atx case | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:50:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png atx case | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Antec Constellation C8 Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/antec-constellation-c8-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/antec-constellation-c8-case-review/#respond Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:00:07 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=652232 Looking for a O11D alternative? You might want to take a look the Antec Constellation C8

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The last time we looked at a product from Antec was to review the Torque chassis almost five years ago. Well, that changes today as we are checking out the Constellation C8, featuring a dual chamber layout which is becoming the common choice of new case design now. But can it compete with other dual-chamber chassis that we have reviewed recently? Let’s find out.

Watch the video via our VIMEO Channel (Below) or over on YouTube at 2160p HERE


Timestamps:

00:00 Start
00:42 Overview and pricing
01:29 Strip down and Front I/O
02:48 Inside the case – hardware support
05:43 Cable management and air duct partition
06:33 Construction and white cabling
06:58 Power supply and storage
07:42 Rear side
08:24 Back side
08:50 Underside
09:45 Test System
10:45 Thermal Performance
12:06 Some mods we made
13:39 Future improvements
14:28 Is it worth buying?

Antec Constellation C8 Features:

  • Constellation C8 is a dual-chamber chassis featuring tempered glass with 45-degree bevelled edges for a seamless joint and a completely transparent panoramic view of the internal components.
  • The interior can accommodate three 120/140mm or two 160mm fans in the roof and floor for powerful and efficient cooling and up to three 120mm side fans.
  • As well as great fan support the case allows for the installation of three 360mm radiators simultaneously, vertical GPU mounting and modular drive trays.
  • Graphics cards up to 440mm long, CPU coolers up to 175mm tall and power supplies up to 210mm can all fit inside the Constellation C8.
  • The robust chassis is constructed from high-grade materials including 0.8 and 1.0 mm thick steel combined with tool-free exterior panels for easy access.

Specifications:

  • Case Type: ATX Dual Chamber
  • Dimensions: 464 x 303 x 476mm
  • Material: Steel, Plastic, Glass
  • Motherboard Support: E-ATX (up to 280mm), ATX, Micro-ATX, ITX
  • Expansion Slots: 8
  • Storage Bays: 2 x 3.5”, 4 x 2.5”
  • Max GPU Length: 440mm
  • Max CPU Cooler Height: 175mm
  • Max PSU Size: ATX up to 210mm
  • Fan Support: 3 x 120mm/140mm or 2 x 160mm (Top) 3 x 120mm or 2 x 140mm (Side) 3 x 120/140mm or 2 x 160mm (Bottom) 1 x 120/140mm (Rear)
  • Pre-installed fans: N/A
  • Radiator Support: 360/280/240/120 (Top, side, bottom) 120mm (Rear)
  • Dust Filters: Bottom
  • Font I/O: 2 x USB 3.0 Type, 1 x USB Type-C (10Gbps) combined 3.5mm audio jack, power and reset buttons
  • LCD Screen:  N/A

Thermal Performance Testing

To simulate thermal demand we run the Cinebench R23 multi-thread benchmark and 3DMark Speed Way stress test simultaneously in a loop for 30 minutes to load the system fully. This gives the CPU and GPU enough time to reach constant steady-state temperature. With this data, we can compare how the system handles the thermal demand and measure peak noise levels.

Thermal performance is measured with the case in various configurations, such as the default, with the tempered glass left-hand side panel removed and with the front panel removed to see how these configurations affect the CPU and GPU temperature. During testing, only stock case fans are used unless otherwise specified. All water pumps are set to maximum RPM and fans are set to a custom RPM curve by the Motherboard software/BIOS.

All temperature measurements are presented as Deltas – meaning the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU temperature giving us a Delta. Data shown in the charts represent the average component temperature over the length of the test as measured by HWiNFO and then the last 15 minutes of the data are calculated to get the average. The ambient temperature during thermal tests is between 20-22⁰C.

Test System Specification:

Thermal Performance Overview

We tested the case in several configurations with case fans set at a fixed rpm and the AIO cooler fans running the silent profile in the Gigabyte motherboard BIOS.

Changing the case configuration has minimal impact on thermal performance with the Antec C8. Both the CPU and GPU temperatures remain consistent when removing panels and repeating the thermal load test.

The only minor change in temperature is recorded when the top and right-hand panels are removed, CPU temperature in this configuration drops by a couple of degrees C. The perforated panels may be causing a minor airflow restriction, but the temperature change is minimal and nothing to be concerned about.

These component temperatures are typical of the test system hardware and what we would expect from a well-ventilated dual chamber case.

It’s a similar pattern with noise output too, in either configuration the noise output is very constant. Removing panels has little effect on noise output but there is a very minor drop in noise when removing the perforated top and side panels as the CPU cooler fans ran at a slightly lower RPM, but again the difference in noise is so small it's of no concern.

Closing Thoughts

As a budget alternative to the Lian Li O11D, the Antec Constellation C8 is one of the better options on the market. Not only that, but it seems like much better value than some of the alternatives such as the Corsair 6500X. The C8 is cheaper, offers similar features and is a very well-built chassis. The only advantage the 6500X has is reverse connector motherboard support which won't mean much to most users.

I was not expecting much from the Antec C8 when it arrived for review but I have been pleasantly surprised by the ultra-robust build quality, extensive hardware and cooling support and features like the tool-free panel removal and interchangeable floor fan mount, all for under £100 and available in black or white. It's not quite as cheap as the Montech King 95 and maybe not as good-looking but it’s a solid alternative if you are after the more understated look.

There are some minor niggles with the case, like the lack of fully removable fan/radiator mounts, and for some reason which I can't understand, Antec decided not to allow for the installation of three 140mm fans on the side bracket even when the dimensions are there to accommodate it as shown in the video. Other than those slight flaws though, there's really not much to complain about.

Ultimately, if you are in the market for a dual chamber case and want to save a few quid on the Lian Li options, don’t need Corsair iCUE Link integration or reverse connector motherboard support and maybe find the King 95 looks a little too aggressive, then the Antec Constellation C8 might be the next PC case for you. If I was looking for a dual-chamber case now it would be one that I would consider for sure.

The Antec Constellation C8 is available to purchase now at Scan priced at £99.99 or Amazon for £108.90 HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

  • 120mm and 140mm fan support all round.
  • Very high build quality
  • Pleasant build experience and good cable management.
  • Priced well versus the competition.

Cons:

  • No removable fan/rad brackets at all.
  • Space for three 140mm fan installations on the side mount isn’t utilised.

KitGuru says: If you have a £100 budget and want a dual chamber case the Antec Constellation C8 is worth serious consideration.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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Sharkoon launches new Rebel C60 ARGB PC cases https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/sharkoon-launches-new-rebel-c60-argb-pc-cases/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/sharkoon-launches-new-rebel-c60-argb-pc-cases/#respond Fri, 08 Dec 2023 17:00:29 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=640149 Sharkoon is unveiling a new Rebel series PC case with the C60. Featuring attractive aesthetics due to the front and side tempered glass panels, the C60 could be a good option for those who want to showcase their system's components without breaking the bank. The Rebel C60 RGB has an airflow system that brings in …

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Sharkoon is unveiling a new Rebel series PC case with the C60. Featuring attractive aesthetics due to the front and side tempered glass panels, the C60 could be a good option for those who want to showcase their system's components without breaking the bank.

The Rebel C60 RGB has an airflow system that brings in fresh air from the bottom of the case while warm air is conveyed through the back and perforated right-side panel. This ensures that your hardware not only looks great but also functions optimally. The case has four 120mm fans (one rear, two right-side, and one bottom), all with ARGB lighting. A removable dust filter protects the whole bottom panel of the case, keeping dust and grime out of your hardware.

If you need to improve the airflow of the Rebel C60 RGB, you can easily add an extra 120mm fan under the motherboard tray and three others on the top panel. Alternatively, you can install up to a 360mm radiator on the top panel and replace the two pre-installed fans adjacent to the mainboard tray with a 240mm radiator. The Rebel series cases come with a removable mounting frame and bracket, making installing fans and any HDDs or SSDs a breeze.

The Rebel C60 RGB has ample space for a graphics card up to 400mm long, a CPU cooler up to 165mm tall, and a PSU up to 270mm long. It also contains two USB 3.0 ports on the top of the chassis, a USB-C connection, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. You can also mount your graphics card vertically using a rubberised GPU holder.

The Sharkoon Rebel C60 RGB is now available in black or white for the recommended retail price of €109.90.

KitGuru says: Do you like the looks of the new Sharkoon Rebel C60 case? Do you prefer the black or white version?

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Thermaltake announces the Ceres 300 TG ARGB ATX case https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/thermaltake-announces-the-ceres-300-tg-argb-atx-case/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/thermaltake-announces-the-ceres-300-tg-argb-atx-case/#respond Fri, 09 Jun 2023 15:00:57 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=618910 Following on from Computex last week, Thermaltake has a new launch – the Ceres 300 TG chassis. Available in black or white and designed with airflow in mind, with perforated panels to ensure constant access to cool air for your components.  To ensure optimal airflow for cooling high-performance components, the Ceres 300 features extensive perforation, …

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Following on from Computex last week, Thermaltake has a new launch – the Ceres 300 TG chassis. Available in black or white and designed with airflow in mind, with perforated panels to ensure constant access to cool air for your components. 

To ensure optimal airflow for cooling high-performance components, the Ceres 300 features extensive perforation, allowing for ample air intake and exhaust. The case offers various cooling installation options, including support for up to seven 120mm or five 140mm fans, a 360mm AIO radiator at the front, and a 280mm radiator at the top. Users can customise the lighting of the CT140 ARGB fans through motherboard software.

The Ceres 300 provides ample room for high-end hardware, accommodating a maximum CPU cooler height of 185mm, GPUs up to 370mm in length, and a power supply of up to 220mm long. The rotational PCI-E slots offer flexibility in displaying graphics cards horizontally or vertically. The case also features removable filters on all sides for easy cleaning and convenient I/O ports, including 2x USB 3.0 and a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, and the usual audio jacks.

As an optional accessory, the LCD panel kit adds some flair to your build. The 3.9-inch LCD panel can be used to monitor the system in real-time or to show images or GIFs. In both cases, you'll need to use the TT RGB Plus 2.0 software to configure the display. Both Ceres 300 TG ARGB models are now available for $99.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Which Ceress 300 TG ARGB variant do you like the most?

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Silverstone Seta D1 Quick Look / H1 Build https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/silverstone-seta-d1-quick-look-h1-build/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/silverstone-seta-d1-quick-look-h1-build/#respond Fri, 21 Apr 2023 10:34:30 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=612376 High airflow or storage space, which one do you need?

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Today we take a look at two ATX mid-tower cases from Silverstone. The Seta D1 and Seta H1 are based on an identical chassis structure but are very different cases. The Seta H1 has been around for a while and sports a high airflow open design, ideal for gaming builds with big graphics cards and water cooling while the D1 has recently launched and is aimed at users that need versatile storage options and space for optical drives. So let’s take a quick look at both cases, pick one and build a system.

First, let’s take a look at the Silverstone Seta D1 which is the latest ATX mid-tower chassis to be launched into the Seta line-up. The Seta D1 is based on the same chassis design as previous Seta cases such as the Q1 and H1 but is aimed at users who prioritise storage and optical drives. The case has a modular front section that can be configured in several different layouts to suit the user’s ideal mix of storage, optical drives and cooling.

As well as being able to house multiple optical drives and storage devices in both 3.5” and 2.5” formats, the Seta D1 can also support large graphics cards, motherboards up to E-ATX form factor and radiators up to 360mm. To install a 360mm radiator in the front of the case, all storage and optical bays must be removed, however, 360mm radiators can be installed in the roof of the case with some of the storage and optical bays in place which is useful.

Silverstone Seta D1 Features:

  • Modular chassis front section that supports various configurations and combinations of storage, optical drive bays and radiators. Users can set up the front of the case to suit their system demands.
  • Versatile support for air and water cooling with room for air coolers up to 182mm tall, radiators up to 360mm long and up to seven 120mm fans.
  • Extensive hardware support includes E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, graphics cards up to 394mm long and power supplies up to 250mm in length.
  • Two additional 2.5” storage bays are located on the rear of the motherboard tray and two more 3.5” storage drives can be installed in the removable caddy beneath the power supply should.
  • Front I/O connectivity includes two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, a single USB Type-C port and a combined 3.5mm audio port.

Specifications

  • Motherboard – SSI-CEB, E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
  • External Drive bay – 25″ x 4 (HDD combo bay supports up to 3)
  • Internal – 5″ x 2, 2.5″ x 2, 3.5″ / 2.5″ x 6
  • Cooling system Front – 120mm x 3 / 140mm x 3 (140mm black fan x 2 included)
  • Cooling system Rear – 120mm x 1 / 140mm x 1 (140mm black fan x 1 included)
  • Cooling system Top –120mm x 3 / 140mm x 2 / 160mm x 2
  • Radiator support – (Front) 120mm/140mm/240mm/280mm/360mm, (Top) 120mm/140mm/240mm/280mm/360mm, (Rear) 120mm/140mm
  • Limitation of CPU cooler – 182mm
  • Expansion slot – 7+2
  • Limitation of expansion card – Length: 394mm (with front fans installed),275mm (with front single bay drive cage and fans installed) Width: 188mm
  • Power supply – Standard PS2 (ATX)
  • Limitation of PSU – 250mm
  • Front I/O port – USB Type-C x 1, USB 3.0 x 2, Combo audio x 1
  • Dimension – 232mm (W) x 493.9mm (H) x 492.7mm (D), 56.46 litres
  • Net weight – 28 kg

The Seta H1 is the one we chose for the build in the video as it is better suited to the gaming-orientated hardware that we have selected. The Seta H1 should be a good chassis for high-end gaming builds as it supports a wide range of hardware including motherboards up to E-ATX form factor, big graphics cards and has support for multiple large radiators. It is also equipped with a full-length front mesh panel for optimal cool air intake with ARGB lighting and two custom 160mm fans pre-installed behind the mesh panel.

Silverstone Seta H1 Features:

  • Full-length perforated front mesh panel with embedded ARGB lighting to provide optimal airflow to internal components and a vibrant aesthetic.
  • Ample internal space for high-end hardware including motherboards up to E-ATX form factor, graphics cards up to 394mm long, big air coolers up to 182mm tall and power supplies up to 250mm long.
  • Extensive air and water cooling support with space for dual 360mm radiators and up to seven 120mm/140mm chassis fans.
  • Multi-function brackets at the front of the chassis can be utilised for mounting 2 x 2.5” SSSD drives, pump res combos or alternatively used as cable management cover panels for a clean interior look.
  • Front I/O connectivity consists of two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port and a single combined 3.5mm audio jack.

Specifications

  • Motherboard – SSI-CEB, E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
  • Internal – 2.5″ x 2, 3.5″ x 2
  • Cooling system Front – 120mm x 3 / 140mm x 3 (160mm black fan x 2 included)
  • Cooling system Rear – 120mm x 1 / 140mm x 1 (140mm black fan x 1 included)
  • Cooling system Top –120mm x 3 / 140mm x 2 / 160mm x 2
  • Radiator support – (Front) 120mm/140mm/240mm/280mm/360mm, (Top) 120mm/140mm/240mm/280mm/360mm, (Rear) 120mm/140mm
  • Limitation of CPU cooler – 182mm
  • Expansion slot – 7+2
  • Limitation of expansion card – Length: 394mm (with front fans installed),275mm (with front single bay drive cage and fans installed) Width: 188mm
  • Power supply – Standard PS2 (ATX)
  • Limitation of PSU – 250mm
  • Front I/O port – USB Type-C x 1, USB 3.0 x 2, Combo audio x 1
  • Dimension – 232mm (W) x 494mm (H) x 480mm (D), 55.01 litres
  • Net weight – 28 kg

Build Hardware Specification:

Seta H1

Pros:

  • High airflow front panel keeps components cool.
  • Sturdy Build Quality.
  • An easy case to work with

Cons:

  • The price might be slightly high.
  • Cable management covers are not that useful.
  • Only available in black.

KitGuru Says: The Silverstone Seta H1 is a decent case to build a high-end gaming system with. Some design choices such as the cable management covers might not be totally necessary but the case is easy to use, feels sturdy and can keep high-end components cool, so it might be one to check out for your next gaming build.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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Sharkoon TK5M RGB Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/kris-butterill/sharkoon-tk5m-rgb-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/kris-butterill/sharkoon-tk5m-rgb-case-review/#respond Thu, 09 Feb 2023 13:00:10 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=592641 We check out this entry-level mid-tower case from Sharkoon, with four included ARGB fans

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Sharkoon is renowned for hitting the mark when it comes to producing good quality products that also offer excellent value for money. Today we're checking out the TK5M RGB mid-tower chassis, with a price that's under £65 here in the UK while still packing in four ARGB fans and a tempered glass side panel. Interested? You should be!

Watch via our Vimeo Channel (Below) or over on YouTube at 2160p HERE

Timestamps:

00:00 Start
00:26 Intro and first impressions
02:06 Front panel/airflow
02:59 I/O and RGB control
03:32 Side panel
04:17 PSU shroud and drive caddy
05:35 Watercooling support
06:20 Build process
07:56 Kris’ thoughts
08:59 Thermals and noise
10:20 Closing thoughts

Specification:

  • Motherboard support: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
  • Power supply support: ATX
  • Expansion slots: 7
  • Included fans: 3x 120mm Front Intake 1x 120mm Exhaust
  • Fan mounts: 3x 120mm Front, 2x 120/140mm Top, 1x 120mm Rear
  • 5.25-inch optical drive bays: None
  • Internal drive bays: 2x 3.5 Inch 5x 2.5 Inch
  • Front I/O ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, audio & mic
  • Dimensions: 411mm L x 456mm D x 200mm W

Testing

To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an Intel i7 12700K, Gigabyte RX 6700 XT, Kioxia 2TB NVME Gen 4 Drive XT, and a Fortis 5 air cooler.

Test System:

Processor: Intel i7-12700K
CPU Cooler: SilentiumPC Fortis 5
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws DDR5 5200 2x16GB
Graphics Card: Gigabyte RX 6700XT Gaming OC 12GB
Power supply: be quiet! Pure Power 11 FM 850W
SSD: Kioxia Exceria 2TB NVME Gen 4
OS: Windows 10

Cooling Performance

Cooling Performance Overview

The Sharkoon TK5M RGB kept the Intel i7 12700K and Gigabyte RX6700XT temperatures under control and the verdict is that the case performed very well indeed.

Closing Thoughts

There's no doubt the Sharkoon TK5M RGB offers good build quality and value, given the included fans, RGB hub, and front IO selection.

For once we have a budget case that stands out from the crowd, just a little bit. Reviewing budget cases is hard because there is usually so little to differentiate them, but for less than £65, it's hard to argue with the strong thermal performance courtesy of the four ARGB fans and meshed front panel. The tempered glass side panel also adds to the appeal, along with reasonable build quality and and easy build process.

It may not blow you away with its aesthetic, and of course this entry-level case market is fiercely competitive. We'd also point out that there's no cable grommets, it's a bit of a fingerprint magnet and the PSU dust filter is a little flimsy. But even then, the TK5M still offers so much in terms of value that its pros outweighs the cons.

The Sharkoon TK5M RGB is listed on Amazon HERE. It has recently gone out of stock but has been listed at £62.90 for months.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

  • Solid build quality.
  • Impressive value.
  • Four included ARGB fans and ARGB hub.
  • Decent storage support.
  • Good thermals.

Cons:

  • PSU shroud cut-out limits front panel radiator sizes.
  • No cable grommets.
  • Plenty of competition in the budget sector depending on your preferences.

KitGuru says: The Sharkoon TK5M RGB is a great choice if you are on the look out for a value-orientated, simple, functional, and well-built case.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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Lian Li Lancool 216 Case Review – ATX with External Fan https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/lian-li-lancool-216-case-review-atx-with-external-fan/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/lian-li-lancool-216-case-review-atx-with-external-fan/#respond Sat, 12 Nov 2022 16:33:06 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=581237 Can an external fan really drop GPU temperature? Lain Li seems to think so, we put it to the test

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We see a lot of PC chassis here at KitGuru but we don’t often come across anything genuinely unique. Most of the time, new cases offer improved looks, but not necessarily any improvement on the usual features we have seen for decades which means that finding cases with useful new features is a rarity. The Lian Li Lancool 216 is the exception to that rule, but what has Lian Li got up its sleeve in this new mid-range chassis? Let’s find out.

For starters the Lian Li Lancool 216 is available in black and white variants. The black version comes in at £105 but there is a slight premium to pay for the white version which is priced at around £110. The current economic climate puts the Lancool 216 in the mid-range sector with some very fierce competition, so it’ll need something unique to stand out in the crowd.

There are a couple of things that are interesting to say the least about the new Lancool 216. Lian Li has included a 120mm external fan bracket that is designed to mount to the back of the case, positioned behind the PCIe slot to relieve heat from the GPU. Also included is a front I/O that can be re-positioned, and an adjustable motherboard/rear I/O mounting solution for optimal cooling with air or liquid coolers.

Lian Li Lancool 216 Features:

  • Available in black and white colour schemes with mildly tinted tempered glass side window, high airflow mesh front and top panels for optimal airflow and cooling performance.
  • Optimised for air and liquid cooling with an adjustable motherboard position and a rotatable rear I/O. Liquid cooling mode creates more space at the top of the case for radiator installation while air cooling setup allows for the installation of large air coolers while still offering vertical GPU mounting.
  • A reversible front I/O allows users to re-position the front panel from the top of the case to the bottom left-hand side. This means that users with floor-mounted or desk-mounted cases can have easy access to the front I/O.
  • An included 120mm rear fan bracket can be installed externally behind the PCIe slots to improve airflow around the graphics card and provide a better airflow balance with an additional rear exhaust.
  • Two 160mm high airflow ARGB PWM fans come pre-installed to the front of the case, while in the top rear exhaust position is a standard black non-RGB 140mm high airflow PWM fan. Both the front 160mm and rear 140mm fans can be connected to the included PWM/RGB fan hub.
  • Extensive cable management is provided by three large cable straps in the central channel, an additional cable management channel to the right of the motherboard tray includes three clips for CPU EPS power cable routing while multiple cable cutouts are placed in handy locations.
  • An optional ARGB controller/USB module accessory can be purchased separately. With this accessory, users have enhanced ARGB lighting control allowing the two RGB lighting zones on the front 160mm fans to be configured individually by two switches.
  • Supported hardware includes motherboards up to E-ATX form factor, CPU cooler height of up to 180.5mm, a maximum graphics card length of up to 392mm and power supplies up to 220mm long.

Specifications

  • Case Type: Mid Tower
  • Dimensions (DxWxH): 480.9 x 235 x 491.7 mm
  • Colour:  Black / White
  • Material: Steel / 4mm Tempered glass
  • Motherboard Support: E-ATX/ATX/M-ATX/Mini ITX
  • Expansion Slots: 7
  • Storage: 4 x 2.5”, 2 x 3.5”/2.5”
  • Max GPU Length: 392mm
  • Max CPU Cooler Height: 180.5mm
  • PSU Type: ATX
  • Fan Support: (Top) 3 x 120mm/2 x 140mm, (Front) 3 x 120mm/2 x 140/160mm, (Rear) 1 x 120mm, (PSU Cover) 2 x 120mm/2 x 140mm (Air Cooling Mode), (External Bracket) 1 x 120mm
  • Included Fans: 2 x 160mm ARGB (Front), 1 x 140mm PWM
  • Front I/O: Power button, reset button, 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1 x USB Type-C, 3.5mm Audio jack
  • Dust Filters: 1 x Bottom

Thermal Performance Testing

To simulate thermal demand we run the Cinebench R23 multi-thread benchmark and 3DMark Time Spy Extreme stress test simultaneously in a loop for 60 minutes to fully load the system. This gives the CPU and GPU enough time to reach constant steady-state temperature. With this data, we can compare how the system handles the thermal demand and measure peak noise levels.

Thermal performance is measured with the case in various configurations, such as the default, with the tempered glass left-hand side panel removed and with the front panel removed to see how these configurations affect the CPU and GPU temperature. During testing, only stock case fans are used unless otherwise specified. All water pumps are set to maximum RPM and fans are set to a custom RPM curve by the Motherboard software/BIOS.

All temperature measurements are presented as Deltas – meaning the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU temperature giving us a Delta. Data shown in the charts represent the average component temperature over the length of the test as measured by HWiNFO and then the last 15 minutes of the data are calculated to get the average. The ambient temperature during thermal tests is between 20-21⁰C.

Test System:

Thermal Performance/Noise Overview:

In its default configuration with only the stock fans installed, the Lian Li Lancool 216 is an excellent high-airflow chassis that will serve users with high-specification components well. The high airflow panels combined with the stock 160mm and 140mm fans easily cooled our test system.

Adding additional 120mm fans to the PSU shroud helped drop GPU temperature again and installing the rear external fan mount, equipped with a 120mm Lian Li UNI Fan SL120 V2 reduced GPU temperature even further. With these extra fans installed the case cooling goes from good to great.

Closing Thoughts

When reading the review guide that came with the Lian Li Lancool 216, I was a little dubious of the claims made about one or two of the new features that had been implemented into the chassis. I wasn’t expecting the external rear fan to help much at all with GPU temperature reduction but I was wrong. The external fan combined with the bottom PSU shroud-mounted fans worked extremely well in our thermal testing by knocking a whopping 8°C off the GPU temperature.

All this is excellent news for users of high-end graphics cards. However, the implementation of this feature is flawed as it is only compatible with motherboard and graphics card combinations that place the graphics card video outputs in the top PCIe slot. With the majority of motherboard and graphics card combinations, you will find that the video outputs populate the second and third PCIe slots which means that you can't install the external fan and access video outputs.

By installing the external fan slightly wonky and with only one screw I was able to connect to one HDMI port on the graphics card and run the thermal tests. Hopefully, Lian Li can take a second look at the fan mount and modify it so that it can compatible with more system configurations as it is genuinely a good feature, especially when combined with the PSU shroud mounted fans.

Other than this minor inconvenience, the Lian Li Lancool 216 is an excellent mid-range chassis. Installing a system inside the case is easy, the adjustable motherboard mounting position makes motherboard components at the top of the case accessible when in water cooling mode with a top-mounted radiator and for those who want to air cool the system the motherboard can be lifted to create more space for bigger bottom fans and large CPU air coolers while still being able to mount a big graphics card vertically.

Combined with the high airflow mesh panels, the stock fans offer impressive cooling and the RGB lighting effects of the front 160mm fans look great, especially if you pay the extra for the optional USB/ARGB controller module which allows for control of the two RGB zones individually. There is also plenty of space for storage devices with two removable 3.5” bays and the potential to install up to 6 2.5” drives.

Taken as a whole, the Lian Li Lancool 216 is an excellent mid-range case with great cooling performance, extensive support for high-end hardware and solid build quality. Priced at £105 for the black version, it offers good value in the current market compared to the competition. For enthusiasts that want a reasonably priced chassis, with useful features capable of cooling very high-end components, the Lian Li Lancool 216 will be a very smart choice.

The Lian Li Lancool 216 is available to purchase from Overclockers UK now priced at £109.99 HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

  • Mesh panels provide great airflow.
  • External fan and bottom fans significantly improve GPU thermals.
  • Optimised for both air and water cooling.
  • Handy cable management features.
  • Solid build quality.

Cons:

  • The external fan isn’t compatible with all hardware configurations.
  • ARGB controller has to be purchased separately.

KitGuru says:  The Lian Li Lancool 216 is an impressive chassis for its price point. There is some tough competition in that sector of the market but Lancool 216 is up there with the best of them, what do you guys think?

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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Montech AIR 1000 Premium Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/montech-air-1000-premium-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/montech-air-1000-premium-review/#respond Fri, 19 Nov 2021 13:00:58 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=538866 Can Montech deliver another cracking budget case?

The post Montech AIR 1000 Premium Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Montech may not be a familiar name to everyone, the company burst onto the enthusiast PC scene a few years ago and has quickly become known for its great value products. The company has a good selection of cases, coolers and power supplies, as well as a few peripherals in its arsenal. Today we are checking out the AIR 1000 Premium, offering a choice of glass or mesh front panels, for less than £70.

I first encountered Montech a couple of years ago while working with the KitGuru news team. My initial thought was that this could be just another budget case manufacturer offering nothing but cheap quality rubbish. But, in fact, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Leo got his hands on the Montech AIR 100 micro ATX chassis not that long ago and gave it a glaringly positive review, it scored 9 out of 10 and won the KitGuru Must Have award for its exceptional value and high build quality.

So, when the AIR 1000 Premium landed in the KitGuru office, I was more than happy to take a look and see if Montech could follow up on the impressive AIR 100 with another win. After a quick peek at the Montech AIR 1000 Premium, I can safely say that my initial opinion on this case is very good, it looks again like Montech is providing amazing value for money, with premium features packed into a case that is said to cost just £67.99/$89.99 USD when it hits the shelves in the coming weeks.

What you are getting for your money with the Montech AIR 1000 Premium frankly puts other PC case manufacturers to shame in terms of value. Features of the AIR 1000 Premium include a hinged tempered glass side window panel, four ARGB fans with a control hub and front panel LED button and motherboard synchronisation, complete dust filtration, support for high-end hardware and interchangeable front panels so the user can swap between stylish tempered glass or high airflow mesh.

On top of all that, the Montech AIR 1000 Premium is available in black or white and feels well built, this isn’t one of those cases with wafer-thin steel that feels like it will buckle if you look at it the wrong way. The build quality feels just as good as a budget case from the likes of Corsair, be quiet!, Phanteks etc. As far as I can see, the only thing that isn’t premium about this case is the price. But before we give it the full KitGuru seal of approval, let's build a system inside it to see just how good it is.

Montech AIR 1000 Premium Features:

  • Supports high-end components including up to full ATX form factor motherboards (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX) graphics cards up to 340mm long, CPU coolers up to 165mm tall, power supplies up to 180mm long (with 3.5” HDD caddy fitted) and up to four 2.5” or two 3.5” storage drives.
  • Excellent cooling performance with a high airflow chassis design and space for up to 360mm radiators or three 120/140mm fans in the front of the chassis, up to 280mm radiators or two 120/140mm in the roof and 120mm radiators or fan in the rear panel.
  • Interchangeable front panel design with included tempered glass and high airflow mesh panels. Users can quickly switch between contemporary tempered glass or mesh for maximum cooling potential.
  • The left-hand side tempered glass window panel is mounted on a hinge for easy access to components and a mild tint provides a perfect view of the system's interior.
  • Three 140mm (front intake) and one 120mm (rear exhaust) addressable RGB fans are included with the AIR 1000 premium for unbeatable cooling performance.
  • An included ARGB fan hub comes as standard. The ARGB lighting of the four included fans can be controlled by a front panel LED button or synchronised via motherboard ARGB software at the flick of a switch.
  • The innovative Quick Slide Dust Filter is fitted to the front of the chassis for easy access and cleaning. Additional fine mesh dust filters are positioned at the top and bottom of the chassis for complete dust management.
  • Smart cable management in the right-hand side of the chassis with cable access via seven cut-outs equipped with rubber grommets. Three pre-installed Velcro straps and various eyelets allow for clean cable management.

Technical Specifications:

  • Dimensions (L X W X H) – 416mm x 220mm x 495mm
  • Weight – 7.25kg
  • Motherboard Support – ATX/Micro ATX/Mini ITX
  • Storage Bays – 2 x 3.5-inch, 4 x 2.5-inch
  • Front I/O – USB 2.0 x 1, USB 3.0 x 2, Audio x 1, mic x 1, LED Button
  • Fan Support – 120/140mm x 3 (front), 120mm x 1 (rear), 120.140mm x 2 (top)
  • Radiator Support – 360/280/240/140/120mm (front), 280/240/140/120mm (top), 120mm (rear)
  • Max CPU Cooler Height – 165mm
  • Max GPU Size – 340mm / 310mm (with front radiator installed)
  • Supported Power Supply – ATX, 1800mm / 200mm (HDD cage removed)

System installation

In terms of the system installation, Montech hasn’t made mistakes that other higher priced case manufacturers have. Space inside the chassis is plentiful, high-end components can be installed inside the AIR 1000 Premium with ease. Our RTX 3080 Aorus Master, three slot 320mm plus card fit into the chassis effortlessly with just three fans installed in the front panel.

Alignment of all the cut-outs for rear I/O, PCIe slots and motherboard standoffs etc were all spot on, there was no need to put excessive force on any components to get them to line up. We test fitted a 280mm AIO CPU cooler in the roof of the chassis too, It was a tight squeeze but it did fit with the rear exhaust fan lowered in its elongated mounting screw holes.

On a whole, cable management is very good. There are plenty of cut-outs to pass cables through and almost all have rubber grommets. Around the right-hand side of the chassis the cable management channel works well, all the important cables could be routed here and the pre-installed Velcro straps made cable management a breeze. A couple more eyelets could have been added to the right side of the motherboard tray (for EPS) but overall cable management went well.

However, there is one glaringly obvious design fault with a couple of the cable cut-outs on top of the power supply shroud. Once the power supply is installed, one cut-out is completely blocked by the PSU and another is partially blocked. This meant that the front panel audio cable could not pass through the cut-out near the motherboard header, so it looked untidy routing it further back.

This isn’t the end of the world, but it seems like a silly design error and I am really surprised that the issue wasn’t picked up on and changed before the case went into production. Another minor niggle is the Montech logo on the PSU shroud, it looks a little out of place, also the RGB hub could have more spare ARGB headers to connect extra Montech ARGB components to, such as the CPU cooler we used in the build. But other than those minor issues, the build went really well overall.

System Specification

RGB Gallery

The ARGB lighting effects of the Montech AIR 1000 Premium can be controlled using the LED button on the front panel. Repeatedly pressing the button cycles through the pre-set RGB colours and patterns. A long press of the LED button switches the mode to motherboard synchronisation and allows the user to configure the RGB effects via compatible motherboard software.

Thermal/Noise Performance Testing

To simulate thermal demand, we run the Cinebench R23 multi-thread benchmark and Heaven Benchmark simultaneously in a loop for 30 minutes to fully load the system. This should give the CPU and GPU enough time to reach constant steady-state temperature. With this data, we can compare how the system handles the thermal demand and measure peak noise levels.

We first measure the thermal performance with the case in its default configuration, so all exterior panels are installed and fans in the default locations. The system is then left to fully cool down before changing configurations to measure how the change affects thermal performance and noise output.

During testing, only stock case fans are used unless otherwise specified. All water pumps (where used) are set to maximum RPM, CPU cooler and system fans are set to a fixed RPM by the Motherboard software/BIOS.

All temperature measurements are presented as Deltas – meaning the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU temperature giving us a Delta. Data shown in the charts represent the average component temperature over the length of the test as measured by HWiNFO and then calculated to get the average. Ambient temperature during thermal tests is between 20-22⁰C.

Noise levels are measured by placing a noise meter 300mm from the front of the chassis while the stress test is running and the peak noise level during the test is recorded. The noise floor (ambient noise level) in the room is 36dBA.

Thermal Performance Overview

Initially, I had some concerns over the relatively high average CPU temperature during thermal testing. However, I was assured by Luke our AMD CPU expert that the 90⁰C (68⁰C Delta) CPU temperature I saw was perfectly normal for this CPU under heavy load using a single tower air cooler. Just to be sure that the Montech Air Cooler 210 wasn’t underperforming, I temporarily fitted the Cooler Master Hyper 212 (a similar size cooler) and the results were virtually identical.

With this in mind, we can see from the chart above that using the case in any configuration (high airflow mesh or with the tempered glass front installed) CPU and GPU temperature can be kept under control. If a bigger air cooler or AIO is used, we expect thermal performance to be very good in this chassis. But even using a smaller air cooler, a high-performance CPU such as the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X runs within spec temperature.

Noise levels Under Load

It is a similar theme when it comes to noise output too. In either configuration, the noise output of the system remains pretty constant at around 48dBA under load, which isn’t too distracting. It is also worth mentioning that when the fans are set to a profile or curve and the RPM drops at idle, the stock case fans run very quiet.

Closing Thoughts

Taken as a whole, the Montech AIR 1000 Premium offers exceptional value for money, as long as we can actually purchase it for the stated price of £67.99. If it does become available at this price to the UK market, then it will definitely be the case to buy if you are looking for a premium chassis packed with features on a budget. There isn’t much else on the market at this price with the same amount of features.

The fact that the case comes with two front-panel configurations included is a huge bonus. With similar types of cases such as the Corsair 4000D, the user has to choose between high airflow or a solid front panel when purchasing. If the user wants to swap front panel style later with these cases, they have to either buy a whole new case or at best buy a new front panel. Not with the Montech AIR 1000 Premium.

Nothing is perfect however, there are some minor issues with the Montech AIR 1000 Premium, some can be forgiven due to the cost but the blocked cable cutouts for me is a bit of a stupid one. How that passed quality control and made it into production is beyond me. Montech needs to check these trivial things before releasing a case in future.

There are one or two small areas that could also be improved on, such as the Montech logo on the PSU shroud. Once the power supply is installed and showing its own logo through the cutout window, the Montech logo looks out of place right next to it. I would suggest Montech either remove that logo from the PSU shroud or move it elsewhere, away from the cutout. Or alternatively, get rid of the PSU shroud cutout/window.

One other very minor thing is the RGB fan hub. The pre-installed fans come connected to the four outputs on the hub which is great. However, if you add another Montech ARGB product to your system, it would be ideal to connect it to the case RGB hub which is impossible as the other output headers are not soldered to the board and cannot be connected to.

This isn’t a huge problem as you can connect extra RGB products directly to a motherboard header, but it would be better if you can connect additional Montech ARGB components to the hub so that the RGB effects can be controlled using the LED button on the AIR 1000 Premium front panel.

But overall installing the system inside the Montech AIR 1000 Premium went well. All the high-end components selected for the system fitted into the case with ease and lined up to their respective cutouts and standoffs perfectly. Other than the blocked cable cutouts, the rest of the cable management works a treat and you end up with a neat looking install. Build quality is solid, especially when you consider how little this case is expected to cost, I have no complaints in the department at all.

Hinged tempered glass side windows, interchangeable front panels, high-end hardware support, full dust filtration and good cable management options are all features that we usually expect of mid-high end cases usually costing in excess of £100. Montech has shown the industry that PC enthusiasts can have all this on a budget now too.

The Montech AIR 1000 Premium will be available by end of November 2021 to UK buyers via Amazon Germany priced at £67.99.

Update 25/11/21: Since the review was published, Montech has been in touch to clarify that for retail models the RGB hub will come with a full complement of six connections, unlike our review sample that only had four.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

  • Great value for money.
  • Good build quality.
  • Premium features.
  • Interchangeable front panels.

Cons:

  • Blocked cable management cutouts.
  • RGB hub would benefit from more outputs. See update above.
  • The Montech logo on the PSU shroud looks a bit out of place.

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Kolink Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/james-dawson/kolink-big-chungus-v2-unit-edition-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/james-dawson/kolink-big-chungus-v2-unit-edition-review/#respond Thu, 19 Nov 2020 12:18:01 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=494443 It's a pretty unique name for a case - but this might be one to avoid

The post Kolink Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Big Chungus is one of the most interestingly named PC cases we have seen in a long time. In a market where a series of letters and numbers often make PC cases sound more like a robot from a sci-fi movie rather than somewhere to house your expensive hardware, having an actual name is refreshing. ‘Big Chungus' was originally a viral meme in case you were wondering, but does this huge show case live up to its name and can it rival some of the other similarly priced open-air display chassis the market has to offer? We find out today.

The case we are looking at today is the Kolink Big Chungus Unit Edition, on the box it is labelled as “V2” since it is an updated version of the original Big Chungus that released earlier this year. Kolink claims that the V2 Unit Edition improves on the original as it includes five 120mm dual Ring ARGB PWM fans (single ring fans in the original), as well as a black, anodised aluminium stand that comes pre-installed to the base of the cassis, the original had a red anodised aluminium stand that the user self-assembled. Other than that, the two look almost identical.

When Big Chungus arrives, you instantly notice the sheer size of the case, the box is almost a two-man job to carry, it is huge. Once out of the box and stood on the desk, the Big Chungus lives up to its name as it stands 668mm tall and 336mm wide. For the system build, I immediately thought about cramming in a load of custom water cooling to show off what this case is capable of since it is marketed as a showpiece chassis after all.

Kolink Big Chungus Unit Edition Features:

  • Large and unorthodox ATX form factor with a unique appearance designed for displaying and showcasing extravagant and extreme PC builds.
  • Open chassis layout with four sides of the case covered with tempered glass panels allowing airflow and an unrestricted view of internal components.
  • Unit Edition is an updated version of the original Big Chungus and includes five 120mm dual ring ARGB fans pre-installed along with two RGB lighting strips at the base and an RGB fan controller with remote control.
  • Steel chassis frame with a black anodised aluminium base that comes pre-installed, unlike the original red aluminium base that had to be assembled by the user.
  • Potentially supports front-mounted radiators up to 480mm long (360mm officially), top radiators up to 240mm, floor mounted radiators up to 360mm and/or a total of up to ten 120mm fans (4 x front, 2 x top, 1 x rear and 3 x floor), no support for 140mm fans.
  • Motherboard support includes ATX/E-ATX or Micro-ATX, maximum CPU cooler height is 175mm, maximum graphics card length is 335mm, as well as power supplies up to 220mm long.
  • Front panel connectivity consists of 1x USB 3.1 Type C, 1x USB 3.1 type-A, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 3,5mm Audio In/Out and a power button.

Full Specification:

  • Dimensions: 668 x 336 x 651 mm (H x W x D)
  • Weight: 16 kg
  • Material: steel, aluminium, tempered glass (sides), plastic
  • Colour: Black
  • Form Factor: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
  • Fans possible in total: 4x 120 mm (front side), 2x 120 mm (cover), 1x 120 mm (back side), 3x 120 mm (floor)
  • Pre-installed: 4x 120 mm (front, PWM, digitally addressable RGB-LEDs), 1x 120 mm (back panel, PWM, digitally addressable RGB-LEDs)
  • Fan/ARGB controller/Hub: Outputs 10x 6-pin (ARGB/PWM), 2x 3-pin ARGB (5VDG), Inputs: 1x 3-Pin ARGB (connection with motherboard), 1x PWM 1x SATA power (for power supply)
  • Radiator mountings: 1x max. 360 mm (front side), 1x max. 240 mm (cover), 1x max. 120 mm (back side), 1x max. 360 mm (bottom)
  • Power supply: 1x standard ATX
  • Expansion slots: 7
  • Drive Bays: 2 x 2.5″/3.5″ + 2 x 2.5″
  • I/O Panel: 1x USB 3.1 Type C, 1x USB 3.1, 1x USB 2.0, 1x Audio In/Out
  • Maximum graphics card length: 335 mm
  • Maximum CPU cooler height: 175 mm
  • Maximum length ATX power supply: 220 mm

However, when you start to look at the case in more detail it seems as though there are some shortcomings with the design. Because of its angular design, the case is tall at its highest point but the problem is the depth of the case from front to rear and the useable space it provides. The case isn't deep enough to allow the installation of a regular pump/res combo upfront so building custom water cooling inside the Big Chungus may not be as easy as we would expect.

Building a system inside the case also throws up some unexpected issues and limitations and makes the installation process frustrating and less enjoyable. There are several fundamental issues with the case such as pre-installed motherboard standoffs that are not removable and a micro-ATX pre-installed standoff that could potentially cause a short with ATX/E-ATX motherboard installations and possible component damage.

Other issues during installation included the LED strips at the base interfering with power supply installation, power supply screws not lining up easily and the power supply blocks half of the LED strip once installed. Cable management on the rear of the motherboard tray is virtually non-existent, there are cable pass-through holes but no cable management channels, tie-down points, eyelets or straps to neaten up cable installation which is annoying since you can see all the untidy cables through the glass panel.

Thermal Performance Testing

As with every KitGuru case review, thermal performance is important, therefore we shall measure this by running a series of tests to record CPU and GPU temperatures under load.

To simulate thermal performance under load, we run Aida64 stress tests, stressing CPU, FPU, Cache and GPU for 20 minutes with the case in various configurations. With this data, we can compare how each scenario affects thermal performance.

We will compare the system’s thermal capabilities with a liquid-cooled solution for the CPU, using a Silverstone IceGem 240P, 240mm AIO and the graphics card stock cooling solution.

During thermal performance testing, only stock case fans will be used unless otherwise specified. All fans and pumps (where applicable) will be set to their standard fan curve profile as controlled by the motherboard.

All temperature measurements are presented as Deltas – the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU/GPU temperature giving us a Delta.

The following configurations are used to test the effect they have on thermal performance:

  • Default configuration;
  • Front panel removed;
  • Glass side panel removed.

Test system

  • Chassis: Kolink Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
  • Motherboard: Gigabyte TRX40 Aorus Master
  • Memory: 2 x 16GB (32 GB Total) (2 x 8GB Modules + 2 x Dummy modules) Aorus RGB 3600MHz DDR4 memory
  • Graphics: Aorus AMD Radeon RX 5700XT
  • Storage: 500GB Corsair MP600 PCIe Gen4 NVME M.2 SSD
  • Power supply: Seasonic Prime TX-1000 1000W 80+ Titanium
  • CPU Cooler: Silverstone IceGem 240P TR4/TRX40 AIO cooler
  • Case Fans: 5 x stock 120mm dual ring ARGB
  • Thermal compound: Corsair TM30
  • Operating System: Windows 10 1909
Note: 240mm AIO cooler was installed in the roof of the case with fans fitted in a push configuration exhausting air out of the case.

Thermal Performance Overview:

Because the Big Chungus is technically an open-air chassis, thermal performance is relatively unaffected by changing the configuration of the case such as removing side or front panels.

Removing the side panel or front panel of an airflow restrictive case usually has a noticeable positive effect on GPU and CPU temperature, but with the Big Chungus, we only recorded a minimal change in the CPU and GPU temperature when removing panels as expected from an open-air chassis.

We omitted any noise level testing from this review as the open layout of the chassis means that noise levels are not affected by changing the case configuration as they would be in more traditional PC cases.

Closing Thoughts

There is no doubt that Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition is a unique looking chassis, however, it is extremely frustrating to work with. During the build process, I was so discouraged by the issues that kept occurring I almost gave up on the build completely. There are so many small niggling issues with the Big Chungus and the build quality isn't of a high enough standard to warrant the premium £220 price tag the case has been given.

The most annoying and possibly dangerous flaw with the case is the pre-installed motherboard standoffs. This wouldn’t normally be such an issue if the standoffs could be easily removed, but in the Big Chungus the motherboard standoffs are pressed into the steel tray and include a MATX standoff that could potentially contact a component on the rear of an ATX or E-ATX motherboard, short out a circuit and cause damage to hardware.

Another annoying oversight in the design of the Big Chungus is the complete lack of cable management on the rear of the motherboard tray. There are plenty of cable cut-outs in the right places which is great, however, there are no cable channels, eyelets, straps or points to fasten cables down anywhere which is a big disappointment since the case is equipped with glass side panels so the untidy cable management can be seen. Much cheaper cases with solid side panels have better cable management options than this.

Installing the power supply was also problematic with the Big Chungus Unit Edition, the pre-installed LED strips on the base of the case interfered with installation and once the PSU was in position, the screw holes didn’t line up correctly and the power supply blocked off half of the LED strips so the lighting effect glow was only visible from below the front of the case.

The list of issues continues, front panel motherboard connections are multicoloured and look unsightly, AIO installation at the top of the case is very tight, there isn't much space at the front of the case for a pump/res combo, LED strip power cables are too short, front panel connectivity is sparse for this price range, glass panels are tricky to re-install due to poor alignment and so on.

One thing that the Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition does have in its favour is the appearance, there is no other case you can buy that looks like the Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition. You also get five pre-installed ARGB fans, two ARGB LED strips and an RGB/Fan hub, although this would be expected from a case that costs in excess of £200.

So if you are a fan of the Big Chungus meme and want a PC case that resembles a fat rabbit then this might be the case for you, just make sure you cut out that dodgy MATX motherboard standoff and try not to get too stressed out while building a system inside as I did, maybe play some calming music to keep relaxed.

The Kolink Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition is available to purchase from Overclockers UK now, priced at £219.95 HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

  • Unique looks.
  • Included ARGB Fans, LED strips and RGB/Fan hub.

Cons:

  • Poor build quality.
  • Potentially dangerous pre-installed MATX standoff.
  • Sparse front panel connectivity.
  • Mediocre water cooling support.
  • Serious lack of cable management.

KitGuru says:  What could be an interesting and unique chassis for showing off exotic builds is seriously let down by build quality and frustrating issues that spoil the build process.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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Fractal Design Vector RS Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/fractal-design-vector-rs-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/fractal-design-vector-rs-case-review/#respond Wed, 18 Sep 2019 14:00:35 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=424480 It's a fantastic new case from Fractal, based on the Define R6 chassis

The post Fractal Design Vector RS Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Since the introduction of their Define range of cases, Fractal Design has been regarded as a market leader in enthusiast focused ATX PC cases. The new Vector RS case takes the excellent base structure of the brilliant Define R6 chassis, now wrapped in a stylish looking exterior with a touch of RGB bling to finish it off.

If you think of the Vector RS as a turbo charged Define R6 with a body kit, you won’t be far off the mark. In 2017, my colleague Leo rated the Define R6 as the best PC case of the year, so the Vector RS has big shoes to fill.

Until now, Fractal Design has refused to add RGB lighting to their range of cases, but in 2019 it’s almost impossible to make a range of cases without adding RGB lighting in some form. Personally, I’m neither a lover or hater of RGB, so how it has been implemented in this case is perfect for me.

Just one thin strip of RGB LED lighting spans vertically through the front panel, veers off at an angle and continues through the opposite side of the top panel – perfectly in keeping with the angular design of the case panels.

It is nice to see Fractal Design steadily moving away from the plain old box shape design, with subtle angles and a mixture of matte, gloss and clear panels works well aesthetically. Coupled with the RGB LED strip, it makes it a very attractive understated design. There is certainly a lot to like about it.

Not only is it a looker, it is functional too. There are a range of configurations the case can be adapted into – a default storage layout which allows for up to eleven HDD and four SSD positions or an open layout, providing ample opportunity for liquid cooling radiators.

Performance enthusiasts requiring additional air-flow can replace the top tempered glass panel with a steel ventilated panel and cooling bracket; both of which are included with the Vector RS, thus adding 420mm/360mm top radiator support and/or three filtered top fan positions, making a total of nine overall.

The Vector RS arrives pre-installed with three of Fractal Design’s Dynamic X2 GP-14 fans – two positioned in the front panel and one in the rear. There’s an option to select either a light or dark tinted tempered glass side panel to complement the all black case.

With UK pricing set around the £180 mark, the Vector RS certainly isn’t cheap. However, the huge potential this case has to suit almost any system configuration will probably justify this price and will more than likely prove a big hit with enthusiast system builders for high end custom water-cooling setups.

Key Features

  • Tool free side panels with push-to-lock latching
  • Interchangeable top panels
  • Counter-angled intake vents designed to trap noise with minimal airflow resistance
  • Customisable ARGB LED strip spans top and front panel
  • Six HDD trays included with eleven positions available
  • Two SSD brackets included with four positions available
  • Three Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-14 140mm fans pre-installed
  • Up to nine 120/140mm fan positions
  • Nexus+ fan hub manages up to nine fans
  • Extensive water-cooling support for radiators up to 420mm (top) 360mm (front) and 2800m (base)
  • Ventilated PSU shroud
  • Modular layout with various configurations
  • Support for vertical GPU mounting

Specification

  • Case material – steel, tempered glass, plastic
  • Case dimensions (L x W x H) – 552mm x 233mm x 498mm
  • Net weight – 12.64kg
  • Motherboard compatibility – E-ATX (up to 285mm wide), ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX
  • PSU type/size – ATX/300mm length
  • Universal 3.5”/2.5” drive mounts – 6 included, 11 total positions
  • Dedicated 2.5” drive mounts – 2 included, 4 total positions
  • Expansion slots – 7 + 2 vertical
  • Front ports – 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A, 3.5mm Audio I/O
  • Total fan mounts – 9 (6 + 3 with included bracket)
  • Front fan – 3 x 120/140mm (2 x 140mm included)
  • Top fan – 3 x 120/140mm (with cooling bracket installed)
  • Rear fan – 1 x 120/140mm (1 x 140mm included)
  • Bottom fan – 2 x 120/140mm
  • Dust filters – bottom fan + PSU, front fans, top panel (with cooling bracket fitted)
  • Front radiator support – 120/240/360mm or 140/280mm
  • Top radiator support – 120/240/360mm or 140/280/420mm (max 35mm height)
  • Rear radiator support – 120mm
  • GPU max length – 440mm with front fan mounted
  • CPU cooler max height – 185mm
  • Cable routing space – 23mm
  • Cable routing grommets – Yes
  • Fixed Velcro straps – Yes

    Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

    The post Fractal Design Vector RS Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]> https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/fractal-design-vector-rs-case-review/feed/ 0 be quiet! Pure Base 500 Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/be-quiet-pure-base-500-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/be-quiet-pure-base-500-case-review/#respond Tue, 17 Sep 2019 11:00:05 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=423707 It's a new £80 case from be quiet! with plenty of features to justify the price tag

    The post be quiet! Pure Base 500 Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
    be quiet! has been well known for their premium, low noise cooling solutions for many years. Products such as the Dark Rock Pro 3 and 4 have made be quiet! highly regarded by enthusiasts and system builders alike. They also have a great line up of power supplies and cases.

    Today, we have a new case from their budget line up, the Pure Base 500, which is available in three colours; black, white and a metallic grey, which is the one we are examining. be quiet! say the Pure Base 500 offers outstanding price-performance ratio.

    Together with the three colour options, the case has other features such as an interchangeable top cover, which can be swapped between a noise reducing or mesh filter panel, depending on the focus of the system build.

    The Pure Base 500 is be quiet!’s first approach to a compact ATX case. It stands just 57mm taller, 20mm wider and 25mm deeper than the mATX Cooler Master Silencio S400 which we recently reviewed. Despite its smaller size, the Pure Base 500 packs an abundance of interesting features.

    What’s more impressive is the Pure Base 500 is said to be capable of housing up to a 360mm radiator in the front, a 240mm radiator in the top and a 120mm in the rear. It will be interesting to see how be quiet! have made this possible in such a small unit.

    Other features of the be quiet! Pure Base 500 include a tempered glass side window panel, front mesh vented slots on either side, removable front and lower dust filters, five SSD mounting points and an adjustable and removable 3.5” HDD cage.

    With all be quiet! products, there is a focus on low noise output. This theme continues with the Pure Base 500, where you will find sound deadening material lining on the front panel, right hand side panel and on the interchangeable low noise top panel.

    Pure Base 500 is the second chassis in the Pure Base product range. As indicated by the number “500”, it is smaller than the Pure Base 600. The case is positioned in a competitive price range, but with unique design choices such as a changeable top cover, an SSD mounting panel, and two preinstalled 140mm fans – be quiet! hopes this will set it apart from the competition.

    Available from September 17th for around £80, it comes with a choice of side panels available in either a tempered glass or solid panel lined with sound deadening material, so should appeal to many.

    Pure Base 500 features include:

    • Versatile design with an alternative air-permeable top cover panel for water-cooled builds
    • Support for water cooling radiators up to 360mm in length
    • Two pre-installed Pure Wings 2 140mm fans
    • Insulation mats in the front, side and regular top cover
    • Prominently placed SSD installation bracket with integrated cable management
    • Clean looking PSU shroud provides hidden double HDD cage
    • Space for high-end components and cooling
    • Removable dust filters at the front and bottom
    • Available with or without tempered glass side window
    • Black, metallic grey or white models available

    Technical Specifications

    • Dimensions (L x W x H in mm) – 450 x 231 x 463
    • Weight (kg) – 6.95 (net) / 7.92 (gross) 7.53 (net) / 8.49 (gross)
    • Case Type – Midi Tower
    • Material – steel (SGCC), ABS plastic, tempered glass
    • Motherboard support – ATX, M-ATX, Mini-ITX
    • Front I/O – 2x USB 3.0, HD Audio (microphone + audio)
    • Max. cooler height (mm) – 190
    • Max. graphics card length (mm) – 369
    • Max. PSU length (mm) – 258 / 225 (depending on position of the HDD cage)
    • PCI slots – 7
    • 3.5” bays – Up to 2 (2 included)
    • 2.5” bays – Up to 5 (5 included)
    • Preinstalled cooling fans (mm) / (rpm) – Front: 1x Pure Wings 2 140mm / 900 Rear: 1x Pure Wings 2 140mm / 900
    • Optional, additional cooling fans (mm) – Front: 1x 140 / 3x 120 Top: 2x 140/120
    • Radiator support (mm) – Front: 120, 140, 240, 280, 360 Top: 120, 240 Rear: 120, 140

    Additional features – Sound insulation mats (front and regular top cover), sides

    Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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    NZXT Phantom 630 Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/luke-hill/nzxt-phantom-630-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/luke-hill/nzxt-phantom-630-case-review/#comments Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:25:04 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=138174 Built as a trimmed-down version of the award winning Phantom 820, does NZXT's Ultra Tower Phantom 630 have what it takes to compete in a circa-£150 case market? We reviewed NZXT's Phantom 820 full tower chassis in February and were thoroughly impressed by its useful features and unique design. But for many consumers who weren't …

    The post NZXT Phantom 630 Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>

    Built as a trimmed-down version of the award winning Phantom 820, does NZXT's Ultra Tower Phantom 630 have what it takes to compete in a circa-£150 case market?

    We reviewed NZXT's Phantom 820 full tower chassis in February and were thoroughly impressed by its useful features and unique design. But for many consumers who weren't interested in multi-GPU configurations and extreme watercooling, the full tower dimensions and £200 price tag made the 820 overkill for their requirements. With the Phantom 630, NZXT has shrunk the case and slashed £50 off the asking price, making it a more viable option for the upper mid-range market.

    Other than the reduced dimensions, perhaps the most noteworthy loss from the Phantom 820 is the 630's omission of an integrated LED lighting system. The Phantom 630 still supports a large number of storage drives – 8 – and motherboard compatibility is practically limitless for most users. Quad-VGA configurations are easily tackled by the Phantom 630's nine expansion slots, and watercooling users still have room for 360, 240/280 and 120/140 mm radiators simultaneously, without modifications.

    NZXT seems to have managed to cram an impressive number of features into the ultra tower Phantom 630, but has this process introduced any flaws along the way?

    main-image

    Specifications:

    • Motherboard support: ATX, Micro-ATX, XL-ATX, EATX (347mm x 272mm).
    • Expansion slots: 9.
    • Included fans: 2x 200mm intake, 1x 200mm exhaust, 1x 140mm exhaust.
    • Fan mounts: 4x 200mm & 4x 140mm or 1x 200mm & up to 8x 140mm.
    • 5.25″ drive bays: 4.
    • Internal drive bays: 6x 2.5/3.5″ and 2x 2.5″.
    • Special features: Single channel 30W fan controller, SD card reader, rear IO LED.
    • Dimensions: 245mm(W) x 627mm(H) x 600mm(D).
    The post NZXT Phantom 630 Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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