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Published: Mar 31, 2009 Author: Michael Chiu Editor: Amber Lupala Provider: Thermaltake Share this article:

First Look at Thermaltake Element Case

When I choose a computer case, I am often drawn towards a couple of things: good looks and cool features that will make building and using the computer enjoyable. Thermaltake, makers of a wide variety of computer products, sent us a sample of one of their new cases, the Thermaltake Element S Computer case, which from the package seems to combine stylish looks with a sophisticated design. Does this case have all the elements needed to be considered a case for pros? Let’s find out in this case review.

About Thermaltake-

Check out their website- www.thermaltake.com

We live in a world where most things seem to move at the speed of light. At Thermaltake, we feel the same way and that is exactly how Thermaltake conducts itself to deliver innovative, reliable and customer-centric solutions to the worldwide market.

Since the beginning of Thermaltake in 1999, it has been at the forefront of creating new and exciting products at a time where most computer users were provided little to no choices for components that may seem irrelevant, but in reality crucial to the performance of a PC.

With its comprehensive line of products available, it enables Thermaltake's core customers to enjoy a one-stop-shop experience, reduce product design-in evaluation period and most important of all, flawless integration process. Each of Thermaltake's strengths enables its customer to focus on their core business while taking advantage of the skills and efficiency of a single thermal management solution partner.

Features:
Anti-vibration & noise reduction materal on side panel
Stealth Black Interior
Massive Storage Capability with 7 x 3.5" and 2 x 2.5" HDD bays
Direction-free HDD cage
Excellent thermal performance with optimal air flow
Folding edge design to strengthen structure and prevent cutting

Specifications:
Case Type:  Mid Tower
Material:  SECC
Front Bezel Material:  Plastic
Color:  Black
Side Panel:  Solid
Motherboard Support:  Micro ATX, Standard ATX
Motherboard Tray :  No
5.25" Drive Bay:  3
Ext. 3.5" Drive Bay:  0
Int. 3.5" Drive Bay:  7
Expansion Slots:  7
Front I/O Ports:  USB 2.0 x 2, eSATA & HD Audio ports
Cooling System : 
- Front (intake) : 120 x 120 x 25 mm TurboFan, 1300 rpm, 17 dBA : 120 x 120 x 25 mm (optional)
- Rear (exhaust) : 140 x 140 x 25 mm TurboFan, 1000 rpm, 16 dBA
- Top(exhaust) : 230 x 230 x 20 mm red LED fan, 800 rpm, 15 dBA
- VGA (exhaust) : Two 60 x 60 mm fan(optional)
Liquid Cooling Capable:  No
Liquid Cooling Embedded:  No
Power Supply Supported:  Standard ATX PSII(optional)
Power Supply Included:  No
Dimension (H*W*D):  21.3 x 9.1 x 19.9 in/505 x 230 x 540 mm
Net Weight:  19.49 lbs/ 8.84 kg

The product

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The Thermaltake Element Series Computer Case came in a nicely-decorated cardboard box full of pictures and list of features. It should be noted that the case comes with an optional side fan and clear panel; our review sample had a solid panel.

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Like the previously reviewed Thermaltake Spedo case, this case was secured by styrofoam inserts and inside a cloth bag. Removing the case from the box, we find a mid-sized, black ATX tower with a nice smooth metallic finish highlighted by a red accent strip on the front of the case. .

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Taking a closer look at the front of the case, the drive bays are concealed by a nice black door. I like the clean look of the solid door with the ventilation occurring along the perimeter. While it looks as though there are 9 external drive bays, only 3 of them are externally-facing 5.25” drive bays, with the rest being covered by fans. The door is secured with a strong magnet that should offer lasting holding power.

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The top of the Element case is rather busy compared to the plain front. Near the front of the top is where the power/reset buttons and the two USB ports, microphone/headset ports, and an eSATA port are located. The design of having the buttons on the top of the case is becoming more popular and makes a lot of sense if your case will be sitting on the floor. Towards the back of the case, we find a large 230mm cooling fan, which should provide plenty of ventilation for this case.