.
  • This case can house up to 10x 120mm fans.
  • XPG has provided a vertical GPU bracket as well as the support frame for the horizontally mounted GPU.                           

Here are the key specifications:

Dimension 458x245x448mm (HxWxD)
Color Black/White
Form Factor ATX
Expansion Slots 7x Horizontal and 4x Vertical
Storage 3x 2.5” or 3.5” drives
Cooling Support
  • 3x 120mm on the side [360mm radiator]
  • 3x 120mm/2x 140mm on the top [360mm radiator]
  • 1x 120/140mm on the rear [120mm radiator]
  • 1x 120/140mm on the base
  • 2x 120mm on the PSU Shroud
GPU Clearance
  • 400mm with no radiator on the side
  • 270mm with the radiator mounted on the side
CPU Clearance 175mm Height
PSU Clearance 240mm Length
[toc]

What Makes The XPG Invader X BTF Different?

The XPG Invader X BTF is a stylish and versatile mid-tower case that offers full compatibility for ATX-sized backplug motherboards. This is its main selling feature. This case has ample cooling provision with 5x pre-installed fans. Another plus point is the option to install the graphics card vertically or horizontally with good clearance. However, this case has limited storage provision, but the overall feature set is competitive.

My team and I have also tested and reviewed these backplug motherboards:

Packaging And Unboxing

XPG Invader X BTF - Packing Box 1 XPG Invader X BTF - Packing Box 2

The unit is shipped inside a standard brown color cardboard box. XPG has highlighted key features on the packing box. The case is tucked between two white Styrofoam pads for protection.

XPG Invader X BTF — Accessories 1024x99
Accessories (Image By Tech4Gamers)

XPG has provided the following in the accessory box:

  • 1x Vertical GPU Bracket
  • 1x GPU Support Bracket
  • 3x Steel made PCIe slot covers
  • 5x Zip Ties
  • Various Screws and standoffs
  • 1x User Guide
  • 1x XPG Sticker Sheet

Design

The XPG Invader X BTF is a mid-tower case that has a longer height than the original Invader X to make room for ATX-size motherboards. It has a dimension of 458x245x448mm (HxWxD) compared to the dimension of Invader X’s 448x245x475mm (HxWxD). It is made of SPCC, tempered glass, and plastic. The weight of this case is the same, 8.95 kg. Let’s start taking a closer look at the case.

What Does The Outside View Look Like?

XPG Invader X BTF — Main Picture 846x102
Main Design (Image By Tech4Gamers)

XPG has retained the panoramic view on the Invader X BTF. There is a clear see-through glass on the front, which is fixed, and a 3mm clear tempered glass on the side. The basic footprint of this case resembled XPG Invader X.

The Front Panel

XPG Invader X BTF — Front Side 707x102
Front Side (Image By Tech4Gamers)

There is a fixed glass panel on the front, which is the same as on the Invader X. XPG has kept the IO panel on the base of the front panel as well. The glass panel is bezel less design.

XPG Invader X BTF — IO Ports 1024x98
IO Ports (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • 1x USB 3.2 Type C port
  • 2x USB 3.2 Type-A ports
  • 1x Hybrid Audio Port
  • 1x Power Button
  • 1x Reset Button

The power button does not wobble and has a nice tack.

The Rear Panel

XPG Invader X BTF — Rear View 1 785x102
Rear View (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The rear side is almost identical to the original Invader X as well.  The top section has a cutout for motherboard’s rear IO panel. On its right is a mounting location for a 120mm and 140mm fan. There is one 120mm fan pre-installed. This is a rail mount enabling you to adjust the height of the fan.

There is a removable graphics card bracket in the mid-section and standard ATX PSU mount at the base. The PSU cover needs to be removed and installed on the PSU. PSU is then inserted into the case.

XPG has used captive thumb screws, which were also in the Invader X. There are 4x captive thumb screws holding the default GPU horizontal bracket on the main frame. Simply unscrews these captive thumb screws and take out the complete bracket easily.

XPG Invader X BTF - Rear View 3 XPG Invader X BTF - Rear View 5

I have removed the bracket and shown the space available for both brackets. In the second picture, you can see that I have installed a vertical GPU bracket that has 4x PCIe slots on the rear. One thing that I noted during the testing of original Invader X is that these brackets are not reusable and it was my gripe. XPG has retained the same design in the Invader X BTF.

Also, the vertical bracket provides 270mm height clearance for your graphics card.

A Look At The Top

XPG Invader X BTF — Top View 1 846x102
Top Panel (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The top cover is perforated in a stylish manner for effective air ventilation. It is same design as on the original Invader X.

This cover has two captive thumb screws toward the rear of the case. Undoing these screws and pulling (sliding) the panel will remove it.

XPG Invader X BTF - Top Panel Off XPG Invader X BTF - Top Fan Bracket

There is a full-length magnetic dust filter on the top panel. Look at the displacement from the solid panel to the actual fan bracket. This fan bracket is fixed. You can install up to 3x 120mm or 2x 140mm fans over here and up to 360mm radiator.

There is a rail mount system. XPG has done a fine job in the design department.

A Look At The Base Of The Case

XPG Invader X BTF — Bottom View 866x102
Bottom Panel (Image By Tech4Gamers)

A look underneath the case, there is a non-magnetic dust filter that runs to the full length of the case and it is side-mounted. The anti-scratching rubber feet are identical to the original Invader X.

The PSU bay is perforated for effective ventilation. The access to the base fan is on the underneath which should not be the case. So, take care when planning for the build using some other fan and do so when preparing the case for the installation.

Scratches Everywhere!

Multiple spots have scratches on the main housing or frame of this case. I found these out of the box, meaning they came from the factory as is. Even the stock GPU bracket has a scratch on it. We shared this issue with our XPG PR manager and they confirmed with pictures from the technician & warehouse that there were no stretches at the time of shipping so it could be due to the shipping and Customs inspection as the case was detained by Customs for over 20 days.

A Look At The Side Panel And The Interior

XPG Invader X BTF - Glass Side 1 XPG Invader X BTF - Glass Side 2

XPG has retained the same 3mm tempered glass panel on the main side as on the original Invader X. It is still a bezel-less design so that users can glimpse what is inside the case.

I have removed the glass panel. Removing the glass panel requires removing top panel which is cumbersome. I wish XPG had something for it in the Invader X BTF. You can see a spacious layout inside the main compartment. This is going to be our focus now.

XPG Invader X BTF — Inside View 4 663x102
Interior Design (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Checking the motherboard tray one thing that I noticed is a play in the tray itself. This was not the case with original Invader X. I am not sure if it is this particular sample or whatever. The tray has a large size cutout for easy installation of the CPU cooler. There are three cutouts on the top through which the backplug connectors make their way out towards the back.

Same goes for the side holes and the bottom holes. This case can house backplug motherboard as well as the regular motherboard in ATX, mATX, and mini-ITX sizes.

All 9x standoffs are pre-installed. There is no rubber grommet on the cutouts. There is a displacement of 28mm from the top of the case to the top of the motherboard. The side displacement is 70mm for the 120mm fans which is impressive and gives a better clearance for taller RAMs.

XPG Invader X BTF — Inside View 1 1024x62
PSU Shroud (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The PSU shroud is perforated for ventilation. There are mounting holes so that you can install two 120mm fans over the shroud to throw direct air on the graphics card. Three cutouts for cable routing towards the motherboard tray and a large cutout towards the front are for the graphics card cable routing. None of these holes have rubber grommets.

 

There are 4x 120mm A-RGB reversed blades fans pre-installed. Three fans are on the side, and one is on the base. XPG could have used a removable fan bracket on the base for convenient handling of that fan.

You can install up to a 360mm radiator on the side. There is no radiator support over the base.

There is a 120mm digital RGB fan on the rear pulling the hot air. You can see 7x non-reusable PCIe slot covers. This was my gripe in the review of the original Invader X, despite XPG having kept the same design in the BTF version. They have provided 3x PCIe slot covers so that should cover up this limitation.

Looking At The Backside

XPG Invader X BTF - Backside 1 XPG Invader X BTF - Backside 2

There is a steel backside panel. It has a vented portion towards the front of the case. This is there to provide ventilation for the 3x 120mm fans. A magnetic dust filter covers the perforated area on the side panel.

XPG Invader X BTF - Backside 3

The backside layout is same as on the original Invader X. There is a storage drive bracket that can house up to 3x 2.5” or 3.5” drives. This is a decent storage provision in this mid-tower. You can see the cables are pre-routed and managed using Velcro Straps. This is nice but I made an observation during last time that front IO cables should be placed on the base except the USB cables. XPG still has kept these cables over the top.

I have removed the storage bracket to show a clearer view of the backside. There are 13 cable tie points. The fans on the left side are installed on a rail mount that allows them to be adjusted in height, though we don’t have much space except for moving them up.

XPG Invader X BTF - Backside Cable Management XPG Invader X BTF - Backside PSU Bay

The cable management space is 36mm which is impressive and should suffice for any build. The PSU bay has a 240mm length available. Using a standard 160mm PSU would give you ample space to hide the cables conveniently inside the PSU bay.

Front IO Hub Cables

XPG has provided:

  • 1x USB Type-E 3.2 Connector
  • 1x USB 3.2 main Connector
  • 1x Front Panel Connectors
  • 1x HD Audio Connector

Test Build And Experience

We have used the following configuration for testing this case:

I installed the RAM, SSD, and cooler outside of the case. You need to remove the stock PCIe covers before installing the motherboard. The motherboard was installed, and it was a perfect fit. In the next step, the PSU was installed, and cables were connected.

Then the graphics card was installed and cables attached to it. If you are using AIO cooler then I would suggest installing the radiator alone first and then route the cables of the fans first before installing them.

Cable management is easy, and I did not face any issues. I did not do any cable management as I wanted to see if I could install the side panel without cables interfering, and there was no issue.

Invader X BTF Thermal Testing

I have used Intel defaults with power limits removed on the core i7 13700k. The XMP was enabled. The fans were set to run at full speed except for the graphics card. The thermal paste is Noctua NT-H2.

The RGB lighting was enabled using motherboard and MSI Mystic Sync app. The graphics card was operating at its stock settings. Rest of the settings were Auto, Stock in the UEFI/BIOS. System was put on idle for a minimum of 5 minutes. The ambient temperature was 24°C. Let’s take a look at the results.

XPG Invader X BTF — Thermal Performance
Thermal Performance (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The overall performance is good, and there is no airflow restriction in XPG Invader X BTF.

Should You Buy It?

Buy It If

✅You need a panoramic view case with ATX motherboard support: The XPG Invader X BTF features a panoramic view thanks to bezel-less front and side tempered glass panels.

✅You are looking for a backplug-supported case: The XPG Invader X BTF, like its predecessor, supports backplug motherboards, but this time, the case supports ATX-size motherboards.

✅You want good specs: The XPG Invader X BTF comes with a vertical GPU bracket as well as a GPU support bracket (magnetic). This case can house up to 2x 360mm radiators and comes with 5x pre-installed A-RGB fans. Four fans are reversed.

Don’t Buy It If

❌You want more value: The market is filling with more options supporting back-plug motherboards. Some good options cost less while providing good specs.

My Thoughts

XPG is back with another iteration of Invader X. This time, it is Invader X BTF, which comes from the Asus ecosystem and shows support for back-plug motherboards. Both Invaders support back-plug motherboards, but the key difference is that the BTF version supports full ATX back-plug motherboards.

This case supports ATX, mATX, and mini-ITX motherboards. The ATX size backplug motherboard is also supported. This case has dust filtration on the base, backside and top. The case has panoramic view using 3mm glass panels.

The cooling department is the same as on the Invader X. Five 120 mm A-RGB fans with four reversed blades are pre-installed. Up to 360mm radiators can be mounted on the top and side. Ten fans, including two on the PSU shroud, are supported.

The storage options are limited in this case where you can install 3x 2.5” and/or 3.5” drives. The graphics card of length 400mm can be installed without side radiator. With radiator the supported length is 270mm. The case has a CPU cooler height clearance of 175mm and PSU length is 240mm.

The case comes with a vertical bracket for the graphics card and a support bracket for the horizontally mounted cards. The vertically mounted card has a clearance of 250mm in height. The PCI slots have reusable covers.

The front IO panel has a USB 3.2 Type-C port and 2x USB 3.2 Type-A ports. The PSU shroud has a perforated area. I found a flex or play in the motherboard tray, which was not in the original Invader X that I tested. There is a 36mm space for the cable management.

Assembling in this case is simple and straight forward. However, XPG should keep the front IO cables on the base in the pre-routed cables using Velcro Straps. XPG has ditched the PCIe 4.0 riser cable in the Invader X BTF case to reduce the price tag while making room for ATX backplug motherboard.

XPG offers a 2-year warranty on this case. Though I have no complaints about this case, the competition for this price tag of USD 140 is getting tough.

 

XPG Invader X BTF Review: Cooling Done Right is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

]]> Corsair 2500D Airflow Review: New Benchmark For Dual-Chamber Cases? https://tech4gamers.com/corsair-2500d-airflow-review-new-benchmark-for-dual-chamber-cases/ Mon, 15 Jul 2024 06:39:11 +0000 https://tech4gamers.com/?p=258446 The Corsair 2500D Airflow case outshines the competition with its impressive cooling capabilities and customizable options, including support for up to 11x 120mm fans and interchangeable wood or metal panels.

Corsair 2500D Airflow Review: New Benchmark For Dual-Chamber Cases? is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

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Sajjad Hussain

As Tech4Gamers’ Founder and Editor-in-Chief, I bring over 13 years of PC Hardware Reviewing and 8+ years of IT Project Management experience. Certified in Google IT Support , my focus is on providing honest product reviews and analysis and fostering a strong gaming community with 130k+ members in PPG.

See full bio

For some time now, Corsair has been in the market competing with small, dual-chamber cases. So, it should come as no surprise that Corsair has returned with its dual-chamber revisions, and this time it’s with the Micro ATX 2500D Airflow case. By doing so, they are reigniting the dual chamber case market and continuing the legacy of their renowned predecessors. There are three main points that this new lineup is designed to improve upon to make the niche better.

In addition to a wide range of accessories, including panels made of various materials, these cases provide customers with the option to switch between glass and airflow layouts. The design is specifically made to be compatible with motherboards that have reverse connections and works with iCUE Link to hide wires, ensuring that you can build neatly in any area of the case.

Notably, this fresh dual-chamber case packs several intriguing new features that need a closer look. After getting my hands on the components that were required, it was necessary to evaluate the case performance. Let’s find out how it performs after putting all of my favorite components into it.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers
  • Sameed Hussain is our hardware expert who has been building and testing PCs for years.
  • 25+ PC cases tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 150+ hours spent testing different PC cases for our reviews.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we test PC cases).

At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.

We have also tested and reviewed the Corsair 6500X – another dual-chamber back plug chassis, make sure to check it out as well.

Key Takeaways

  • The Corsair 2500D Airflow is a versatile and well-designed case that excels in cooling performance, thanks to its support for up to eleven 120mm fans and a mesh front panel.
  • You should buy the Corsair 2500D Airflow if you need excellent airflow and cooling options, appreciate dual-chamber design, want customization options, or use reverse-connector motherboards.
  • You should not buy the Corsair 2500D Airflow if you are on a tight budget, need more storage options, or prefer a smaller form factor.
[toc]

Here are the specifications:

Case Height 376
Case Length 469
Case Width 304
Color White
Weight 13.87
Radiator Compatibility 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm
Maximum GPU Length 400mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height 180mm
Maximum PSU Length 225mm
Compatible Liquid Coolers H60, H100i, H115i, H150i (All Series)
Case Size NA
Case Power Supply ATX
Case Expansion Slots 4 horizontal (4 vertical with accessory)
Case Front IO (1x) USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, (2x) USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, (1x) Audio in/out
Case Window Tempered Glass
Case Warranty 2 Year
Internal 3.5″ Drive Bays 2
Internal 2.5″ Drive Bays 2

How Is The Corsair 2500D Different?

The 280X is another previous model that emphasizes the dual-chamber design. However, it does not offer the same level of airflow optimization as the 2500D Airflow. The 2500D Airflow provides better cooling options and enhanced flexibility for different build configurations. Its innovative features and support for the latest high-end components position differentiate it as a forward-thinking solution for modern PC builders.

Design

Micro ATX Size Rear Design

First, the fundamentals. The 2500D Airflow is a Micro ATX case that is made for high-end small form factor (SFF) builds that need enough ventilation. Upon shifting the Corsair 2500D off its packaging to my testing desk, the first thing that caught my attention was its excessively large size when compared to other Micro ATX cases. The Micro ATX name contradicts the unexpected amount of room within this case. In comparison, its dimensions of 18.86 x 11.97 x 14.8 inches are far greater than those of the 280X, its predecessor.

With the increasing thermal demands and size of high-end components, this additional room is much appreciated. It gives ample room for the newest GPUs, bigger AIO coolers, and whatever else you want to put in, even with a design that aims at smaller builders. You won’t have any trouble getting it all set up. Keep in mind that the 2500D isn’t exactly a tiny form-factor chassis and that it doesn’t accommodate full-size ATX motherboards either.

It lies somewhere between the both. One of the numerous advantages of this layout is the physical separation of the power supply and storage devices from the primary component area. To start with, it facilitates improved cable management, which in turn keeps your setup appearing neat and organized. In addition to improving airflow, it serves to separate the heat-generating power source from the primary components.

Airflow

Front IO Panel Roof Paneling

Several convenient connections are available on the 2500D Airflow’s front panel. It has a combined audio jack, two USB 3.2 Gen-1 Type-A ports, and one USB 3.2 Gen-2 Type-C connector. Therefore it should be able to meet the demands of most users for speedy ports. Regardless of the look you’re going for with your build, Corsair made sure that everything fits in flawlessly, even with the PC Case Panel Kit.

When it comes to airflow, the 2500D Airflow is exactly what it says it is. Notably, up to eleven 120 mm or six 140 mm fans can fit in the case’s mesh panel.  The plastic accessory bin from Corsair is installed in one of those 2.5-inch drives. I was surprised to see some of Corsair’s new single-turn fan screws inside, which I used in the installation of all the case’s fans.

Overall, in a relatively small package, there is an enormous amount of cooling capacity. In addition, the front, top, bottom, and one side of the case provide various mounting alternatives for AIO radiators. Ultimately, with the 2500D airflow, you won’t have to worry about overheating in your build.

Customizability

Mesh Front
Mesh Front (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The 2500D Airflow offers a lot of design customizability. You can get the case in either white or black, and there are two models to choose from. The X, with a glass front, and the D, with a mesh front, which is the one I am reviewing. However, when you include the Panel Kits, things spice up. The metal sides are nice, but the wood panels set it apart from the rest of the competition. 

These kits are a great way to offer your case a one-of-a-kind look similar to wood paneling, and they come in a variety of patterns. Although the kits’ price points range from $69.99 to $79.99, I must admit that I am already a fan of the 2500D’s attractive appearance, which is a result of its customizable style. In my opinion, the panels further freshen up a case and increase its visual appeal. However, they significantly increase the case’s price tag as well. Everyone might agree that the additional cost is not going to be worthwhile.

Build Quality

Build Quality Organized Build

When put together, I must admit that Corsair does not let me down when it comes to build quality. The 2500D Airflow has the high-quality feel one would anticipate from a case of its pricing point.

Both the steel frame and the side tempered glass panel give the impression of being premium quality. Throughout my build process, I didn’t encounter any issues, which speaks volumes about its design and ease of use. Notably, the 2500D Airflows layout seems exceptionally well-planned.

One of the case’s best features is its support for back connectors, which enhances cable management and overall aesthetics. When dealing with reverse connection boards, which have several wires flowing behind the motherboard, the second chamber offers sufficient space for cable management. With around four inches of space between the motherboard tray and the side panel, you should have no trouble routing the cables behind the motherboard. Additionally, it can accommodate larger power supplies, not limiting you to smaller SFX units.

Despite its compact size, the case can house up to 11 x 120mm fans or 8 x 140mm fans, along with a 360mm radiator. The fully mesh front, side, bottom, and roof panels ensure excellent airflow from all sides, with intake from the bottom and exhaust from the top and rear. This airflow design ensures efficient cooling comparable to larger cases. The 2500D Airflow effortlessly supports larger GPUs, such as the RTX 4080 Super in my build, and can even accommodate the RTX 4090 due to their similar length.

Building Process

Building Process Wide Cooling Flexibility

The list of components that I used in this build:

Now that the case was ready to go, I could install all of the components, and I was struck by the 2500D’s flexibility as a computer case. The case is compatible with both conventional and reverse-connection motherboards. Latter motherboards have popularized this approach to PC building, which is still in its early stages. It can provide us with a more streamlined appearance. Since these motherboards can relocate most of the connections to the board’s rear.

With strategically placed cutouts, the 2500D Airflow facilitates effortless wire management. Moreover, it offers builders more options by accommodating both ATX and SFX power supplies. For a small SFX power supply, Corsair includes a bracket with the 2500D. You need to take off the bracket before using it with an ATX power supply.  The PC builders have a lot of leeway since, even with both choices, the full-size PSU goes in easily.

WARNING: If you’re using a larger ATX power supply, make sure to account for potential space constraints and the need to remove the hard drive caddy.

While not very impressive, the 2500D Airflow’s storage choices are only adequate. The 2500D retains a feature from the previous 280X, which offers the option of the two drives that sled atop the power supply compartment in the rear. You have the option of using two 3.5-inch drives. Furthermore, panels on the front inner wall of the case, located at the other end of the rear chamber, provide mounting options for two additional 2.5-inch drives.

While data hoarders might consider this inadequate, the majority of builders should be fine with it. An appealing feature is the drives’ housing in tool-free mounts, which makes them straightforward to use. Unfortunately, removing the hard disk could be necessary to accommodate a bigger power supply unit.

Here is the result:

Thermal Performance
Our Thermal Test Results (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Is It Worth the Price?

The 2500D Airflow is at an odd place when it comes to pricing. The starting price of $159.99 isn’t too expensive, but it quickly becomes so when you include in the cost of a vertical GPU mount, wood as well as aluminum panels, and other simple but necessary extras like wire cover kits and cable routing. Unfortunately, there are no fans included with the base price as well.

So, you have to purchase them separately.  Having said that, the case’s features and quality allow Corsair to argue for the price. This case is sturdy and long-lasting. The thoughtful design decisions make it easy to work with and does look great when completed. It has carved out a special place for itself through its large customization choices and emphasis on reverse-connector motherboards.

Should You Buy it?

Buy it if

✅ You need excellent airflow and cooling options: The Corsair 2500D Airflow supports up to eleven 120mm fans and multiple AIO radiators, making it ideal for those who prioritize keeping their high-end components cool.

✅ You appreciate dual-chamber design: The separation of the power supply and storage from the main components not only improves cable management but also enhances the overall aesthetics and thermal performance of your build.

✅ You want customization options: With the choice between white or black models and additional customization through wood or metal panel kits, the 2500D Airflow offers plenty of flexibility to personalize your build’s appearance.

Don’t Buy it if

❌ You are on a tight budget: While the base price is reasonable, the cost can quickly add up with optional extras like the vertical GPU mount, panel kits, and additional fans, making it less suitable for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

❌ You need more storage options: Although it provides adequate storage for most users, data hoarders may find the limited number of drive bays insufficient for their needs.

❌ You prefer a smaller form factor: Despite being designed for smaller builders, the 2500D Airflow is not a tiny form-factor chassis and does not support full-size ATX motherboards, which may be a drawback for those seeking the smallest possible build.

Final Verdict

All in all, the Corsair 2500D Airflow is among the finest cases available out there for rear-connector motherboards. When everything was done and dusted, I found myself quite pleased with this case. It can accommodate a wide range of design choices due to its high flexibility, smart dual-chamber design, and great airflow. By placing cutouts correctly and allowing enough space for the immense quantity of cable slack that comes from connecting almost everything behind the motherboard rather than up front, it nails the fundamentals.

In the end, will everyone find it to be the ideal case for them? I doubt it. If you’re looking for something more affordable or don’t want all of the features that it provides, there are other alternatives available that give much better value for money. However, the 2500D Airflow provides a premium build experience for those who are ready to spend the money on it.

Coming Next: MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ Review

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]]> MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ Review: A Panoramic Powerhouse https://tech4gamers.com/msi-mag-pano-100l-pz-review-a-panoramic-powerhouse/ Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:54:38 +0000 https://tech4gamers.com/?p=257415 The MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ is a well-designed ATX case offering a 270° panoramic view with clear glass front and side panels. It features a dual-chamber design, ample ventilation, support for backplug motherboards, and includes a vertical GPU bracket.

MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ Review: A Panoramic Powerhouse is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

]]>
Nauman Siddique

At Tech4Gamers, I take on the role of Hardware Reviewer with pride. My responsibilities involve a thorough examination of essential hardware components like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, and CPU coolers, among others, focusing on their complexities and functionalities.

 

 

 

See full bio

I tested the M100R PANO PC Case from MSI earlier. It was an m-ATX size PC Case made for backplug motherboards. MSI uses Project Zero (PZ) for this series of motherboards. This time around, MSI released a full ATX-size PC Case named PANO 100L PZ. It has the same footprint as the M100R but with more features, as we shall see.

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Key Takeaways

  • The MSI PANO 100L PZ is a true example of a feature-rich PC case with support for backplug motherboards in ATX and micro-ATX sizes. Plus,  you can enjoy a true 270ᵒ panoramic view.
  • You should buy the MSI PANO 100L PZ if you want a backplug motherboard with a panoramic view, good cooling, 20Gbps USB 3.2 port, and all at a good price tag.
  • You should not buy the MSI PANO 100L PZ if you want a chassis with included fans.
[toc]

The salient specifications are:

Dimension 518.7x290x482mm
Net Weight 11.30Kg
Form Factor ATX
Motherboard Form Factor Backplug ATX, micro-ATX, Regular ATX, micro-ATX, mini-ITX
Storage Drive Mount 3 x 2.5”, 2 x 2.5”/3.5” combo
Expansion Slot 8x
GPU Support 380mm Length
CPU Cooler Support 166mm
PSU Support ATX
Fan Size Support
  • Top: 3x 120mm or 3x 140mm
  • Rear: 1x 120mm
  • Side: 3x 120mm or 2x140mm
  • Bottom: 3x 120mm or 2x 140mm or 2x 160mm
Radiator Size Support
  • Top: 120/240/360mm
  • Rear: 120mm
  • Side: 120/240/360mm
  • Bottom: 120/240/360mm

How Is PANO 100L PZ Different?

This is my fourth PC Case that supports backplug motherboards. This case supports a full ATX backplug motherboard. Its overall footprint and feature set make it a better proposition than the CORSAIR 6500X and XPG Invader X. It costs less than those cases. It comes with vertical and horizontal GPU brackets and a GPU Support bracket. It has ample cooling and strong dust filtration. MSI has upped the storage provision in quite some manner.

Packaging And Unboxing

MSI PANO 100L PZ - Packing Box MSI PANO 100L PZ - Unboxed

The unit is shipped inside a standard brown color cardboard box. There is a picture of the PC Case. The salient features are listed on the side of the packing box. The case comes tucked between two thick black Styrofoam pads.

MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ — Accessories 1024x61
Accessories (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The following are provided with the case:

  • Cable ties x5 for Cable management
  • Screw M3 5mm x21 for Motherboard / SSD
  • Screw #6-32 6mm x6 for Securing PSU / PCIe Card
  • Screw #6-32 10mm x8 for 3.5” HDD
  • Screw M3 10mm x8 for 2.5” SSD
  • HDD silicone shock absorber pad x6 for Protecting HDD from physical shocks and vibrations
  • Stand-off #6-32 6.5mm x4 for Motherboard Stud
  • Stand-off Mounting Tool x1 for Securing stand-off
  • Spare U Clip x2 for Securing the side panel
  • Hook-and-loop fastener x1 for Cable management
  • GPU Holder x1
  • 56*10*2mm EVA pad x2
  • 56*10*10mm EVA pad x5
  • Horizontal Graphics Card Bracket x1

Design

MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ — Main Picture 1024x82
Main Design (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ is an ATX size PC Case that has a dimension of 518.7x290x482mm. It has a net weight of 11.30Kg with a gross weight of 14.10Kg. It is made of SPCC, Glass, and Plastic materials. Let’s look closer at the inside and outside views, which are our major categories.

MSI has retained the basic footprint of M100R in 100L. This case provides a 270ᵒ panoramic view. The front has a clear glass panel, which is removable, and then there is a main side glass panel. One cool aspect is that there is another glass between these two panels. This creates a pillarless design that gives an unconstructive view.

A Look At The Front Panel

MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ — Front View 941x102
Front View (Image By Tech4Gamers)

I am in love with the geometrical design layout on the front. The front and top panels are well-designed and synced. There is a clear glass panel that provides a complete inside view. The glass panel runs from the top to the bottom.

The key difference between M100R and 100L is that the latter provides a removable front panel.

WARNING: You need to remove the side panels and the top panel before carefully pulling the front panel. Please don’t handle the panel from the glass side.

There is an MSI brand logo and a line that is backlit. This small touch creates a whole new vibe on the front of this case.

A Look At The Rear Panel

MSI PANO 100L PZ - Rear View MSI PANO 100L PZ - Rear View - Horizontal Bracket

This is a dual-chamber design that reminds me of the CORSAIR 6500X. In my opinion, the MSI PANO 100L provides a better feature set than the CORSAIR. On top, we have plenty of ventilation. The top panel is secured using thumb screws.

The left bottom area is also ventilated. The PSU mounting area is in the mid-section on the left. You can install a standard ATX PSU in this case.

There is a cutout for the motherboard’s rear IO panel. There is a rail mount design for the 120mm. This case comes with a vertical PCIe bracket installed. It has 4x slots. This complete panel is removable.

I have installed the horizontal PCIe bracket, as can be seen in the second picture. MSI has provided a good flex in this department. This case also has a GPU support bracket.

A Look At The Top

MSI has retained the same design as on the M100R. The curved top cover is fully slotted for effective ventilation. There is a fine mesh under the top cover for dust filtration. It is fixed and non-magnetic.

There is a rail mount design to install up to 3x 120mm or 2x 140mm fans or 120mm/240mm/360mm radiator. MSI has also provided a good clearance for the top radiator/fans with 64mm space.

Bottom Panel

MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ — Bottom View 1024x68
Bottom View (Image By Tech4Gamers)

I am showing a bottom view of this case. This area has a magnetic dust filter. There are 4x anti-vibration rubber pads on the feet. There is nothing particular in this area. You can see cables of the front IO panel routed from under the case towards the backside.

Side Panel And Interior

MSI PANO 100L PZ - Side View - Main MSI PANO 100L PZ - Side View 1

There is a 3mm tempered glass on the side panel. It is not a bezel-less in design, but a 270ᵒ view has compensated that quite well. It is not tinted and provides a full and clear view. The panel is not latched. It uses studs and bolts, making its handling convenient.

The cutouts on the motherboard tray clearly show that this case supports backplug motherboards. We have a spacious layout to work within, and by moving the cables to the back, we are no longer contended with the cable-related decisions on the front except the graphics card.

You can see that I have already installed a horizontal graphics card bracket. It has 8x reusable/removable PCIe slot covers/ These covers are perforated.

MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ — Side View 2 1024x60
Fan Bracket (Image By Tech4Gamers)

There is a removable fan bracket on the base of the case. I appreciate the removable fan bracket design as it makes the fan/radiator handling easy. You can install 3x120mm/2x140mm/2x160mm fans on this bracket or 120/240/360mm radiator.

MSI PANO 100L PZ - Side View 3 MSI PANO 100L PZ - Side View 4

Looking at the side, there is a fixed fan bracket that can house 3x120mm or 2x140mm fans or 120/240/360mm radiator. You can see that this case does not have any fans.

In the second picture, I am showing the motherboard tray in closeup. This case supports regular ATX/mATX/mini-ITX motherboards and backplug ATX/mATX motherboards. There are multiple cutouts all around that are needed to house the motherboard, which has connectors on the backside. These connectors pass through these cutouts.

There are cutouts on the side of this tray in 90ᵒ that have rubber grommets. These would be used when installing regular motherboards. The standoffs are pre-installed.

MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ — Side View 5 931x102
Rear Ventilation (Image By Tech4Gamers)

There is a perforated or ventilated area on the rear where you can install a 120mm fan/radiator. You can adjust the height of the fan as per requirement.

MSI PANO 100L PZ - Side View 6 MSI PANO 100L PZ - Side View 8

Looking at the top from the inside of the case, there is a displacement of 64mm from the top bracket to the motherboard’s top. This is a good enough clearance, meaning you can install a thick radiator on top as well.

WARNING: MSI has provided a vertical bracket for the graphics card. However, you would need a riser cable, which is not included in the accessories.

The 4-slot width is enough to install modern bulk and beefy graphics cards.

MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ — IO Panel 1024x57
IO Panel (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The IO ports include:

  • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
  • 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
  • Mic In/ Audio Out
  • Reset Button
  • Power Button

Backside

MSI PANO 100L PZ - Back Side View - Main MSI PANO 100L PZ - Backside - Panel Inside

The backside panel is made of steel material. Its main area is completely perforated for effective ventilation. This panel also uses studs and bolts for easy handling.

There is a large size dust filter on the inner side of the side panel. This was not present in the M100R. MSI has made it easy to remove this filter for cleaning.

MSI PANO 100L PZ - Backside - View 1 MSI PANO 100L PZ - Backside - View 2

Now, we are taking a look at the inside of the case from its backside. You can see the backside of the fan bracket. There is a gap of 45mm behind the fan bracket, meaning you can easily install fans or radiators on this side. They will not be chocked due to the open design on the back panel. MSI is on the point.

There are two covers that hide the bulk of the cables on the backside of the motherboard’s tray. Both trays have a sliding function that makes it easy to handle them. The lower tray is secured using a thumb screw.

I have opened the covers and shown the backside of the case. These covers are hinged, so you can easily take them off.

MSI PANO 100L PZ - Backside - View 3 MSI PANO 100L PZ - Backside - View 4

I am showing the PSU bracket and holder. I appreciate MSI’s use of a large base with a rubber pad. This is absent from CORSAIR 6500X. There are 2x 2.5” drive brackets on the base.

MSI PANO 100L PZ - Backside - View 6 MSI PANO 100L PZ - Backside - View Drive Bracket

I have removed the covers and shown the full view of the backside. There are multiple zip ties and Velcro strips for convenient cable management.

You can install 2x 2.5”/3.5” drives on the lower cover.

Front IO Hub Cables

MSI PANO 100L PZ - Cables - USB MSI PANO 100L PZ - Cables - Others

MSI has provided:

  • 1x USB Type-E 3.2 Connector
  • 1x USB Type-A 180ᵒ Connector
  • 1x HD Audio Connector
  • 1x Front Panel Connector
  • 1x 3-pin ARGB Connector

The 3-pin A-RGB connector powers the MSI brand logo on the front of the case.

MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ — Cooling Layout 1024x60
Cooling Layout (Image By MSI)

I have taken the picture from the MSI website. It shows the cooling layout in the PANO 100L PZ.

Test Build And Experience

I have used the following configuration to test this case:

I had a good time assembling a simple PC in this case. I started with the motherboard and faced no issues installing it. Next, the PSU was installed, and its cables were routed and connected, followed by the graphics card installation. All the cables were connected and handled.

In my opinion, cooler manufacturers should come up with liquid coolers where there should not be any cable connection on the pump housing. This is a must-have for a backplug motherboard system. Similarly, AIB partners may consider implementing a power solution for the graphics card on the motherboard to eliminate all possible cables on the front.

The above are a few pictures of the test build.

Thermal Testing

MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ — Thermal Performance
Thermal Performance (Image By Tech4Gamers)

I have used AIDA64 Engineer Edition to stress the GPU and FPU (CPU). We have a good result.

Should You Buy It?

Buy It If

✅You need a 270ᵒ panoramic view case: The MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ has a 270ᵒ panoramic view for a brilliant display without any obstruction since this is a pillar-less design.

✅You want a case for an ATX backplug motherboard: Unlike M100R, the PANO 100L can house a full ATX backplug motherboard and regular motherboards. If you are going for an ATX backplug motherboard, I would suggest this case over 6500X.

✅You prefer good pricing: This case retails at USD 129.99. This is a steal deal.

✅You are after ample cooling: This case has good support for your cooling requirement, even if it is a custom loop.

✅You want a USB 3.2 20Gbps Port: The case has a front USB 3.2 20Gbps port.

Don’t Buy It If

❌You need included fans: Though this case costs you USD 129.99, it does not have any fans. Adding even 4x fans would easily raise your total cost to over USD 170, depending on the fan.

My Thoughts

After testing MSI MAG PANO M100R, it was time to take a look at the next big thing: MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ. This case has a basic footprint of M100R, but MSI has made some wise decisions in the design department and has possibly delivered one of the best PC Cases on the market.

This case is available in black and white, and it has its roots in the MAG brand logo concept. This is a feature-rich PC Case that supports backplug motherboards, hence the name PZ (Project Zero). This is my fourth case that houses backplug motherboards. In my opinion, this case is the best out of these four cases. Other cases are XPG Invader X, CORSAIR 6500X, and MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ.

This case does not have any fan, which is a letdown, in my opinion, but the cost covers it up. It can house up to a 360mm radiator on the side, bottom, and top. It can house a 120mm radiator on the rear. The bottom fan bracket is removable, which makes our lives easier. You can even mount two 160mm fans on the base. SilverStone users would be delighted. The top, side, and bottom can have 3x120mm/2x140mm fans.

This case has a total glass towards the front and side, providing a 270ᵒ panoramic view. This is a pillar-free design. The glass panels are not tinted and provide a clear view. There is a backlit MSI logo on the front base that looks dope when lights up.

Unlike M100R, the front panel of 100L is removable, but it should be taken care of while popping it out. Don’t handle it from the glass. The top cover is removable and has a fine mesh, which is not removable and non-magnetic. The bottom area has a full-size magnetic dust filter.

This case comes with a vertical GPU bracket as well as a horizontal GPU bracket. Both brackets are easy to swap. The graphics card length is 380mm and there is a GPU support bracket to handle today’s beefy graphics cards. The supported CPU cooler height is 166mm. The supported PSU is ATX.

Another key feature is the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20Gbps) Type-C port on the front IO Panel. There is a single front panel connector that makes life easy. There is 45mm space behind the side fan bracket where you can house a radiator or fans. Since the main area of the backside panel is totally perforated, there is choking for your fans or radiator.

Assembling a PC, in this case, is a breeze, and I did not record any observation in this regard. Everything is well thought out and laid by MSI. Thermal Performance is good as well. This case comes highly recommended by us.

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MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ Review: A Panoramic Powerhouse is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

]]> Corsair 6500X Review: Innovation Or Pricey Proposition? https://tech4gamers.com/corsair-6500x-review/ Mon, 25 Mar 2024 01:39:38 +0000 https://tech4gamers.com/?p=220925 The Corsair 6500X is a premium dual-chamber PC case that emphasizes customization, flexibility, and innovative design, catering to users looking to personalize their cooling solutions. At a price of $199.99, its solid build quality, support for backplug motherboards, and unique aesthetic options make it stand out.

Corsair 6500X Review: Innovation Or Pricey Proposition? is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

]]>
See full bio

Corsair is back in a dual-chamber PC Case with its 6500 series PC Cases building on the DNA of Air 540 and 680X but flexing the muscles to introduce an all-new concept and design that speaks of the flexibility and customization at a time. Say hello to the new 6500X. This lineup has three cases: 6500D, 6500X, and 6500X RGB.

I will focus on 6500X since I have got it for testing. This case comes as a barebone unit since it does not have fans. Corsair has left it to the user to customize the case per the requirement. It has dual-tinted glass panels and customizable steel panels with wooden accessories. There is a plethora of space on the front side for any build, and the backside houses the PSU, HDD Cage, and cable routing mechanism. This is Corsair’s first take on supporting backplug motherboards.

The Corsair 6500X is listed at USD 199.99 excl tax. This is a steep price, particularly when the competition from Lian Li is stiff, and there are better options at a better price.

[toc]

Key Takeaways

  • The Corsair 6500X is a versatile and customizable dual-chamber PC case that merges innovative design with ample space for cooling and hardware, though it comes at a premium price without included fans.
  • You should buy the Corsair 6500X if you want a backplug-supported case that delivers exceptional cooling with a dual-chamber and panoramic design.
  • You should not buy the Corsair 6500X if you are going to use a mATX backplug motherboard or if you’re on a budget.

The key specifications are:

Dimension 481x328x496mm
Materials Steel, Tempered Glass
Cooling Layout
  • Side: up to 3x 120mm fans and 360mm radiator
  • Top/Bottom: up to 3x120mm/140mm fans and 360mm radiator
  • Rear: 120/140mm fan and 120/140mm radiator
Expansion Slots 8x
Storage 2x 2.5” and 2×3.5” Drives
Clearance:
  • CPU Cooler Height: 190mm
  • GPU Length: 400mm without front radiator
  • PSU: 225mm
Power Supply ATX (Not Included)
Warranty 2-Year

 Packaging And Unboxing

Corsair 6500X - Packing box Corsair 6500X - Packed Case

The case is shipped inside a standard brown color cardboard box. The case is tucked between two thick Styrofoam pads.

Corsair 6500X - Accessory Box Corsair 6500X - Accessories

The following is provided:

  • Accessory Container
  • Zip Ties
  • Quick-Turn Screws
  • Front Panel Extension Cable
  • Motherboard Screws
  • Washers
  • Standoff
  • Various other screws

Design

The Corsair 6500X is a mid-tower range PC Case following a dual-chamber layout. It has a dimension of 481x328x496mm, and it weighs around 16 kg. It is primarily made of steel and tempered glass panels. The build quality is solid, and Corsair has done a good job overall.

Exterior Design

Corsair 6500X — Main Picture 1020x102
Main Design (Image By Tech4Gamers)

This is a dual-chamber design. There is a glass panel on the front and the side. The main steel frames on the sides can be customized using wooden color panels that you can buy from their website. The top has a removable mesh cover that is somewhat thick and may restrict the airflow.

Front Panel

Corsair 6500X - Front View 1 Corsair 6500X - Front View 2

There is a removable 3mm thick tempered glass panel on the front. However, to remove it, you need to undo the side glass panel and then remove the 2 screws. There is a Corsair branding on the side steel panel.

The side steel panel is a solid layout and there is no IO Panel here. This may not be good news for the desk users who would want easy access to the IO panel.

I have removed the side glass panel to take out the front glass panel. Behold the somewhat naked Corsair 6500X showing the main component side.

Top Panel

Corsair 6500X - Top View 1 Corsair 6500X - Top View 2

I am showing a top view of the Corsair 6500X. There is a mesh cover on the main section whereas we have a solid steel panel over the side chamber. You can remove this steel panel and replace it with a wooden panel. This gives me Fractal vibes!

There is a fixed fan bracket under the mesh cover. It can house up to 3x 120mm or 3x140mm fans but up to 360mm radiator. One thing I see in this case is the general lack of 140mm size radiators, whereas we have a spacious layout. Anyhow, I would want a removable fan bracket.

Corsair 6500X - Top View 3 Corsair 6500X - IO Panel

Corsair uses a Fabric pull tab on the mesh cover, which is a nice touch, and it has 6500 printed. The top I/O has:

  • 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
  • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port
  • 1x Headphone/Microphone Port
  • 1x Power Button
  • 1x Reset Button

The power button has a nice click and tack to it without wobbling. It has white color illumination.

Rear Panel

Corsair 6500X — Rear View 984x102
Rear View (Image By Tech4Gamers)

This is all about ventilation! The side chamber has a removable cover from where you can access the 2x drive caddies. Then there is a standard ATX PSU mount in the center. At the bottom, you can see a cutout. This is probably to route the iCUE link cable for external iCUE Link components for synchronization.

There is a vented area on the top of the right chamber. We have a rail-mounted fan mount. There is a cutout for the motherboard rear IO panel. Then we have 8x PCIe reusable, vented slots. There is what seems to be a dual vertical slot. However, you would need to buy a vertical bracket from Corsair.

The bottom area has vents for air ventilation. There is a Velcro strip there to catch the cables.

Bottom Panel

Corsair 6500X - Bottom View 1 Corsair 6500X - Bottom View 2

Looking at the bottom, 4x large size feet are part of the steel frames. There is a single large-size dust filter that can be removed from the front side, which is a wise design.

Removing the filter, you can see a fan bracket that can house up to 3x 120mm/140mm fans or up to a 360mm radiator. This bracket is fixed and needs to be changed. Corsair should make it a removable fan bracket for convenient installation without tipping the case over.

Side Panel

Corsair 6500X — Side View 1 1024x93
Side View (Image By Tech4Gamers)

There is a 3mm tempered glass on the side panel. It is tinted. It is not a bezel-less design. You can still see the inside build in this case though for a clear view, you would need lighting setup.

Corsair 6500X — Side View Hinged Panel 933x102
Hinged Panel (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The glass panel is hinged. There is a label with the text “Up” and arrow direction. There is a screw on the top hinge. Undo it and lift the glass panel off. Other than that, this panel uses a bolt and latch on the opposite end. You would need to place your hand under the panel and pull it out, which is strange.

Interior Design

Corsair 6500X — Side View 2 1024x87
Side View (Image By Tech4Gamers)

I have removed the glass panel and shown the main inside view. You can see that the front glass panel is screwed using two screws on top and bottom. This is a spacious layout. Take the word from one who has done a build in this case.

This case supports motherboards up to E-ATX size. However, an E-ATX motherboard that extends over the recessed area facing the side fan bracket would look odd. There are sizes even in E-ATX, so do your homework properly.

Corsair 6500X — Side View 3 692x102
Side Fan Bracket (Image By Tech4Gamers)

I am showing a side fan bracket. This bracket can house up to 3x120mmm fans and up to a 360mm radiator in 120mm size only. This, in my opinion, should have been worked out for 140mm size for better compatibility.

There is a ginormous space available in front of the bracket. It is approximately 115mm, as per my measurements. You can install any thickness radiator here and can still work out your way. Kudos for this thinking, Corsair!

Corsair 6500X — Side View 5 1024x58
Fan Mounting (Image By Tech4Gamers)

I am showing the fan mounting on the base of this case. You can install up to 3x 120mm/140mm fans here, but the maximum radiator support is 360mm. My complaint here is that this is not a removable fan bracket. You would need to tip the case over to secure the fans from the bottom of the case. Come on now, Corsair! Charging USD 199.99 for this?

Corsair 6500X — Side View 6 747x102
Air Ventilation (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Looking at the left side area, you can see a large size vented slot on the top for air ventilation. There is a rail-mount system for a 120mm or 140mm fan/radiator. There are 8x PCIe slot covers that are reusable and vented. This is not a bridgeless design.

Corsair 6500X — Side View 8 783x102
Motherboard Tray (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Now, I am showing the main area of interest here, which is the motherboard tray. On top, there are double-shot rubber grommets covering the cutouts. Take a look at the large-size cutouts around the tray. These are there so that you can install a full ATX backplug motherboard. 9x standoffs are pre-installed.

There is a displacement of 75mm from the top of the fan bracket to the motherboard’s top, giving you enough room for a thicker radiator on the top. The tray has a length of 282mm and 410mm in height.

There is a large CPU cutout on the tray. If you wonder if this case supports regular motherboards, then take relief in knowing it does.

A protruded steel frame over the base gives space between the base fan bracket and the motherboard tray, ensuring that radiators/fans would not obstruct the motherboard and its components.

This frame has cutouts as well, which are for the regular motherboards.

Corsair 6500X — Side View 7 870x102
Double-shot Rubber Grommets (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Double-shot rubber grommets on the 4x cutouts towards the right of the motherboard tray cover the cutouts. These are for the regular motherboards (non-backplug). If you route cables through these cutouts, then the clearance for the radiator and the fan may be affected.

Corsair 6500X — Side View 9 1024x83
Main Design w/o Glass (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Take a glimpse of the 6500X with both glass panels removed.

Backside Design

There is a large mesh panel on the side, as can be seen. This is done for air ventilation on the backside. Take a look at the inner view of the side panel. You will find a fine mesh on the panel and covers for the fan bracket on the side.

Corsair 6500X — Backside View 3 1024x87
Backside View (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Take a look at the backside of Corsair 6500X. Starting from the left, there is a removable fan bracket. This bracket is removed from the backside. Then, there is a cable management divider. You can spot the HDD cage on the top.

There are not enough cable tie points or cable management clips. Corsair is selling these separately as RapidRoute RetroFit Kit to simplify cable routing. These should have been included in this price range.

The IO panel cables are nicely tucked and routed using one-side cable tie points.

Corsair 6500X — Backside View Fan Bracket 1024x55
Fan Bracket (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The fan bracket is removable, and it only supports 120mm size fans and radiators.

Corsair 6500X — Backside View Fan Bracket Placement 1024x100
Fan Bracket Placement (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The fan bracket can also be repositioned to another location, as shown in the picture. There is much flexibility in terms of placement and provision for thicker radiators.

Corsair 6500X — Backside View 4 1024x87
Backside w/o HDD Cage (Image By Tech4Gamers)

I have removed the HDD cage and shown the bare view of the backside.

Corsair 6500X — HDD Cage 1024x90
HDD Cage (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Corsair has provided an HDD cage that has two caddies, and there are two 2.5” drive brackets provided on the exterior of this cage. This way, you can install up to a total of 4x 2.5” drives or a combination of 2x 2.5” and 2x 3.5” drives. These caddies are operated from the rear of the case.

Corsair 6500X — Backside View 5 1024x95
PSU Bay (Image By Tech4Gamers)

I am showing a bay for the PSU mount. PSU is rested on the metal frame and then secured with screws from the backside of the case. This is a standard design. Note the gap between the PSU bay and the motherboard tray. I will cover that in the Installation section.

Corsair 6500X — Backside View 6 1024x73
Double-shot Rubber Grommets (Image By Tech4Gamers)

There are two double-shot rubber grommets on the top cutouts. There are three cutouts for the backplug motherboards.

Corsair 6500X - Cables 1 Corsair 6500X - Cables 2

There are two USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectors coming from the IO panel. If your motherboard has only one such header, then you can use only 2x ports on the top IO panel.

There is a Front Panel connector that makes life easier. It is a standard design that can be used on any motherboard unless otherwise stated.

 

Test Build And Experience

Here is the test configuration:

Corsair 6500X — Test Build 1 1024x93
Test Build (Image By Tech4Gamers)

I have no complaint on the front side of this case. It was easy to do overall. I started with the motherboard and installed the CPU cooler. RAM was already installed.

Corsair 6500X - Test Build 2 Corsair 6500X - Test Build 3

Since this is a micro-ATX motherboard, I have used cutouts for the backplug ATX motherboard to route the PEG cables. We have a clean look.

Corsair 6500X - Test Build 4 Corsair 6500X - Test Build 5

The EPS connector of the backplug motherboard obstructed the HDD cage. You can see that in the picture. The Fractal PSU has flexible cables that you won’t find on others. You can try and push the HDD cage and screw it in, but I would not recommend it at all.

I should have shown this picture earlier. You can see all the connectors on the motherboard exposed through the cutouts on the motherboard tray. Cable connection is an easy job.

Another observation is that the PSU presses on the bottom connectors on the micro-ATX motherboards. This would not be the case with the ATX motherboard. This should have been covered before the release.

I did not do cable management and left the cable mess as I did not want to empty my pocket for retrofit accessories.

Corsair 6500X — Test Build with RX120 Fans e1711304733168 1024x89
Test Build with RX120 Fans (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Action! The test build is up and ready for the first run of the test. I tested the case using stock configuration and Corsair iCUE Link RX120 fans. This would give us a good idea of the airflow inside the case.

Thermal Testing

I have used the Control game using High graphics settings at 1080P to check the thermals of the CPU and the graphics card inside the Corsair 6500X. HWIno64 is used to record the sensors. The system was left idle for 10 minutes to record the idle temperatures. The CPU Cooler’s fans and pump were running at full speed.

Corsair 6500X — Thermal Performance Idle
Thermal Performance Idle (Image By Tech4Gamers)

You can see that idle temperatures have improved a bit with active airflow inside, though the difference is not that huge to say it would make an impact.

Corsair 6500X — Thermal Performance Gaming Load
Thermal Performance Gaming Load (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Now, the table is turning. You can see a 3.8ᵒC drop in graphics card temperature when I used RX120 fans. The CPU temperature dropped by 2.8ᵒC. This shows that without fans, this case would run with high thermals.

The catch here is that Corsair has provided a barebone unit so that you can use your cooling gear as per your requirements. Keeping this in view, I have no complaint except that this steep price should have something for cooling.

Should You Buy It

Buy It If

✅You are in the market for a backplug-supported case: If you are looking to upgrade to a backplug motherboard, then Corsair 6500X is among the candidates for your buck.

✅You want ample cooling in a case: If cooling is your thing, then Corsair 6500X gives you ample lift with up to 3x 360mm radiators and up to 10x 120mm fans or 7x 140mm fans.

✅Dual-Chamber is your thing with Corsair level of customization: If you are into Corsair signature series and would want to have a Dual-Chamber design with lots of customizations, including panel kits for different looks, vertical bracket for vertically mounted graphics cards and whatnot, 6500X is for you.

✅You need a panoramic view case: The Corsair 6500X has two tinted 3mm glass panels for a panoramic view.

Don’t Buy It If

❌You are on budget: This case will set you back USD 199.99. If you are on a budget, look for something else.

❌You plan to use a mATX backplug motherboard in this case: The HDD cage is a no-go with backplug motherboards in this case. The PSU presses on the motherboard’s bottom connectors. I am not confident with either.

Final Words

Corsair is back into the world of dual-chamber design, but this time, they are doing it in quite some form with function. I have tested the Corsair 6500X black version. This is a mid-tower PC Case having a dimension of 81x328x496mm. It weighs 16 Kg and has two 3mm tempered glass panels for a panoramic view of the build. The front glass is also removable.

This case can house up to an E-ATX-size motherboard. However, an E-ATX motherboard that extends over the recessed area toward the side fan mount would look strange. The salient feature of this case is its support for backplug motherboards (BTF from Asus and Project Zero from MSI). You can use regular motherboards as well.

It has ample cooling provision with up to 10x 120mm fans or 7x140mm fans and up to 3x 360mm radiators at a time without any limitation. Corsair has done a marvelous job in designing a spacious layout for the front chamber.

However, the lack of proper 140mm size radiators, particularly on the side bracket, is apparent. On the other hand, users of 120mm size will be happy using this case. I wish Corsair had used a fan bracket on the base instead. It would have given a convenient installation. The rear can house a 120mm or 140mm fan/radiator. The top bracket is fixed as well.

The PSU is installed vertically on the backside. There is a gap below the PSU bay, which is probably for the iCUE Link system – 6500X RGB will tell the tale. Corsair has provided customization for these cases. There are panel kits available in multiple wood colors. You can remove the stock steel frames and install wood design panels. Corsair also sells the vertical bracket separately, and then there are RapidRoute retrofit kits for cable routing. Corsair is doing the Corsair thing! Hey Corsair, start doing the customer thing at such a steep price of USD 199.99!

Overall build quality is top-notch, and those Quick-Turn screws are my favorite part from Corsair lately. With just two torques, your fan is installed instead of so many torques on the standard screws.

I have used the MSI Project Zero B650M motherboard for the test build. This is a micro-ATX motherboard, and I have observed that you can’t install an HDD cage with this motherboard or, in fact, for any backplug motherboard, regardless of the size, because the EPS connector on the top obstructs the HDD cage.

Also, the PSU presses on the bottom connectors of the micro-ATX backplug motherboards. This may not be the case for an ATX backplug motherboard. These are design time considerations that should have been taken care of. Also, there is a small gap between the PSU/HDD Cage and the case frame to pass any cable. You are better off routing the cables first and then installing these two items.

There is plenty of space for cables but not enough cable management provision. Oh, and did I mention that you can adjust the side fan bracket in two locations? Flexibility is there. The IO panel is on the top, which may not be good news for desktop users since they may have to stand up and do the connectivity. Also, the provision of 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports on the IO panel is nice, but what if the motherboard has only one header for USB 3.2? There are considerations. I would have chosen two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports and one USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port in this price range.

I have tested this case in its stock configuration (no fan) with RX120 fans. Airflow with the fans is adequate in this case. Corsair offers a 2-year warranty on this, and this case will set you back a USD199.99 bucks.

Awards Received By Corsair 6500X

Given its excellent performance and beautiful looks, we decided to give it the following Tech4Gamers Awards:

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Corsair 6500X Review: Innovation Or Pricey Proposition? is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

]]> 10 BEST PC Cases In 2024 [All Types] https://tech4gamers.com/best-pc-cases/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 01:07:19 +0000 https://tech4gamers.com/?p=121878 Your one-stop guide for the Best PC case across various categories, compiled after months of testing dozens of PC cases.

10 BEST PC Cases In 2024 [All Types] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

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See full bio

Whether you’re building a new PC from scratch or just upgrading your existing one, if you’re looking for a new PC case, then you must feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. Worry not, though, I did all the work for you by researching and then testing dozens of PC cases, fitting various categories, to narrow it down to a critically-selected Top 10. Let’s take a look!

Why Trust Tech4Gamers
  • Nauman Siddique is the most senior hardware tester at Tech4Gamers. He brings an ocean of knowledge to the table, including unmatched expertise in PC cases.
  • 100+ PC Cases tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 1100+ hours spent testing different PC Cases for our reviews.
  • Objective testing criteria (See How We Test PC Cases).

At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.

Top Picks And Comparison

Here is comparison table of the Best PC chassis I have selected:

Casing
Corsair 4000D Airflow
LIAN LI Lancool III
Fractal Design Torrent
Fractal Design North
Phanteks Eclipse P300A
Preview
CORSAIR 4000D AIRFLOW Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX Case - High-Airflow - Cable Management System - Spacious Interior - Two Included 120 mm Fans - Black
LIAN LI Lancool III RGB Black Aluminum/SECC/Tempered Glass Gaming Case with 4 × 140 PWM Fans (ARGB) - LANCOOL 3R-X
Fractal Design Torrent Black E-ATX Tempered Glass Window High-Airflow Mid Tower Computer Case
Fractal Design North Chalk White - Genuine Oak Wood Front - Mesh Side Panels - Two 140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included - Type C USB - ATX Airflow Mid Tower PC Gaming Case
Phanteks Eclipse P300A (PH-EC300ATG_BK01) high airflow full-metal mesh design, compact ATX Mid-tower, 120mm black case fan, Black
Award
Best Overall PC Case
Best Airflow PC Case
Best Premium Airflow PC Case
Best Looking PC Case
Best Budget PC Case
What We Liked
Airflow, Value, Design, Build Quality
Airflow, Cooling Support, Clearance
Design, Thermals, Clearances, Cable-management features, 5x Pre-installed fans
Looks, Airflow, Fan and Radiator Support
Pricing, Cooling
What We Disliked
Only 1x USB 3.0 Port
Bulky, Expensive
Price, Noise output
Noise
Only 1x Dedicated SSD
Dimensions
466 x 230 x 453 mm
526 x 238 x 523 mm
544 x 242 x 530 mm
447 x 215 x 469 mm
400 x 200 x 455 mm
GPU Clearance
360mm
435mm
425mm (with front fan mounted)
355mm
355mm
CPU Cooler Clearance
170mm
187mm
188mm
145mm (w/ fan bracket)
165mm
Drive Bays
2x SSDs and 2x HDDs
8x SSDs and 4x SSDs/HDDs
4x SSDs and 2x HDDs
2x SSDs and 2x HDDs
2x SSDs (1x Optional) and 2x HDDs
Included Fans
2x 120mm fans
4x 140mm PWM fans
2x 180mm, 3x 140mm
2x Aspect 14 PWM fans
1x 120mm Phanteks Black Case fan
Radiator Support (Up to)
360mm (Front) and 240mm (Top) OR 280mm (Front) and 280mm (Top)
420mm (Front), 420mm (Top), 360mm (Bottom)
420mm (Top), 420mm (Bottom), 140mm (Rear)
360mm (Front), 240mm (Top), 120mm (Rear)
280mm (Front), 120mm (Rear)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Casing
Corsair 4000D Airflow
Preview
CORSAIR 4000D AIRFLOW Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX Case - High-Airflow - Cable Management System - Spacious Interior - Two Included 120 mm Fans - Black
Award
Best Overall PC Case
What We Liked
Airflow, Value, Design, Build Quality
What We Disliked
Only 1x USB 3.0 Port
Dimensions
466 x 230 x 453 mm
GPU Clearance
360mm
CPU Cooler Clearance
170mm
Drive Bays
2x SSDs and 2x HDDs
Included Fans
2x 120mm fans
Radiator Support (Up to)
360mm (Front) and 240mm (Top) OR 280mm (Front) and 280mm (Top)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Casing
LIAN LI Lancool III
Preview
LIAN LI Lancool III RGB Black Aluminum/SECC/Tempered Glass Gaming Case with 4 × 140 PWM Fans (ARGB) - LANCOOL 3R-X
Award
Best Airflow PC Case
What We Liked
Airflow, Cooling Support, Clearance
What We Disliked
Bulky, Expensive
Dimensions
526 x 238 x 523 mm
GPU Clearance
435mm
CPU Cooler Clearance
187mm
Drive Bays
8x SSDs and 4x SSDs/HDDs
Included Fans
4x 140mm PWM fans
Radiator Support (Up to)
420mm (Front), 420mm (Top), 360mm (Bottom)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Casing
Fractal Design Torrent
Preview
Fractal Design Torrent Black E-ATX Tempered Glass Window High-Airflow Mid Tower Computer Case
Award
Best Premium Airflow PC Case
What We Liked
Design, Thermals, Clearances, Cable-management features, 5x Pre-installed fans
What We Disliked
Price, Noise output
Dimensions
544 x 242 x 530 mm
GPU Clearance
425mm (with front fan mounted)
CPU Cooler Clearance
188mm
Drive Bays
4x SSDs and 2x HDDs
Included Fans
2x 180mm, 3x 140mm
Radiator Support (Up to)
420mm (Top), 420mm (Bottom), 140mm (Rear)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Casing
Fractal Design North
Preview
Fractal Design North Chalk White - Genuine Oak Wood Front - Mesh Side Panels - Two 140mm Aspect PWM Fans Included - Type C USB - ATX Airflow Mid Tower PC Gaming Case
Award
Best Looking PC Case
What We Liked
Looks, Airflow, Fan and Radiator Support
What We Disliked
Noise
Dimensions
447 x 215 x 469 mm
GPU Clearance
355mm
CPU Cooler Clearance
145mm (w/ fan bracket)
Drive Bays
2x SSDs and 2x HDDs
Included Fans
2x Aspect 14 PWM fans
Radiator Support (Up to)
360mm (Front), 240mm (Top), 120mm (Rear)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Casing
Phanteks Eclipse P300A
Preview
Phanteks Eclipse P300A (PH-EC300ATG_BK01) high airflow full-metal mesh design, compact ATX Mid-tower, 120mm black case fan, Black
Award
Best Budget PC Case
What We Liked
Pricing, Cooling
What We Disliked
Only 1x Dedicated SSD
Dimensions
400 x 200 x 455 mm
GPU Clearance
355mm
CPU Cooler Clearance
165mm
Drive Bays
2x SSDs (1x Optional) and 2x HDDs
Included Fans
1x 120mm Phanteks Black Case fan
Radiator Support (Up to)
280mm (Front), 120mm (Rear)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Casing
Corsair 6500X
Lian Li O11 AIR MINI
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M
MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ
Cooler Master NR200
Preview
CORSAIR 6500X Mid-Tower ATX Dual Chamber PC Case – Panoramic Tempered Glass – Reverse Connection Motherboard Compatible – No Fans Included – White
Lian Li O11 Air Small Case - Mini ITX - Mesh & Aluminum Panel - include 2 x 140MM PWM fans & 120mm PWM fan - up to 200mm long full ATX PSUs (O11AMX BLACK)
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M E-ATX Full-Tower, Curved Tempered Glass Panel, Riser Cable, Flexible Interior Layout, Diverse Liquid Cooling, Type-C, Customizable ARGB (MCC-C700M-MG5N-S00)
MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Premium Mid-Tower Gaming PC Case - Tempered Glass Side Panel - ARGB 120mm Fans - Liquid Cooling Support up to 360mm Radiator - White Color Case
Cooler Master NR200 White Mini-ITX PC Case, 330mm Horizontal Triple-Slot Mount GPU, 240mm|280mm AIO, SFX PSU 130mm, Compatible RX 7900 XTX|4080 Super, Vented Panels, DIY
Award
Best White PC Case
Best Compact ATX PC Case
Best High-End ATX PC Case
Best PC Case With Back Connector Support
Best Mini-ITX PC Case
What We Liked
Design, Backplug motherboard support, Radiator support, Thermals, Cable-management, Customizability, I/O connectivity
Value for money, Cooling, Looks
Exceptional Cooling, Unique Design
Design, Airflow, Integrated fan hub, Pre-installed fans, Rail mount system
Spacious Interior, 2x Radiator and 7x Fan Support
What We Disliked
Price, No included fans, No support for 420mm radiators
No top radiator in the 7-slot configuration is disappointing
Very Expensive, Bulky
Storage room
2x Radiator and 7x fan support
Dimensions
496 x 328 x 481 mm
400 x 288 x 384 mm
650 x 306 x 651 mm
440 x 235 x 405 mm
376 x 185 x 292 mm
GPU Clearance
400mm (without front radiator)
362mm
490mm (w/o 3.5" HDD cage), 320mm (w/ 3.5" HDD cage)
390mm
330mm
CPU Cooler Clearance
190mm
170mm
198mm
175mm
155mm
Drive Bays
3x SSDs and 3x HDDs
6x SSDs or 2x SSDs with 4x HDDs
10x SSDs or 5x SSDs and 5x HDDs, 1x External 5.25"
2x SSDs or 1x SSD + 1x HDD
3x SSDs and 2x HDDs
Included Fans
None
2x 140mm and 1x 120mm PWM fans
4x 140mm PWM fans
4x 120mm ARGB
1x 120mm and 1x 92mm fans
Radiator Support
360mm (Side), 360mm (Top), 360mm (Bottom)
280mm (Front), 280mm (Top), 280mm (Bottom)
420mm (Front), 420mm (Top), 280mm (Bottom)
360mm (Top), 140mm (Rear)
280mm (Side), 240mm (Front), 92mm (Rear)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Casing
Corsair 6500X
Preview
CORSAIR 6500X Mid-Tower ATX Dual Chamber PC Case – Panoramic Tempered Glass – Reverse Connection Motherboard Compatible – No Fans Included – White
Award
Best White PC Case
What We Liked
Design, Backplug motherboard support, Radiator support, Thermals, Cable-management, Customizability, I/O connectivity
What We Disliked
Price, No included fans, No support for 420mm radiators
Dimensions
496 x 328 x 481 mm
GPU Clearance
400mm (without front radiator)
CPU Cooler Clearance
190mm
Drive Bays
3x SSDs and 3x HDDs
Included Fans
None
Radiator Support
360mm (Side), 360mm (Top), 360mm (Bottom)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Casing
Lian Li O11 AIR MINI
Preview
Lian Li O11 Air Small Case - Mini ITX - Mesh & Aluminum Panel - include 2 x 140MM PWM fans & 120mm PWM fan - up to 200mm long full ATX PSUs (O11AMX BLACK)
Award
Best Compact ATX PC Case
What We Liked
Value for money, Cooling, Looks
What We Disliked
No top radiator in the 7-slot configuration is disappointing
Dimensions
400 x 288 x 384 mm
GPU Clearance
362mm
CPU Cooler Clearance
170mm
Drive Bays
6x SSDs or 2x SSDs with 4x HDDs
Included Fans
2x 140mm and 1x 120mm PWM fans
Radiator Support
280mm (Front), 280mm (Top), 280mm (Bottom)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Casing
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M
Preview
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M E-ATX Full-Tower, Curved Tempered Glass Panel, Riser Cable, Flexible Interior Layout, Diverse Liquid Cooling, Type-C, Customizable ARGB (MCC-C700M-MG5N-S00)
Award
Best High-End ATX PC Case
What We Liked
Exceptional Cooling, Unique Design
What We Disliked
Very Expensive, Bulky
Dimensions
650 x 306 x 651 mm
GPU Clearance
490mm (w/o 3.5" HDD cage), 320mm (w/ 3.5" HDD cage)
CPU Cooler Clearance
198mm
Drive Bays
10x SSDs or 5x SSDs and 5x HDDs, 1x External 5.25"
Included Fans
4x 140mm PWM fans
Radiator Support
420mm (Front), 420mm (Top), 280mm (Bottom)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Casing
MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ
Preview
MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Premium Mid-Tower Gaming PC Case - Tempered Glass Side Panel - ARGB 120mm Fans - Liquid Cooling Support up to 360mm Radiator - White Color Case
Award
Best PC Case With Back Connector Support
What We Liked
Design, Airflow, Integrated fan hub, Pre-installed fans, Rail mount system
What We Disliked
Storage room
Dimensions
440 x 235 x 405 mm
GPU Clearance
390mm
CPU Cooler Clearance
175mm
Drive Bays
2x SSDs or 1x SSD + 1x HDD
Included Fans
4x 120mm ARGB
Radiator Support
360mm (Top), 140mm (Rear)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Casing
Cooler Master NR200
Preview
Cooler Master NR200 White Mini-ITX PC Case, 330mm Horizontal Triple-Slot Mount GPU, 240mm|280mm AIO, SFX PSU 130mm, Compatible RX 7900 XTX|4080 Super, Vented Panels, DIY
Award
Best Mini-ITX PC Case
What We Liked
Spacious Interior, 2x Radiator and 7x Fan Support
What We Disliked
2x Radiator and 7x fan support
Dimensions
376 x 185 x 292 mm
GPU Clearance
330mm
CPU Cooler Clearance
155mm
Drive Bays
3x SSDs and 2x HDDs
Included Fans
1x 120mm and 1x 92mm fans
Radiator Support
280mm (Side), 240mm (Front), 92mm (Rear)
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg

Best PC Cases In 2024

Here is a list of all the Best PC Cases that you can get:

  1. Best Overall PC Case: Corsair 4000D Airflow
  2. Best Airflow PC Case: LIAN LI Lancool III
  3. Best Premium Airflow PC Case: Fractal Design Torrent
  4. Best Looking PC Case: Fractal Design North
  5. Best Budget PC Case: Phanteks Eclipse P300A
  6. Best White PC Case: Corsair 6500X
  7. Best Compact ATX PC Case: Lian Li O11 AIR MINI
  8. Best High-End ATX PC Case: Cooler Master Cosmos C700M
  9. Best PC Case With Back Connector Support: MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ
  10. Best Mini-ITX PC Case: Cooler Master NR200

Corsair 4000D Airflow

Best Overall PC Case

Corsair 4000D Airflow - Best Airflow PC Case
Corsair 4000D Airflow

Type: Mid-tower | Colors: Black | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX | Dimensions: 466 x 453 x 230 mm | GPU Clearance: 360mm | CPU Cooler Clearance: 170mm | PSU Clearance: 220mm | Drive Bays: 2x SSDs and 2x HDDs | Included Fans: 2x 120mm fans

Pros

  • Good Airflow from Perforated Front And Top Panel
  • Value For Money
  • Minimalistic Design
  • Build Quality

Cons

  • Only 1x USB 3.0 Port
Check Price

Aesthetics & Build Quality: The design of the Corsair 4000D Airflow is quite impressive. You get a minimalistic black body, a perforated front panel, and a glass side panel, with each panel blending into the other seamlessly. With it being a Corsair product, I found no build quality issues as expected.

Cooling Performance: Owing to its perforated front and top panels, the chassis’ airflow performance was nearly unbeatable in my testing. Along with the chassis, you get 2x 120mm AirGuide fans, with support for 4x more. For AIOs, you can equip a 360mm radiator at the front and a 280mm radiator at the top.

Features: The first feature I liked is its pre-installed 2x AirGuide fans and also the support for magnetic dust filters up top and up front. It offers room for 2x 3.5″ and 2x 2.5″ drives, and great cable management features. I was disappointed to see only one USB 3.0 port for I/O, though.

PRO TIP: Invest in a USB hub if you want more accessible USB ports up front.
✅Buy It If
Corsair 4000D Airflow
Corsair 4000D Airflow

You prioritize airflow: The Corsair 4000D Airflow excels in airflow, making it ideal for keeping your components cool during intense workloads.

❌Don't Buy It If

You want better I/O: Its only noticeable flaw is the lackluster front I/O port configuration.

What Makes It The Best Overall PC Case?

Its mesh design, plethora of vents, 6x 120mm fan support, and solid build quality are some of the features that prompted me to select the Corsair Airflow 4000D as the Best Overall PC Case. Moreover, I was impressed by the impressive clearances on offer for GPUs and CPU coolers.

Connectivity: 8/10 Value: 8/10
Features: 9.5/10 Design: 9.5/10

Lian Li LANCOOL III

Best Airflow PC Case

LIAN LI Lancool III - Best Premium PC Case
LIAN LI Lancool III

Type: Mid-tower | Colors: Black, White | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX | Dimensions: 526 x 238 x 523 mm | GPU Clearance: 435mm | CPU Cooler Clearance: 187mm | Drive Bays: 8x SSDs and 4x SSDs/HDDs | Included Fans: 4x 140mm PWM fans

Pros

  • Extensive mesh design
  • Fits up to 10x fans and 2x 420mm radiators
  • Excellent clearances

Cons

  • Heavy
Check Price

Aesthetics & Build Quality: The Lian Li Lancool III features mesh panels on four sides, plus a tempered glass panel on the two sides, which makes for an aesthetically pleasing design overall. I was impressed by its build quality, thanks to the clever use of steel, aluminum, and ABS plastic.

Cooling Performance: There is no doubt that its extensive mesh design is excellent for cooling, and this was validated by my testing in which its four pre-installed fans were adequate to keep all my components cool under stress. It supports an additional six 140mm fans, and 3x 360mm radiators OR 2x 420mm ones.

Features: Not only do we get four pre-installed fans rated for high airflow, there’s provisions for up to 12x 2.5″ SSDs OR 8x 2.5″ + 4x 3.5″ drives. It took me just a few minutes to neatly arrange all the cables thanks to its excellent cable management features. Another feature I liked is its reversible front I/O.

✅Buy It If

Here are some more images of the chassis captured during our review:

You want top-notch airflow: With multiple meshes, four pre-installed fans, and support for six more, the chassis is a high-airflow powerhouse.

❌Don't Buy It If

You prefer a lighter chassis: With its large size and steel + aluminum build, the chassis comes in at 36.38 pounds.

What Makes It The Best Airflow Case?

The mesh design, plethora of vents, 6x 120mm fan support, along with 2x radiators is what make the Corsair Airflow 4000D the Best Airflow Case, and that’s why I’m recommending it as well.

Connectivity: 9/10 Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10 Design: 9/10

Fractal Design Torrent

Best Premium Airflow PC Case

Fractal Design Torrent - Best Premium Airflow PC Case
Fractal Design Torrent

Type: Mid-tower | Colors: Black, White, Grey | Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, mATX, ITX, SSI-EEB, SSI-CEB | Dimensions: 544 x 242 x 530 mm | GPU Clearance: 423mm (with front fan mounted) | CPU Cooler Clearance: 188mm | Drive Bays: 4x SSDs and 2x HDDs | Included Fans: 2x 180mm, 3x 140mm

Pros

  • Gorgeous stand-out design
  • 5x pre-installed fans
  • Plenty of airflow
  • Excellent clearances
  • Cable-management features are adequate

Cons

  • Slightly noisy under stress
  • Pricey
  • Hand prints are very visible on its matte surface
Check Price

Aesthetics & Build Quality: The Fractal Torrent features a combination of plastic and steel, with the front showing a unique mesh panel design that I loved. We get two fairly tinted glass side panels, and, other than the plastic front panel, I was satisfied with the build quality.

Cooling Performance: Thanks namely to its unique mesh front and two 180mm fans bringing in plenty of fresh air, the chassis is a cooling beast and outperformed all the other cases in my thermal testing. More air is brought in by the 3x fans sitting at the bottom, and you can swap out the front/bottom fans for up to a 420mm AIO.

Features: The highlight feature of the chassis is, of course, the FIVE massive pre-installed fans, plus it includes a nine-port PWM in the back for additional fans. It can also house any motherboard you can name, and the largest GPUs; I had no trouble installing the RTX 4090. Plenty is offered for easy cable management, too.

WARNING: Installing a radiator at the front requires installation of the included fan bracket.
✅Buy It If

Here are some pictures of the Fract Design Torrent we took during our testing:

You like unique designs: The chassis has a unique design with its front mesh panel and use of tempered glass on both side panels.

You don’t want any compromise on airflow: Its impressive design, and inclusion of 5x pre-installed fans, makes it the best airflow PC case out there.

❌Don't Buy It If

Budget is limited: For what it brings to the table, I can’t complain, but the chassis is still bound to be out of range for a significant portion of users.

What Makes It The Best Premium Airflow Case?

The Fractal Design Torrent stood tall as the Best Premium Airflow PC Case for me, and not just because it topped the charts in my thermal testing. It also looks really good, and offers a wealth of features, excellent clearances for all your components, and comes with 5x pre-installed fans so you don’t have to worry about that investment.

Connectivity: 9/10 Value: 8/10
Features: 9.5/10 Design: 10/10

Fractal Design North

Best Looking PC Case

Fractal Design North - Best Looks PC Case
Fractal Design North

Type: Mid-tower | Colors: Charcoal Black, Chalk White | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX | Dimensions: 447 x 215 x 469 mm | GPU Clearance: 355mm | CPU Cooler Clearance: 145mm (w/ fan bracket) | Drive Bays: 2x SSDs and 2x HDDs | Included Fans: 2x Aspect 14 PWM fans

Pros

  • Beautiful looks with the front wooden panel
  • Great airflow
  • Plenty of fans and radiator support

Cons

  • A bit noisy
Check Price

Aesthetics & Build Quality: The Fractal Design North uses real oak or walnut panels at the front, complemented by its minimalistic, solid brass or steel body and tempered glass side panel, which gives the case a bespoke look. It’s true that looks are subjective, and the North is one of the prettiest PC cases I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing.

Cooling Performance: Its wooden front panel also adds to the case’s ventilation because it can take in a lot of unrestricted air. Furthermore, the top and side panels also use a mesh design for more air intake, so I had no problems with airflow during my testing. You can also install up to 6x 120mm fans in the chassis.

Features: We get a decent features-set, including 2x pre-installed Aspect 14 PWM fans. The front I/O offers 2x USB 3.0 and 1x USB 3.1 Type-C. Plus, you can install 2x 2.5″ SSDs and 2x HDDs. It offers 30mm of cable-routing space which made things easy for me, and also includes fixed cable straps and routing grommets.

✅Buy It If
Fractal Design North
Fractal Design North

Aesthetics matter: The Fractal Design North is truly the best-looking PC case you can get.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re noise sensitive: My only problem with the chassis was its slightly bothersome noise output due to its wooden panel.

What Makes It The Best-Looking PC Case?

It is obvious that the front wooden panel made from real oak or walnuts, along with the beautiful brass or steel body, makes the Fractal Design North the Best Looking PC Case, and that’s why I picked it as the winner of this category.

Connectivity: 9/10 Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10 Design: 10/10

Phanteks Eclipse P300A

Best Budget PC Case

Phanteks Eclipse P300A - Best Budget PC Case
Phanteks Eclipse P300A

Type: Mid-tower | Colors: Black | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX | Dimensions: 400 x 200 x 455 mm | GPU Clearance: 355mm | CPU Cooler Clearance: 165mm | Drive Bays: 2x SSDs (1x Optional) and 2x HDDs | Included Fans: 1x 120mm Phanteks Black Case fan

Pros

  • Very Affordable
  • Good Cooling Capabilities

Cons

  • Only 1x Dedicated SSD slot
Check Price

Aesthetics & Build Quality: The Eclipse P300A looks absolutely gorgeous. It comes in a Satin Black finish, which, when combined with the front mesh grill along with the clear side tempered glass, gives the chassis a really beautiful look. Moreover, its all-metal body displayed excellent build quality in my review.

Cooling Performance: For cooling, its front and top meshes ensure unrestricted airflow. It comes with 1x pre-installed fan, with room for 3x more 120mm fans, or 3x 140mm fans overall. There’s also support for up to a 280mm radiator, and my tests showed great performance with 2x front fans and the pre-installed rear one.

Features: Other than its included fan, the chassis offers 2x HDD/SSD trays along with a dedicated SSD bracket at the back. Its front I/O includes 2x USB 3.0 ports. What really impressed me is that it has great GPU (355mm) and air cooler (165mm) clearances despite its compact size.

Editor`s Note
Image

For a budget-oriented chassis, the Phanteks Eclipse P300A won me over as it does everything well, from its design to its cooling, and from its clearances to the standard I/O panel offering.

– Nauman Siddique

✅Buy It If
Phanteks Eclipse P300A
Phanteks Eclipse P300A

You need a budget-friendly chassis: The Phanteks Eclipse P300A offers affordability without compromising on cooling.

❌Don't Buy It If

You need more SSD brackets: Consider its price, I hate to complain, but I would have liked to see at least one more SSD bracket.

What Makes It The Best Budget PC Case?

Given its pricing, the Eclipse P300A still managed to provide lots of cooling support, including a 280mm radiator, plus decent airflow, in my review. Not only that, but by no means will you think of it as a cheap chassis because of its build quality or looks. Therefore, this is why I have picked the Phanteks Eclipse P300A as the Best Budget PC Case.

Connectivity: 8/10 Value: 10/10
Features: 8.5/10 Design: 9/10

Corsair 6500X

Best White PC Case

Corsair 6500X - Best White PC Case
Corsair 6500X

Type: Mid-tower | Colors: Black, White | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX | Dimensions: 496 x 328 x 481 mm | GPU Clearance: 400mm (without front radiator) | CPU Cooler Clearance: 190mm | Drive Bays: 3x SSDs and 3x HDDs | Included Fans: None

Pros

  • Beautiful panoramic design
  • Backplug motherboard support
  • Up to 3x 360mm radiators supported
  • Top-notch thermals
  • Easy to manage cables
  • Customizable panels
  • Great I/O connectivity
  • Good dust filtration
  • E-ATX motherboard supported

Cons

  • Pricey
  • No included fans
  • No provisions for 420mm radiators
  • USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports rely on 2x USB 3.2 headers from motherboard
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Aesthetics & Build Quality: The Corsair 6500X offers a panoramic, dual-chamber design and shows a mix of steel and tempered glass panels in its durable build. Its steel frame can be switched out for unique wooden/metallic-finish panels, adding a touch of customizability that I liked seeing.

Cooling Performance: For cooling, the chassis’ large dual-chamber design and support for up to 10 fans is perfect, and as such, it showed impressive numbers in my thermal stress tests. There is also a mesh top and vents at the bottom to help with the airflow, and support for up to 3x 360mm radiators, but no 420mm ones.

Features: My favorite feature is obviously its replaceable panels, but it would have been better if Corsair offered them by default, instead of as add-ons. Another disappointment was the lack of pre-installed fans. For the positives: backplug motherboard support, easy cable-management, dust filtration, and clearances stood out for me.

Here is what I had to say about the cooler in my detailed review:

“The Corsair 6500X is a premium dual-chamber PC case that emphasizes customization, flexibility, and innovative design, catering to users looking to personalize their cooling solutions.”

✅Buy It If

We have also reviewed the black variant of the Corsair 6500X, pictured below:

You’re building a white-themed PC: For the white-theme lovers, the Corsair 6500X offers a beautiful white variant to go with its fantastic design.

You need backplug motherboard support: Purchased a backplug motherboard and need a supporting chassis? The 6500X is an excellent option.

Customizability is important: If you like a touch of customizability in your PC case, its replaceable panels make for good-looking and easy customizations.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re looking to spend less: The chassis comes with a significant price tag, and I would say that its slightly overpriced.

You expect pre-installed fans: Considering the price-point, you wouldn’t be wronged for expecting fans in the package, but you certainly will be letdown.

You want to install a 420mm radiator: There is room for 140mm fans up top and on the bottom, but no support for 420mm radiators.

What Makes It The Best White PC Case? 

While the Corsair 6500X may seem like a mixed bag with its price and lack of included fans, it does a stellar job in the most important aspects: Design and Thermals. On top of that, its easily replaceable front panel is a great feature, and it also supports the innovative backplug motherboards, making it my top choice in this category.

Connectivity: 10/10 Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10 Design: 9/10

Lian Li O11 Air Mini

Best Compact ATX PC Case

Lian Li O11 AIR MINI - Best Compact ATX PC Case
Lian Li O11 Air Mini

Type: Mid-tower ATX | Colors: White, Black | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX | Dimensions: 400 x 288 x 384 mm | GPU Clearance: 362mm | CPU Cooler Clearance: 170mm | Drive Bays: 6x SSDs or 2x SSDs with 4x HDDs | Included Fans: 2x 140mm and 1x 120mm PWM fans

Pros

  • Good value for money
  • Lots of cooling and storage support in a small form factor
  • Looks beautiful

Cons

  • No top radiator in the 7-slot configuration is disappointing
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Aesthetics & Build Quality: The Lian Li O11 Air Mini follows the dual-chamber design philosophy of the gorgeous O11 Dynamic Evo. You get a beautiful mesh front panel along with an aluminum panel, a unique design that I am quite fond of. Build quality, as I’m used to with Lian Li, was solid.

Cooling Performance: Many compact PC cases suffer from poor airflow, but the O11 Air Mini doesn’t lie in that list, as it outperformed every other compact chassis in my testing. This is all thanks to the use of mesh panels on three sides, and support for an incredible 10x 120mm fans, or 3x 240mm radiators (!).

Features: Continuing from above, you can improve radiator support even further if you use the 5-slot mode, an innovative addition I loved to see. It also includes 3x pre-installed fans (2x being 140mm ones), and has space for up to 6x SSDs. Its front I/O selection includes 1x USB 3.1 Type-C and 2x USB 3.0 ports.

✅Buy It If

Here’s a couple of snapshots of this beautiful chassis from our review:

You need ample space: Its spacious interior means room for many fans and radiators, despite a compact form factor. 

❌Don't Buy It If

You have specific radiator-mounting needs: With the 7-slot configuration, which you’ll need to install an ATX motherboard, there is no provision for a radiator up-top.

What Makes It The Best Compact ATX PC Case?

The fact that the Lian Li O11 Air Mini can support 10x fans and 4x radiators while still leaving plenty of room for storage is what makes it the Best Compact ATX PC Case. Furthermore, it also stands out from the competition because of its affordable pricing.

Connectivity: 9/10 Value: 8.5/10
Features: 10/10 Design: 9/10

Cooler Master Cosmos C700M

Best High-End ATX PC Case

Cooler Master Cosmos C700M - Best High-End PC Case
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M

Type: Full-tower | Colors: Grey, Silver, Black | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX | Dimensions: 650 x 306 x 651 mm | GPU Clearance: 490mm (w/o 3.5″ HDD cage), 320mm (w/ 3.5″ HDD cage) | CPU Cooler Clearance: 198mm | Drive Bays: 10x SSDs or 5x SSDs and 5x HDDs, 1x External 5.25″ | Included Fans: 4x 140mm PWM fans

Pros

  • Extreme cooling support
  • Very unique design

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Bulky
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Aesthetics & Build Quality: I can only describe the Cosmos C700M‘s design as a spaceship from a different galaxy. It features 2x RGB strips, brushed aluminum handles, and shows a beautiful transition of the front I/O into the front aluminum panel. Plus, it’s built like a tank, to make for an overall appealing PC case.

Cooling Performance: The Cosmos C700M can be paired with 9x 120/140mm (3x top, 3x front, 2x bottom, 1x rear) fans, and comes with 4x 140mm PWM fans pre-installed. It can also house multiple radiators, including 2x 420mm ones. Its large size offers plenty of room for airflow, and it kept things cool and quiet in my testing.

Features: For storage, the C700M is the first chassis in my list to feature support for a 5.25″ drive, along with 5x SSDs and 5x HDDs or 10x SSDs. It supports four different layouts to fit different needs, a feature that blew me away. As for the front I/O, you get 4x USB 3.0 ports and 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port.

✅Buy It If
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M

You’re an enthusiast: The Cooler Master Cosmos C700M is ideal for those who enjoy building high-end gaming rigs with extensive water-cooling.

You value functionality: Its unique design supports four different layouts: customizable, inverse, chimney, and tradition, that you can utilize according to your needs.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re budget-conscious: It’s no surprise that its premium set of features come with a price tag to match.

You want a lighter chassis: The Cosmos C700M is bulky and heavy, making it less suitable for those prioritizing portability.

What Makes It The Best High-End PC Case?

Whether it is insane looks or an astounding amount of cooling support, the Cooler Master Cosmos C700M steered clear of every other chassis to be awarded the Best High-End PC Case by me.

Connectivity: 10/10 Value: 7/10
Features: 10/10 Design: 9/10

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ

Best PC Case With Back Connector Support

MSI MAG Pano M100R - Best PC Case With Back Connector Support
MSI MAG Pano M100R

Type: Micro-ATX | Colors: White, Black | Motherboard Support: Backplug mATX, mini-ITX | Dimensions: 440 x 235 x 405 mm | GPU Clearance: 390mm | CPU Cooler Clearance: 175mm | Drive Bays: 2x SSDs or 1x SSD + 1x HDD | Included Fans: 4x 120mm ARGB

Pros

  • Gorgeous 270ᵒ panoramic view design
  • Great airflow 
  • Integrated fan ARGB control hub
  • 4x Pre-installed fans
  • Rail mount system for fans and radiators
  • Stylish GPU support bracket

Cons

  • Storage room is unimpressive
Check Price

Aesthetics & Build Quality: The MAG PANO M100R PZ features front and side glass panels which are connected by another glass to create a gorgeous 270ᵒ panoramic view. It also features a uniquely-perforated top and displayed exceptional build quality in my review with its SPCC, glass, and plastic build. 

Cooling Performance: Its 4x pre-installed fans make for great airflow, with the 3x side fans bringing in fresh air through one of the two perforations on the side panel. Moreover, the top and bottom features perforations and in my thermal testing, both the CPU and GPU ran very cool. It also supports up to 10x fans.

Features: Other than being one of the unique cases to offer backplug motherboard support, its 4x pre-installed fans and 2x dust filters, the chassis includes a fan control hub and can support 1x 2.5″ + 1x 3.5″ drives. Its 33mm of cable management space made things easy, and I was happy to see 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for I/O.

Our hardware expert Sameed Hussain speaks on the chassis’ price relative to the design and features offered:

“Despite its premium price, its unique aesthetics, build quality, and cooling efficiency make it an attractive option for PC builders and enthusiasts.”

✅Buy It If

Check out some snaps of the chassis from our review:

You want backplug motherboard support: If you want your build looking as clean as possible, you’ll want to install a backplug motherboard, and this chassis has support for them.

You’re into RGB goodness: The chassis comes with four A-RGB fans that shine through its gorgeous design, and also includes an RGB fan control hub.

❌Don't Buy It If
 

You want more storage provisions: There is room for just two storage drives inside the MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ.

What Makes It The Best PC Case With Back Connector Support? 

The MSI MAG PANO M1000R PZ does a lot more than offer support for back connector motherboards, including its beautiful design, 4x pre-installed ARGB fans and control hub, and impressive cooling performance. Also, its side I/O includes two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports. All of this coming at a fairly reasonable price, made it by undeniable favorite for this category.

Connectivity: 9.5/10 Value: 8/10
Features: 10/10 Design: 10/10

Cooler Master NR200

Best Mini-ITX PC Case

Cooler Master NR200 - Best Mini-ITX PC Case
Cooler Master NR200

Type: Mini-tower | Colors: White, Black | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Mini DTX | Dimensions: 376 x 185 x 292 mm | GPU Clearance: 330mm | CPU Cooler Clearance: 155mm | Drive Bays: 3x SSDs and 2x HDDs | Included Fans: 1x 120mm and 1x 92mm fans

Pros

  • Spacious interior
  • 2x Radiator and 7x fan support

Cons

  • No Type-C port at the front I/O
Check Price

Aesthetics & Build Quality: The Cooler Master NR200 is one of the simplest-looking cases money can buy you. You can get it in two colors, black and white, and both of them have the same minimalistic feel with no bells and whistles. This design was nice to see among all the flashy cases I tested, and the build quality was decent, too.

Cooling Performance: With plenty of ventilation room and dust filters at the top, bottom, and side panels, the chassis ensured that all the components in my test build ran cool. It has room for 6x 120mm fans, plus a 1x 92mm fan in the rear, really good for a SFF factor case. 

Features: The NR200 comes with 1x Sickleflow fan and I was pleasantly surprised to see locations for 2x liquid cooling pumps in the case. It can accommodate 3x SSDs, 2x HDDs, and holds 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, another great feature to see. There is room for a 3-slot GPU (up to 330mm long) and a 155mm tall cooler.

PRO TIP: Make sure to clean the dust off the dust filters occasionally or airflow inside this compact chassis will take a further hit.
✅Buy It If
Cooler Master NR200
Cooler Master NR200

You seek a high-performance Mini-ITX case: The NR200, despite being a compact chassis, is ideal for high-end rigs as Cooler Master has impressively utilized the interior to give as much cooling potential as possible.

❌Don't Buy It If

You need a Type-C port: It lacks a Type-C port at the front I/O, which might be disappointing for some users.

What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX PC Case?

In such a small form factor, the Cooler Master NR200 supports 2x radiators (240mm, 280mm), 7x fans, and adequate storage while also being priced competitively. All of these features make it the Best Mini-ITX PC case.

Connectivity: 8/10 Value: 9/10
Features: 8/10 Design: 8/10

Comparison Table

Let’s see how my top picks compare in key specifications:

Best PC CasesHeight (mm)Width (mm)Length (mm)GPU clearance (mm)Cooler clearance (mm)Max 2.5″ drivesMax 3.5″ drives
Corsair 400D Airflow46623045336017022
LIAN LI Lancool III526238523435187124
Fractal Design Torrent54424253042518842
Fractal Design North447215469355145
22
Phanteks Eclipse P300A40020045535516522
Corsair 6500X49632848140019033
Lian Li O11 AIR MINI40028838436217084
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M650306651490198105
MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ44023540539017521
Cooler Master NR20037618529233015532

How We Test PC Cases

In this section, I will walk you through the important factors I considered when testing various PC Cases for this guide.

  • Budget: First of all, I tested PC cases with their pricing in mind. For every case I select, regardless of the category, the chassis must offer good value for money. This doesn’t mean that we didn’t consider expensive cases because the best high-end case costs north of $500; it simply means that every case we call the best must be worth its price. 
  • Airflow And Ventilation: I also tested every PC case based on its performance, and by performance, we mean its ability to direct airflow with proper ventilation. This can be done via various mesh or vents all over the body. 
  • Build Quality and Visual Aesthetics: When it comes to PC cases, build quality and looks play an important role. Hence I scrutinized them based on the materials (like aluminum and steel) used to build their panels. Furthermore, I also paid attention to the visual aspect of the chassis, like the color profile and RGB (or lack thereof).
  • Form Factor and Compatibility: With PC cases, it is important to evaluate their compatibility with different motherboards, GPUs, CPU coolers, and PSUs. Therefore, with their form factor in mind, I tested the clearance and compatibility of all the PC cases we picked.

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FAQs

Are expensive PC cases worth the investment?

That depends on how much you can spend on a PC Case and what your requirements are. Yes, expensive PC cases offer many features, but you should only buy them if you need those features.

Recent Updates

  • 25 March, 2024: Removed “Best RGB PC Case”, added “Best PC Case With Back Connector Support”; we found it necessary to add this category and tested multiple cases, due to the recent rise in back connector motherboards. An image gallery was added.
  • 20 March, 2024: After thoroughly testing the Corsair 6500X, we found it as a better alternative to the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO for the “Best White PC Case” category. An image gallery was added.
  • 17 February, 2024: Our thermal testing showed the Lian Li Lancool III edging out the Corsair 4000D, and so we replaced it in the “Best Airflow PC Case” category.
  • 5 February, 2024: The Fractal Design Torrent replaced the Lian Li Lancool III in the “Best Airflow PC Case” category after topping our thermal performance charts.
  • January 7, 2024: The Fractal Design Meshify 2 was replaced by the Corsair 4000D Airflow in the “Best Overall PC Case” category as we found it a better all-round chassis following our detailed review. Multiple text and grammar changes to improve readability.

 

10 BEST PC Cases In 2024 [All Types] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

]]> BEST Water Cooling Cases In 2024: From Performance To Looks https://tech4gamers.com/best-water-cooling-cases/ Sun, 03 Mar 2024 08:33:19 +0000 https://tech4gamers.com/?p=79988 Find the best water-cooling chassis for your build from my top 6 picks of hands-on tested cases.

BEST Water Cooling Cases In 2024: From Performance To Looks is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

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Along with ensuring your components are properly set in place, your PC case provides various functions and aesthetics to your build, making it an integral part of the build. However, it is not enough if you cannot safeguard your components from overheating, so many premium PC cases now come with dedicated water cooling support to ensure your components stay nice and cool. Well, I’ve tested a variety of such cases from different brands and have rounded up my critically selected top 6.

Why Trust Tech4Gamers
  • Faizan Ahmed has the most knowledge about PC cases on our entire team; he has been testing and reviewing all kinds of cases for years.
  • 100+ PC Cases tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 1100+ hours spent testing different PC Cases for our reviews.
  • Objective testing criteria (See How We Test PC Cases).

At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.

Our Picks And Comparison

Casing
Lian Li O11 Vision
Corsair Obsidian 1000D
NZXT H510
CoolerMaster Masterbox NR200P
Thermaltake Core P3 TG
Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB
Looks
Lian Li O11 Vision -Three Sided Tempered Glass Panels - Dual-Chamber ATX Mid Tower - Up to 2 x 360mm Radiators - Removable Motherboard Tray for PC Building - Up to 455mm Large GPUs (O11VW.US)
Corsair OBSIDIAN 1000D Super-Tower Case, Smoked Tempered Glass, Aluminum Trim - Integrated COMMANDER PRO Fan and Lighting Controller - Black
NZXT H510 - CA-H510B-B1 - Compact ATX Mid-Tower PC Gaming Case - Front I/O USB Type-C Port - Tempered Glass Side Panel - Cable Management System - Water-Cooling Ready - Black, Non i-Series
Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P Mini ITX Computer Case - Tempered Glass Side Panel, Superior Cooling Options, Vertical GPU Display, Tool-Free 360 Degree Accessibility - White
Thermaltake Core P3 ATX Tempered Glass Gaming Computer Case Chassis, Open Frame Panoramic Viewing, Glass Wall-Mount, Riser Cable Included, Black Edition, CA-1G4-00M1WN-06
CORSAIR iCUE 5000T RGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case-208 Individually Addressable RGB LEDs-Fits Multiple 360mm Radiators-Easy Cable Management-3 Included CORSAIR LL120 RGB Fans
Award
Best Overall Water Cooled PC Case
Best Water Cooled Gaming PC Case
Best Custom Water Cooled PC Case
Best ITX Case For Water Cooling
Best Budget PC Case For Water Cooling
Best White PC Case For Water Cooling
What We Liked
Storage, Noise, Build Quality, Cable management, Installation, 3 glass panels
2-year Warranty, Tempered Glass Panels, Roomy
Thermal performance, Aesthetics, Compact design, Vertical GPU mounting support, 3 RGB fans and RGB strip included
Includes Riser Cable, Spacious, Build Quality
Build quality, Drive expansion ports, Design, Cable management,
Spacious, Looks, Good I/O Ports, RGB
What We Disliked
No fans included
Expensive, Heavy, No Fans
Only two I/O ports, No Top Exhaust fan included, Slightly overpriced
Limited Availablity, Plain Design
Limited GPU length with water-cooling, Potentially dust-prone
Noisy Fans, Expensive, Limited PSU Room
Type
Mid-Tower Case
Full Tower
Compact Mid-Tower
Small Form Factor Mini ITX
Mid-Tower
ATX Mid-Tower
AIO Support
Up to 360mm (Side), Up to 360mm (Bottom), Up to 240mm (Rear)
2x 480 mm (Front), 1x 420 mm (Top), 1x 240 mm (rear)
280mm (Front), 120mm (Rear)
92 mm (Rear), 120 mm/ 240 mm (Bottom), 120 mm, 140 mm, 240 mm, 280 mm (Side)
Up to 420mm (Side)
1x 360 mm/ 280 mm (front), 1x 360 mm/ 280mm (Top), 1x 120mm (rear), 1x 360 mm (motherboard tray)
Motherboard Support
ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX, E-ATX (under 280mm)
E-ATX, Mini ITX
ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Mini ITX, Mini DTX
Mini ITX (6.7 x 6.7 inches), Micro-ATX (9.6 x 9.6 inches), ATX (12 x 9.6 inches)
Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX
Dimension
18.8 x 12 x 18.2 inches
12.1 x 27.4 x 27.3 inches
18.11 x 8.27 x 16.85 inches
11.5 x 7.28 x 14.80 inches
20.2 x 13.1 x 18.5 inches
22.05 x 9.88 X 20.87 inches
Ports
2x USB 3.0, 1x USB Type-C 1x HD Audio in/out
2x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.0, 2x Audio In/Out
1x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Type C, 1x Audio I/O
2x USB 3.2 Type A, 1x Audio I/O
2x USB 3.0, USB 2.0 x 2, 1x Audio I/O
3x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1X USB Type-C , 1x Audio I/O
Amazon
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Newegg
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Casing
Lian Li O11 Vision
Looks
Lian Li O11 Vision -Three Sided Tempered Glass Panels - Dual-Chamber ATX Mid Tower - Up to 2 x 360mm Radiators - Removable Motherboard Tray for PC Building - Up to 455mm Large GPUs (O11VW.US)
Award
Best Overall Water Cooled PC Case
What We Liked
Storage, Noise, Build Quality, Cable management, Installation, 3 glass panels
What We Disliked
No fans included
Type
Mid-Tower Case
AIO Support
Up to 360mm (Side), Up to 360mm (Bottom), Up to 240mm (Rear)
Motherboard Support
ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX, E-ATX (under 280mm)
Dimension
18.8 x 12 x 18.2 inches
Ports
2x USB 3.0, 1x USB Type-C 1x HD Audio in/out
Amazon
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Newegg
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Casing
Corsair Obsidian 1000D
Looks
Corsair OBSIDIAN 1000D Super-Tower Case, Smoked Tempered Glass, Aluminum Trim - Integrated COMMANDER PRO Fan and Lighting Controller - Black
Award
Best Water Cooled Gaming PC Case
What We Liked
2-year Warranty, Tempered Glass Panels, Roomy
What We Disliked
Expensive, Heavy, No Fans
Type
Full Tower
AIO Support
2x 480 mm (Front), 1x 420 mm (Top), 1x 240 mm (rear)
Motherboard Support
E-ATX, Mini ITX
Dimension
12.1 x 27.4 x 27.3 inches
Ports
2x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.0, 2x Audio In/Out
Amazon
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Newegg
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Casing
NZXT H510
Looks
NZXT H510 - CA-H510B-B1 - Compact ATX Mid-Tower PC Gaming Case - Front I/O USB Type-C Port - Tempered Glass Side Panel - Cable Management System - Water-Cooling Ready - Black, Non i-Series
Award
Best Custom Water Cooled PC Case
What We Liked
Thermal performance, Aesthetics, Compact design, Vertical GPU mounting support, 3 RGB fans and RGB strip included
What We Disliked
Only two I/O ports, No Top Exhaust fan included, Slightly overpriced
Type
Compact Mid-Tower
AIO Support
280mm (Front), 120mm (Rear)
Motherboard Support
ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Dimension
18.11 x 8.27 x 16.85 inches
Ports
1x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Type C, 1x Audio I/O
Amazon
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Newegg
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Casing
CoolerMaster Masterbox NR200P
Looks
Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P Mini ITX Computer Case - Tempered Glass Side Panel, Superior Cooling Options, Vertical GPU Display, Tool-Free 360 Degree Accessibility - White
Award
Best ITX Case For Water Cooling
What We Liked
Includes Riser Cable, Spacious, Build Quality
What We Disliked
Limited Availablity, Plain Design
Type
Small Form Factor Mini ITX
AIO Support
92 mm (Rear), 120 mm/ 240 mm (Bottom), 120 mm, 140 mm, 240 mm, 280 mm (Side)
Motherboard Support
Mini ITX, Mini DTX
Dimension
11.5 x 7.28 x 14.80 inches
Ports
2x USB 3.2 Type A, 1x Audio I/O
Amazon
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Newegg
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Casing
Thermaltake Core P3 TG
Looks
Thermaltake Core P3 ATX Tempered Glass Gaming Computer Case Chassis, Open Frame Panoramic Viewing, Glass Wall-Mount, Riser Cable Included, Black Edition, CA-1G4-00M1WN-06
Award
Best Budget PC Case For Water Cooling
What We Liked
Build quality, Drive expansion ports, Design, Cable management,
What We Disliked
Limited GPU length with water-cooling, Potentially dust-prone
Type
Mid-Tower
AIO Support
Up to 420mm (Side)
Motherboard Support
Mini ITX (6.7 x 6.7 inches), Micro-ATX (9.6 x 9.6 inches), ATX (12 x 9.6 inches)
Dimension
20.2 x 13.1 x 18.5 inches
Ports
2x USB 3.0, USB 2.0 x 2, 1x Audio I/O
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg
Casing
Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB
Looks
CORSAIR iCUE 5000T RGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case-208 Individually Addressable RGB LEDs-Fits Multiple 360mm Radiators-Easy Cable Management-3 Included CORSAIR LL120 RGB Fans
Award
Best White PC Case For Water Cooling
What We Liked
Spacious, Looks, Good I/O Ports, RGB
What We Disliked
Noisy Fans, Expensive, Limited PSU Room
Type
ATX Mid-Tower
AIO Support
1x 360 mm/ 280 mm (front), 1x 360 mm/ 280mm (Top), 1x 120mm (rear), 1x 360 mm (motherboard tray)
Motherboard Support
Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX
Dimension
22.05 x 9.88 X 20.87 inches
Ports
3x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1X USB Type-C , 1x Audio I/O
Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Newegg
Buy On Newegg
[toc]

Best Water Cooling Cases

Here are my picks for the Best Water Cooling Cases currently available on the market:

  1. Best Overall Water Cooled PC Case: Lian Li O11 Vision
  2. Best Water Cooled Gaming PC Case: Corsair Obsidian 1000D
  3. Best Custom Water Cooled PC Case: NZXT H510
  4. Best ITX Case For Water Cooling: CoolerMaster Masterbox NR200p
  5. Best Budget PC Case For Water Cooling: Thermaltake Core P3 TG
  6. Best White PC Case For Water Cooling: Corsair iCUE 5000T

Lian Li O11 Vision

Best Overall Water Cooled PC Case

Lian Li O11 Vision
Lian Li O11 Vision

Specifications: Type: Mid-Tower | Colors: Black, Chrome, and White | Motherboard Support:  ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX, E-ATX | Dimensions: 18.8 x 12 x 18.2 inches | Radiator Support: 1x up to 360mm (Side), 1x Up to 360mm (Bottom), 1x up to 240mm (Rear) | Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB Type-C, 1x HD Audio | Drive Bays: Behind MB Tray: 3x 2.5” SSD Hard Drive Cage: 2x 3.5” HDD or 2.5” SSD

Pros

  • Beautiful dual-chamber design
  • Massive amount of storage
  • Good cable management opportunities
  • Solid build quality
  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • No fans included
Check Price

Aesthetics & Build Quality: The Lian Li O11 Dynamic is a tough mid-tower chassis that features more tempered glass than I am used to seeing in cases. I’m not complaining though, as it allows you to show off your components from multiple directions, particularly in the white variant. Also, the design is a dual-chamber one.

Cooling Performance: Its large-sized, dual-chamber design provides excellent cooling, which is also helped by its 27mm tall feet and the bottom that brings in cold air. For cooling, we have support for up to 2x 360mm radiators and 1x 240mm radiator. Both my test CPU and GPU remained under 70°C under stress, and noise was minimum.

Features: The chassis supports all motherboard sizes from Mini-ITX to E-ATX (under 280mm, though) and also shows impressive GPU length clearance at 455mm. Moreover, there is plenty of room for easy cable management, and features like the installed cable clips eased my experience further.

WARNING: There are no fans included in the package, so you will have to purchase them separately.
✅Buy It If

You need ample space: I’m sure everyone would love the amount of space you have inside the Lian Li O11 Vision.

Easy cable management is key: The chassis’ dual-chamber design, cable holders, a cable tie point, and more, make cable-management fun.

❌Don't Buy It If

You expect pre-included fans: You’ll have to purchase the fans separately as this case does not come with any.

What Makes It The Best Overall Water-Cooled PC Case?

With its three sides of tempered glass, impressive thermal performance, and great potential for water cooling, the Lian Li O11 Vision is a must-have for water-cooling enthusiasts. Furthermore, its dual-chamber design allows for easy set up and cable management. In summary, the Lian Li O11 Vision is my pick for the Best Overall Water Cooled PC Case.

Connectivity: 8/10 Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10 Design: 9/10

Corsair Obsidian 1000D

Best Full-Tower Cooling PC Case

Corsair Obsidian 1000D
Corsair Obsidian 1000D

Specifications: Type: Full Tower | Colors: Black | Motherboard Support: E-ATX, Mini ITX | Dimensions: 12.1 x 27.4 x 27.3 inches | Radiator Support: 2x 480 mm (Front), 1x 420 mm (Top), 1x 240 mm (rear) | Ports: 2x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.0, 2x Audio In/Out | Drive Bays: 6x 2.5” drives, 5x 3.5” drives

Pros

  • Two-year warranty
  • Has tempered glass panels
  • It has a lot of room for components
  • Heavy-duty materials used
  • Support for all motherboards

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavy 
  • No power supplies
  • No Fans
Check Price

Aesthetics & Build Quality: The Obsidian 1000D makes a bold statement with its colossal size, weighing 29.5 kg and coming in at 27.4 inches tall. Its design is super-neat though and features a triple chamber layout. Moreover, I found its its steel and aluminum build incredibly solid in my review.

Cooling Performance: For cooling, there’s plenty of room for experimentation thanks to its size. It has dual radiator mounts for the front and top, so 2x for each build. I set it up with two systems and was pleasantly surprised how cool both systems ran with this dual-configuration.

Features: You already know what the top features of this case is, and its also my favorite: the ability to support two systems thanks to its triple chamber layout. Its large size also provides you with ample cable management space, so things went breezy for me in that department, too.

Editor`s Note
Image

The Corsair Obsidian 1000D is one of the rare cases out there which allows dual-setup configurations, and the consequence is its massive 29.5kg of weight without any components installed.

– Faizan Ahmed

✅Buy It If

You want to set up a dual system: If you’re interested in building two PCs within one casing, this case offers that unique feature.

❌Don't Buy It If

Portability matters: The Corsair Obsidian 1000D’s sheer size and weight make it cumbersome and challenging to move around, compromising its portability.

Additional expenses concern you: It doesn’t come with a PSU or fans, which was a disappointment for me considering its hefty price tag.

What Makes It The Best Full-Tower Water-Cooling PC Case?

If you are a hardcore gamer and want the best of the best for your PC build, Corsair Obsidian 1000D is just for you. I picked it as the Best Full-Tower Water Cooled Gaming PC Case for many reasons, including its jaw-dropping build and the beautiful tempered glass design.

Connectivity: 8/10 Value: 7.5/10
Features: 9/10 Design: 9/10

NZXT H510

Best Custom Water Cooled PC Case

NZXT H510
NZXT H510

Specifications: Type: Compact Mid-tower | Colors: White, Black, and Red | Motherboard Support:  Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX | Dimensions: 18.11 x 8.27 x 16.85 inches | Radiator Support: 280 mm (Front), 120mm (Rear) | Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Type C, 1x Audio I/O | Drive Bays: 3x 2.5 inches, 3x 3.5 inches

Pros

  • Good Thermal performance
  • Elegant and modern aesthetic
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • It comes with vertical GPU Mounting
  • Purchase includes 3 RGB lit fans and RGB Lighting strip

Cons

  • Only two I/O ports
  • No Top Exhaust fan included
  • Slightly overpriced
Check Price

Aesthetics & Build Quality: The NZXT H510 sports a clean and sleek modern design that still stands as one of my favorites. There’s also a side panel that allows you to show all the internal components of the build. NZXT has been impressing me with the build quality of its products for years, and this one is no exception.

Cooling Performance: Thanks to its clever design, the chassis allows for maximum cooling and excellent airflow. Talking radiator support, there’s provision for a 280mm one in the front and a 120mm in the rear. The H510’s design kept all the components cool and quiet in my testing, thanks to this design.

Features: Starting off, the chassis supports all the mainstream motherboard form factors from mini-ITX to ATX. There’s a good number of USB ports too and easy cable management. All-in-all, the case was extremely easy to work with for me, and even a beginner should have a straightforward experience.

Editor`s Note
Image

Just like the S340 from NZXT, their H510 established itself as an instant classic with its sleek design and aesthetics. As far as water cooling is concerned, though, it offers decent support and also comes with three fans for an overall decent cooling package.

– Faizan Ahmed

✅Buy It If

Customization is a priority: The NZXT H510 is marvelous when it comes to how many components it is compatible with, allowing you to customize your build however you see fit, properly.

You want an easy build experience: It establishes itself as a nice beginner-friendly PC case.

❌Don't Buy It If

You have high-end cooling needs: One downside is that it does not offer the best radiator support compared to other PC cases on this list.

You want the best value: The price of this PC case is also up for debate as many people think that it is overpriced.

What Makes It The Best Custom Water Cooled PC Case?

The NZXT H510 is a great PC case if you are just starting in PC building and want to get your hands on a water-cooled PC case. It generally has good reviews and provides a lot of thermal protection when used in tandem with a water cooling system. The variety of ways you can set the cooling system made it the Best Custom Water Cooled PC Case for me.

Performance: 8/10 Value: 8/10
Features: 9/10 Design: 9/10

CoolerMaster Masterbox NR200P

Best ITX Case For Water Cooling

Cooler Master NR200P
Cooler Master NR200P

Specifications: Type: Small Form Factor Mini ITX | Colors: Black, White, Blue, Pink, Orange, Purple | Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Mini DTX | Dimensions: 11.5 x 7.28 x 14.80 inches | Radiator Support: 92 mm (Rear), 120 mm/ 240 mm (Bottom), 120 mm, 140 mm, 240 mm, 280 mm (Side) | Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Type A, 1x Audio I/O | Drive Bays: 2x 3.5 inch, 3x 2.5 inch, 1x 2.5/ 3.5 inch

Pros

  • Includes Riser card for vertical GPU mounting in package
  • Small yet spacious design
  • Built via sturdy material
  • Good value alongside a glass model
  • Provides great cooling and cable management

Cons

  • Limited Availability  
  • The front panel is plain
  • Aesthetic and paint finish are considered bland by most
Check Price

Aesthetics & Build Quality: Just like most of Cooler Master’s cases, the NR200P has a rather plain and simple design, along with a nice, compact built. I like how there’s options for a tempered glass or a vented front panel, and its combination of steel and plastic show a super-sturdy build.

Cooling Performance: You’ll be surprised to know that the chassis support up to seven fans despite its petite size. Furthermore, it has two liquid cooling pump locations at the bottoms and a side radiator mount. Running a 240mm custom-loop setup with the chassis, I was blown away by how cool every component ran during my stress testing.

Features: I loved the fact that this chassis allows you to dismantle every panel as it made installation a breeze for me, despite its small size. What’s more, it supports triple-slot GPUs. We also get 2x Sickleflow fans and a GPU riser cable for vertical mounting – very impressive!

Editor`s Note
Image

When it comes to compact chassis, there is not a lot that the NR200P from CoolerMaster lacks. So long as you’re okay with its plain aesthetics, it should be your top pick for a mini-ITX chassis.

– Faizan Ahmed

✅Buy It If

You prioritize straightforward installation: The Cooler Master NR200P is an easy-to-assemble chassis thanks to its dismantlable design.

You seek a simple design: If you’re a fan of a plain and simple chassis, this one is as good as they come.

❌Don't Buy It If

You require USB C ports: The I/O panel does not offer any USB Type-C ports.

You seek textured aesthetics: Its painted colors lack texture, potentially disappointing those looking for more visually dynamic cases.

What Makes It The Best ITX Case For Water Cooling?

Cooler Master’s Masterbox NR200P is the Best ITX Case For Water Cooling if you are on the quest for a Mini-ITX case that can support water cooling. It is also a great option if you are on a tight budget. You may also need a Low-Profile CPU Cooler for this.

Connectivity: 7/10 Value: 9/10
Features: 9/10 Design: 7.5/10

Thermaltake Core P3 TG

Best Budget PC Case For Water Cooling

Thermaltake Core P3 TG
Thermaltake Core P3 TG

Specifications: Type: Mid-Tower | Colors: Black | Motherboard Support: Mini ITX (6.7” x 6.7”), Micro ATX (9.6” x 9.6”), ATX (12” x 9.6”) | Dimensions: 20.2 x 13.1 x 18.5 inches | Radiator Support: up to 420 mm (Side) | Ports: 2x USB 3.0, USB 2.0 x 2, 1x Audio I/O | Drive Bays: 2x 2.5/3x 3.5 inches (Outside), 2x 2.5 inches/1x 3.5 inches

Pros

  • Good looking and modular design
  • Top-notch build quality
  • Decent amount of drive expansion ports
  • Ample cable-management space
  • Tempered Glass looks gorgeous

Cons

  • GPU length is limited by water-cooling
  • Dust can be problematic in desk orientation
Check Price

Aesthetics & Build Quality: The Thermaltake Core P3 TG features a gorgeous open-air design, featuring a 5mm thick tempered glass side panel to offer a crystal clear view of all the components. There’s nothing to dislike about the design for me as someone who likes open-air chassis, and its steel section shows solid build quality.

Cooling Performance: With open-air designs, you already know the airflow is going to be excellent as there’s little to no obstruction. Moreover, there support for up to a 420mm radiator or up to 3x 140mm on the left side. Everything from the SSD, to the GPU stayed showed solid temperatures as I stress tested them with this chassis.

Features: The chassis supports three layouts: as a wall-mount, or horizontal/vertical placement on a desk. We get an included riser cable for vertical GPU mounting. Although, I was disappointed by the fact that GPU length support is shortened to 280mm when the radiator and reservoir is installed. 

PRO TIP: Make sure to clean your fans and components of dust occasionally, as the open-air design can be more prone to dust accumulation.
✅Buy It If

You want wall-mounting support: If, along with water cooling support, you want to display your build on a wall, this is an excellent chassis for that.

Easy assembly is important: Just like the NR200P, this chassis features a dismantlable design, which makes the set up breezy.

❌Don't Buy It If

You’re planning to use a large GPU: Installing a water cooling setup limits the GPU support to 280mm long, which is too low for modern high-end GPUs.

What Makes It The Best Budget PC Case For Water Cooling?

If you are on a budget and looking for a PC case among the Best Mid-Tower Water Cooling Cases, Thermaltake Core P1 is the right choice for you as you can get it at an amazing price, but the 3-year warranty will provide you with peace of mind as well.

Connectivity: 8/10 Value: 8/10
Features: 8/10 Design: 8/10

Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB

Best White PC Case For Water Cooling

Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB
Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB

Specifications: Type: ATX Mid-Tower | Colors: Black, White | Motherboard Support:  Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX | Dimensions: 22.05 x 9.88 X 20.87 inches | Radiator Support: 1x 360 mm/ 280 mm (front), 1x 360mm/ 280mm (Top), 1x 120mm (rear), 1x 360 mm (motherboard tray) | Ports: 3x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1X USB Type-C , 1x Audio I/O | Drive Bays: 4x 2.5 inch, 2x 3.5 inch 

Pros

  • Spacious interior
  • Great for cable management
  • A good amount of I/O ports
  • Great build quality and design
  • It comes with three fans and six lighting strips

Cons

  • Fans can be a bit noisy
  • Limited space for power supply
  • Pricey
  • The rear case fan doesn’t come with the package
  • No pump/ reservoir mounts
Check Price

Aesthetics & Build Quality: The Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB is imposing due to its large size, and shows superb build quality with a tempered glass and steel build. Its meshed front looks gorgeous with the three pre-installed RGB strips, and further RGB lighting is provided by the six integrated strips; an RGB lover’s dream!

Cooling Performance: Thanks to its large size and meshed front, the chassis is a powerhouse when it comes to cooling. There’s support for up to 3x 360mm radiators or 10x 120mm fans. With 3x fans up front, one in the back, and a 360mm radiator on the side in my setup, the chassis showed excellent cooling.

Features: To start, the chassis’ large size shows support for all types of motherboards as well as incredible GPU and air cooler clearance. We also get 3x pre-installed RGB fans and six RGB strips and 30mm space in the back for easy cable management. The chassis is available in black and white options.

PRO TIP: Use Corsair’s iCue software to customize the fans’ and strip RGB lighting.
✅Buy It If

You value aesthetics: The beautiful tempered glass and the solid steel work beautifully with the white color of the case and add to any RGB lighting you want to employ.

You prioritize performance and cooling: Its performance and cooling capabilities are enough to give any chassis a run for its money.

❌Don't Buy It If

Budget is tight: Speaking of money, the Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB does not provide a lot of value for the cost you get.

The lack of mounts concerns you: There are no mounts for the pumps and reservoirs which can lead to slight issues in water cooling systems.

What Makes It The Best White PC Case For Water Cooling?

I picked the Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB as the Best White PC Case For Water Cooling thanks to its eye-catching aesthetics and impressive thermal performance. Also, you will probably want to consider this product if you are crazy about RGB lighting and looking for a Water Cooling Case that supports it.

Connectivity: 8/10 Value: 7/10
Features: 9/10 Design: 9/10

How We Tested and Selected These Water Cooling Cases

Here are the main factors we considered and the reasons we used them.

  • Hardware Compatibility: Ensure the case you go for supports your motherboard and offers sufficient clearance for components like the power supply and graphic cards. Look for ample space to accommodate all parts and manage cables, along with room for a water cooling system such as reservoir mounts or built-in reservoirs. 
  • Water Cooling and Space: Full tower cases offer ample room for components like pumps and radiators while mid-tower cases are also common for liquid cooling. Compact ITX cases are less prevalent due to limited space. Sufficient space allows for effective setup of cooling loops and accessories.
  • Aesthetic and Design: While functionality is key, showcasing your rig’s design is equally important to many. Personal preferences vary greatly, whether it’s a flashy black case with RGB lighting or a sleek white design. Case design also impacts its size and storage capacity for components and cables.

Community Voting 

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Which water cooling case would you go for?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Size PC case do you need for water cooling?

While you can have a cooling system in a compact ITX PC case, you should consider Mid-Tower or Full-Tower Cases if you want easy and efficient water cooling.

How to build a PC case for custom water loops?

If you plan on building a PC with custom water loops, you should make sure that all of your components are capable of supporting this endeavor. Ensure that you have enough radiators, water blocks, and a compatible PC case that supports water cooling and has enough room to allow you to create your custom water loops.

Recent Updates

  • March 3, 2024: More text changes to improve readability. Thermaltake DistroCase 350p was removed from the list. Thermaltake Tower 900 was replaced by Lian Li O11 Vision, and Thermaltake Core P1 was replaced by Thermaltake Core P3 TG, as we found these to be better-suited options after testing.
  • June 16, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
 

BEST Water Cooling Cases In 2024: From Performance To Looks is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

]]> MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ PC Case Review https://tech4gamers.com/msi-mag-pano-m100r-pz-pc-case-review/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 04:28:28 +0000 https://tech4gamers.com/?p=202910 The MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ is a micro-ATX PC case that highlights MSI's backplug motherboard compatibility, offering a distinctive, durable design with a 270-degree panoramic view through glass panels. It features extensive cooling options, including four pre-installed 120mm ARGB fans and supports for up to a 360mm radiator.

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ PC Case Review is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

]]>
Nauman Siddique

At Tech4Gamers, I take on the role of Hardware Reviewer with pride. My responsibilities involve a thorough examination of essential hardware components like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, and CPU coolers, among others, focusing on their complexities and functionalities.

 

 

 

See full bio

MSI has recently introduced a backplug series of motherboards in micro-ATX size initially. They have also showcased the PC Cases that support backplug motherboards within the MSI Ecosystem. I am taking a look at the MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ case in this article that comes in black and white color.

This PC Case has a stunning design reflecting the MAG branding symbol in quite some style with a tank build quality and plenty of features that would entice you to get this case in the Backplug series. This is not my first backplug PC Case though and this concept has got some moves that could very well be forming a new trend in the PC Industry.

[toc]

Key Takeaways

  • The MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ is a stylish micro-ATX case offering a 270° panoramic view through its glass panels, designed for backplug motherboards, with extensive cooling options and a clean, pillar-less aesthetic.
  • You should buy the MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ if you want top-notch performance from a panoramic view case that supports backplug motherboards.
  • You should not buy the MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ if you are on a tight budget or want an ATX motherboard.

The salient specifications are:

Dimension 440x235x405mm
Net Weight 8.66Kg
Form Factor Micro-ATX
Motherboard Form Factor Backplug micro-ATX and ITX
Storage Drive Mount 2x 2.5” or 1x 2.5” and 1x 3.5”
Expansion Slot 5x
GPU Support 390mm Length
CPU Cooler Support 175mm
PSU Support ATX with 200mm length
Fan Size Support
  • Top: 3x 120mm or 2x 140mm
  • Rear: 1x 120mm or 1x 140mm
  • Side: 3x 120mm [Pre-installed]
  • Bottom: 1x 120mm
  • PSU Shroud: 2x 120mm
Radiator Size Support
  • Top: 120/240/360mm
  • Rear: 120/140mm

Packaging And Unboxing

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Packing Box MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Internal Packing

The unit is shipped inside a standard brown color cardboard box. There is a picture of the PC Case without any feature listing or details on the front and back. There are salient features listed on the side of the packing box. There are two thick black color Styrofoam pads encapsulating the PC Case.

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ PC Case — Accessories 1024x52
Accessories (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The following are provided with the case:

  • 1x Installation Guide
  • 1x Regulatory Notice
  • Various Screws for motherboard and storage drives
  • Long Screws for the fans over the radiator
  • 5x white zip ties
  • 2x MSI branded Velcro Straps
  • 1x GPU Support bracket
  • 2x Clips
  • 1x Level [Spirit Level]

Design

The MSI MAG M100R PANO PZ is a micro-ATX size or form factor PC Case that has a dimension of 440x235x405mm. It has a net weight of 8.66Kg with a gross weight of 11.29Kg. It is made of SPCC, Glass, and Plastic materials. Let’s start taking a closer look from Inside and Outside views being our major categories.

Exterior

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ PC Case — Main Picture 1024x83
The MSI MAG M100R PANO PZ (Image By Tech4Gamers)

As you can see this case is all about visibility as it provides 270ᵒ panoramic view. The front has a clear glass panel which is not removable and then there is a main side glass panel. One cool aspect is that there is another glass between these two panels. This creates a pillarless design that gives an unconstructive view.

Front Panel

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Front View 1 MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Front View 2

If you get a chance to take a look at this case in person, you will instantly fall in love with the overall design layout, particularly on the front and top. There is a clear glass panel that provides a complete inside view. The glass panel runs from the top to the bottom and is fixed.

There is quite some geometrical design that represents the MAG branding from MSI. I appreciate this design as it gives this case a unique look and MSI has not cut any corners as well.

Rear Panel

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ PC Case — Rear View e1707567519779 1024x90
Rear View (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The rear view tells us that MSI has adopted the same design concept for the top cover that I will talk about later. There is a cutout providing an area for the rear IO panel of the motherboard. There is a rail mount design for the 120mm/140mm fans. 1x ARGB 120mm fan is pre-installed.

There are 5x PCIe slot covers that are removable and reusable. Then there is a standard ATX PSU mount area. The PSU is installed from the backside of this case. There are 4x cable tie points for effective cable management on the backside of this case.

Top Panel

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Top View MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Top View - Top Cover

There is a MAG brand-designed top cover on this case. It has perforation over the top for ventilation. It is secured using two captive thumb screws from the rear of this case. There is a fine mesh under the top cover that acts as a dust filter. It is fixed and non-magnetic.

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ PC Case — Top View Rail Mount e1707567809209 1024x53
Top View Rail Mount (Image By Tech4Gamers)

There is a rail mount design to install up to 3x 120mm or 2x 140mm fans or 120mm/240mm/360mm radiator. The provision of a 360mm radiator in a micro-ATX size PC Case simply tells you about the feature set of the PANO case.

Bottom Panel

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Bottom View MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Bottom View 1

I am showing a bottom view of this case in the above pictures. There is a large-sized non-magnetic dust filter that can be removed by pulling it from the side. There are 4x anti-vibration rubber pads on the feet that are already catching dust from my table.

There is a cut-out towards the front top area that has a screw in it. This screw is holding the bottom fan bracket.

The complete bottom area is perforated providing quite some effective air intake. This case supports PSU up to 200mm and I have tested this space using CORSAIR AX1200i PSU in my test build. This PSU has 200mm length and I was still able to do decent cable management.

Side Panel

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Side View Main MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Side View - Main

There is a 3mm tempered glass on the side panel. It is not a bezel-less in design but a 270ᵒ view has compensated that quite well. It is not tinted and provides a full and clear view. After removing the glass panel, we are moving towards the main action area of this case. We have a spacious layout to work within and by moving the cables to the back, we are no longer contended with the cable-related decisions on the front except the graphics card.

Interior

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Side View - Motherboard Tray MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Side View - PSU

This case supports ITX and backplug micro-ATX form factor motherboard. The motherboard tray is quite sturdy and well-built. There is a large cutout that has a removable cover. There are three cutouts on top and two large-size cutouts on the side.

Similarly, there are 2 large-size cutouts. These are placed strategically so that the case conforms to the backplug motherboards in particular. The standoffs are pre-installed.

The PSU shroud has a totally vented design. There are two cutouts towards the motherboard tray that would come in handy if you decide to install 2x 120mm fans over the shroud. This also indicates that a regular micro-ATX motherboard can also be installed. There is a third cutout that has a rubber grommet. This can be used for the PEG cable.

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Side View - Side Fans MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Side View - Rear Area

There are three 120mm ARGB fans pre-installed on the side frame. These have reverse blades for air intake and provide a clean view. There are 9x translucent blades on each fan without any branding on the center. The ARGB LEDs seem to be placed inside the center hub.

There is a 120mm ARGB fan on the rear installed in the exhaust configuration. There are 5x PCIe slot covers that are removable. There is no provision to install the graphics card vertically. MSI has provided a GPU Support bracket that would only come in handy if your graphics card has a minimum of 2.5 slot design.

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ PC Case — Side View Top Area 1024x57
Side View Top Area (Image By Tech4Gamers)

There is a displacement of 42mm from the top fan bracket to the top of the motherboard. However, there is also an offset displacement of 38mm from the side which would help with the height of the RAM.

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Side View - Fan Bracket 3 MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Side View - Fan Bracket 2

You can install a 120mm fan on the bottom for further air intake. MSI has provided a bracket for that purpose. Keep in mind that this bracket is screwed from the bottom of the case so you would need to install the fan during the installation of your hardware.

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ PC Case — Side View Fan Bracket 1 e1707570348537 1024x99
Side View Fan Bracket (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The IO ports include:

  • 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB Type-C Port
  • 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Ports
  • 1x Mic In/Audio Out Port
  • 1x LED Switch Button
  • 1x Power Button
MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ PC Case — IO Panel 1024x57
IO Panel (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Back Panel

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Back View - Side Panel MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Back View - Panel 1

The back side panel is made of steel material and has a dual-sided perforation for effective ventilation. The left side perforation faces the 3x pre-installed 3x fans on the side. The right-side perforation area faces the motherboard tray where you can install storage drives on the backside.

There is no dust filter on this ventilated area which is my first gripe. Three studs or bolts on the top frame are used to secure the panel to the main frame.

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Back View - Main MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Back View - Cover Removed

Now, we are taking a look at the inside of the case from its backside. You can see a rail mount design for the side fans (3x fans are pre-installed). There is a storage bracket that is installed over the CPU cutout in the main motherboard tray area. MSI has wisely utilized the space. This bracket can house either a combination of 1x 2.5” and 3.5” drives or 2x 2.5” drives. It has easy handling.

I have removed the storage bracket and shown the backside view again. There is a cable management space of 33mm which is needed because this case houses a backplug motherboard that has connections towards the backside of this case.

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Backplug - Fan Header MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Backplug - CPU

The above pictures show the back plugs on the MSI B650M PZ motherboard.

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ PC Case — Backplug 24 ATX e1707573958384 967x102
24-Pin ATX Backplug (Image By Tech4Gamers)

I have shown the cables connected to these connectors.

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Back View - Onboard Hub MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ White - Back View - PSU Bay

There is a 4-port ARGB and fan control hub installed below the storage bracket. This adds to the challenge of effective cable management since this case comes with 4x ARGB fans in 120mm size.

This control hub is SATA-powered and has 3-pin headers for the fans. It is wired to the LED button on the front IO Panel. This also implies that there is no Reset button on the front panel.

There is a PSU bay under a shroud that can house a PSU up to 200mm in length. Four feet have anti-vibration pads over them. This is where the PSU is rested. PSU is installed from the side.

Front IO Hub Cables

MSI has provided:

  • 1x USB Type-E 3.2 Connector
  • 1x USB Type-A 90ᵒ Connector
  • 1x HD Audio Connector
  • 1x Front Panel Connector
  • 1x SATA Connector for Hub
  • 1x 3-pin ARGB Connector
  • 1x 4-pin Fan Connector

Test Build And Experience

I have used the following configuration to test this case:

Building a PC inside this case is a walk in the park much thanks to all the backside connectors on the motherboard. I started with installing CPU, SSDs, and RAM on the motherboard. Next, I installed the PSU. I have used CORSAIR AX1200i which has a length of 200mm. It was an easy fit but you will have less room to tuck your cables in.

Then the graphics card was installed and cables were connected. I have used an extension cable for the graphics card. Then the CPU cooler (360mm AIO) was installed. I did not face any hurdles on the front side of the case. You would need to be crafty to route the cable management on the backside. Don’t twist or bend the cable too much for the backside connection.

I am showing close-up views of the key motherboard areas. As you can see there is no cable anywhere in these areas; hence we have a clean look. This would also help in somewhat better airflow in the case.

Thermal Testing

I have used AMD Ryzen 7 7700X and GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3060 VISION OC on stock configuration. The testing was done with side panels installed including the top cover. Ambient temperature was 18ᵒC and I have used AIDA64 Engineering Stress Test software for this purpose using FPU and GPU.

thermal-performance-of-msi-mag-pano-m100r-pz
Thermal Performance (Image By Tech4Gamers)

As you can see, we have good thermal performance on the graphics card. The CPU was operating at its thermal junction which is by design.

RGB Lighting

The above are a few pictures of the test build.

Should You Buy It

Buy It If

✅You like a panoramic view case: The MSI MAG PANO M100R PR has a 270ᵒ panoramic view for a brilliant display without any obstruction. This is a pillar-less design.

✅You need a case for a backplug motherboard: This case is designed for backplug motherboards like MSI B560M Project Zero for example. If you are going for these motherboards, this case is the best option for you.

Don’t Buy It If

❌You want a pocket-friendly case: If you are on a tight budget then this case is not for you since it has a retail of USD 110 for a micro-ATX size case.

❌You have a full ATX motherboard: If you have a full ATX size motherboard then this case is not for you.

Final Words

The MSI MAG PANO M100R PC case is a stylish, feature-rich option available in black and white, with a design centered around the MAG brand logo. It’s distinctive for supporting a micro-ATX backplug motherboard, similar to the XPG Invader X.

It boasts impressive cooling capabilities, accommodating up to a 360mm radiator on top and coming with 4x 120mm ARGB fans, three of which have reversed blades. Additional fans can be installed over the PSU shroud. The case offers a 270-degree panoramic view through glass panels on the front and side, featuring a pillar-free design. While the storage options are limited, it supports various drive configurations and requires PCIe SATA or NVMe drives for additional storage.

The case accommodates large graphics cards (up to 390mm) with a GPU support bracket and has a maximum CPU cooler height of 175mm. It includes a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20Gbps) Type-C port on the front IO Panel, a 90-degree USB Type-A connector, and a dedicated Fan ARGB controller hub.

I had a good time with this case and its ability to provide a clean outlook on the front side is the next big thing in the PC industry. MSI has stepped in with the right PC Case that checks all departments and is tanked build. The maximum temperature on my graphics card was 66ᵒC under load and the CPU was at 95ᵒC (This is by design). This case has my strong recommendation.

 

MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ PC Case Review is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

]]> Thermaltake Level 20 GT Review: Is It Worth It? https://tech4gamers.com/thermaltake-level-20-gt-argb-black-edition-review/ Mon, 29 Jan 2024 17:49:30 +0000 https://tech4gamers.com/?p=56928 The Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition is a premium full tower chassis with a sophisticated design and innovative features. With impressive cooling, rotational PCIe 8 slots, and a modern I/O panel, it caters to enthusiasts and gamers.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT Review: Is It Worth It? is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

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Launched in 2018 to commemorate Thermaltake’s 20 years of innovation, the LEVEL 20 GT ARGB Black Edition stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to cutting-edge design and functionality. This full tower chassis boasts a sleek all-black color layout, housing impressive features like dual 200mm ARGB fans on the front, four 5mm tempered glass panels, a PSU cover, rotational PCIe 8 slots design, and a convenient USB Type-C port on the IO. With a dismantlable modular design, TT LCS certification, and support for motherboards up to E-ATX size, this case offers a compelling blend of aesthetics and practicality, making it an exciting addition to Thermaltake’s Level 20 series.

Key Takeaways

  • The The Thermaltake Level 20 GT is a showcase of Thermaltake’s commitment to innovation, boasting a sleek full tower design with four 5mm tempered glass panels, dual 200mm ARGB fans, and a unique rotational PCIe 8 slots design.
  • The Thermaltake Level 20 GT is good for gamers who want a spacious chassis with excellent cooling potential, thanks to features like dual 200mm ARGB fans and extensive radiator support.
  • For those who emphasize maximum cooling efficiency, particularly for the GPU, alternative airflow-focused chassis options might be more suitable than the The Thermaltake Level 20 GT with its specific design considerations.
[toc]

I’ll note down the key specs here:

CASE TYPE Full Tower
DIMENSION (HXWXD) 580 x 294 x 592 mm (22.9 x 11.6 x 23.3 inch)
NET WEIGHT 20.1 kg/44.31 lbs
SIDE PANEL 5mm Tempered Glass x 4 (Left & Right & Front & Top)
COLOR Exterior & Interior: Black
MATERIAL SPOC
COOLING SYSTEM Front (Intake): 200 x 200 x 30mm

Addressable RGB fan (600rpm, 24dBA) x 2

Rear (Exhaust): 140 x 140 x 25 mm fan (1000rpm, 16dBA)
DRIVE BAYS Accessible: 2.5 x 4 or 3.5 x 4 (HDD Rack)

Hidden: 2.5 x 4 or 3.5″ x 2 (HDD Bracket)

Hidden: 2.5 x 2 or 3.5 x 1 (Without HDD Rack)
EXPANSION SLOTS 8
MOTHERBOARDS 6.7 x 6.7 (Mini ITX), 9.6 x 9.6″ (Micro ATX), 12″ x 9.6″ (ATX), 12″ x 13′(E-ATX)
IO PORT USB 3.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 2, HD Audio x 1, Type-C x 1
PSU Standard PS2 PSU (optional)
FAN SUPPORT Front: 3 x 120mm, 3 x 140mm, 2 x 200mm 

Top: 3 x 120mm, 3 x 140mm, 2 x 200mm 

Rear: 1 x 120mm, 1 x 140mm 

Bottom: 2 x 120mm
RADIATOR SUPPORT Front: 1 x 360mm, 1 x 420mm, 1 x 360mm (For 200mm fan)

Top: 1 x 360mm, 1 x 280mm, 1 x 360mm (For 200mm fan)

Rear: 1 x 120mm, 1 x 140mm

Right: 1 x 360mm, 1 x 420mm (AIO: 1 x 360mm, 1 x 280mm)

Bottom: 1 x 240mm
CLEARANCE CPU cooler height limitation: 200mm

VGA length limitation: 310mm (With HDD Rack), 410mm (Without HDD Rack)

PSU length limitation: 220mm (Without Bottom Fan)

Unboxing

The chassis is shipped inside a large size cardboard box finished in black color. This is a premium chassis from the Thermaltake hence the packing box has that touch as well. This is a heavy box weighing like 22 KG. Keep that in mind when handling.

Contents

Level 20 GT Contents accessories
Contents (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Accessories include:

  • 200mm fans brackets
  • Various Screws
  • Long M3 screws for 200mm Fans
  • Key and Keychain
  • The user manual
  • Cable ties
  • MB Signal Bridge Cable for GIGABYTE [Labeled E]
  • MB Signal Bridge Cable for ASUS, MSI, and ASRock [Labeled F]
  • Feet for PSU
  • PSU Cover Strip Stand
  • PSU Strip Stand
  • Speaker

Closer Look

Let’s now take a closer look at the internal and external components of the chassis, along with the installation options.

Dimensions

Before moving further, here are the dimensions!

thermaltake level 20 radiator graph
Dimensions

Exterior

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

The Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition features a sleek 4mm tempered glass front panel with rounded edges and Thermaltake branding. Behind it, two 200mm ARGB fans provide a stylish look, although the design suggests potential air intake restrictions. Unlike the View 71, the front glass is not externally accessible, impacting inner dust filter access. The top side maintains a distinctive appearance with a divided IO panel, lacking a front-mounted IO panel.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

The above picture shows the top side of the chassis. Look at the glass panel’s implementation. It is the same as is on the front side. Also, we have the same narrow bezels on both sides of the glass panel making the airflow restricted. Thermaltake is not running the sides on the entire length of the chassis which really adds to the pleasant look of the chassis particularly when looking at it from the side.

With its generous 294mm width, managing cables above the motherboard is a breeze, and the handy dedicated IO shield cutout adds that touch of user-friendly design. Cooling is top-notch, thanks to the versatile rear fan mount supporting 120mm or 140mm fans, coupled with a mesh area for optimal airflow.

The Level 20 GT ARGB boasts eight PCIe slots that can be rotated, allowing you to showcase your graphics card in a stunning vertical setup. Topping it off, the standard ATX PSU mounting at the bottom ensures compatibility with a range of power supplies. The Level 20 GT ARGB strikes that sweet spot between space, flexibility, and cooling prowess. 

The above picture shows the PCIe bracket rotated and installed in the vertical layout. I can’t admire enough this smart move from the Thermaltake making it convenient to install multiple graphics cards in a vertical layout using native support from the chassis. The side panels are using hinge design. Each hinge is installed using 3 screws and is removable should it be required.

thermaltake level 20 gt hinge design
Dust Filter (Image by Tech4Gamers)

We have a large size dust filter that runs to the entire length of the meshed portion on the bottom. It is not magnetic. There is a vented portion above the PSU area. This is where the user can install the fans/radiator on the inside of the chassis. There is a rail design area on the top of this area. It has 8x holes and we can spot a screw tip on the third hole. These are provided for the pump/reservoir bracket. The bracket is pre-installed, which was not provided with View 71.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

Another difference between this chassis and View 71 is the implementation of the feet. This thermaltake level 20 gt review chassis has rounded 4x feet giving enough height to the chassis from the bottom for ventilation. I prefer this design over View 71. There is a removable solid over towards the front side. This cutout portion is for the drain port of your custom loop setup.

Flanking the front panel, two distinct zones cater to both practical and aesthetic needs. On one side, a white illuminated power button beckons, accompanied by an LED indicator for status updates. An RGB button, doubling as the reset button, lets you unleash your desired color palette, while dedicated microphone and headphone jacks offer direct audio access. Across the panel, a future-proof USB Type-C port stands alongside two familiar USB 3.0 ports and two legacy USB 2.0 ports. This front panel design provides a seamless blend of functionality and personalization, making it both convenient and visually appealing.

The chassis features sturdy 5mm thick tempered glass panels on both sides, securely held in place by a magnetic closing mechanism. For added security during transport, a locking mechanism is also provided for the side panel. Notably, there’s a deliberate gap between the glass panel and the front/top panels, and the top frame’s cutout design adds a touch of distinctive flair to the overall aesthetic.

thermaltake gt glass panel
Keychain (Image by Tech4Gamers)

I love the Thermaltake branding on the keychain.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

There is a locking mechanism for the locks on both sides. Rotating the key would turn the locking hand in a horizontal layout locking the panel.

Here they are the two powerful magnets on the frame of the chassis. The locking hands on the panel itself are connected and attached to the magnets. The magnets are quite powerful as you will need to use some force to pull the panel.

thermaltake gt hands lock
Hinge (Image by Tech4Gamers)

The panels are attached to the hinge structure using 2x screws.

Interior

It is time to take a look at the interior of the chassis.

Thermaltake GT Interior
Broken Locking Pad

Welp, our sample comes with one of the locking tabs of the panel broken. Nothing much to say!

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

You need to pull the front panel out by placing your hand at the bottom side. You will need to exert more force than you think is needed. This is something I did not like much as it always gives the fear of not breaking something. The inner side of the front panel has a dust filter secured using a narrow bracket on 4 sides with small screws. There are 4x large thumb screws with two on the top and two on the bottom. These are holding the glass with the panel.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

Here is the front glass itself. Each corner of the glass has black color standoff mountings.

After removing the 2x 200mm ARGB fans, we can now take a look at what cooling gear we can install on the front side.

  • 3x 120mm, 3x 140mm, or 2x 200mm fan
  • 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm, 420mm radiator

There are screw holes labeled M3. These are to be used for the 200mm fans mounting.

thermaltake level 20 gt cooler gear
Top Panel

The top panel is also not easy to take off. You will need to use more force to pull it off. It has the same inner side layout as is on the front panel. You will need to remove the 4x large thumb screws to take off the glass from the panel.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

The chassis introduces an improved design for its expansive bracket, fastened with four thumbscrews. Unlike the View 71, it ditches preset offset positions, opting for a more versatile bracket with an adjustable rail system. Labeled with sizes like 12, 14, and 20, these rails facilitate easy customization of fan or radiator placement, elevating flexibility and compatibility with diverse cooling setups. This enhancement empowers users with a range of options for configuring their system.

thermaltake level 20 gt rgb radiator
Chassis – Design

The machining and tooling on the chassis frame are on the money and the overall finishing is quite good.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

Upon opening the chassis, the internal layout is reminiscent of the View 71, albeit with notable differences. Positioned on the right side, two stacked HDD cages offer storage options. While supporting up to E-ATX motherboards, users should note that an E-ATX board may cover cable cutouts, requiring creative cable routing for right-side motherboard connectivity, including the 24-pin ATX cable.

PRO TIP: Remove unnecessary HDD cages to create more space for cooling components or to showcase your components prominently.

The interior provides ample space, with about 60mm from the top bracket to the motherboard’s top and an unrestricted inner space measuring 505x515mm (HxL). The CPU cooler accommodates a maximum height of 200mm, and without drive cages, the graphics card can extend up to 410mm, reduced to 310mm with drive cages in place.

Removing the HDD cages requires addressing four screws on the chassis’s backside. A side rail mounting area facilitates easy installation of radiators or fans, supporting various configurations, including 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm, or 420mm radiators, as well as 3x 120mm or 140mm fans. The labeled rail side aids quick identification of mounting positions for AIOs and radiators, ensuring flexibility for diverse cooling setups.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

There is a bracket for the vertical installation of the graphics cards. It allows the installation of 2x graphics cards. There is no riser cable provided with the chassis so you will need to buy one if going that route. There is a 2.5” drive bracket as well provided on the top of the PSU cover.

There is a pump/reservoir bracket provided on the bottom of the chassis. It has L shaped mounting provisions.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

We can look at the 8x PCIe slot covers with the cover bracket removed. The slots are reusable and are vented. There is a black color 140mm fan on the rear. It has 9 blades and is rated for 1000 RPM. It is using a 3-pin power cable that comes pre-installed on the hub.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

The Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition’s front side offers ample room for cooling solutions, especially by removing the HDD cages at the cost of storage capacity. The PSU cover, with a vented top for versatile PSU installation, features two cutouts for convenient cable management. A 285mm-long cover includes an acrylic panel on the right side, adding an aesthetic touch by showcasing the PSU. Supporting PSUs up to 220mm in length, it ensures compatibility with a range of power supply units.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

The remaining component is the PSU cover, featuring pre-installed labeled standoffs and a large cutout for easy CPU cooler installation. Rubber-grommeted large-sized cutouts on the right side of the motherboard facilitate cable routing. To explore the cutouts on the bottom side, the PSU cover needs to be removed. Concealed by the cover are three cutouts on the motherboard tray, including a sizable cutout with a rubber grommet for PSU cable routing. Careful cable management is required, especially for the rightmost two cutouts concerning the PSU cover.

acrylic panel skeleton
Cable Cutouts (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Room, room, room! We have plenty of room in whatever we want to do with our build. There are three cutouts on the top for cable routing.

PRO TIP: For enthusiasts looking for the ultimate cooling solution, consider implementing a custom loop water cooling system. This isn’t possible in smaller cases.
Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

Here is the HDD cage removed from the chassis. It is made of steel and has 2x HDD caddies. Place a finger on each side and press both sides and at the same time pull these out. Combined we have a total of 4x caddies.

Storage options include:

  • 4x 2.5” or 4x 3.5” drives using HDD Cages
  • 4x 2.5” or 2x 3.5” drives using HDD brackets
  • 2x 2.5” or 1x 3.5” drive without HDD Cage
thermaltake level 20 atx full tower case out
PSU Cover – Inner (Image by Tech4Gamers)

The above picture shows the inner side of the PSU cover.

thermaltake level 20 atx full tower
Chassis – Back (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Let’s take a look at the backside of the chassis. There are only 7x cable tie points here. This is a bit surprising. We have 3x drive brackets here. One on the backside of the motherboard tray has a hub pasted on it. The user can relocate the hub if so required. The front mounted 200mm ARGB fans are using Thermaltake proprietary connectors which will work with this hub only. These fans are rated for 600 RPM at 24 dBA.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

The SATA-powered hub, featuring a black PCB, supports up to 3x ARGB devices. Connect the hub to the compatible motherboard’s digital lighting header using the provided white-colored LED_Out labeled header and cables (labeled E and F). Choose the appropriate ARGB sync cable (bundled) based on your motherboard type. To sync with the motherboard, connect the chosen cable, press and hold the RGB switch on the top I/O panel, and utilize the provided 3-pin fan header for additional fan connection. The reset cable is pre-connected to the 2-pin header.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

The HDD cages are secured using a total of 8x screws. Remove these screws to take out the cages. Each bracket can support either 2x 2.5” drives or a 3.5” drive.

Thermaltake Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition Review

There is ample space for cable management and we have roughly 35mm on the bottom.

The IO panel cables include:

  • USB connector cable for Type-C port
  • USB 3.0 connector cable
  • USB 2.0 connector cable
  • System Panel connector cables
  • HD Audio connector cable

Installation

I’ll now showcase how to put together a test build.

RBG Lighting

Here’s a showcase of the RBG:

In order to control the lighting effects of the 2x 200mm ARGB fans on the front, we have a controller button located on the top I/O panel. It is pertinent to mention that the lighting can be turned off altogether, which is actually one of the modes now. We have total of 24 illumination modes on these fans:

Mode Description
Mode 1: Wave Mode A dynamic light pattern that ebbs and flows across the device.
Mode 2: Flow Mode A smooth, seamless transition of colors that washes over the device.
Mode 3: RGB Lighting Single Color Bathe the device in a single vibrant hue of your choice.
Mode 4~10: Radar Mode Witness a pulsing radar effect sweep across the device, available in a spectrum of colors.
Mode 11~18: Breathe Mode Immerse yourself in the gentle rhythm of the device’s pulsating light, offered in a variety of captivating colors.
Mode 19: Full Lighted Mode Unleash the full brilliance of the device’s illumination.
Mode 20~26: Single Color Choose your favorite shade and let the device glow with singular vibrancy.
Mode 27: Light Off Enjoy the serenity of complete darkness
WARNING: Note that Thermaltake is using a 6-pin proprietary connector on these fans. Hence, the user has no control over the speed of these fans.

Long pressing the RGB button for 3 seconds will transfer the lighting control to the motherboard. The fans will blink twice indicating the transfer of the control. This is vice versa.

Testing

Next comes the thermal performance testing of the Thermaltake Level 20 GT Review. Following configurations have been tested:

  • Stock configuration with front panel installed
  • Stock configuration without the front panel
  • The 200mm ARGB fans installed on the backside of the front rail with the front panel installed.

Test Setup

The following configuration has been used for the test build:

Test Results

Here are the results:

Should You Buy It?

After a complete analysis, would you want to buy it?

Buy It If:

✅ Customization is crucial: The dismantlable modular design and rotational PCIe 8 slots provide ample customization options, making it suitable for users who want to tailor their build to specific preferences.

✅ You’re an RGB lighting enthusiast: If you’re a fan of customizable RGB lighting, the Level 20 GT offers 27 lighting modes for the ARGB fans, catering to users who want to add a vibrant and personalized touch to their setup.

Don’t Buy It If:

❌ You prefer smaller form factors: Users who prefer compact builds or have space constraints might find the full tower size of the Level 20 GT impractical for their specific needs.

❌ You have specific I/O panel requirements: If you have specific requirements for the I/O panel that are not met by the Level 20 GT, such as a need for additional ports or features, alternative cases might be more suitable for your setup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thermaltake’s Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition, launched in celebration of their 20th anniversary, stands out as a feature-rich full tower chassis. With its innovative design, spacious layout, and impressive cooling support, it offers a compelling value proposition at an affordable price. While facing challenges in front air intake and top exhaust, the chassis compensates with its size and ventilation, resulting in acceptable thermal performance. We express gratitude to Thermaltake for the opportunity to review and appreciate the Level 20 GT ARGB Black Edition’s capabilities.

Recent Updates

  • January 12, 2024: Few text changes to improve readability.
 

Thermaltake Level 20 GT Review: Is It Worth It? is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

]]> Thermaltake View 51 Review: Unboxing + Benchmarks https://tech4gamers.com/thermaltake-view-51-tg-argb-snow-edition-review/ Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:12:52 +0000 https://tech4gamers.com/?p=60918 Thermaltake View 51 Review is quite a PC case in its own. If for anything, this case is the perfected View 71 in many options.

Thermaltake View 51 Review: Unboxing + Benchmarks is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

]]>
See full bio

Delving into the world of PC cases, the Thermaltake View 51 caught my eye as a stellar addition to the View series. Its robust build and generous interior space immediately set it apart. Personally, I’m captivated by the SNOW edition, flaunting an elegant white aesthetic that adds a touch of sophistication. With the inclusion of 2x 200mm ARGB fans upfront and a 120mm ARGB fan at the rear, it embraces Thermaltake’s Dismantlable Modular Design (DMD). The features resonate with the allure of the impressive Lian Li O11 Dynamic, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts who crave a perfect blend of style and functionality.

Key Takeaways

  • Thermaltake View 51 is a full tower PC case with ARGB lighting, a spacious interior, and a modular design.
  • Thermaltake View 51 is ideal for PC enthusiasts and builders seeking a visually appealing, high-performance case with ample space for customizations.
  • Thermaltake View 51 may not be liked by users who prioritize compactness or minimalistic designs, as they may find the size and bold aesthetics less appealing.
[toc]

The specs are as below:

P/N CA-106-00M6WN-00
Series View
Model View 51 TG Snow
Case Type Full Tower
Dimensions (HxWxD) 550 x 315 x 525 mm (21.65 x 124 x 20.67 inch)
Net Weight 14.95 kg
Side Panel 3 x Tempered Glass (4mm thickness)
Color Exterior & Interior: White
Material SPCC
Cooling System Front (intake): 2 x 200 x 200 x 30mm Addressable RGB Fan (600rpm, 24dBA) Rear (exhaust): 1 x 120 x 120 x 25mm Addressable RGB Fan (1000rpm, 27.2 dBA)
Drive Bays 2 x 2.5″ (With HDD Bracket) 2 x 3.5″ or 2 x 2.5″ (With HDD Cage)
Expansion Slots 7
Motherboards 6.7″ x 6.7″ (Mini ITX), 9.6″ x 9.6″ (Micro ATX), 12″ x 9.6″ (ATX), 12″ x 10.5″ (E-ATX)
I/O Port 1 x USB 3.1 (Gen 2) Type C, 2 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x HD Audio, 1 x RGB Button
PSU Standard ATX PSU (optional)
Fan Support Front: 2 x 200mm or 1 x 200mm + 3 x 140mm or 2 x 140mm + 1 x 140mm or 3 x 120mm or 2 x 120mm or 1 x 120mm
Radiator Support Front: 1 x 360mm or 1 x 240mm or 1 x 120mm; Top: 1 x 280mm or 1 x 140mm; Bottom: 1 x 360mm or 1 x 240mm or 1 x 120mm
Clearance Right: 1 x 360mm or 1 x 240mm or 1 x 120mm; Top: 1 x 260mm or 1 x 140mm
CPU Cooler Height Limitation 175mm
VGA Length Limitation 300mm (With Water Pump), 440mm (Without Water Pump)
PSU Length Limitation 200mm

Unboxing

The PC Case is shipped inside a large size cardboard box finished in a black color. This is a premium PC case bearing TT Premium from the Thermaltake hence the packing box has that touch as well. This is a heavy box weighing. Keep that in mind when handling.

Contents

There is a black color box provided in the main packing box. It has all the accessories inside.

thermaltake view 51 snow Contents
Accessories (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Accessories include:

  • Various Screws
  • Long M3 screws for 200mm Fans
  • The user manual
  • Cable ties
  • MB Signal Bridge Cable
  • 8x Pads
  • Speaker
  • Hook and Loop

Closer Look

The Thermaltake View 51 is like a canvas for DIY enthusiasts, featuring swing-out glass panels that let you proudly showcase your PC craftsmanship. Its unique design includes 4mm tempered glass on three sides, highlighting your internal components. The I/O ports, situated vertically on the right side, add a touch of modernity.

Setting it apart from other View Series cases, the View 51 can accommodate two 200mm fans at both the front and top, offering endless possibilities for cooling configurations. This Snow ARGB Edition, clad in white, not only captivates with its appearance but also provides ample space for the latest PC hardware.

Measuring 550Hx325Wx525Dmm, this full ATX case is crafted from SPCC, glass, and plastic materials, weighing 14.95KG. It’s more than just a case; it’s a canvas for your PC dreams, ready to turn heads with its stunning aesthetics and versatility.

Provisions

Following are the fan mounting possibilities:

  • Up to 3x 120/140mm or 2x 200mm fans on the front [2x 200mm ARGB White fans pre-installed]
  • 1x 120mm fan on the rear (Pre-Installed)
  • Up to 3x 120/140mm or 2x 200mm fans on the top
  • Up to 3x 120mm fans on the base.

Following is the radiator mounting support:

  • Up to 360mm Radiator on the front
  • Up to 360mm Radiator on the top
  • Up to 360mm Radiator on the side
  • Up to 360mm Radiator on the base [No provision of 140mm mounts on the base]

Storage provision is:

  • Up to 4x 2.5” Drives
  • Up to 2x 3.5” Drives in combination with the 2.5” drives

The case has a support for up to 4x drives in total which is a mediocre provision given the full tower case.

The clearance is as below:

  • CPU Cooler of up to 175mm height is possible
  • Graphics Card of up to 440mm length without water pump and 300mm with the water pump on the front.
  • PSU length of 200mm

 Exterior

The front side of the Thermaltake View 51 TG SNOW ARGB Edition features a 4mm tempered glass panel with Thermaltake branding at the bottom. We have rounded edges on the top right and bottom left. The 2x 200mm ARGB fans can be seen behind the glass panel.

For those with experience of View 71, the front and top panels have sufficient gaps between the panel and the glass providing enough air intake provision. This is not the case with the View 51 TG though. One can spot a small size vertical cutout line which is for ventilation.

PRO TIP: To remove the glass, simply take away the top panel and pull it out.

Since this case is following the dual chamber in side-by-side design, we have more width to it.

thermaltake view 51 snow Closer Look front from the side
Power Button (Image by Tech4Gamers)

Thermaltake View 51 retains the same power button design as is on the View 71 TG.

It features a convenient single mounting bracket on the front, housing pre-installed 200mm fans. Simply remove the top two screws to detach the bracket, and Thermaltake has streamlined the process by eliminating the need to remove the bottom screws for added efficiency.

view 51 screw
Inner Screw (Image by Tech4Gamers)

There is a screw on the base inside the case. Remove this along with the two screws mentioned previous and take out the bracket. Here the caveat is opening the side panel to access this screw. The hinged design of the side panel helps with that.

thermaltake closer look
Front – Bracket Removed (Image by Tech4Gamers)

The above picture shows the front view of the case with the bracket removed. Despite having a steel frame with plastic all around, the design team executed the paint job quite well and provided almost a same color finish.

The mounting bracket can house up to 3x 120mm fans, 3x 140mm fans, and 2x 200mm fans. The 200mm fans are using 9x 5V A-RGB LEDs and use hydraulic bearings. You can imagine the radiator support accordingly except the 420mm, which isn’t possible.

The radiator has mounting holes properly labeled to identify the holes according to the size. 12 here refers to 120mm mount and so on.

These are the ports:

  • 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C
  • 2x USB 2.0
  • 2x USB 3.0
  • 1x HD Audio
  • 1x RGB Button
  • LED Indicator
thermaltake view 51 RGB Button
Side (Image by Tech4Gamers)

There is a 4mm tempered glass side panel which is not tinted. This is a wise move to properly show case the build. The panel is hinged on the frame which is a brilliant implementation as is on the View 71 TG.

There is a circular shape handle on the side panel which is in the large thumb screw design. Rotating it counter clockwise would release the panel from the frame and rotating it clockwise would do the opposite.

thermaltake view 51 handle
Hinged Panel (Image by Tech4Gamers)

There is a hinged panel on the frame which makes the handling of the panel quite convenient.

The above picture shows the top side of the PC Case. The glass is the same with 4mm thickness. Looking closely, the complete panel can be released to access the entire top of the case. We have a narrow gap between the glass and the panel itself for ventilation.

To remove the top panel, remove the two screws on the rear side of the panel and slide it out towards the rear.

The Thermaltake View 51 TG SNOW ARGB Edition boasts a spacious 325mm width and a noticeable gap between the PC case top and motherboard. A convenient cutout is present for easy access to the motherboard’s IO shield. On the right, a mesh area accommodates a 120mm fan, with a fixed rear fan height due to design constraints.

The left side features a removable vented cover, concealing the HDD cage. The central 8x PCIe slot design is adjustable for vertical GPU installation. A PCIe slot cover is found on the right, while standard ATX PSU mounting is positioned vertically at the bottom left.

view 51 hinges
PCIe (Image by Tech4Gamers)

As I have mentioned above, Thermaltake has implemented a patented rotational design for the PCIe 8x slots. The complete PCIe 8x slots bracket is removable. It is secured using 5x small size screws. Before taking it out, you would need to remove the PCIe slot cover bracket.

We have a large non-magnetic dust filter which runs to the entire length of the meshed portion on the bottom. The removal of dust filer could be problematic if the case is placed closed to the wall.

Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition

The case has enough lift off from the base where it will be placed on. This would give enough room for ventilation. Each corner has rubber pad on it to avoid scratching the surface and slippery.

The other side panel is made of SPCC steel and has two vented columns. The build quality of the panel is good. It is secured using two captive thumb screws.

Interior

It is time to take a look at the interior of the PC Case.

There is another fan/radiator bracket on the top as is on the front side. We have a cutout on the top front. It faces the top of the side bracket inside the case where the user can mount the radiator/fans.

There is a large size cutout on the top of the HDD cage. Looking closely, we can spot cable tie points on around the cutout. The attention to the detail is admirable.

The bracket can be taken out by removing the 4x thumb screws on both sides. This will release the bracket from the frame.

Here is another view at the top of the case. We have enough room to work around which is convenient. The fan/radiator bracket on the top and front are identical and can be interchanged.

thermaltake view 51 argb Interior fan radiator
Inside (Image by Tech4Gamers)

The View 51 TG boasts a truly expansive layout, providing ample space for any build. Its interior, distinct from the View 71 TG, features a protruded motherboard tray with angled cutouts for cable routing. The absence of dual HDD cages seen in the View 71 TG contributes to the spacious design. Supporting up to E-ATX motherboards, the View 51 TG ensures versatility, although larger motherboards may cover the angled section. With approximately 55mm of space from the top bracket to the motherboard’s top, the inner dimensions offer flexibility, measuring 478x465mm (LxH).

thermaltake 51 argb Interior
Capacity

The permissible height of the CPU cooler is 175mm. The maximum length of the graphics card is 440mm without pump whereas it is 300mm with the pump. 175mm height seems on a lower side of the CPU cooler given the spacious outlook.

Here are some helpful visuals:

Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition

The motherboard tray supports standard ATX size motherboard by default. All 9x standoffs are pre-installed. They have provided a few more with the socket wrench as well making it easier to remove or install the standoffs.

Motherboard Tray (Image by Tech4Gamers)

We have three cutouts on the top for cable routing and two large size cutouts on the right in an angle. These have rubber grommets as well. The CPU cutout is large enough to install the cooler’s mounting hardware inside the case.

Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition

There is a support bracket for vertical mount of the graphics card. It can house 2x graphics cards in the vertical layout. It also features patented rotatable PCIe slots. The user can easily rotate the entire slot area in either vertical or horizontal layout. Similarly, the support bracket can be removed. There is no riser cable provided with the case. The screws of the slot covers are accessed outside of the case and the covers are reusable.

There is a 120mm ARGB white fan at the rear. It has 9 ARGB LEDs and is using hydraulic bearings. The side bracket area is recessed as compared to the motherboard tray. There is a limitation in terms of the thickness of the radiator in case the user is installing a radiator on the front as well on the side bracket.

Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition

The above picture shows the support bracket for the vertical mount of the graphics card closely. The bottom of the case has two 2.5” drive brackets and there is a pump bracket towards the near. In terms of the storage capability, this thermaltalk support bracket case has a limited option.

PRO TIP: If you remove the bracket, you can install up to a 360mm radiator or 3x 120mm fans here.

Another key observation is the two cutouts on the base of the motherboard tray. They are far away from the base of the motherboard implying we the cables would be promptly visible on the base. I would have preferred these cutouts closer to the base of case.

Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition

The above picture shows the PCIe slot area closely. The complete bracket is secured using 5x screws. The bracket cover is secured using 2x thumb screws. All 7 screws would need to be removed to take out the bracket.

The support bracket inside the case is secured using 6x screws. One screw is located on the rear as shown in the picture. The other five are on the motherboard tray.

thermaltake view 51 argb edition atx vertical layout
Front Fan (Image by Tech4Gamers)

The above picture shows the front side fan/radiator bracket from its rear. This angle gives a better understanding of the radiator thickness limitation for the front and side.

thermaltake view 51 argb edition atx full tower case front side fan radiator
Exhaustion Visuals

Picture on the product’s webpage suggests the direction to be top and front intake with rear and bottom exhausting. We did not test that as we are testing the case with stock cooling.

Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition

Taking a look at the inner side of the panel, we can spot two magnetic dust filters covering the vented areas.

Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition

The design here has a familiar touch, reminiscent of the Lian Li O11 Dynamic. IO panel cables neatly traverse from the left to the right. Behind the motherboard tray, the HDD cage aligns with a cutout, presenting a choice: either mount the cooler’s hardware outside the case or remove the HDD cage during installation. Ample cable tie points streamline organization.

Opting for a vertical PSU layout is advised, positioning the fan side toward the panel for efficient air intake and rear exhaust. The PSU mounting bracket features an adjustable arm, allowing customization based on the PSU length.

Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition

The HDD cage has 2 caddies. They can be accessed from the rear of the cage. Following storage options are available in this case:

  • 2x 2.5” or 3.5” drives in the HDD cage
  • 2x 2.5” drives on the brackets
WARNING: The HDD cage does not allow hot swapping.

View 51 Thermaltake case is designed more towards the cooling gear than the storage.

Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition

The HDD cage is secured using 4x screws and it is removable.

side connector to be installed on the standard 5V ARGB header on the motherboard.

Thermaltake View 51 TG ARGB SNOW Edition

Thermaltake employs proprietary connectors for the 3x ARGB fans, linking them to the SATA-powered RGB hub. This hub offers motherboard connectivity, facilitated by the provided Motherboard Sync cable. The cable connects to the top header of the hub, with the other end attaching to the standard 5V ARGB header on the motherboard. Worth noting is the Reset connector on the RGB hub, although it doesn’t have a reset function out of the box.

thermaltake view 51 argb black color PCB
Chassis – HDD Cage Removed

The above picture shows the back side with the HDD cage removed. We have ample cable management space here.

You can see the visuals of the connectors below:

Test Build

The following configuration has been used for the test build:

  • Intel i5 11600k
  • Asus Strix Z590-A WIFI
  • XPG Spectrix D41 16GB
  • XPG 240GB SATA SSD
  • Noctua NH-U12S chromax.black
  • GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3070 VISION
  • Fractal Design ION+ 860P

Building

Here’s the complete process of setting up the build!

Testing

Noctua NT-H1 is used on the CPU IHS. ASUS RealBench 2.56 and MSI KOMBUSTOR 4 are used to stress the CPU and Graphics card. Following configurations have been tested and reported in the graph:

  • Stock Configuration [Complete Front Panel installed]
  • Complete Front Panel removed

Please note that we can’t regulate the speed of the pre-installed fans. The cooler’s fan was set to run at full speed. Rest of the settings were on Auto, Stock in the UEFI/BIOS. A stress test of 30 minutes was done with an idle time of 10 minutes. System was powered off between all runs for a minimum of 30 minutes as well. Let’s take a look at the results.

Results

thermaltake view 51 review Testing
Thermal Performance (Image by Tech4Gamers)

The ambient temperature was around 31~32°C. Hence we are reporting delta temperatures calculated by subtracting the ambient temperature from average of the cores temperature values and GPU Diode value. The difference of the CPU temperature with and without front panel is 3.5°C which is on the high side.

For the graphics card, we are seeing a 4.4°C delta between both configurations which is not that bad. It was kind of expected given the airflow restricted design on the front.

RGB

 

WARNING: Note that Thermaltake is using 6-pin proprietary connector on these fans. Hence, user has no control over the speed of these fans.

In order to control the lighting effects of the 2x 200mm ARGB fans on the front, we have a RGB button on the I/O panel. It is pertinent to mention that the lighting can be turned off all-together, which is actually one of the modes now. We have total 24 illumination modes on these fans:

1 Wave Mode
2 Flow Mode
3 RGB Lighting Single Color
4~10 Radar Mode (Red, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Blue, White, Purple)
11~18 Breathe Mode (Red, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Blue, White, Purple)
19 Full Lighted Mode
20~26 Single Color (Red, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Blue, White, Purple)
27 Light Off

Should You Buy It?

Is this case something worth investing into?

Buy It If:

✅ You seek a visually stunning PC case: This case is ideal for users who prioritize exceptional aesthetics in their PC builds.

✅ You require a high-performance workstation: Professionals needing a robust case for high-performance workstations with powerful hardware configurations would not want to skip past this!

Don’t Buy It If:

❌ You’re a small form factor enthusiast: Users looking for compact cases rather than full towers might want to look into a smaller build.

Conclusion

The Thermaltake View 51 TG Snow ARGB Edition impresses with its spacious full tower design, reminiscent of the Lian Li O11 Dynamic. The case features a striking white exterior with three tempered glass panels, showcasing a well-thought-out interior layout. With Dismantlable Modular Design (DMD) and a plethora of cooling options, it caters to PC enthusiasts. The inclusion of 2x 200mm ARGB fans on the front and a 120mm ARGB fan on the rear enhances the visual appeal. However, the proprietary connectors for fan speed control might limit customization. The case offers ample support for liquid cooling radiators, multiple storage drives, and vertical GPU installation.
Recent Updates

  • January 19, 2024: Few text changes to improve readability.
 

Thermaltake View 51 Review: Unboxing + Benchmarks is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

]]> AZZA Apollo 430 Review: Unboxing + Benchmarks https://tech4gamers.com/azza-apollo-430-white-review/ Sun, 28 Jan 2024 14:37:18 +0000 https://tech4gamers.com/?p=54005 The Azza Apollo 430 is a beautifully crafted mid-tower PC chassis with a striking white design and vibrant orange accents. Supporting ATX and micro ATX motherboards, it offers versatility with compatibility for lengthy video cards up to 370mm and water cooling support up to 240mm on both the front and top.

AZZA Apollo 430 Review: Unboxing + Benchmarks is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

]]>
See full bio

When we received an offer for Azza Apollo 430 Review, I quickly told them to send a white version and boi-o-boi. Was I wrong about it? Not at all! It is, for sure, a beautifully crafted mid-tower PC Chassis. It is a compact mid-tower still quite spacious and offers many build opportunities. The chassis is available in 4 models. Also, if you want White PC Cases, read our article. 

  • CSAZ-430B-DF1 [Black with a Hurricane II ARGB Fan]
  • CSAZ-430B-DF2 [Black with a standard ARGB Fan]
  • CSAZ-430W-DF1 [White with a Hurricane II ARGB Fan]
  • CSAZ-430W-DF2 [White with a standard ARGB Fan]

Key Takeaways

  • The AZZA Apollo 430 is a visually stunning mid-tower chassis with premium features, including ARGB lighting and a high-quality tempered glass side panel.
  • The AZZA Apollo 430 case is ideal for enthusiasts who want a visually striking case with customizable ARGB lighting, ATX/micro ATX support, compatibility for lengthy video cards (up to 370mm), and versatile water cooling support.
  • It is not advised for budget-conscious consumers or those prioritizing optimal airflow with fully vented front designs, as the AZZA Apollo 430 has premium features and a blocked front.
[toc]

AZZA Apollo 430 Overview

The model I am taking a look at is CSAZ-430W-DF2. I wish I could look at Hurricane II fan as it looks quite stunning in design. The chassis has a tempered glass side panel, while the back panel is a standard metallic cover. The chassis has cooling support for up to 3x 120mm / 2x 140mm fans on the front. 2x 120/140mm fans on the top and a 120mm fan on the rear.

The chassis supports 240mm AIO/radiator on the top and up to 360mm AIO/radiator on the front. The maximum CPU cooler height is 155mm. Up to 370mm long graphics cards are supported. The motherboard support ranges from mini-ITX to standard ATX.

Let’s take a look at the specifications of the case:

Model Name APOLLO 430
Model Number CSAZ-430W-DF2
Type ATX Mid Tower
Color White
Side Panel Window Left Side panel: Tempered Glass with rubber mounts
Max CPU Cooler Height Up to 155mm
Weight Up to 370mm long video card
Case Dimension (HxWxD) 480x205x420mm/18.9×8.1×16.5 inches
Motherboard Compatibility ATX、Micro ATX
Power Supply Support Bottom-mounted ATX Power Supply

Packaging and Unboxing

The AZZA Apollo 430 white is shipped inside a standard brown cardboard box.

Closer Look

The AZZA Apollo 430 Review is a beautifully crafted mid-tower chassis with stunning styling. Particularly, the orange accent befitting the front speaks for itself, and it is further augmented with an ARGB lighting strip provided under the front white color frame with a diffuser lining running from the front towards the bottom.

PRO TIP: Check the dimensions of your components to ensure they fit comfortably within the case.

This is a mid-tower category chassis supporting motherboards up to ATX size. It has a dimension of 480x205x420mm. It weighs 7.9 kg. The chassis is made up of steel and tempered glass. The White edition has outer and inner sides finished in white. The chassis supports bottom-mounted ATX standard PSU. It is time to take a look at the chassis. Let’s start with the front side.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

The front side of the AZZA Apollo 430 Review is one heck of a show. The front side packs two panels or metallic covers. The main front panel is finished in white and secured to the second orange panel using two thumbscrews. The front panel has a diffuser that starts from the upper top and runs across the panel’s length on the top and the orange panel’s protruded portion’s length.

A certain portion of the white panel extends through the orange panel on the right side, giving the overall design and layout a balanced look and feel. One thing by now would have been cleared. This chassis has the front side completely blocked as there is no potential air intake side on the sides or the top except on the bottom, which would not help.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

Remove the two black color thumb screws on the left side of the white color panel. You must lift the white panel from the left side upwards. Two black rubber pads are inserted between the white panel and the inner side of the orange panel’s shroud. They are not fixed and will come off as well.

Please note that the ARGB cable is connected to the lighting hub on the backside of the chassis. Unplug it from the hub before taking off the front panel. We are left with a completely orange front panel. It has a deep cut in the middle, which runs at 360mm in height. We can see a magnetic dust filter placed on the fan mount grill.

The black color spacers are on the two mounts. This panel is installed on the chassis frame using two black color screws on the bottom. Remove those two if you want to take the orange panel off. This panel has studs on the backside that slide and lock in the chassis cut-to-size holes.

The above picture shows the inner side of the front white color panel. There is a plastic cover hiding the ARGB lighting strip. The strip can be accessed by removing the three screws of the cover.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

The AZZA Apollo 430 White has 12 ARGB LEDs on the front panel tucked inside a cut-to-size diffuser holder. The ARGB strip uses a 5V 3-pin connector for the connectivity.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

The above picture shows the backside of the orange colour panel. This panel seems to be spray painted. 5 studs hook up on the chassis. The picture above shows the chassis’s front side with both panels completely removed. Only the magnetic dust filter remains intact.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

Let’s dive into the front-side details. The fixed rail made installing my choice of fans (3x 120mm or 2x 140mm) a breeze, and it accommodated a 360mm radiator, contrary to AZZA’s 240mm specification. Two cutouts on the right side neatly managed the ARGB cable from the front panel.

The top section, with its 52mm solid cover and a removable 10x24mm cutout, left me wondering about its water-cooling utility. The large cutout for the motherboard’s rear I/O shield was practical, featuring a vented area for the pre-installed 120mm fan, which I could adjust in height using the rail mechanism.

Yet, only the first PCIe slot cover was removable, a drawback in flexibility, as the non-reusable covers for the other slots limited options. Notably, the area beside the PCIe slot covers lacked ventilation.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

There is a protective cover on the right side of the PCIe slot covers. It is held with the chassis using two thumbscrews. It needs to be removed before installing the PCIe device.

The right side panel has a strange locking mechanism. There is no hole on the side of this panel, which we usually see in most of the Chassis. The locking screws are passed through the holes on the side of the panel and inserted into the chassis frame to lock the panel. Quite an unconventional design! The bulkhead thumb screws are to be screwed into the chassis frame, and their bulkhead side is supposed to hold and lock the side panel.

At the bottom, we have a standard ATX PSU mount. Another complaint is that the PSU can only be installed with the fan side facing downward. I can understand that there is no vented portion on the shroud facing the PSU but still, they should not have forced the user to make it happen in one way only.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

We have a sleek design on the top of this chassis. A large magnetic dust filter covers the entire vented area. The vented area provides 2x 120/140mm fans or a 240mm radiator. Again, we are seeing a rail mechanism that would allow the user to adjust the position of the fans/radiator a bit. On the left side, we have an IO panel. Let’s look at the bottom side of the AZZA Apollo 430 White.

There are 4 feet of black on the corners of the chassis. These give the chassis a lift of approximately 22mm from the ground. They have rubber mounts at their base to avoid scratching the surface on which the chassis will be placed. The PSU area is vented and has an iron net, which is removable and washable.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

The right side area shows 4x screws. These are holding the HDD cage. As can be seen, the position of the HDD cage can be changed inside the chassis thanks to the rail mount mechanism here as well. The far-right side area shows some room for possible air intake, but it isn’t much.

The side panel features tempered glass. It is installed using 4x bulkhead screws on each of its corners. The panel sits on the rubber mounts to avoid scratching. The panel does not fall as soon as screws are removed, but one can’t be too careful while handling the TG panels! The glass does not have a dark tint. The borders of the three-sided glass panel have a black border, adding some look to the overall design.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

The bottom of the chassis is in a white frame with an AZZA textured print, which, in my opinion, looks cool. This makes the chassis a dual-chamber design. However, it is modular as the bottom side panel is removable.

 

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

The top I/O panel includes:

  • Power Button
  • Reset/RGB Button [Default is RGB]
  • Headphone jack
  • Microphone jack
  • 2x USB 3.0 port

The right side panel is a solid body design. There are locking positions on each of the mounting portions. There are screws on the mainframe on which these locking positions are placed. This seems to be a tongue-and-mortise method of locking.

The chassis is well-planned from this side. We have a solid motherboard tray with no flex. There is a large cutout on the motherboard tray for ease of CPU cooler installation. There is a total of 7 cutouts on the tray for cable management. None of these have rubber grommets. 8x standoffs are pre-installed in standard ATX configuration. The chassis has a PSU shroud which runs to the entire length of the chassis.

There is a cutout on the left side of this shroud to show the PSU side. There is roughly a provision of 58mm from the top of the chassis to the top of the motherboard. Installing a 240mm AIO should face no issue. Regarding displacement from the AIO to the side of the chassis, we have roughly 28mm of space, leaving us with almost no incompatibility with any RAM height.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

The chassis comes with a 1x pre-installed fan on the rear. This fan has digital RGB lighting. It has 7 translucent blades and a circular ring on the border for killer lights. The fan was reaching up to 1400 RPM when set at full speed. There are a total of two cables coming out of this fan.

WARNING: Optimize fan placement for effective airflow; consider adding additional fans for enhanced cooling if needed.

One is a 3-pin power cable, whereas the other is for the ARGB lighting and is already connected to the RGB hub. The cables are flat. Only the first PCIe slot cover is reusable. All others, once removed, can’t be reused. I expected more from AZZA, as all should have been made reusable.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

The above picture shows the side cover and the first PCIe slot cover removed. There is no vented portion on the PSU shroud. There are 2x 2.5” SSD brackets preinstalled there. These are removable and can be used on 4 other possible 2.5” mounts. There are 6x 2.5” storage mounts, but only two brackets are provided. The brackets are on the black cover.

A maximum 21mm thickness radiator can be installed given that 25mm thick fans are installed on it. More room can be made by removing the HDD cage. The bottom chamber of the chassis has a cover on the front side. This cover is removable as it is secured using two screws on the rear side of the chassis.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

 

Two 2.5” brackets can be installed on the motherboard tray’s backside. We can spot a black color RGB lighting hub. Cable management space ranges from 20mm to 28mm, depending on the area.

There are two cutouts on the shroud opposite the brackets. They route the cables for the connectivity on the motherboard’s bottom area and the SSDs on the brackets.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

In the above picture, we can see the inner side of the front-mounted rail. The fans or the radiator can only be installed on the chassis’s inner side (on the rail’s backside). The area next to the rail has a solid cover without cutouts or other provisions. The SSD brackets can be installed on the backside of this cover.

The above picture shows this cover removed with the inner side shown. Let’s look at the chassis from the backside with the panel removed. Cables everywhere! Pun intended. This is a dual-chamber design. There are only 4x cable tie points, which is strange! I was expecting more, particularly on the right side of the tray’s backside.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

The bottom chamber houses an HDD cage on the left side, whereas there is a provision for the PSU housing on the right side. The drive cage is tool-less and is secured using 4x thumb screws which are on the bottom of the chassis. A PSU of approximately 206mm in length with cables is there.

If you move the HDD cage to the leftmost corner, more space for PSU and cables can be made, roughly 250mm.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

The above picture shows the bottom chamber with the HDD cage removed. The HDD cage is made of steel and is quite rigid. It can house two caddies. Each caddy can either hold a 2.5” or a 3.5” drive.

Let’s take a look at the RGB lighting control box or hub. This hub is SATA powered. It has 6x 3-pin ARGB male headers. The rear fan is already connected to the top first header. There are 2x 3-pin female headers. The I/O panel’s Reset connector is connected to this header. Doing this has removed the reset capability of the chassis, as the user can change the lighting modes by pressing the Reset button on the I/O panel.

The hub’s right side gives a hint of cables going out. That is true. The user can connect up to 8x ARGB devices to this hub (2x are already connected, leaving room for 6x).

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

One of the cables is the SATA connector, which needs to be connected to the PSU to power the hub. The other two connectors allow the user to connect this hub with the motherboard’s digital lighting (5V) headers. This way, the user can control and sync the lighting effect of the build.

The front panel’s cables include:

  • 1x USB 3.0 Cable
  • 1x Front Panel HD Audio Cable
  • System Panel Cables

Storage Capacity

  • Up to 2x 3.5” Drives
  • Up to 6x 2.5” Drives (Only two brackets are provided)

CPU Cooler Height

  • 155mm

Graphics Card Length

  • Up to 370mm

Fans Provision

  • Up to 3x 120mm or 2x 140mm fans on the front
  • Up to 2x 120mm or 2x 140mm fans on the top
  • 1x 120mm fan on the rear (pre-installed)

Radiator Provision

  • 120mm/240mm/360mm radiator on the front*
  • 120mm/240mm on the top

*The installation of a 360mm radiator is possible without an HDD cage.

Test Build and Experience

The following configuration has been used for the test build:

  • AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
  • AORUS X570 Pro WIFI
  • CORSAIR VENGEANCE PRO RGB 16GB @ 3200MHz CL16
  • ID-COOLING SE-234-ARGB and CORSAIR H!00i RGB Platinum
  • MSI RX 5700 XT MECH OC
  • HyperX 120GB 2.5” SSD
  • Antec HCP1300
AZZA Apollo 430 White

I started with the motherboard installation and removed the pre-installed 120mm fan, as the I/O cover could not slip past the fan. Besides that, I did not face any issues regarding the motherboard installation. The RAM was installed outside the chassis, whereas both coolers were installed inside the chassis, and I had no difficulty installing the cooler.

Since the chassis supports only 155mm height coolers, you are kinda restricted on what you can install in this chassis for cooling purposes. I could not install the Noctua NH-U14S, which is very obvious why, but I also could not install the Noctua NH-U12S since that cooler has a height of 158mm and was obstructing the tempered glass panel.

I ended up using the ID-COOLING SE-234-ARGB CPU Air Cooler. I will cover why I have used two coolers for the testing in the Testing section.

AZZA Apollo 430 White AZZA Apollo 430 White

Installing AZZA Apollo 430 White components is a breeze, thanks to ample space on the motherboard top and two convenient cutouts. The PSU shroud’s cutouts aid effective cable management, though I placed the 2.5″ SSD on the back of the motherboard tray for a cleaner look. Installing the fully modular PSU is straightforward.

PRO TIP: Optimize fan placement for effective airflow; consider adding additional fans for enhanced cooling if needed.

Note that it must be installed with the fan side down due to the lack of vents on the shroud. Connecting the rear fan to the CPU-OPT header is simple, but the limited 4 cable tie points on the back make cable management challenging yet achievable with time and effort. Other than that, I faced no issues; it was a straightforward task.

Testing

Next up is the thermal testing using the same configuration as mentioned above. Here are some key points regarding the testing:

  • The rear fan was set to run at 100% of the speed.
  • The CPU Cooler’s fan was connected to the CPU fan header and was set to run at a 100% duty cycle.
  • No other fan was used to ensure the testing of the chassis in stock configuration.
  • I have used Far Cry 5 on 1080P using Ultra settings to measure the thermals. For each test, a minimum of 30 minutes of gameplay was made.
  • A minimum of 15 minutes of idling time was ensured between the tests.
  • Thermal testing is conducted with and without the front panel to see how much airflow is restricted by this design.
  • Two Noiseblockers, NB-BlackSilentPro PL-PS fans, were installed on the front rail to make the case. These have a rated speed of 600~1500RPM with a maximum of 58.9 CFM airflow and a 1.42 mmH₂ air pressure rating.
  • Testing was done on Stock/Auto settings on Ryzen 7 3700X and RX 5700 XT.
  • MSIAfterBurner was used to record the temperatures.

Configuration Clarification

Here are some pointers before you take a look at the graphs:

  • The AZZA Apollo 430 White has only one fan pre-installed on the rear.
  • I have tested the thermals of this chassis with the front panels removed and with the front panels on.
  • I have tested the thermals of the chassis with 2x 120mm fans installed on the front with and without the front panels.
  • Based on initial test data from the air cooler, I also used an AIO to test the thermal performance.

Here is the result:

RGB Lighting

ARGB lighting is the strongest and monumental strength of The AZZA Apollo 430 White. We have a 120mm ARGB fan on the rear and an ARGB lighting strip on the front panel inside a white diffuser cover. To make the case more compelling, they have provided a lighting control hub that can be synced to the motherboard’s digital lighting header (5V). Users can press the Reset button on the top I/O panel to switch between the lighting modes.

Here are some pics for your eye pleasure.

Should You Buy It?

After having a detailed look at the AZZA Apollo 430, let’s answer the question about who should buy it and who shouldn’t.

Buy It If:

✅ You seek a modern PC case: Enthusiasts seeking a visually striking mid-tower chassis with a sleek white design and vibrant orange accents, complemented by customizable ARGB lighting, should consider the Apollo 430.

✅ You aim for versatility: The AZZA Apollo 430 case supports ATX and micro ATX motherboards, accommodates lengthy video cards up to 370mm, and offers water cooling support up to 240mm on both the front and top.

✅ You prioritize aesthetic appeal and component showcase: The high-quality tempered glass side panel of the AZZA Apollo 430 case provides a clear view of the internal components, and the stylish RGB strip on the front panel enhances the visual experience.

Don’t Buy It If

❌ You require an economical PC case: Individuals on a budget seeking affordable mid-tower options, as the AZZA Apollo 430, with its premium features, might surpass the budget constraints of some users.

❌ You prioritize maximum cooling performance: Users who prioritize maximum cooling performance prefer a fully vented front design for optimal airflow, as the AZZA Apollo 430’s blocked front may not meet their airflow expectations.

❌ You want your cables managed neatly: Builders need extensive cable management options, as the limited 4 cable tie points on the back might present challenges for users aiming for an exceptionally tidy cable arrangement.

Conclusion

After getting my hands on the Azza Apollo 430, I can’t help but rave about its sleek white design and eye-catching orange accents. The various models cater to different rear fan preferences, and its support for ATX motherboards, steel, and tempered glass construction adds to its appeal. I enjoyed the flexibility in storage with 2x 3.5” drives in the removable HDD cage and support for 2.5” drives.

The chassis easily accommodated my 155mm CPU cooler and a 370mm graphics card. Cooling options are impressive, allowing for 3x 120mm or 2x 140mm fans on the front, 1x 120mm fan on the rear, 2x 120mm/140mm fans on the top, and up to a 240mm radiator. The RGB lighting caught my attention, especially the digital RGB LED strip and rear 120mm fan.

However, my firsthand experience also highlighted a potential drawback—the blocked front design affecting airflow, as evident in testing. Despite some cable management challenges and non-reusable PCIe slot covers, the chassis’s rock-solid build quality makes it a notable contender.

Recent Updates

  • January 8, 2024: A few text changes to improve readability. Also added image galleries.
 

AZZA Apollo 430 Review: Unboxing + Benchmarks is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

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