Thermaltake Level 10 Full-Tower Case Review

1. Introduction2. Box, Bundle and Packaging3. The Thermaltake Level 104. Installation5. Testing Methodology and Performance6. Closing Thoughts7. View All Pages

It's quite clear that Thermaltake have designed the Level 10 with usability in mind.  To access the main components of the system we are simply required to unlock the two locks on the back and pull out the different module covers.  Unfortunately the installation process is hampered slightly by one of the most unspecific installation guides we've experienced.

Removing the motherboard tray is extremely simple, requiring us to remove four thumbscrews.  Once it's removed, we are required to install the motherboard standoffs before screwing down the motherboard.  The CPU cooler can be installed after the motherboard easily thanks to the large cutout in the tray.

The Level 10 has eight PCI slots, making it compatible with most motherboards although there are a few around which require 1 slots and wont fit.  Thermaltake have used standard screws, rather than thumbscrews, which means cards cannot be switched without a screwdriver.  But we usually find ourselves tightening thumbscrews with a screwdriver anyway so this isn't a great issue. When this is complete, we can place the motherboard tray back in the case and tighten the thumbscrews to secure it.

Installing the PSU is a little complicated, requiring us first to open the module and then remove the bracket before actually getting to the PSU itself.  Then we can insert the PSU into the bracket and secure it with the provided screws, before replacing the bracket and securing again.  All the cables have to be routed through the hole in the back of the module and then routed back through the motherboard tray before connecting them.

It is also a little more difficult than usual the install the optical drive as it requires us to completely remove the module cover and then screw the drives into place.  Sadly there is no tool-less option available here, either.

Installing the hard drives is a refreshingly simple process.  After pulling out the caddy, the hard drive can be inserted and then screwed in using the provided screws.  The caddies are designed for both 2.5″ and 3.5″ drives and require no extra bracket for 2.5″ drives as they are secured to the bottom of the caddy.

Finally we can plug all the cables into the motherboard through the provided routing holes and then secure all the modules and side panel using the lock mechanisms.

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