PC Case | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:43:08 +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 PC Case | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Zalman’s latest case provides maximum airflow in a compact package https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/zalmans-latest-case-provides-maximum-airflow-in-a-compact-package/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/zalmans-latest-case-provides-maximum-airflow-in-a-compact-package/#respond Thu, 14 Mar 2024 17:00:54 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=651496 Zalman has recently launched the P30 Air Micro-ATX cases designed for maximum airflow. The case is available in two colours, black and white, and features panel perforations throughout the front panel and along the sides of the bottom half. The left panel covers only the top compartment, while the right side panel allows access to …

The post Zalman’s latest case provides maximum airflow in a compact package first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Zalman has recently launched the P30 Air Micro-ATX cases designed for maximum airflow. The case is available in two colours, black and white, and features panel perforations throughout the front panel and along the sides of the bottom half. The left panel covers only the top compartment, while the right side panel allows access to both compartments.

The ZALMAN P30 Air is equipped with three 140mm ARGB-illuminated fans, of which two are mounted on the front panel, and the other is on the rear. The motherboard tray is spacious enough to accommodate 392mm-long graphics cards, 226mm-long PSUs, and 181mm-tall CPU coolers. Additionally, the motherboard tray (supporting mATX and mini-ITX) has cut-outs for motherboards that have rear-facing connections, such as the recently revealed ‘Project Zero' motherboards from MSI, which aim to hide all cable connections at the back of the PC.

The case has a 2.5/3.5-inch drive tray in the bottom compartment that supports up to two drives and three additional 2.5-inch-only drive bays. In addition to the fans included, the case supports up to three 120mm or two 140mm fans on top and bottom. As for radiators, it's limited to a 280/360mm on top and a 120/140mm on the rear.

Besides the fans, the case includes a pre-installed VGA support bracket, an ARGB controller, and top and bottom magnetic dust filters. Available in black and white, the P30 Air measures 235mm x 452mm x 420mm (WxDxH) and weighs 7.6kg.

KitGuru says: Aesthetically clean and simple, the P30 Air looks like a mid-range mATX case that should fulfil most users' needs. 

The post Zalman’s latest case provides maximum airflow in a compact package first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/zalmans-latest-case-provides-maximum-airflow-in-a-compact-package/feed/ 0
Asus launches new ProArt PC case and AIO liquid cooler https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/asus-launches-new-proart-pc-case-and-aio-liquid-cooler/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/asus-launches-new-proart-pc-case-and-aio-liquid-cooler/#respond Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:15:37 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=641398 The Asus ProArt range used to consist primarily of colour-calibrated monitors but the company has been expanding it in recent years. Now, the ProArt series also includes cases and coolers for the first time. The new LC420 AIO ships with Noctua Industrial PPC fans, offering a stealthy all-black look for workstations. The PA602 chassis is …

The post Asus launches new ProArt PC case and AIO liquid cooler first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
The Asus ProArt range used to consist primarily of colour-calibrated monitors but the company has been expanding it in recent years. Now, the ProArt series also includes cases and coolers for the first time. The new LC420 AIO ships with Noctua Industrial PPC fans, offering a stealthy all-black look for workstations. The PA602 chassis is similarly styled.

The ProArt LC 420 is among the few 420mm AIO coolers available today. The cooler produces airflow silently thanks to three Noctua NF-A14 industrial PWM 140mm radiator fans. Its three-phase motor pump ensures consistent heat transmission to the radiator. In contrast, its radiator is thicker than typical, allowing for more coolant and reducing the workload on the fans and motor. The ProArt LC 420 also comes with 450mm of reinforced, sleeved tubing, making it durable and versatile for various configurations.

Moving on to the ProArt PA602, this case was designed to streamline the PC building experience with a full suite of features, including automatic dust detection, an integrated PWM control on the front I/O panel power lock latch, and a plethora of easily accessible USB ports.

The ProArt PA602 chassis should provide good cooling, starting with an open-grille front panel with large 15.5mm venting holes with 45% porosity and two pre-installed 200mm ProArt front fans. The fans are thicker than standard 120mm or 140mm ones and can circulate a comparable amount of air. These robust, large-bladed spinners are 38mm thick and feature a 300–1000 RPM range with PWM control. They have an airflow rating of up to 190.2 CFM, roughly twice that of standard 200mm system fans. A 140mm fan positioned at the back of the ProArt PA602 chassis helps to expel heat.

Dual air deflectors within the chassis assist in direct cooling where required. A large panel along the front edge of the motherboard tray nudges the airstream over the top edge of the motherboard, reducing turbulence. In addition, the PSU shroud has an angled front edge to guide airflow towards the graphics card.

The ProArt PA602 chassis is designed to accommodate E-ATX motherboards (12×10.9 inches), providing ample space for hefty components. The chassis has a maximum CPU cooler height of 190mm, but for those considering liquid cooling, the top panel can accommodate radiators up to 420mm. The spacious interior of the ProArt PA602 allows customers to add many drives, including four 3.5-inch drives and up to eight 2.5-inch drives. Other nice additions to the PA620 are the single unified header to simplify connecting the front panel I/O to the motherboard, easy-to-remove side panels, and Asus' new method for inserting PCIe add-in devices (ex: graphics cards) without needing a screwdriver.

KitGuru says: Interested in any of Asus' new ProArt PC components?

The post Asus launches new ProArt PC case and AIO liquid cooler first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/asus-launches-new-proart-pc-case-and-aio-liquid-cooler/feed/ 0
Sharkoon goes all-white for new REV300 chassis https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/sharkoon-goes-all-white-for-new-rev300-chassis/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/sharkoon-goes-all-white-for-new-rev300-chassis/#respond Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:45:11 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=635320 Sharkoon has responded to customer demand by releasing a white version of their popular REV300 ATX chassis. This case features a 90-degree rotated mainboard design with a tempered glass panel on the right side. Additionally, the REV300 White comes equipped with seven pre-installed PWM RGB fans for good cooling and airflow right out of the …

The post Sharkoon goes all-white for new REV300 chassis first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Sharkoon has responded to customer demand by releasing a white version of their popular REV300 ATX chassis. This case features a 90-degree rotated mainboard design with a tempered glass panel on the right side. Additionally, the REV300 White comes equipped with seven pre-installed PWM RGB fans for good cooling and airflow right out of the box.

The REV300 White, like its black counterpart, has the maximum number of fans installed. The front panel features three 140mm ARGB LED PWM fans, while the back has three 120mm ARGB LED PWM fans. The top panel has a single 120mm ARGB LED PWM fan, and the front panel is constructed of air-permeable mesh, further improving ventilation. If water cooling is preferred over air cooling, the case can accommodate radiators up to one 360mm radiator at the rear and up to one 420mm radiator in the front.

Hardware installation on the Sharkoon REV series PC cases is relatively easy. Using the same design as the standard black model, the REV300 White is no exception, featuring a 90-degree rotated mainboard tray that displays hardware components through the right-side tempered glass panel. The REV300 White is ideal for modern parts, accommodating graphics cards up to 345mm long, CPU coolers up to 177mm tall, and power supply units up to 270mm long.

The front panel features a USB-C connector for quick data transfer to mobile devices, along with standard audio connections and four USB-A ports. The Sharkoon REV300 White is now available for €159.90.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: It's uncommon to see a PC case with so many fans out of the box at this price point, much less with this internal design. On paper, it looks to be a very good deal. 

The post Sharkoon goes all-white for new REV300 chassis first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/sharkoon-goes-all-white-for-new-rev300-chassis/feed/ 0
Geometric Future’s latest case is compact but expandable https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/geometric-futures-latest-case-is-compact-but-expandable/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/geometric-futures-latest-case-is-compact-but-expandable/#respond Fri, 20 Oct 2023 13:15:03 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=634841 The Model 4 King Arthur is the newest collection from Geometric Future. Available in black and white, the new Model 4 case is a compact 35L case that can be expanded to increase hardware compatibility. The Model 4 features fine mesh panels, robust steel (1mm + 1.2mm), and a combined L-shaped top and side panel. …

The post Geometric Future’s latest case is compact but expandable first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
The Model 4 King Arthur is the newest collection from Geometric Future. Available in black and white, the new Model 4 case is a compact 35L case that can be expanded to increase hardware compatibility.

The Model 4 features fine mesh panels, robust steel (1mm + 1.2mm), and a combined L-shaped top and side panel. Moreover, it allows you to choose between two installation modes: air cooling and water cooling. The Air cooling mode makes use of the Model 4's small form. The expandable function, which raises the L-shaped side panel and top fan bracket to provide more room for top radiator support, enables the water-cooling mode.

The Model 4 is intended to be more than just aesthetically pleasing. With front and top mesh panels, a mesh foot stand, and dust filters, consumers get a seamless case with an airflow-oriented design to ensure your system remains cool under load. The King Arthur can take up to 9x 120mm cooling fans, or 3x 120mm and 4x 140mm cooling fans.

Geometric Future's new case can accommodate up to 405mm long GPUs with a 4-slot design and fits motherboards ranging from ITX to E-ATX. Furthermore, the Model 4 has adequate room to support up to 164mm-tall CPU tower coolers, 240 and 360 radiators, and 180mm-long PSUs. The Model 4 King Arthur has plenty of connection options on the front I/O, including two USB 3.0 connections and a USB-C connector. The black model case will cost $99, while the white model will cost $109.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: If you want to save some space and still retain the ability to mount an ATX motherboard and PSU, the Geometric Future Model 4 looks like a pretty good case for the job.

The post Geometric Future’s latest case is compact but expandable first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/geometric-futures-latest-case-is-compact-but-expandable/feed/ 0
MSI is bundling a digital copy of Total War: Pharaoh with select monitors and PC cases https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/joao-silva/msi-is-bundling-a-digital-copy-of-total-war-pharaoh-with-select-monitors-and-pc-cases/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/joao-silva/msi-is-bundling-a-digital-copy-of-total-war-pharaoh-with-select-monitors-and-pc-cases/#respond Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:00:18 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=633874 MSI is partnering up with SEGA to bundle digital copies of Total War: Pharaoh with select monitors and PC cases. If you don't have the cash to spend, then MSI is also now running a giveaway for a Special Edition version of the MPG Gungnir 300R Airflow PC case.  With the purchase of select cases …

The post MSI is bundling a digital copy of Total War: Pharaoh with select monitors and PC cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
MSI is partnering up with SEGA to bundle digital copies of Total War: Pharaoh with select monitors and PC cases. If you don't have the cash to spend, then MSI is also now running a giveaway for a Special Edition version of the MPG Gungnir 300R Airflow PC case. 

With the purchase of select cases and monitors, users will be able to claim a Total War: Pharaoh game code via MSI's website. The eligible monitors include: G274QPX, Optix MAG274QRF QD, MAG 275CQRF QD, G321Q, MAG321QR QD, MAG 325CQRF QD, MPG ARTYMIS 343CQR, MEG 342C QD OLED, MAG 274UPF, MAG 323UPF, Optix MPG321UR QD, and G321CU.

Eligible cases include the MPG Gungnir 300R Airflow (black and white variants) and the Gungnir 300P Airflow. Moreover, there's also a giveaway that you can enter to get an opportunity to win a special edition of the MPG Gungnir 300R Airflow case. If you're interested in the case, you can participate by following this link.

Total War: Pharaoh is a compelling historical game that will take you on a journey through ancient Egypt. Like in other Total War games, you'll be fighting enormous armies of enemies to conquer territory and defend your empire, while also dealing with matters of diplomacy. Overall, reviews are decent, with Opencritic rating the game a 78 (78% recommended).

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you interested in MSI's new game bundle? What other games could MSI bundle with their hardware?

The post MSI is bundling a digital copy of Total War: Pharaoh with select monitors and PC cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/joao-silva/msi-is-bundling-a-digital-copy-of-total-war-pharaoh-with-select-monitors-and-pc-cases/feed/ 0
EK’s new Torsion A60 PC case is built with liquid cooling in mind https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/eks-new-torsion-a60-pc-case-is-built-with-liquid-cooling-in-mind/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/eks-new-torsion-a60-pc-case-is-built-with-liquid-cooling-in-mind/#respond Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:00:43 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=632811 EK has announced the release of the limited edition EK-Quantum Torsion A60 PC case. Designed specifically for liquid-cooled setups, it's made of CNC-milled aluminium and weighs around 22kg. Thanks to its custom-sleeved cable pathways and the integrated D5-powered distribution plate, the new EK-Quantum Torsion A60 chassis is the perfect starting point for any water-cooled PC …

The post EK’s new Torsion A60 PC case is built with liquid cooling in mind first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
EK has announced the release of the limited edition EK-Quantum Torsion A60 PC case. Designed specifically for liquid-cooled setups, it's made of CNC-milled aluminium and weighs around 22kg. Thanks to its custom-sleeved cable pathways and the integrated D5-powered distribution plate, the new EK-Quantum Torsion A60 chassis is the perfect starting point for any water-cooled PC build.

The chassis of the EK-Quantum Torsion A60 is made of 6082 aluminium alloy and produced using CNC technology. Among the 6000 series alloys, the 6082 alloy offers the greatest strength and corrosion resistance. The design shows EK's attention to detail, making it the ideal canvas for any liquid cooling system. Every item is held together by thumb screws, allowing you to dismantle, customise, and alter anything you like with ease. This mid-tower is available in satin black and satin silver.

This case has a semi-open design with an open top and a handle to enable you to move or carry the case. The sleek aluminium appearance, along with the simplistic but stunning design, makes it stand out in any place you put it. The tempered glass side panel reveals internal components, enabling you to show off your system.

The case comes with a pump, reservoir, and several G1/4′′ threaded inlets and outputs. The positioning of these inlets and outlets follows the EK-Matrix7 standard, minimising the complexity of tube routing and creating a neat and organised loop with flawlessly straight tubes when pairing this case with other EK components. The ARGB 14-LED strip may be linked to the motherboard's 5V header or a standalone D-RGB controller. The strip is compatible with a wide range of popular RGB synchronisation software (MSI Mystic Light Sync, ASRock Polychrome, Asus Aura Sync, and Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2).

Supporting up to three medium-thickness EK-Quantum Surface P360 radiators, the EK Quantum Torsion A60 cases allow you to set up a hefty cooling loop. These radiators are installed using specific push-in fittings, which are sold separately and come in a variety of finishes to match your selected case. Note that this case only accepts EK-Quantum Surface radiators. Moreover, an aluminium (CNC-machined) vertical GPU mount is included with the case.

The EK Quantum Torsion A60 cases have a manufacturing run of just 777 pieces, of which two-thirds will be black and one-third will be silver. Each chassis' serial number will be etched on a plate that will be prominently displayed at the top of the motherboard tray. Both black and silver cases will cost €2093.19 and will be available in mid-November 2023.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Exclusivity comes at a price, and the new EK Quantum Torsion A60 cases are the perfect example of that.

The post EK’s new Torsion A60 PC case is built with liquid cooling in mind first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/eks-new-torsion-a60-pc-case-is-built-with-liquid-cooling-in-mind/feed/ 0
Azza launches unique Sanctum 810 and Mesa 811 PC cases https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/azza-launches-unique-sanctum-810-and-mesa-811-pc-cases/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/azza-launches-unique-sanctum-810-and-mesa-811-pc-cases/#respond Wed, 04 Oct 2023 12:15:22 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=632856 The Sanctum 810 and Mesa 811 are the latest Unlimited Series cases from Azza. These one-of-a-kind cases offer a new take on the traditional chassis structure, with asymmetrical designs, large metal frames, various vents, and big glass panels. The metal frame and large glass enclosure of the Sanctum 810, combined with its angled front fans, …

The post Azza launches unique Sanctum 810 and Mesa 811 PC cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
The Sanctum 810 and Mesa 811 are the latest Unlimited Series cases from Azza. These one-of-a-kind cases offer a new take on the traditional chassis structure, with asymmetrical designs, large metal frames, various vents, and big glass panels.

The metal frame and large glass enclosure of the Sanctum 810, combined with its angled front fans, provide outstanding aesthetics and effective cooling. The Mesa 811's distinctive asymmetrical design fits a variety of motherboard sizes, has brushed aluminium panels with vents, and several fan ports for improved air flow.

The Sanctum 810 is compatible with a wide variety of hardware components and provides flexibility for water-cooling configurations. Its metal frame complements the glass enclosure and brushed aluminium base, creating a pleasing combination of modern and industrial aesthetics. Additionally, the dual-chamber design makes cable management easier. Two angled front 120mm ARGB fans are strategically placed to optimise airflow, effectively cooling the graphics card by pulling air through the front mesh. The Sanctum 810 supports up to E-ATX motherboards, up to 400mm-long GPUs, up to 190mm-tall CPU cooling towers, and up to seven 120mm fans.

The Mesa 811 stands out with its unique design. Notable features include cut-outs intended to assist air intake and exhaust, catering to both air and water cooling arrangements. The Mesa 811 can accommodate motherboards spanning from ATX to Mini-ITX form factors. It also supports 380 mm-long graphics cards and 140 mm-tall CPU coolers. A detachable bracket alongside the motherboard that can hold up to three 120mm fans or a 360mm radiator. A 120mm ARGB fan is included at the rear, above the motherboard I/O cutout. The Azza Mesa 811 is priced at $369.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Of the two new Azza PC cases, which one looks the best?

The post Azza launches unique Sanctum 810 and Mesa 811 PC cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/azza-launches-unique-sanctum-810-and-mesa-811-pc-cases/feed/ 0
Computex 2023: Sharkoon gives a sneak peek at upcoming peripherals https://www.kitguru.net/channel/computex/matthew-wilson/computex-2023-sharkoon-gives-a-sneak-peek-at-upcoming-peripherals/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/computex/matthew-wilson/computex-2023-sharkoon-gives-a-sneak-peek-at-upcoming-peripherals/#respond Sat, 03 Jun 2023 15:00:57 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=618359 Today at Computex, Leo and Mat visited Sharkoon to get the latest on peripherals and cases. Better yet, we got a sneak peek at some in-development products hitting the market later in the year.  Watch via YouTube below: Timestamps: 00:00 Mice, Keyboards, chairs, mats and cables 04:40 Cases Last year Sharkoon launched its full-size and …

The post Computex 2023: Sharkoon gives a sneak peek at upcoming peripherals first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Today at Computex, Leo and Mat visited Sharkoon to get the latest on peripherals and cases. Better yet, we got a sneak peek at some in-development products hitting the market later in the year. 

Watch via YouTube below:

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 Mice, Keyboards, chairs, mats and cables
  • 04:40 Cases

Last year Sharkoon launched its full-size and TKL Pure Writer mechanical keyboards with Kail Choc Red (linear, non-clicky) and Kailh Choc Blue (Tactile, audible click) switches. Now, Sharkoon also has a 65% version of this keyboard, making for an ultra-compact and very portable mechanical keyboard. Another keyboard that caught our eye was the SKILLER SG50 S3, complete with a colourful array of keycaps. This is another compact 65% keyboard with custom keycaps to match one of Sharkoon's custom mouse mats. This particular keyboard is also available in larger sizes for those who prefer a larger keyboard.

Finally on the keyboard front, Sharkoon is also announcing the SGK 70 wireless keyboards, available in black and white, with clear keycaps to allow RGB lighting to shine straight through. The SGM25W wireless gaming mouse is also a compact and portable mouse. Both of these products are due to arrive sometime around Christmas.

To go with all of this, Sharkoon also showed the SKILLER SGM50W, an upcoming wireless gaming mouse with an RGB charging dock. It looks very nice in its white and black colourway, with a white body accented by black switches and a black Sharkoon logo.

Sharkoon's expanding its chair line-up this year too, moving beyond racing-style chairs, the company is now working on ergonomic office-style chairs too.

On the case front, Sharkoon has the C50, with a full mesh front panel and RGB fans illuminating through. The Rebel C50 without RGB is a touch cheaper. The Hex is a more unique design with hexagonal mesh cutouts and a bunch of RGB fans pre-installed – three in the front, two in the roof and one in the back – it is typically rare to see a case shipping with so many fans out of the box, the fact that these are RGB makes it more impressive.

In the near future, Sharkoon's VS8 and VS9 cases will be hitting Europe. These are mid-tower cases, with a variety of front panel designs on offer. These will be cheap too, coming in at around $60.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Sharkoon's full-art mouse mats do look very nice and would pair well with a keyboard with custom key caps. 

The post Computex 2023: Sharkoon gives a sneak peek at upcoming peripherals first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/channel/computex/matthew-wilson/computex-2023-sharkoon-gives-a-sneak-peek-at-upcoming-peripherals/feed/ 0
Corsair launches new 2000D Mini-ITX cases for powerful builds with a small footprint https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/corsair-launches-new-2000d-mini-itx-cases-for-powerful-builds-with-a-small-footprint/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/corsair-launches-new-2000d-mini-itx-cases-for-powerful-builds-with-a-small-footprint/#respond Tue, 23 May 2023 14:38:13 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=616512 Corsair's excellent case line up gets a new addition this month, the mini-ITX 2000D. Available with or without RGB fans, this Mini ITX chassis is slim but tall, allowing for high-end builds with a smaller footprint on the desk.  The Corsair 2000D launches today in both black and white colour options. While this is a …

The post Corsair launches new 2000D Mini-ITX cases for powerful builds with a small footprint first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Corsair's excellent case line up gets a new addition this month, the mini-ITX 2000D. Available with or without RGB fans, this Mini ITX chassis is slim but tall, allowing for high-end builds with a smaller footprint on the desk. 

The Corsair 2000D launches today in both black and white colour options. While this is a Mini-ITX case, it has plenty of room for high-end hardware, including graphics cards up to 365mm long, as well as a 360mm AIO liquid cooler and an SFX-L power supply. In all, the case measures in at 271mm x 200mm, so it leaves a small footprint, making it easier to fit on top of a desk, or in a smaller room.

Since the case is quite tall, it supports three front fans and has space for five additional fans inside for optimal cooling for critical components. The case comes pre-equipped with three Corsair AF120 Slim fans. You'll also find mech panels, allowing for cool air to be drawn into the system.

On the front panel, you will find a USB 3.2 Type-C port, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports and a 3.5mm jack for headphones. For storage, you'll find several mounting points inside, providing room for up to three 2.5-inch SSDs.

The Corsair 2000D AIRFLOW RGB and non-RGB versions will be available starting this month, with prices starting at £109.99. If you ever run into issues, there is a seven-year warranty, so your purchase will be protected and covered.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Leo will be reviewing this shortly, so stay tuned for a more in-depth look at the case and our thoughts on using it in a PC build. 

The post Corsair launches new 2000D Mini-ITX cases for powerful builds with a small footprint first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/corsair-launches-new-2000d-mini-itx-cases-for-powerful-builds-with-a-small-footprint/feed/ 0
Lian Li launches V3000 Plus White Edition Full Tower https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/lian-li-launches-v3000-plus-white-edition-full-tower/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/lian-li-launches-v3000-plus-white-edition-full-tower/#respond Fri, 05 May 2023 14:00:38 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=614177 Back in late 2022 the Lian Li V3000 Plus full-tower PC case launched in the UK, but only in black. Now a few months later than expected, the white version has arrived.  Capable of holding EEB motherboards, up to three 480mm radiators, two systems, 16x storage drives, and 16x 120mm fans, the V3000 Plus is capable …

The post Lian Li launches V3000 Plus White Edition Full Tower first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Back in late 2022 the Lian Li V3000 Plus full-tower PC case launched in the UK, but only in black. Now a few months later than expected, the white version has arrived. 

Capable of holding EEB motherboards, up to three 480mm radiators, two systems, 16x storage drives, and 16x 120mm fans, the V3000 Plus is capable of holding virtually any PC component. That's not surprising, considering it measures 678.5x279x674mm (DxWxH). It is a big case for a big high-end build.

Featuring a design similar to the original V3000, the Plus version comes with more vented panels for increased airflow. The front panel was also redesigned to include a longer ARGB LED strip at the centre. The inside was modified to fit more storage drives too.

Another interesting thing about this case is the three different modes. The first is the standard mode, which allows you to mount a single system inside. The second mode lets you rotate the motherboard tray 90º left to promote GPU cooling. Rotating the tray moves the rear I/O towards the PSU shroud, but thanks to the pass-through channel on the case, the ports are still accessible from the rear.

The third mode is the one that allows you to mount two systems inside the case, elevating the motherboard tray so that you can build a mini-ITX system on top of the PSU shroud. Despite supporting two complete systems, the chassis still has room for up to 11 120mm fans, 2 480mm radiators (top and front), and up to a 280mm radiator (above the PSU shroud) in this mode. You can also mount two PSUs in this configuration, but you're limited to an ATX and an SFX/SFX-L model. Vertical GPU mounting is also supported.

The Lian Li V3000 Plus is available in the UK, priced at £479.99 for both the black and white models.

KitGuru says: Have you ever considered building a dual-system with a case like this? 

The post Lian Li launches V3000 Plus White Edition Full Tower first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/lian-li-launches-v3000-plus-white-edition-full-tower/feed/ 0
Kolink launches duo of ARGB PC cases https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/kolink-launches-duo-of-argb-pc-cases/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/kolink-launches-duo-of-argb-pc-cases/#respond Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:01:52 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=594369 Kolink is back with two new cases for 2023 – the Observatory Duo and the Inspire K12. The first offers a choice of two front panels so you can opt for sleeker aesthetics or cooling performance, while the latter is a performance-focused mid-tower with a mesh front panel. The Observatory Duo is an ARGB mid-tower …

The post Kolink launches duo of ARGB PC cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Kolink is back with two new cases for 2023 – the Observatory Duo and the Inspire K12. The first offers a choice of two front panels so you can opt for sleeker aesthetics or cooling performance, while the latter is a performance-focused mid-tower with a mesh front panel.

The Observatory Duo is an ARGB mid-tower with four pre-installed ARGB Umbra fans. If airflow is a priority, the Observatory Duo comes with a fully mesh front panel for ventilation and if you want to throw in some extra fans, it can fit an extra four 120mm fans throughout the case. There is also room for a 360mm radiator in the front of the case for those looking to liquid-cool.

The Kolink Observatory Duo can support up to an EATX motherboard with room for a CPU cooler up to 160mm in height. A GPU up to 355mm long can be supported in the case, with 7 expansion slots included. In terms of storage the Observatory Duo can support 2x 3.5” HDDs or 2.5” SSDs. The I/O features 1 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x Reset Switch, and 1 x Audio In/Out. The case is available in black and measures in at 212 x 470 x 390 mm, weighing 6.1kg.

The K12 doesn't have a swappable front panel, but it does come with a mesh one preinstalled, making it a perfect option for those who want to ensure good airflow. There is one preinstalled Umbra ARGB fan in this one, but you can have a total of eight 120mm fans in the case for cooling and a 360mm radiator in the front of the ccase.

The Kolink Inspire K12 supports up to ATX-sized motherboards, CPU coolers up to 160mm tall, graphics cards up to 330mm long and up to two SSDs or HDDs. For I/O, you get a USB 2.0 port, two USB 3.0 ports, a reset switch and audio in/out ports on the front of the case.

The Kolink Observatory Duo is available starting now, priced at £69.95. The Kolink Inspire K12 is also available, priced at £49.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Both cases here offer a decent feature set for their price tag. Which one would you go with for a new build?

The post Kolink launches duo of ARGB PC cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/kolink-launches-duo-of-argb-pc-cases/feed/ 0
ASUS unveils dual-chamber TUF Gaming GT502 chassis with room for 13 fans https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/asus-unveils-dual-chamber-tuf-gaming-gt502-chassis-with-room-for-13-fans/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/asus-unveils-dual-chamber-tuf-gaming-gt502-chassis-with-room-for-13-fans/#respond Sun, 28 Aug 2022 10:39:52 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=572198 Asus is expanding its offering of cases this week with the new TUF Gaming GT502. This is a dual-chamber case, with panoramic tempered glass and a ton of room for additional cooling fans.  The TUF Gaming GT502 chassis gives users a wide array of options for planning their next high-powered build. It arrives in two …

The post ASUS unveils dual-chamber TUF Gaming GT502 chassis with room for 13 fans first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Asus is expanding its offering of cases this week with the new TUF Gaming GT502. This is a dual-chamber case, with panoramic tempered glass and a ton of room for additional cooling fans. 

The TUF Gaming GT502 chassis gives users a wide array of options for planning their next high-powered build. It arrives in two variants: the TUF Gaming GT502 Plus, which ships with four pre-installed ARGB fans and an ARGB hub, and the TUF Gaming GT502, which ships without fans, so you can install your own fans of choice. In all, the chassis has room for 13 fans, which should be more than enough to keep even high-end builds cool.

The rear chamber has 90mm of space for cable management, and houses the power supply. There is also room in this chamber for storage drives, or up to a 360mm radiator for liquid cooling. The main chamber is where all your main hardware will be, with broad vents to draw air through the bottom panel.

The interior of the GT502 houses graphics cards up to 400mm long. An included vertical mounting bracket lets users choose whether they would prefer to orient a graphics card horizontally or vertically — all that's needed is a riser cable to show off a card’s shroud and fans in a vertical orientation. The case also comes with a GPU holder to keep it level without sagging. This is particularly useful for graphics cards with very bulky heatsinks.

Here are the full specs:

TUF Gaming GT502 PLUS TUF Gaming GT502
Form factor ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Size 285 x 450 x 446mm
12kg
Materials Steel, plastic, tempered glass
Front I/O 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (Type-A)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C)
1 x Audio combo jack
1 x ARGB LED Button
3.5” / 2.5” drive bays 4
Expansion slots 8+3
Maximum GPU length 400mm
Maximum CPU cooler height 163mm
Maximum PSU length 200mm
Radiator compatibility Top: 120/140/240/280/360mm
Rear: 120mm
Side: 120/240/360mm
Right: 120/140/240/280/360mm
Cooling support Top: 2 x 140 mm / 3 x 120 mm
Rear: 1 x 120 mm
Bottom: 3 x 120 mm
Side: 3 x 120 mm
Right: 2 x 140mm / 3 x 120 mm
Pre-installed fans Top: 3 x 120mm
Rear: 1 x 120mm
N/A
Removable dust filters Right / top / bottom
Cable routing 90mm
Extension hub Supports 5V ARGB 3-pin x6 N/A
Included accessories Vertical Graphics Card Bracket (3 slot)
VGA Holder

We don't have pricing or availability yet, but we'll update once that information comes through.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you currently planning your next PC build? Will you be going for a traditional tower case, or are you considering a dual-chamber chassis this time around? 

The post ASUS unveils dual-chamber TUF Gaming GT502 chassis with room for 13 fans first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/asus-unveils-dual-chamber-tuf-gaming-gt502-chassis-with-room-for-13-fans/feed/ 0
G.Skill launches MD2 mid-tower case https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/g-skill-launches-md2-mid-tower-case/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/g-skill-launches-md2-mid-tower-case/#respond Fri, 05 Aug 2022 08:54:10 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=570148 Last year, G.Skill surprised us all with the Z5i ITX case, which housed a lot of unique design elements. This year, G.Skill is trying its hand at a more traditional case with the new MD2 mid-tower, designed for high-performance builds.  Available in black or white, the G.Skill MD2 chassis offers a spacious interior and a …

The post G.Skill launches MD2 mid-tower case first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Last year, G.Skill surprised us all with the Z5i ITX case, which housed a lot of unique design elements. This year, G.Skill is trying its hand at a more traditional case with the new MD2 mid-tower, designed for high-performance builds. 

Available in black or white, the G.Skill MD2 chassis offers a spacious interior and a 4mm tempered glass window so you can show off your build. The front panel design is inspired by the S-curves of race tracks and includes side vents for airflow. The front panel also houses RGB lighting, which is in place via a spring-loaded contact, rather than wiring, making it easily removable if you need easy access to your front fans.

The interior has space for up to two 360mm liquid cooling radiators, and up to 7 fans throughout the case. You'll also find space for graphics cards up to 395mm long, CPU coolers up to 170mm tall and up to four SSDs, or two SSDs and two HDDs.

The G.Skill MD2 mid-tower will be available this year, but retail pricing is currently unknown.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you planning on building a new PC this year? What do you think of G.Skill's new case? 

The post G.Skill launches MD2 mid-tower case first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/g-skill-launches-md2-mid-tower-case/feed/ 0
NZXT unveils trio of H7 series cases https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/nzxt-unveils-trio-of-h7-series-cases/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/nzxt-unveils-trio-of-h7-series-cases/#respond Wed, 25 May 2022 15:01:59 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=561555 This week, NZXT is launching the new H7 series of cases, including the new H7, H7 Flow and H7 Elite. Each chassis has a mesh grill on the roof and compatibility for up to 360mm liquid-cooling radiators to achieve better cooling performance, while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic.  The H7 and H7 Flow come in: …

The post NZXT unveils trio of H7 series cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
This week, NZXT is launching the new H7 series of cases, including the new H7, H7 Flow and H7 Elite. Each chassis has a mesh grill on the roof and compatibility for up to 360mm liquid-cooling radiators to achieve better cooling performance, while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic. 

The H7 and H7 Flow come in: white and black, all white, and all black. The H7 Elite is available either in all black or all white with a matching glass panel, sporting a tinted panel for black cases and a clear panel with white. The standard H7 is your standard case, while the H7 Flow adds a perforated front panel for even better cooling, particularly for high-end components. Finally, the H7 Elite has all the bells and whistles, including RGB fans and a tempered glass panel.

Here is the full spec sheet for the new H7 series cases:

  • Motherboard support: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX.
  • Power supply support: ATX
  • Expansion slots: 7
  • Included fans:
  • H7 and H7 Flow 2x F120Q 1,200rpm at front and rear
  • H7 Elite 3x F140RGB 1,800rm front, 1x F140Q 1,200rpm rear.
  • Fan mounts: 3x 120mm/140mm front, 3x 120/2x 140mm roof, 1x 120/140mm rear
  • Radiator mounts: 360mm/280mm front, 360mm/280mm roof, 120mm/140mm rear
  • 5.25-inch optical drive bays: None
  • Internal drive bays: 2x 3.5-inch/2.5-inch, 4x 2.5-inch.
  • Front I/O ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Headset Jack
  • Dimensions: 480mm H x 505mm D x 230mm W

Leo has already had these new cases in for review recently, so if you want to see our full test results, you can check out a review for all three cases, HERE. The NZXT H7, H7 Flow and H7 Elite cases will be available soon. The base and Flow models will carry an MSRP of £119.99, while the H7 Elite will cost £179.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you currently planning a new PC build? Are you thinking of going with an NZXT case?

The post NZXT unveils trio of H7 series cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/nzxt-unveils-trio-of-h7-series-cases/feed/ 0
Kolink Observatory Y and Stronghold Prime PC cases arrive in UK https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/kolink-observatory-y-and-stronghold-prime-pc-cases-arrive-in-uk/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/kolink-observatory-y-and-stronghold-prime-pc-cases-arrive-in-uk/#respond Fri, 04 Mar 2022 12:01:57 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=552751 Kolink has been expanding its roster of ARGB PC cases for some time now. Just a couple of weeks ago, we saw the new, extra-wide Observatory Z ARGB cases and now this week, Kolink is unveiling the Observatory Y chassis, as well as a new ‘Stronghold' series case.  The new Kolink Observatory Y comes in …

The post Kolink Observatory Y and Stronghold Prime PC cases arrive in UK first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Kolink has been expanding its roster of ARGB PC cases for some time now. Just a couple of weeks ago, we saw the new, extra-wide Observatory Z ARGB cases and now this week, Kolink is unveiling the Observatory Y chassis, as well as a new ‘Stronghold' series case. 

The new Kolink Observatory Y comes in two versions – one with a tempered glass front panel to better show off the three front-facing ARGB fans, or a mesh version, which still has three ARGB fans, but swaps to a mesh panel for improved airflow. As standard, both models of the Observatory Y are equipped with four Kolink Umbra 120mm ARGB fans, as well as an Umbra ARGB fan controller.

In addition to the new Observatory Y case, Kolink has also unveiled the new Stronghold Prime chassis. This case uses an understated design, similar to a Fractal Design case, with a simple, black front panel, and a tempered glass window.

While the Stronghold Prime has its differences, it supports many of the same features as the Observatory Y, including room for E-ATX motherboards, up to nine 120mm fans and up to 360mm radiators for those looking to set up liquid cooling. For those looking to make their build stand out, Kolink also has a vertical GPU mounting kit available now as well,

The Kolink Observatory Y chassis will be available from Overclockers UK for £104.99. The Kolink Stronghold Prime is also available at OCUK for £79.99.

KitGuru Says: What do you all think of the latest cases from Kolink? Would you choose one of these for a new PC build? 

 

The post Kolink Observatory Y and Stronghold Prime PC cases arrive in UK first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/kolink-observatory-y-and-stronghold-prime-pc-cases-arrive-in-uk/feed/ 0
Phanteks launches Evolv Shift XT – an expandable Mini-ITX case https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/phanteks-launches-evolv-shift-xt-an-expandable-mini-itx-case/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/phanteks-launches-evolv-shift-xt-an-expandable-mini-itx-case/#respond Wed, 16 Feb 2022 15:00:22 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=550469 Today, Phanteks is giving its Mini-ITX case series a bit of a shake-up with the new Evolv Shift XT. The big show stopper here is the ability to extend the case to three different heights, one focused on minimal footprint, one for improved airflow and maximum height for those that wish to use a 240mm or 280mm AIO liquid cooler.

The post Phanteks launches Evolv Shift XT – an expandable Mini-ITX case first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Today, Phanteks is giving its Mini-ITX case series a bit of a shake-up with the new Evolv Shift XT. The big show stopper here is the ability to extend the case to three different heights, one focused on minimal footprint, one for improved airflow and maximum height for those that wish to use a 240mm or 280mm AIO liquid cooler.

The Phanteks Evolv Shift XT offers three configurations – Compact Mode (13.5 litre), Air Boost Mode (15.6 litre) and Water Cooler Mode (17.4 litre). In Air Boost Mode, you can run two internal fans for better airflow, while Water Cooler Mode gives you a bit of extra room to mount an AIO liquid cooler up to 280mm. This design allows the user to tailor the chassis to best suit their needs, whether its a low-power build or a small power house. Other key features include support for 3-slot GPUs at up to 324mm in length, a double-layer Gen4 PCIe riser cable and support for SFX and SFX-L power supplies.

 

Being part of the Phanteks Evolv series, the Evolv Shift XT offers premium build quality and components using thick anodized aluminium panels, PCI-e X16 Gen4 riser cable, and USB-C Gen2 front IO. Ultra-Fine Mesh panels and vented aluminium panels are also used to improve airflow, while maintaining a stylish appearance thanks to the tempered glass infinity mirror.

Launching alongside the new case is a pair of Phanteks Revolt power supplies, both sporting the SFX form factor, making them a perfect partner for a Shift XT build. There will be three of these PSUs available, a 650W and 750W 80 Plus Gold model, as well as a 750W 80 Plus Platinum rated unit.

The Phanteks Evolv Shift XT will be available in Satin Black and Galaxy Silver this month, priced at £159.90. The Phanteks Revolt PSUs will also be available, starting at £105.90 for the 650W model and going up to £123.90 for the 750W Platinum model.

KitGuru Says: Leo is already working on a review of this case, so stay tuned for some in-depth analysis and testing. In the meantime, what do you all think of the Evolv Shift XT? 

The post Phanteks launches Evolv Shift XT – an expandable Mini-ITX case first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/phanteks-launches-evolv-shift-xt-an-expandable-mini-itx-case/feed/ 0
Kolink launches Big Chungus Shredded and Hench cases https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/kolink-launches-big-chungus-shredded-and-hench-cases/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/kolink-launches-big-chungus-shredded-and-hench-cases/#respond Tue, 16 Nov 2021 14:19:33 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=539809 Building on the success of the original Big Chungus case, today Kolink is launching two new models – the Big Chungus Shredded and the Big Chungus Hench, both featuring unique designs that stand out from the crowd.  Both new cases feature a modern, semi-open design, with large tempered glass windows and SPCC steel for the …

The post Kolink launches Big Chungus Shredded and Hench cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Building on the success of the original Big Chungus case, today Kolink is launching two new models – the Big Chungus Shredded and the Big Chungus Hench, both featuring unique designs that stand out from the crowd. 

Both new cases feature a modern, semi-open design, with large tempered glass windows and SPCC steel for the frame and panels. There are hexagonal cut-outs on the top and rear panels, which is where your fans will be mounted. Both cases come with ARGB fans too for a dash of colour. The Hench goes one step further for ARGB with the addition of a lighting strip along the side panel.

Both cases come equipped with four Kolink Umbra 120mm ARGB PWM fans and an Umbra Core RGB/PWM controller. The Big Chungus Shredded has three fans installed in the front and one in the rear, but users can upgrade with an additional fan in the rear and two more in the roof of the case. The Big Chungus Hench has two fans in the front and two in the rear, but you can add an additional two fans in the roof if needed.

As you would expect, there is room for liquid cooling, with the Shredded being capable of fitting a 360mm radiator in the front and a 240mm radiator in the roof. The Hench on the other hand can fit one 240mm radiator in the top of the case.

The cases support up to ATX motherboards and standard ATX power supplies up to 200mm, as well as up to 310mm long graphics cards, and up to 165mm CPU tower coolers. Both cases have three drive bays, one 3.5″ drive bay and two 2.5″ drive bays.

The Big Chungus Hench will be available for £179.99 and the Big Chungus Shredded will be available for £169.99.

KitGuru Says: The Big Chungus line-up is growing with even more interesting looking cases. What do you think of the new Hench and Shredded cases? Would you like to build a system in one of these? 

The post Kolink launches Big Chungus Shredded and Hench cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/kolink-launches-big-chungus-shredded-and-hench-cases/feed/ 0
Fractal Design Torrent Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/leo-waldock/fractal-design-torrent-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/leo-waldock/fractal-design-torrent-review/#respond Wed, 18 Aug 2021 13:00:49 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=528049 Fractal Design is back with a brand new case - but does Leo rate it?

The post Fractal Design Torrent Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Fractal Design Torrent uses an updraught design with three 140mm fans in the floor and two 180mm fans in the front that maintain positive air pressure in the large, open main chamber. To add to the unusual nature of the Torrent we find the power supply in the roof of the case, housed in a separate compartment. Whether Torrent is good, bad or indifferent, it certainly is not boring… (spoiler alert: it isn't bad).

Main features

  • Open grille and 180 mm front fans optimized for maximum air intake
  • Newly developed 180 x 38 mm Dynamic X2 PWM or Prisma AL PWM ARGB fans (in the RGB version) leverage power, size, and thickness for massive air-moving capacity
  • Includes five PWM fans (three 140 mm and two 180 mm) for balancing performance, cooling and noise
  • New layout with expansive base intakes and extra-large bottom fan support offers exceptional GPU cooling
  • Optional front and bottom nylon filters included, allowing the user to prioritize between dust filtering or even higher airflow
  • Streamlined open interior provides plenty of breathing room for components and maximizes performance potential for both air and water cooling
  • Comes with the new Nexus 9P Slim PWM fan hub pre-installed
  • Fans and LED lights fully controllable through motherboards supporting addressable RGB (3-pin 5V header) (RGB version only)
  • GPU support bracket that helps your GPU stay level (user assembled, instructions included)
  • Comes with external cable straps for tidying up behind your computer
  • Seamless tempered glass panels with bolt-free top-latching mechanisms for easy handling
  • Top mounted aerodynamic PSU shroud with integrated ARGB effects (RGB version only)
  • Front fan brackets allow for unblocked airflow to the larger fans while catering to standard radiator sizes
  • Removable top bezel and cable guides with cable straps make for easy installation and cable management
  • Two sturdy steel drive trays with vibration-damping rubber grommets cushion 3.5” hard drives for smooth, quiet and reliable operation
  • Four dedicated SSD brackets included
  • Dual recessed channels in the base for adding LED strips and under-lighting effects (both available separately)
  • Both front and bottom panel can support extra-thick radiators and push-pull fan configurations up to 420 mm
  • Integrated support for a water-cooling reservoir on the motherboard tray
  • Seven bridgeless expansion slots allow for extensive customization

Specification:

  • Motherboard support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, SSI-EEB, SSI-CEB
  • Expansion slots: 7
  • Included fans: 2x 180mm x 38mm bottom intake, 3x 140mm front intake.
  • Fan mounts: 3x 120mm/140mm or 2x 180mm front, 1x 120mm/140mm rear, 3x 120mm/140mm or 2x 180mm floor.
  • Radiator mounts: 360mm/420mm floor, 120mm/140mm rear.
  • 5.25-inch optical drive bays: None.
  • Internal drive bays: 2x 3.5-inch/2.5-inch, 4x 2.5-inch.
  • Front I/O panel: 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 2x USB 3.0, headset jacks.
  • Dimensions: 530mm H x 544mm D x 242mm W.

Testing

To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, Palit RTX 3080 and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the Fractal Design Torrent‘s cooling capabilities.

Test System:

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X (12 cores/24 threads, 4.0GHz all cores)
  • Thermal compound: Arctic MX-5
  • Motherboard: Asus TUF Gaming X570-Plus
  • Memory: 32GB G.Skill TridentZ Neo DDR4-3600
  • Graphics card: Palit RTX 3080 Gaming Pro 10GB
  • Power supply: Seasonic Prime TX-850 850W Titanium
  • SSD: 500GB Sabrent Rocket 4.0 M.2 NVMe
  • OS: Windows 10

Custom Loop Cooling

  • Pump/Reservoir: EK Quantum Kinetic TBE 300 D5 PWM
  • CPU Block: EKWB Quantum Magnitude Nickel
  • GPU Block: EKWB Quantum Vector Nickel and backplate
  • Radiator: Alphacool NexXxos ST30 280mm Nickel
  • Case fan: 1x Phanteks PH-F120MP
  • Fittings: Alphacool
  • Soft Tube: EKWB 16mm/10mm
  • Coolant: EKWB Cryofuel Solid White

Cooling Performance

Cooling Performance Overview

We pummelled the test PC with a combination of Cinebench R23 and Time Spy Stress Test which drew 500W at the wall socket. The temperature of our Ryzen 9 3900X remained just below 80 degrees C while the RTX 3080 graphics card ran at an icy 51 degrees C.

Closing Thoughts

The Fractal Design Torrent uses a novel design that is vaguely similar to a Corsair Carbide Air 740 from 2016 in the sense you have a large open chamber with all the obstructions removed. The major difference is that Corsair chose a dual chamber design that is pretty much a cube with plenty of space for the power supply and drives.

By contrast Fractal Design has tried to keep Torrent slender which is an uphill struggle as the case supports enormous 180mm fans. The approach used is to minimise the space in the right hand side of the case, despite the inclusion of four SSD mounts and two full sized drive bays.

Quite how Fractal thought we would be able to cram in all the necessary cables is something of a mystery, and you can see the consequence at the end of our video.

Once you have worked hard to find the necessary space for your cables you can turn to the other aspects of the Torrent which are generally rather good.

The construction is decent and while we did not like the feel of a couple of panels we were confident the hardware was sensibly specified and up to the job. One annoying detail is that Fractal tell us the case supports a 420mm radiator in the floor and while this is technically correct it is problematic in practice.

Fractal has recently produced some excellent designs and we are confident the Torrent 2 will work better. Shall we schedule it for 2022 or 2023?

We don't yet have a buy link but we have been told you will be able to buy the Fractal Design Torrent for £165.

Update 3/9/2021: Leo has revisited the Torrent, this time using a fully air cooled system instead of the custom loop shown here. Find out if that changed his views over HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

  • Effective cooling
  • Decent price/good value for money
  • Full length front and bottom filters
  • Novel design

Cons:

  • Requires more space behind the right panel for cables
  • No rear fan included
  • Plasticky feel to some of the panels

KitGuru says: Fractal Design Torrent is a decent case but it came close to being superb. So close.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

The post Fractal Design Torrent Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/leo-waldock/fractal-design-torrent-review/feed/ 0
Lian Li Odyssey X PC chassis boasts 3 ‘transformations’ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/lian-li-odyssey-x-pc-chassis-boasts-3-transformations/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/lian-li-odyssey-x-pc-chassis-boasts-3-transformations/#respond Mon, 21 Jun 2021 14:40:09 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=520697 The Lian Li Odyssey X is officially coming to the UK. This large form factor case is built around offering builders multiple configuration options, with the capability of being ‘transformed' into three different configurations – Dynamic, Dynamic-R (Rotate), and Performance. This case was designed in collaboration with renowned overclocker ‘Der8auer', featuring solid aluminium construction, excellent …

The post Lian Li Odyssey X PC chassis boasts 3 ‘transformations’ first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
The Lian Li Odyssey X is officially coming to the UK. This large form factor case is built around offering builders multiple configuration options, with the capability of being ‘transformed' into three different configurations – Dynamic, Dynamic-R (Rotate), and Performance.

This case was designed in collaboration with renowned overclocker ‘Der8auer', featuring solid aluminium construction, excellent airflow and multiple configurations. The Dynamic mode is the case's default configuration, while Dynamic-R rotates the motherboard tray to improve airflow to the graphics card. Finally, the Performance configuration flips the case 90 degrees for maximum airflow throughout the whole system.

While the Lian Li Odyssey X is already designed for decent airflow, each case configuration offers a different number of maximum fans and radiators, which you can see outlined below:

CONFIGURATION MAX FANS MAX RADIATORS
Dynamic Top: 120mm x 3 / 140mm x 2
Front: 120mm x 3 / 140 x 2
Side: 120mm x 3 / 140 x 2
Front: 360mm + 240mm
Side: 360mm + 240mm
Dynamic-R Front: 120mm x 3 / 140mm x 2
Bottom: 120mm x 4 / 140mm x 3
Front: 360mm + 240mm
Bottom: 480mm + 420mm
Performance Top: 120mm x 3 / 140mm x 2
Front: 120mm x 4 / 140mm x 3
Front: 360mm + 280mm
Bottom: 480mm + 420mm

As you would expect from a large case like this, there is extensive support for high-end hardware, including 423mm long graphics cards, 170mm tall CPU coolers and 280mm long power supplies. The front I/O panel consists of one USB 3.1 Type C port, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The Lian Li Odyssey X is available in black and silver options, both costing £349.99 at Overclockers UK.

KitGuru Says: What do you all think of the Lian Li Odyssey X? Would you like to build your next PC inside this case? 

The post Lian Li Odyssey X PC chassis boasts 3 ‘transformations’ first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/lian-li-odyssey-x-pc-chassis-boasts-3-transformations/feed/ 0
G.Skill shakes up Mini-ITX case designs with Z5i https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/g-skill-shakes-up-mini-itx-case-designs-with-z5i/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/g-skill-shakes-up-mini-itx-case-designs-with-z5i/#respond Wed, 16 Jun 2021 14:00:52 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=520221 G.Skill is well known around the world for its excellent memory kits and peripherals, but what about cases? This week, G.Skill is launching the Z5i chassis, a uniquely crafted pentagonal prism case with curved tempered glass side panels.  The G.Skill Z5i is a minimalistic and compact mini-ITX chassis, purpose built to support high-end PC hardware. There …

The post G.Skill shakes up Mini-ITX case designs with Z5i first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
G.Skill is well known around the world for its excellent memory kits and peripherals, but what about cases? This week, G.Skill is launching the Z5i chassis, a uniquely crafted pentagonal prism case with curved tempered glass side panels. 

The G.Skill Z5i is a minimalistic and compact mini-ITX chassis, purpose built to support high-end PC hardware. There is a unique, pentagonal prism design with curved 4mm thick tempered glass side panels to wrap around the single-piece aluminium frame, forming a 5-sided case.

The Z5i supports liquid cooling radiators up to 280mm and high-end triple-slot graphics cards up to 330mm long. There is also room for two 2.5″ SSDs, as well as a third convertible 2.5″/3.5″ SSD/HDD drive slot. To enable a cleaner workspace, the Z5i also has a bottom-facing motherboard I/O panel, so cables can be easily routed and managed.

For easy access to external USB devices, the Z51 front panel has two USB 3.0 ports and a USB 3.1 Type-C port. There is also integrated ARGB lighting to give a colourful under-glow to the case.

The G.Skill Z5i chassis is already turning heads, having won the iF Design Award 2021 and the Red Dot Design Award 2021. Unfortunately, we do not have pricing and availability details just yet.

KitGuru Says: Would you like to build a new PC inside of the G.Skill Z5i? 

The post G.Skill shakes up Mini-ITX case designs with Z5i first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/g-skill-shakes-up-mini-itx-case-designs-with-z5i/feed/ 0
Antec launches performance-focused P82 Silent chassis https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/antec-launches-performance-focused-p82-silent-chassis/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/antec-launches-performance-focused-p82-silent-chassis/#respond Thu, 15 Apr 2021 09:45:55 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=511859 This year is Antec's 35th Anniversary and to mark the ocassion, we have a new mid-tower case to look forward to – the Antec P82 Silent. As the name suggests, this case is designed to minimise noise, taking inspiration from the original P8 design and making improvements. The Antec P82 Silent mid-tower case uses clean …

The post Antec launches performance-focused P82 Silent chassis first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
This year is Antec's 35th Anniversary and to mark the ocassion, we have a new mid-tower case to look forward to – the Antec P82 Silent. As the name suggests, this case is designed to minimise noise, taking inspiration from the original P8 design and making improvements.

The Antec P82 Silent mid-tower case uses clean lines for a minimalist appearance, while the interior is designed to accomodate high-end PC components. There are ventilation stripes along the front panel, a built-in fan controller and two 120mm fans in the front as well as a 120mm rear fan for exhaust.

Measing in at 454mm x 215mm x 480mm (DxWxH), this case is compatible with up to ATX-sized motherboards and supports graphics cards up to 380mm long. There are two convertible tool-less 2.5-inch/3.5-inch drive cages and two additional 2.5-inch SSD mointing spaces, so there is plenty of room for storage.

While the case comes with three fans already, there is room to add more. The P82 Silent supports up to 3x 120mm or 140mm fans in the front, 3x 120mm or 2x 140mm fans in the roof and up to 1x 120mm or 140mm fan in the rear. For watercooling, you can fit up to a 360mm radiator in the front of the case.

The Antec P82 Silent will be available at retail starting this month for €82.99. Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are any of you in need of a case for an upcoming PC build? What do you think of the new Antec P82 Silent?

The post Antec launches performance-focused P82 Silent chassis first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/antec-launches-performance-focused-p82-silent-chassis/feed/ 0
DeepCool launches MATREXX 40 3FS mATX chassis with enhanced airflow https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/deepcool-launches-matrexx-40-3fs-matx-chassis-with-enhanced-airflow/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/deepcool-launches-matrexx-40-3fs-matx-chassis-with-enhanced-airflow/#respond Tue, 23 Mar 2021 11:17:56 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=508705 DeepCool is appealing to the compact PC crowd this month with the launch of the new MATREXX 40 3FS case. This is an mATX chassis with “enhanced airflow and cooling capabilities in a smaller form factor”. That enhanced airflow comes via the mesh front panel and a mesh top panel, ensuring proper airflow throughout the …

The post DeepCool launches MATREXX 40 3FS mATX chassis with enhanced airflow first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
DeepCool is appealing to the compact PC crowd this month with the launch of the new MATREXX 40 3FS case. This is an mATX chassis with “enhanced airflow and cooling capabilities in a smaller form factor”.

That enhanced airflow comes via the mesh front panel and a mesh top panel, ensuring proper airflow throughout the case. The chassis also comes equipped with three Tri-Colour LED fans, two in the front and another in the rear. If you want to add more fans yourself, then you have space for up to six 120mm fans or four 140mm fans. For liquid cooling, you can fit up to a 280mm radiator in the front or roof of the case.

Aside from a focus on cooling, the MATREXX 40 3FS also has other practical features to make PC building a breeze. There is ample clearance for components, with room for up to 320mm long graphics cards, up to 160mm long power supplies and up to 165mm tall CPU coolers. You will also find dust filters to help keep the system clean and an edge-to-edge tempered glass side panel to showcase your rig in style.

As far as storage options go, this case supports up to two 2.5-inch drives mounted directly to the chassis and another two 3.5-inch drives can be mounted inside a removable drive cage.

The DeepCool MATREXX 40 3FS is available starting this month, priced at £39.99.

KitGuru Says: Are many of you planning a new PC build this year? What do you think of the latest DeepCool chassis?

The post DeepCool launches MATREXX 40 3FS mATX chassis with enhanced airflow first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/matthew-wilson/deepcool-launches-matrexx-40-3fs-matx-chassis-with-enhanced-airflow/feed/ 0
DeepCool MACUBE 110 Micro-ATX Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/james-dawson/deepcool-macube-110-micro-atx-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/james-dawson/deepcool-macube-110-micro-atx-case-review/#respond Tue, 23 Mar 2021 08:29:58 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=508197 Is the micro-ATX form factor dead? Deepcool doesn't think so

The post DeepCool MACUBE 110 Micro-ATX Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
A new addition to the Deepcool Macube series brings a budget micro-ATX form factor chassis to the table. The new Deepcool Macube 110 retains some of the characteristics from previous Macube cases such as the closed, airflow restrictive front panel, tool-free tempered glass side panel removal and the ultra-handy and brilliant built-in VGA support bracket that helps reduce GPU sag. But can this new case live up to its predecessors? Let’s find out.

Deepcool Macube 110 is the latest addition to the Macube series, but unlike the other ATX form factor cases already in the range, this Macube 110 is a dinky micro-ATX case that supports mATX and mini-ITX motherboards only. To say it’s dinky isn't completely accurate, there are many compact mid-Tower ATX cases on the market these days that are not much (if any) bigger than the Macube 110, and they also support a wider range of motherboard form factors.

So, is micro-ATX a dead form factor? Deepcool doesn’t seem to think so and In a way, I kind of agree. The micro-ATX form factor could be the ideal platform for high spec gaming builds these days since the use of dual graphics cards isn't a thing for gamers any more, thus reducing the size that a motherboard needs to be, micro-ATX seems ideal. The main problem is that micro-ATX cases don’t seem to save much real estate compared with these new compact mid-Tower cases, which is why micro-ATX seems to be falling out of favour recently.

However, motherboard manufacturers keep on making mATX motherboards so there is a market for these micro-ATX cases. The Deepcool Macube 110 could be a tempting proposition for anyone currently in the market for a micro-ATX case, as it is priced extremely competitive at just under £40. You can pick this case up now in either black or white colour schemes, it has a very sleek and clean looking front panel, one 120mm fan pre-installed, tempered glass and decent hardware support, sounds like a bargain then.

Deepcool Macube 110 Features:

  • Micro-ATX chassis that supports motherboards up to mATX and mini-ITX form factor using a traditional layout.
  • Sleek and clean looking appearance, closed front panel design with 15mm vents on either side for airflow to front-mounted fans or radiators.
  • Pre-installed with a single 120mm 3-pin (or Molex) powered fan. Supports up to 3 x 120mm/2 x 140mm fans or up to 280mm radiators (Front) and up to 2 x 120mm/2 x 140mm fans or up to a 280mm radiator in the roof.
  • Supports high-end graphics cards up to 320mm long, CPU coolers up to 165mm tall and ATX form factor power supplies up to 160mm long (with the 3.5-inch HDD cage installed)
  • A total of 2 x 2.5-inch SSD drives can be installed on the rear of the motherboard tray (screw-less, mounted on rubber grommets) and 2 x 3.5-inch drives in the HDD cage.
  • 3.5 inch HDD cage position is adjustable and removable to create more space under the PSU shroud for AIO installation or longer power supplies.
  • Built-in VGA support bracket helps take up the unsightly sag that modern, heavy graphics cards often suffer with.
  • Dust filtration includes a magnetic perforated steel filter on the top panel and a perforated steel (not magnetic) dust filter covering the power supply fan vent.
  • Front panel connectivity consists of 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A ports and a single 3.5mm audio jack.
  • Available in black and white colour schemes with dimensions of (L × W × H) 400mm × 225mm × 431mm.

System Installation:

The process of Installing a system inside the Deepcool Macube 110 is ok, but it isn't perfect. There are just a few minor niggles that are a little annoying and slightly increase the time it takes to complete the build. We managed to squeeze in a 280mm AIO in the roof of the case, it is very tight but it does fit. However, with a top-mounted 280mm AIO fitted, it makes connecting or routing the EPS power cable impossible, so make sure you connect the EPS cable before screwing the top radiator in position.

Another slightly annoying thing about the Macube 110 are the front panel cable cutouts, they are in the wrong place, positioned on the front chassis panel rather than on the motherboard tray. For the shortest cable route, you have to use the front panel cut-outs which means routing fan cables cable over the front panel which looks a little messy. Deepcool could have easily solved this problem by putting the cutouts on the motherboard tray next to the front fans.

This type of inner front panel cut out is usually used for routing cables of fans that are mounted on the outside of the inner front panel (between the inner and outer front panel) this is impossible with the Macube 110 as the outer front panel isn't deep enough to allow this type of fan installation. However, once the front panel is clipped into place the cable isn't seen so it might not worry everyone, I'm quite fussy about cable management and neatness.

One other thing worth noting about this case is that when all the side panels are removed there are some very sharp corners protruding from the chassis, I almost got stabbed in the arm a couple of times, so beware. The folded parts of the mortarboard tray with cable tie eyelets are also quite sharp, so be careful not to run cables over them and trap the cables. This could potentially be a hazard if the metal digs into the cable and causes a short.

Other than these minor issues, the build went quite well, there is plenty of space inside the main motherboard compartment, being able to install a 280mm AIO in the front and roof of a micro-ATX case is a bonus and all mounting holes lined up very well with the components. Overall the final build looked very neat indeed, cable management around the right side finished off looking tidy too.

Technical Specifications:

  • Product Dimensions: 400mm×225mm×431mm(L×W×H)
  • Net Weight:2KG
  • Colours: Black/White
  • Materials: ABS, SPCC, Tempered Glass
  • 5″ Drive Bays: 2
  • 5″ Drive Bays: 2
  • 25″ Drive Bays: N/A
  • Power Supply Type: ATX PS2 (maximum length: 160mm)
  • I/O Ports: USB 3.0 × 2, Audio × 1
  • Expansion Slots: 4 Slots
  • Cooling Fans Compatibility: (Pre-installed) Rear: 1 × 120mm DC fan, (Optional) Front 120mm × 3/140mm × 2 (Top) 120mm × 2/140mm × 2
  • Liquid Cooler Compatibility: Front: 120/140/240/280; Top: 120/140/240/280, Rear: 120
  • CPU Cooler Height Limit: 165mm
  • VGA Length Limit: 320mm
  • Cable Management: 20mm clearance

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 demand we run the Aida64 CPU, FPU, Cache and GPU stress test for 30 minutes with the case in various configurations. This should give the system enough time to reach its constant steady-state temperature. 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 Deepcool Castle 280EX 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. Data shown in the charts represent the average CPU/GPU temperature over the length of the test.

Acoustic Testing

Our case testing involves comparing the acoustic performance of the case in several configurations with an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler installed.

These tests will include measuring sound levels with our sound meter from approximately 300mm from the front of the case, under 100% CPU and GPU load.

Load noise levels will be measured by running AIDA64 stressing CPU, FPU, cache and GPU for 30 minutes which give the system enough time to reach its constant steady-state temperature.

CPU and case fan profiles will be set to their standard operating profile in the motherboard BIOS and GPU fans are set to their default fan curve. The CPU cooler used in acoustic testing will be Deepcool Castle 280EX.

The ambient noise level (noise floor) in our test room is measured at 33.1 dBA.

The following configurations will be used to test the effect they have on thermal and acoustic performance:

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

Test System

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
  • Motherboard: Gigabyte B550M Aorus Pro
  • Memory: 16GB (2 x 8GB Modules) Corsair Dominator RGB DDR4-3200Mhz
  • Graphics card: EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 XC3 Ultra
  • Storage: 500GB Corsair MP600 PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
  • Case: Deepcool Macube 110
  • CPU cooler: Deepcool Castle 280EX 280mm AIO
  • System fans: 3 x Deepcool CF120 Plus 120mm RGB
  • Power Supply: Deepcool DQ850-M-V2L 850W 80+ Gold
  • Operating System: Windows 10 20H2

The thermal performance of the Deepcool Macube 110 isn't too bad considering the airflow restrictive nature of the closed front panel. The 15mm vents on either side of the front panel do offer some degree of airflow. However, removing the front panel does reduce the CPU temperature slightly, this is why I would like to see an airflow version of this case or an alternative high airflow front panel.

In terms of the noise levels, this is where the closed front panel design comes into its own. With the front panel installed, noise output is reduced compared with the front panel removed, so a high airflow open front panel would no doubt result in system noise being more noticeable. However, choosing the right fans and creating custom fan curves can keep noise to a minimum in any case.

Closing Thoughts

Taken as a whole, the Deepcool Macube 110 isn't a bad PC case, especially when you take the cost into account. Priced at just a touch under £40 with tempered glass, a 120mm fan pre-installed and reasonably solid build quality, it makes you wonder just how these manufacturers do it for the price. It is amazing to think that you can get all this for under £40, budget cases of the past used to be complete trash, that just isn’t the case any more (no pun intended).

It's not all perfect though, the Macube 110 does have some annoying little issues when it comes to system installation, which adds a few more minutes to the build process. The sharp edges on the case need to be looked at as they could cause a minor injury if you are not careful and the folded parts of the motherboard tray could do with being protected by a rubber or something.

Other than these minor issues, Building a system inside the Macube 110 was an overall good experience, being able to install a 280mm AIO in the front and top of the case (albeit quite tight) is a bonus, even though it does interfere with the motherboard EPS cable a little, which isn’t uncommon with micro-ATX. Space for three 120mm front fans should help a little with airflow through the restrictive front panel too.

The case has a very understated and sleek looking appearance which I like, however, the front panel is a trade-off between clean looks and airflow, with airflow losing out. Although I am fond of the appearance of this case, I would like to see maybe an airflow version or an alternative vented or mesh high airflow front panel for users who intend on installing high spec components that will produce a lot of heat. This would mean that everyone's taste is catered for.

The main problem I have with this case is more to do with the micro-ATX form factor. To me, it seems a little pointless to have this smaller mATX motherboard form factor when compact mid-tower cases that support full-size ATX motherboards are available. I recently reviewed the Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB case which is only 20mm taller than the Macube 110, about the same width and depth but supports ATX motherboards.

A case like the MX410 Mesh-G RGB seems like a better option to me, as it gives the user even more choice in motherboards, it comes with four RGB fans and offers similar specifications in terms of CPU cooler, radiator and graphics card support as the micro-ATX Macube 110. I would like to see the dimensions of micro-ATX cases slimmed down a little more to make them more relevant and be a better fit in the gap between mid-tower ATX and mini-ITX chassis.

But if you are a fan of micro-ATX thinking of building a new system soon or you are looking for a new case to upgrade your current micro-ATX chassis, the Deepcool Macube 110 will be a good choice as it offers impressive component support, it looks great, build quality is fine and it is exceptional value for money.

The Deepcool Macube 110 is available to purchase in the UK for £39.98 HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

  • Sleek looking, minimal appearance.
  • Build quality seems good for the price.
  • Nice features such as the GPU support and tool-free side panel removal.
  • Budget price tag.

Cons:

  • Airflow restricted front panel.
  • Only just smaller than some compact mid-Tower ATX cases.
  • Only one fan included.

KitGuru says: Deepcool’s addition to the Macube series provides a new micro-ATX case to the market with stylish looks and decent build quality. What do you guys think of this case? Is the micro-ATX form factor still relevant these days since the introduction of compact ATX chassis?

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

The post DeepCool MACUBE 110 Micro-ATX Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/james-dawson/deepcool-macube-110-micro-atx-case-review/feed/ 0
Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/james-dawson/cougar-mx410-mesh-g-rgb-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/james-dawson/cougar-mx410-mesh-g-rgb-case-review/#respond Fri, 30 Oct 2020 12:56:43 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=492042 A compact ATX budget case packed full of RGB!

The post Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
The budget PC case market is absolutely flooded with options, though many of them can be very sketchy in terms of build quality and are quite frankly not worth wasting your money on. However, there are some bargains to be had in this sector – just recently KitGuru reviewed the brilliant Phanteks Eclipse P360A priced at under £65, while the MSI MAG Forge 100 series costs around £50-£60 and is another solid choice. Today we look at the Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB, coming at just £43.99. How does it stack up against the competition? Let’s find out.

Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB Features:

  • Compact ATX form factor design, both shorter and slimmer from compared to a traditional ATX mid-tower case, taking up less desktop space, but slightly wider at 210mm for improved cooling performance and cable management.
  • High airflow design with full-length mesh panel allowing almost unrestricted airflow entry at the front of the case.
  • Easy to use Integrated digital ARGB lighting, software free with a built-in controller and the option to connect directly to compatible motherboard 5v headers for system-wide synchronisation.
  • Integrated power supply shroud to hide away unsightly cables with a full-size tempered glass left-hand window panel to show off your clean build.
  • Support for high specification gaming systems including up to ATX size motherboards (Mini ITX/Micro ATX /ATX) and high-end graphics cards with a maximum length of 300mm.
  • Space for storage devices comprises of up to three 2.5-inch SSDs as well as two 3.5-inch HDDs – enough to fulfil most user’s needs.
  • Supported cooling hardware includes the installation of up to a six 120mm fans (3 x front, 2 x top, 1 x rear) water-cooling radiator support up to 240mm in length (front 120/240, top 120/240, rear 120)
  • Four 120mm ARGB fans and 2 x front panel RGB LED strips included with front panel RGB control button.

Full Specifications:

  • Case Form Factor: Mid Tower
  • Motherboard Type: Mini ITX / Micro ATX / ATX
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 210 x 455 x 380 (mm)
  • I/O Panel: USB 3.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 2, Mic x 1 / Audio x 1, RGB Control Button
  • 3.5″ Drive Bay: 2
  • 2.5″ Drive Bay: 3
  • Expansion Slots: 7
  • Cooling Fan Support: Front 120mm x 3 (ARGB fans x 3 pre-installed) Top 120mm x 2, Rear 120mm x 1 (ARGB fan x 1 pre-installed)
  • Maximum Number of Fans: 6 Max.
  • Water Cooling Support: Front 240mm / 120mm, Top 240mm / 120mm (Max. component height on motherboard is 40mm) Rear 120mm
  • Graphics Card Length: 300 (mm) / (Only fans at the front panel) 270 (mm) (Radiator with fans at the front panel) (Horizontal graphics card slots are compatible with RTX 3080/3070.)
  • CPU Cooler Height: 165 (mm)
  • PSU length: 160 (mm)
  • Onboard Lighting System: Integrated Lighting with Addressable RGB LEDs and Dynamic Lighting Effects in the Front Panel
  • RGB Sync with M/B: Yes

The Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB claims to offer all the features and benefits of more expensive premium cases, but in a more compact and affordable chassis. Once removed from the packaging, the size of the MX410 is instantly noticeable – this is much smaller than regular mid-tower ATX cases, measuring just 210mm x 450mm x 380mm (W x H x D) which isn’t much more than some Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX cases.

Before the system build began, we had concerns about whether the installation of an AIO at the front is possible at all while using a high-end graphics card. With the stock fans installed at the front of the case there is only 310mm of space to play with, and our Aorus RX 5700XT measures 290mm. Therefore, our only option is to install the AIO at the top of the chassis which also looks very tight for AIO installation.

There are also some concerns about build quality and the design of the case. A small amount of the filter fabric has not been trimmed correctly and is found poking out of the mesh front panel. At the back of the case, the plastic PCIe slot cover is poorly designed a single screw in the centre of the cover means that the ends can easily come away from the case, while the shape of the cover makes it awkward to remove the thumbscrew by hand.

Space inside the power supply shroud also looks very restricted too, it will almost certainly be impossible to connect and disconnect modular cables with the HDD cage fitted, and there doesn’t look to be much space at all for cables to be hidden with the HDD cage installed in the PSU shroud. The HDD cage also completely blocks off the lower front fan so airflow to any HDDs will be virtually non-existent.

Installing the system inside the Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB turned out to be less problematic than we initially thought. Space for AIO installation is very tight at the top of the case with a high-end motherboard installed. A motherboard with smaller VRM heatsinks and without a rear I/O shroud may offer more space for AIO installation in the roof of the case.

As expected, installing a modular power supply would be difficult with the 3.5-inch HDD cage fitted to the case, so we removed the HDD cage to allow for more space. This could be a problem if your budget only stretches to allow for mechanical HDDs in the system, however, SATA and M.2 SSDs are more affordable these days so it may not be such a big issue leaving the 3.5-inch HDD cage out.

Other than the minor issues mentioned, installing a full-size ATX system with a big high-end graphics card didn't turn out to be such hard work. Novice system builders may find it challenging building an ATX system inside such a compact chassis, but for anyone with experience the job isn't so difficult and it looks neat in the end, with enough space for high-end hardware and tidy cable management.

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 in gaming we will run 3Dmark Time Spy benchmark in a loop 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 Cougar Aqua 240, 240mm AIO and the graphics card stock cooling solution. We will then measure thermal performance using a CPU Tower (Noctua NH-D15) with the case in the same configurations.

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 will be used to test the effect they have on thermal and acoustic performance:

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

Test System

  • Chassis: Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT
  • Motherboard: Gigabyte B550 Aorus Master
  • CPU Cooler: Cougar Aqua 240 240mm AIO/ Noctua NH-D15
  • Memory: 16 GB (2 x 8 GB + 2 dummy modules) Aorus RGB Memory DDR4-3600
  • Graphics: Aorus AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
  • Storage Drive: 500 GB Corsair MP600 PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD
  • Power Supply: Adata XPG Core Reactor 750 GOLD 750W
  • OS: Windows 10 version 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.

Note: The Noctua NH-D15 used in this test was configured in single/central fan specification due to CPU cooler/case Height restriction.

Thermal Performance Overview:

The Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB is an airflow focused case with a mesh panel that spans almost the entire front of the case. The mesh aims to provide almost unrestricted airflow into the system to improve thermal performance and component temperature under load.

Our thermal performance test using both an AIO closed-loop CPU liquid cooler and a CPU tower cooler shows that the high airflow front panel of the MX410 Mesh-G RGB is doing the job of keeping internal system temperature well under control.

A fluctuation of just 2-3 degrees Celsius average delta temperature was recorded during our testing with the case in various configurations.

Closing Thoughts

While we did come across some minor issues with the build quality and some small difficulties during the system installation, the Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB has no fundamental problems that make us believe that it is a poor case, it is quite the opposite. Cougar has to be commended for squeezing ATX motherboard support into such a compact ATX form factor – the dimensions of the case are comparable to other Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX chassis on the market, taking up a similar footprint of desk space.

This does mean that installation of certain components such as an AIO cooler or a long, high-end graphics card is slightly compromised. However, we still managed to squeeze in a 240mm AIO in the roof of the case, as well as our Aorus RX 5700XT which is a 2.7 slot graphics card measuring 290mm long. With our high-end B550 Aorus Master motherboard and its large VRM heatsink and I/O shroud, it made the AIO a very tight fit and the long GPU meant the AIO could only fit up top and not in the front of the case.

That said, it did all fit inside this very compact chassis which is impressive. 3.5-inch HDD installation was also compromised since we had to remove the HDD cage to fit our ADATA XGP Core Reactor 750w modular power supply. This isn't such a problem as there is still space for three 2.5-inch drives and M.2 device don’t take up any case space.

As well as being compact, the MX410 Mesh-G RGB is very affordable at around £45 currently. The build quality may not quite live up to the more mid-range cases from the likes of Phanteks, be quiet!, Fractal etc, but it has several more premium features we'd expect to see, such as a tempered glass side panel, handy cable management options and lashings of RGB.

You may not be getting the best build quality possible but the chassis feels solid when all panels are installed, so we can't knock it too hard, it is just the little finishing touches that slightly let it down. However, if your budget for a case is tight and you want the features such as tempered glass and addressable RGB, this may be a worthy candidate for your next budget gaming build.

The Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB is available to purchase from Amazon UK now, priced at £43.99 HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

  • Super compact ATX form factor.
  • Plenty of RGB included.
  • Great airflow.
  • Budget price tag

Cons:

  • Questionable build quality in certain areas.
  • AIO and PSU installation can be a tight squeeze.

KitGuru says: The Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB is the new benchmark for ultra-budget cases with its super-compact ATX form factor, tempered glass and array of RGB lighting.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

The post Cougar MX410 Mesh-G RGB Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/james-dawson/cougar-mx410-mesh-g-rgb-case-review/feed/ 0
MSI announces the MPG Sekira 100 series gaming PC cases https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/msi-announces-the-mpg-sekira-100-series-gaming-pc-cases/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/msi-announces-the-mpg-sekira-100-series-gaming-pc-cases/#respond Thu, 20 Aug 2020 10:33:21 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=482450 This week, MSI continues to expand its portfolio of PC cases. The latest addition to the lineup is the MPG Sekira 100 Series, featuring a minimalistic and elegant design. The MPG Sekira 100 series consists of the MPG Sekira 100R and the MPG Sekira 100P. The MPG Sekira 100R uses a “two-tone design”, featuring a front …

The post MSI announces the MPG Sekira 100 series gaming PC cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
This week, MSI continues to expand its portfolio of PC cases. The latest addition to the lineup is the MPG Sekira 100 Series, featuring a minimalistic and elegant design. The MPG Sekira 100 series consists of the MPG Sekira 100R and the MPG Sekira 100P.

The MPG Sekira 100R uses a “two-tone design”, featuring a front panel which has the top half in aluminium and the bottom half in tempered glass. The MPG Sekira 100P features a “monochromatic design” with a front panel only made of sheets of aluminium. The Sekira 100R comes with 3x ARGB 120mm fans, 1x ARGB 120mm at the rear, and an ARGB LED control hub to customise the fans lighting effects, while the 100P comes with 3x standard 120mm fans at the front and 1x 120mm fan at the rear.

Both cases have a tempered glass side panel and use a top sliding vent that increases airflow and allows easy access to the dust filter on top of the case. Besides this dust filter, there's also one on the front and another one on the bottom. The front I/O panel of both cases has 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen1 ports, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen2 port, 1x audio-in jack, 1x audio-out jack, and the power and reset buttons. The Sekira 100R comes with an additional Insta-Light loop button to cycle through the RGB profiles.

The Sekira 100 series cases support 2x 2.5-inch drives and another 2x 2.5/3.5-inch drives in the removable HDD tray. You can mount Mini-ITX, mATX, ATX, and E-ATX motherboards, 170mm tall CPU coolers, 340mm long GPU, and up to 250mm long PSUs if you remove the HDD tray removed.

You can install up to 6x 120mm fans or 4x 140mm fans and 1x 120mm fan in these cases. You can mount 3x 120mm fans or 2x 140mm fans on the front, 2x 140/120mm fans on the top, and 1x 120mm fan on the rear. Radiator support includes a 280/360mm radiator on the front, a 240mm radiator on the top, and a 120mm radiator at the rear.

MSI hasn't shared details about pricing or availability of the MPG Sekira 100 series cases. You can learn more about the MPG Sekira 100R HERE, and the MPG Sekira 100P HERE.

KitGuru says: Have you ever owned an MSI case? Out of these two cases, which one would you choose for your rig?

The post MSI announces the MPG Sekira 100 series gaming PC cases first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/joao-silva/msi-announces-the-mpg-sekira-100-series-gaming-pc-cases/feed/ 0
Deepcool CL500 PC Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/deepcool-cl500-pc-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/deepcool-cl500-pc-case-review/#respond Fri, 14 Aug 2020 11:00:48 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=480666 The CL500 PC case from Deepcool offers an alternative to the usual high airflow front panel

The post Deepcool CL500 PC Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Deepcool has become an established brand that continually produces quality products at an affordable price. The company’s latest addition to its range of mid-tower PC cases is set to continue with this trend by offering a value segment, high airflow case that Deepcool claims to provide form and function in one package. But what exactly does this mean? Let’s find out.

The recent crop of Deepcool mid-tower cases I have reviewed featured airflow restrictive solid front panel designs. With the new CL500 mid-tower ATX chassis, Deepcool has stepped away from the solid front panel design and opted for a high airflow front with integrated dust filtration which is sure to please many PC enthusiasts out there.

Unlike most of the high airflow PC cases currently on the market from competitors that feature a large mesh section mounted inside either a plastic or metal front panel frame, Deepcool has done its own thing with the CL500 which is a refreshing change. The CL500 high airflow front panel features a vertical fin design that extends to the top panel, which makes the case almost resemble a giant heatsink.

CL500 isn’t all about airflow and appearance though, it also includes some handy built-in features such as tool-free side panel removal, both the tempered glass and steel side panels are attached to the case magnetically making them easy to remove for quick tool-free access to the system components. The top panel also removes from the chassis tool-free with a simple push-button release.

Inside the case, Deepcool has included what the company calls practical accessories. A four-way PWM fan hub is located on the back of the motherboard tray towards the top of the case and a built-in GPU support bracket helps to take up the sag we often see in heavy, high-end graphics cards. Both of these features we have seen before in the Deepcool Macube 310P that we reviewed earlier this year.

However, the CL500 is a very different case compared with the Macube 310P, there has certainly been more work done with the new stylish appearance. As well as the high airflow and tool-free panels, the case features a two-tone colour scheme with contrasting black and gunmetal front and top panels but there is no out of the box RGB lighting, just a simple plain black 120mm system fan is pre-installed at the rear of the case.

The Deepcool CL500 is a regular size mid-tower case standing 519mm tall, 473mm deep and 226mm wide, which means it can support liquid cooling hardware such as up to 360mm front-mounted radiators or AIOs, 240mm top radiators and 120mm at the rear. Alternatively, the front panel can house up to three 120mm or two 140mm fans, two 120mm or 140mm fans can also be installed in the roof with a single 120mm fan space at the rear.

Full-size ATX motherboard support is also included, so that means mATX and Mini-ITX boards can be fitted too. Maximum supported GPU length is up to 330mm so an extensive range of graphics cards can be installed inside the CL500. Maximum CPU cooler height is 165mm and power supplies up to 160mm can be installed behind the integrated PSU shroud.

Around the back of the case is the usual seven horizontal PCIe slots, however, there is no official word on vertical GPU mounting support. At the front of the case, the I/O panel includes one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, a single 3.5mm TTRS headphone and mic jack as well as the usual power and reset buttons.

Key Features

  • High airflow design
  • Tool-free panel removal
  • Integrated fan hub
  • Built-in VGA support bracket
  • Multiple radiator support

Specifications

Motherboards Mini-ITX / Micro-ATX / ATX
Materials ABS+SPCC+Tempered Glass
Product Dimensions 473 x 226 x 519 mm (L x W X H)
Item Weight 8.4kg
Warranty 1 year
5.25″ Drive Bays 0
3.5″ Drive Bays 2
2.5″ Drive Bays 2
Front I/O Panel USB3.0 x2

USB3.1 Type-C x1

Audio x1

Expansion Slots 7
Cooling Fans Compatibility Front: 120mm x3 / 140mm x2

Top: 120mm x2

Rear: 120mm x1 (Pre-installed)

Power Supply Type ATX PS2 (160mm max length)
CPU Cooler Height Limit 165mm
Radiator Support Front: 360mm, 280mm

Top: 240mm

Rear: 120mm

VGA Length Limit 330mm
Cable Management 23mm

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

The post Deepcool CL500 PC Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/deepcool-cl500-pc-case-review/feed/ 0
SilverStone LUCID LD03-AF Mini-ITX Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/silverstone-lucid-ld03-af-mini-itx-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/silverstone-lucid-ld03-af-mini-itx-case-review/#respond Fri, 07 Aug 2020 14:17:57 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=479439 SilverStone's updated LD03-AF is here, but has it changed enough compared to the original?

The post SilverStone LUCID LD03-AF Mini-ITX Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
SilverStone released the original LD03 Mini-ITX case about a year ago and it received a generally positive response from reviewers and the ITX audience. However, the one area that generated debate was the lack of airflow to the GPU. SilverStone has now released a new airflow-oriented version of the LUCID LD03 Mini-ITX case, but has the company done enough to remedy the issue? Let’s find out.

The original SilverStone LD03 Mini-ITX case certainly looked the part with a unique three-sided tempered glass exterior giving it an appearance like no other mini-ITX case on the market. Thankfully, SilverStone hasn’t messed with the appearance too much in this new LUCID LD03-AF (airflow) version, it still has those angular tempered glass panels that make it look right at home in most scenarios, whether that is a modern office setting or maybe even next to the TV in your living room, it has the style to pull it off.

Theoretically, the airflow and cooling concept of the original LD03 should have worked very well, and indeed it did in terms of CPU and system temperature due to its cold air intake at the bottom and warm air exhausting from a vent at the top of the chassis, a natural path to disperse heat from a case. However, when it came to graphics card cooling, the LD03 wasn’t perfect. GPU temperature isn’t horrendous using the original LD03 but it is at least a few degrees higher than what we would call optimal.

The reason for this common opinion regarding GPU temperature inside the LUCID LD03 is due to some graphics card being positioned very close to one of the tempered glass panels, strangling airflow to the fans and therefore raising GPU temperature. Fear not, SilverStone claims to have fixed the problem in the new LUCID LD03-AF by simply adding a vent to the tempered glass panel near the GPU, meaning the GPU can now breathe cool air again.

Other than this quite obvious alteration to the exterior and the addition of a USB Type-C port, the LD03-AF is virtually identical to its predecessor. It supports Mini-ITX and Mini-DTX motherboards installed in a vertical orientation with the rear I/O ports located at the top of the case, technically making it a top I/O. This neat package means all cables can be attached to the system in one place and hidden behind the top vent panel.

The LUCID LD03-AF comes with two 120mm case fans pre-installed, one in the bottom of the chassis as a cool air intake and one at the top to exhaust warm air. The new GPU vent is simply a cut-out in the tempered glass panel with a removable plastic grill and integrated dust filtration, while still retaining the original CPU and system airflow path and thermal performance.

With its compact vertical stance, the LUCID LD03-AF offers a small footprint so it would leave plenty of space on a desk for other peripherals such as a monitor, keyboard and mouse. SilverStone claims that the case supports the installation of full-size CPU coolers up to 190mm tall, full-length graphics cards up to a whopping 309mm long as well as 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SSDs/HDDs.

Just like the original LD03, the AF version features a tool-less panel removal solution which SilverStone labels as “advanced engineering with precision manufacturing” as well as quick access to removable dust filters for easy maintenance. An internal volume of 25.2 Litres means the system inside the LD03-AF is powered by an SFX or SFX-L form factor power supply.

Front panel connectivity could be considered conservative with just a single USB 3.0 Type-A port and 3.5mm jacks for audio and microphone at the top of the case, however, there is also a single USB-Type C port located here too as an added bonus. Two PCIe expansion slots located at the top of the case means graphics cards of 2 slot plus thickness can be installed inside the chassis.

During this review, we plan to test how much this new graphics card air intake has affected GPU temperature when the system is under load compared with the original LD03. Unfortunately, we don’t have the original LD03 in the office for direct comparison, so we will have to get creative by blocking the vent to simulate the more restrictive design of the original solid tempered glass panel, which shouldn’t be too difficult with some sticky tape and cardboard…

Key features

  • New improved airflow to the graphics card
  • Three-sided tempered glass panel design
  • Modern sleek appearance
  • Small footprint
  • Tool-less panel removal for easy access

Specifications

Model No. SST-LD03B-AF (Black, Airflow version)
Material Tempered glass panels, steel body
Motherboard Mini-DTX, Mini-ITX
Drive bay 3.5″ x 1 (compatible with 2.5″), 2.5″ x 1
Cooling system 3.5″ x 1 (compatible with 2.5″), 2.5″ x 1
Connectors

Top 1 x 120mm fan (120mm fan x 1 included)

Bottom 1 x 120mm fan (120mm fan x 1 included)

Expansion slot 2
Front I/O port USB Type-C x 1
USB 3.0 x 1
Audio x 1
MIC x 1
Power supply SFX & SFX-L
Expansion card Compatible up to 12.1″ (309mm) long, width restriction 6.59″ (167mm)
Limitation of CPU cooler 190mm
Net weight 5.22kg
Dimension 265mm (W) x 414mm (H) x 230mm (D), 25.2 Liters
10.43″ (W) x 16.3″ (H) x 9.06″ (D), 25.2 Liters

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

The post SilverStone LUCID LD03-AF Mini-ITX Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/silverstone-lucid-ld03-af-mini-itx-case-review/feed/ 0
Enermax launch the MarbleShell case series https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/enermax-launch-the-marbleshell-case-series/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/enermax-launch-the-marbleshell-case-series/#respond Sun, 02 Aug 2020 09:42:37 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=479794 Enermax has launched a new range of value segment cases named the MarbleShell series featuring a unique front panel design and ARGB lighting. The compact MarbleShell series is available in two different versions with two colours to choose from. MarbleShell MS20 and MS30 cases from Enermax are very similar in appearance, both include a font …

The post Enermax launch the MarbleShell case series first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Enermax has launched a new range of value segment cases named the MarbleShell series featuring a unique front panel design and ARGB lighting. The compact MarbleShell series is available in two different versions with two colours to choose from.

MarbleShell MS20 and MS30 cases from Enermax are very similar in appearance, both include a font panel design optimised for airflow with lighting effects reflecting through the gaps in the front of the case to create the marble-like effect. However, internally there are some subtle differences between the two MarbleShell cases.

The MarbleShell MS20 is a micro-ATX mini-tower case supporting micro-ATX and mini-ITX motherboards only. While the slightly larger MS30 is a traditional mid-tower chassis featuring support for full ATX motherboards as well as micro-ATX and mini-ITX. Both cases include a tempered glass side panel and pre-installed ARGB fans that can be controlled by a compatible motherboard or alternatively by using the ARGB hub integrated into the case.

A total of six ARGB fans can be connected to the integrated hub, the MS20 comes with two 120mm ARGB fans and a regular non-LED system fan. The larger MarbleShell MS30 has three 120mm ARGB fans and a regular 120mm fan included. Both cases support a maximum of 2 x 140mm or 3 x 120mm fans in the front panel, 2 x 140mm or 2 x 120mm fans in the roof and a single 120mm rear fan.

In terms of liquid cooling, the MS20 can house up to a 280mm radiator in the front of the case and a 120mm radiator in the rear, while the MS30 supports up to a 360mm front-mounted radiator, as well as a 240mm in the roof and a 120mm rear radiator. Maximum CPU cooler height in the MarbleShell MS20 and MS30 is up to 164mm and 175mm respectively and maximum GPU length is 368mm in the MS20 and 357mm in the MS30.

Both the Enermax MS20 and MS30 are available to purchase in the U.S priced at $59.99 for the MS20 and around $80 for the MarbleShell MS30.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: As far as we can tell, the Enermax MarbleShell MS20 and MS30 are not available in Europe yet, if they do become available over here would any of you guys be interested in buying either of them?

The post Enermax launch the MarbleShell case series first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/enermax-launch-the-marbleshell-case-series/feed/ 0
Antec launch the DF600 FLUX airflow case https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/antec-launch-the-df600-flux-airflow-case/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/antec-launch-the-df600-flux-airflow-case/#respond Sat, 01 Aug 2020 13:21:06 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=479751 Antec has announced the addition of a new PC case to the company’s FLUX series this week, the brand new Antec DF600 FLUX is equipped with “advanced ventilation” which Antec claims to take the FLUX series thermal performance to the next level. The company says it has developed a revolutionary structure for airflow with the …

The post Antec launch the DF600 FLUX airflow case first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Antec has announced the addition of a new PC case to the company’s FLUX series this week, the brand new Antec DF600 FLUX is equipped with “advanced ventilation” which Antec claims to take the FLUX series thermal performance to the next level.

The company says it has developed a revolutionary structure for airflow with the DF600 FLUX case to provide improved airflow and thermal performance for new 10th Gen Intel Core processors and AMD Ryzen CPUs named the F-LUX platform.

According to Antec, F-LUX stands for “FLOW LUXURY” which features an advanced case structure and excellent airflow with five pre-installed 120mm fans primarily designed to improve GPU core temperature. Additional ventilation pulls cool air into the system via an intake situated at the lower right-hand side of the case, through the power supply shroud and into the main chamber of the case where components are installed.

Pre-installed to the case are three 120mm ARGB fans behind the front fascia, one 120mm exhaust fan in the rear panel of the chassis as well as a 120mm reverse fan on top of the PSU shroud pulling cool air into the system through the right-hand side panel vent, in an effort to improve the thermal performance of the GPU. In total, there is space inside the case for up to nine 120mm fans.

In terms of liquid cooling support, at the front of the chassis is space for up to a 360mm radiator or AIO and a 120mm radiator can be positioned at the rear of the case in place of the 120mm exhaust fan. All LEDs can be controlled via a built-in addressable controller, supporting up to six ARGB fans. The DF600 also offers support for the installation of up to three 3.5-inch HDDs and 2.5-inch SSDs, maximum GPU length is 405mm and power supplies up to 205mm long can be installed inside the PSU shroud.

The DF600 FLUX is backed by Antec's 2-Year Warranty and is expected to hit U.S stores soon, priced at $69.99 and is available to pre-order in the UK now for around £70.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: At around £70, the Antec DF600 FLUX sounds like pretty good value when taking into account the included fans and ARGB controller, what do you guys think?

The post Antec launch the DF600 FLUX airflow case first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/antec-launch-the-df600-flux-airflow-case/feed/ 0
Phanteks Enthoo Pro II Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/phanteks-enthoo-pro-ii-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/phanteks-enthoo-pro-ii-case-review/#respond Thu, 23 Jul 2020 11:00:05 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=475806 Two systems inside one PC case? Yes, you can do that with the Phanteks Enthoo Pro II!

The post Phanteks Enthoo Pro II Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Phanteks revealed the Enthoo Pro II full tower chassis back at CES earlier in the year and I’ve been looking forward to getting hands on to see how it compares to the original. I used the original Enthoo Pro chassis and it was a loyal servant for many years. The build quality and feature-set of the original were impressive, so I can’t wait to see what improvements, if any, have been made with the Pro II.

Phanteks claims to have improved the design of Enthoo Pro II over the original, while the company has also added a tonne of new features. Users can now install dual systems or dual power supplies inside the new case and there is also an abundance of options for storage devices and exotic custom water-cooling solutions.

In typical Phanteks Enthoo Pro tradition, the exterior of the Pro II is very understated. It's a plain black design and a traditional-looking square almost box-like shape – something that I quite like. However, Phanteks has attempted to pull the Enthoo Pro II into the new generation with the addition of a small but well-designed RGB lighting strip inside the middle of the case that splits the two sections.

The main focus of the Enthoo Pro II is to provide a home for a huge amount of hardware. There are acres of space inside the chassis for water cooling, with four potential areas where big radiators can be installed. Both in the front panel and to the right of the top motherboard tray are mounting points for up to 480mm radiators, 420mm radiators can be installed in the roof and there is additional space in the floor of the chassis for a 360mm radiator too.

Not only does the Enthoo Pro II offer an excellent opportunity for water cooling, but it also provides users with the option of installing two systems inside one case. In the top section of the case is a typical motherboard tray that can support up to E-ATX form factor with a total of eight PCIe slots available, while the bottom of the case can house a completely separate mini-ITX system mounted on the power supply shroud.

 

This means that the Enthoo Pro II could be ideal for various scenarios, such as integrating two systems into one chassis for streaming, a dual system for busy professionals with the top system perfect for installing high-end desktop components maybe for video editing while utilising the bottom of the case for a mini-ITX gaming build.

Due to the huge amount of storage options available in the Enthoo Pro II, the case could also potentially be used as a home server with an integrated PC. Out of the box, the Enthoo Pro II offers support for the installation of up to eleven SSDs plus four HDDs. Additional HDD cages can be purchased separately to expand storage space to a total of a whopping twelve 3.5-inch HDDs.

Another feature of the Enthoo Pro two is the option of running two power supplies inside the chassis. Using one of Phanteks own Revolt Pro power supplies, users can install a second unit into the case connected to the Revolt Pro to offer additional power for a single system or to be used for redundancy purposes in case of power failure

It seems as though Phanteks has thought of everything with the Enthoo Pro II, even the front I/O ports and buttons can be shared and split between two systems. Four USB 3.0 Type-A ports on the front panel can be split, so two for each system and the reset button/HDD LED on the front panel can be connected to the second system to use as a power-on switch and power LED.

Included with the case is a range of accessories. Four 3.5-inch HDD cages can be installed to the chassis in various locations, additional brackets are available to buy extra. There is also a Vertical GPU installation bracket (PCIe riser cable has to be purchased separately) as well as a GPU anti-sag bracket that fits the back of the motherboard tray. The case also comes with a handy container with various screws, motherboard standoffs and other installation hardware.

You would be forgiven for thinking that all this will come at a high cost, well not in this case. The Phanteks Enthoo Pro II is priced around the £130 mark which almost makes it a budget chassis compared with other full tower cases on the market, but it is certainly not low of features, let us just hope that the build quality isn’t budget too.

Key Features

  • Extensive Water cooling support
  • High capacity for storage
  • Full Tower design
  • High airflow front panel
  • Dual system or dual power supply installation

Specifications

Case Dimension (WxHxD) 240 x 580 x 560mm / 9.5 x 22.8 x 22.0 in
Form Factor Full Tower
Materials Steel Chassis
Motherboard Support SSI-EEB, E-ATX, ATX, micro-ATX, mini-ITX
Front IO USB-C GEN 2
4x USB 3.0
Microphone/Headphone
Reset Button
Power Button
LED Mode Button
LED Color Button
Connectors Power Switch
Reset Switch
HD-audio
Power-LED (12V SATA)
HDD-LED
USB 3.0
USB 3.1 GEN 2
D-RGB Expansion
D-RGB MB Adapter
Side Window Tempered Glass Window
PCI Slots 8
Vertical GPU Yes, with optional Vertical GPU Bracket
Internal 3.5” bay 12 (4x included, also supports 2.5” drives)
Internal 2.5” bay 11 (11x included)
Total Fan Mounts 15 x 120 mm / 8 x 140 mm
Front Fan 4 x 120 mm / 3 x140 mm
Top Fan 3 x 120 mm / 3 x 140 mm
Rear Fan 1 x 120 mm / 1 x 140 mm
Side Fan 4 x 120 mm
Front Radiator up to 480 mm / up to 420 mm
Top Radiator up to 360 mm
Rear Radiator 120 mm / 140 mm
Bottom Radiator up to 360 mm
Side Radiator up to 480 mm
GPU Length 503 mm / 19.8 in
CPU Cooler Height 195 mm / 7.7 in
Motherboard Width Max 305 x 330 mm (SSI-EEB)
Side Radiator Max 134 x 525 x 35 mm (on the right side of chassis)
Cable Management Velcro Straps / Zip Tie Locations

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

The post Phanteks Enthoo Pro II Case Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/phanteks-enthoo-pro-ii-case-review/feed/ 0