Thermaltake - Core V1 Mini Itx Desktop Case Review
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Here at WePC, we've had the pleasure of putting several of Thermaltake'southward PC cases through their paces over the last couple of weeks – most noticeably the Thermaltake View 71. Thermaltake is really starting to increase the quality of their case lineup, giving consumers a ton of new additions that are seriously worth consideration. With that in mind, today we've decided to put one of their smaller cases to the test to run into how it stacks up in build quality, thermals, dissonance levels, and associates.
The case we'll be looking at today is the polar opposite of the Thermaltake View 71, literally. Its a 10th of the size, and almost equally as inexpensive in pricing when compared to the Thermaltake Cadre V1. This is one of the older Mini-ITX cases all the same being sold today, however, don't let that fool you. This instance still holds a firm place in today's market thanks to some interesting design features which we'll touch upon afterwards.
Before we become into any further detail regarding the Core V1, let'due south start off by taking a closer look at the specs and some of the cooling variations that are bachelor.
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Pros
- Large enough to fit full-length GPUs
- Decent amount of design features
- Every panel is interchangeable
- Nice aesthetics
- Large 200mm intake fan on the front
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Cons
- Limited internal space
- Only two expansion slots
- Build quality could be better
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Specifications
| Case Type | Mini Case |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (mm) | 276 10 260 x 316 (L x W ten H) |
| Materials | SPCC |
| Available Colours | Black White |
| Weight | 3.2Kg (including box) |
| Front I/O panel | USB 3.0 x ii, audio x 1, microphone jack x 1 |
| Expansion Slots | ii |
| Bulldoze Trophy | two x 3.5" 2 x two.five" |
| Motherboard back up | Mini-ITX |
| Cooling (Front/Rear) | 1 ten 120mm or ane ten 140mm or 1 x 200mm 2 x 80mm |
| Maximum GPU length | 255mm (inner chassis) 285mm (outer chassis) |
What'southward In The Box
The Thermaltake Core V1 came in a modest brown cardboard box accompanied by 2 styrofoam protectors. The box had very piddling to offer, having said that, the case arrived undamaged and that is all that matters. Inside nosotros institute the following:
- Thermaltake Cadre V1
- Accessory Box
- User Manual
Blueprint
The Outside
So, looking at the design, this case doesn't really offer much in the means of artful appeal. I mean, it's a pocket-size cube. Exciting, right? Well, that depends on your personal taste in small form factor cases, I suppose. This i comes to shelves with an all-blackness theme, with the merely distinction being the Thermaltake logo (found on the bottom of the front panel) and the acrylic roof panel. The front does offer a mesh-like stop to allow that huge 200mm fan to describe sufficient airflow, whilst the sides are mainly solid steel with a small surface area for air-intake at the bottom.
Overall, the pattern of this instance is fairly basic. Merely, I suppose that's what you get from a instance of this price point. I'd much rather the manufacturer spent their efforts increasing features internally – for an easier build assembly. Then, ultimately, it'due south not the best-looking example in the earth, granted, simply it'southward certainly not the worst either.
Front
As mentioned above, the front of the Thermaltake Core V1 is archetype of the Cadre series from Thermaltake. The steel mesh that we've come to know from this range is made of minor holes which helps provide ample airflow to the 200mm fan. The logo can be seen on the front panel at the bottom, and the I/O ports are located on the left-mitt side. The top and bottom edges of the forepart panel have been rounded off in true Core style, giving information technology a flake of a design characteristic if zero else.
Rear
The back of the chassis definitely offers the most functionality every bit far as the panels are concerned. All the thumbscrews can be found for each of the side panels at the back of the example. They all feel relatively cheap, but that's to be expected from a case of this price betoken. At the top of the back panel, you can clearly see ii mounting areas for a couple of 80mm fans. At present, that sounds like a nifty idea initially, extra airflow. All the same, in hindsight, unless you get extremely quiet fans, this is simply going to add together a ton of dissonance to this instance. Then, just keep that in listen.
Underneath the fan mounts, yous'll see the cutting-out for the I/O shield next to the ii expansion slots this case comes equipped with. Moving down, you'll encounter the PSU cutting-out which does play host to a standard size PSU. A great feature when you consider many of the SFF cases won't provide this compatibility. Finally, underneath information technology all is a pocket-sized tab that can be pulled to remove the PSU dust filter.
Side On
Looking at this case from the left-hand side, you'll exist able to meet the I/O ports towards the front end. This case offers 2 ten USB 3.0 ports, a headphone and microphone jack, and standard power/residual buttons likewise. One nice design feature of the side panels is that they both come with a large honeycomb mesh section included. This means when you install your GPU, it'll take sufficient access to air when needed. The opposite side panel is identical to this, except for the I/O ports, and is fully interchangeable if you want to experiment.
The Pinnacle
The superlative of this case offers the most stylish look of whatever of the panels on this case. It comes equipped with a rather large acrylic viewing window – when you consider the entire size of the case that is. This is implemented purely for pattern reasons and gives you the option of showing off your hardware if you lot wish to practice then. Autonomously from that, the top really doesn't accept anything to offer. No fans tin be mounted here, and there are no stand up-out features to note.
The Inside
And so, to the within. Now, even though this instance hasn't got a groovy deal of space to work with when compared against a mid-tower instance, it's really considered adequately roomy when comparison to other small course cistron cases.
Starting at the front, to gain access to the 200mm fan and the I/O port connection, you can simply remove the front panel. Do this by sliding the top panel backward slightly, and using the lip to edge the front panel away. In one case inside, you lot'll accept easy access to remove the 200mm fan if you wish to do then. Users accept the option of reinstalling a single 120mm fan or 140mm fan in its identify. During installation, we found that removing the 200mm fan from the forepart, gave u.s.a. a tonne more room to access cabling and such. This is a definite recommendation if yous plan on purchasing this case.
Looking at the Core V1 from the left-hand side, with the front panel facing to the right, you tin can encounter the internal design of the case pretty well. Thermaltake has created a layered system where the motherboard sits on its side higher up the PSU. This is a bully way of positioning the components as it makes cablevision direction a hell of a lot easier. Information technology as well means y'all won't be stretching too far for any particular component. You'll probably notice that the PSU department is extremely tight. Sliding the PSU in is not an choice. Having said that, you can merely remove the bottom panel, flip the case upside down and install the PSU that style. Easy.
The back of the case offers little features and no pre-installed frazzle fans. Having said that, it does have room to mount 2 ten 80mm fans to a higher place the I/O port cut-out. The expansion slots tin exist accessed by removing the plastic protector that clips into the back of the case. Apart from that, there is very little to report. Simply that's to be expected from a mini-ITX case.
The concluding side of the example is the correct side panel. Once the panel has been removed you lot expose the two difficult drive trays which can be removed if y'all wish. They support both 3.five″ and ii.5″ drives and are fastened by a unmarried thumbscrew institute on the motherboard tray.
Features
Now that we've taken a look at the exterior and interior from a design point of view, let's take a closer await at some of the more than subtle features that may not jump out initially.
Design – At present, even though I may have played down the design before, from an artful point-of-view anyway, the Core V1 definitely sits highly when it comes to features from a build assembly aspect. Because this is a small case, and room is fairly express, information technology was handy to exist able to remove all the panels in order to get at the components and the cabling. Every bit mentioned above, removing the front end fan is pretty handy when linking everything up to the PSU.
Furthermore, there is a definite cooling aspect that can exist explored when interchanging the side panels. Some people have found moving one of the side panels to the roof makes the airflow more efficient. A great feature in what is considered a very budget example.
Fans –Adjacent up nosotros have the fans. At present, you're probably thinking to yourself, at that place'south only room for 3 fans, big deal? Well, it'south more but that. Even though the front end fan is huge and creates a decent amount of airflow, it kind of blocks the way for a larger GPU. And so, if you wish to remove it and install a 120mm/140mm in its place, you give yourself a bunch more than room for full-length GPUs. This is something you are less probable to see on cases of this cost point. You also have the boosted rear fans that will certainly provide a improve overall cooling solution. So large thumbs up for the fan setup.
Our Verdict
Then, we finally come up to the conclusion of the Cadre V1 from Thermaltake. This is where nosotros answer some of the big questions surrounding this case, such as; does this example display adept value for coin? Is this instance easy to build in or should I but get a mid-tower? And is this instance worth my coin?
Well, let'due south start at the summit. As for value, this example currently retails at around $45 and has been that way since its arrival. Now, when you lot consider that against some of the other mini-ITX cases out there, I feel this one showcases first-class value for money. It comes with a 200mm pre-installed intake fan, a decent amount of room for building and customization, and design features that allow interchangeable side panels in any orientation. That not only makes this peachy value for money, only it also makes building in this PC case a very convenient thing to do – when comparison to mini-ITX cases of this size anyway.
On the flip side, the Cadre V1 does take a couple of downsides. Information technology isn't the smallest case in the earth and that might put people off as size is the number one factor in a mini-ITX example. Furthermore, it comes with limited cooling options. If you do programme on building a fairly powerful PC in this case, you might struggle to keep those internal temps low.
Ultimately, if y'all're looking for a mini-ITX case on a upkeep, but even so want an enjoyable build process and some decent features, I'd highly recommend checking this out for your next projection. It might be exactly what you're looking for.
Source: https://www.wepc.com/reviews/thermaltake-core-v1/
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