Thermaltake Xaser V
Damier V6000A
First reviewed in the July 2004 issue.
Pronounced zaser , this all-aluminum
mid-tower features a lavish two-part
front panel, including an outer door
that covers the four 5.25-inch bays.
Below the gigantic Thermaltake logo
sit three built-in LEDs that can be
toggled to light up, flash, or continu-
ously illuminate the logo. Normally
we’re big fans of case lights, but in
this instance, we find the cosmetic
enhancement garish—a little too “Las
Vegas” for our tastes.
The Xaser’s design emphasizes
user control. The top bay of the front
panel holds the Hardcano, which lets
you control the case’s impressive six-
fan array. An I/O port at the top of the
case puts FireWire, dual USB 2.0, and
dual audio jacks at your fingertips.
The side door of the case sports a
large X-shaped window that would
reveal more of the Xaser’s interior
if the view weren’t obstructed by
a swing-out fan holder for the PCI
slots. The spacious interior features
a screw-less design, with plastic tabs
holding the PCI cards and drive rails
for the three 3.5-inch bays in place.
Sadly, there’s no motherboard tray.
Overall, the Xaser offers a feast
of features and ample cooling. And
while the acid-flashback lighting
effects will certainly appeal to some
builders, we geezers think it’s a bit
over the top.MA XIMUMPC VERDICT: 9
KID FLASH:^ Well-made, plenty of cooling,
and easy access.
IMPULSE:^ Thermaltake logo plastered all
over the case.
$170, http://www.thermaltake.comAntec Performance One
P160
The P160 is the big brother of the
Super LanBoy, and features a much
sturdier build and some additional
features that almost justify its high
price tag.
At the top of its shiny plastic
front bezel is a slick I/O port that
pivots upward 45 degrees and
comes with a digital temperature
gauge as well as the standard USB
2.0, FireWire, and audio ports. The
case’s cooling system concerns us,
with just a single 120mm case fan
and a mount for only one other fan
in front of the hard drive cage.
We found the P160 easy to work
with; it has a fair amount of room
for a mid-tower enclosure. It has
a lift-out motherboard tray that
makes installation a bit easier, but
we found ourselves wishing for a
slide-out tray, which is even more
convenient. Unfortunately, the tray
holds only the motherboard, so PCI
cards have to be removed before
lifting the tray from the case.
With its clean design and solid
construction, this is a decent mid-
range case, but we’re puzzled why
it costs so much. Antec jokingly
says the case is made from recy-
cled fighter planes, but aside from
its snazzy front bezel, not much sets
the P160 apart from its competition.MA XIMUMPC VERDICT:
IRON MAN:^ Tilting I/O port is nice and
temperature display is nice touch.
WAR MACHINE: Exorbitant price; the
lift-out motherboard tray is not as handy
as a slide-out tray.
$170, http://www.antec.comSEPTEMBER 2004AUGUST 2004 MA XIMMA XIMUUMMPPCC 57
Cooler Master CMStacker
The CMStacker is a big, beautiful
full-tower case with so much interior
room you could almost sublet the
extra space to house other people’s PC
parts. Like most Cooler Master enclo-
sures, the CMStacker comes loaded
with almost every feature and doodad
known to man, making it worth the
extra dough you’ll cough up to own it.
The CMStacker sports an all-alu-
minum construction, which makes it
surprisingly lightweight given its size.
It’s also extremely rigid and, like the
Take 5 enclosure on the next page,
features a ventilated exterior on all
sides except the bottom for improved
airflow.
Hardcore PC builders will appreci-
ate the fact that this case supports up
to eight case fans, can accept ATX and
BTX motherboards, and is also dual-
PSU ready. Be warned, though—we
tried the BTX conversion and found it
time-consuming and difficult.
The spacious interior makes sys-
tem building a walk in the park. It
includes seven 5.25-inch bays in stock
trim and up to 11 with some minor
modifications. With bays running the
entire height of the case, you can use
as many optical drives, fan control-
lers, and cup holders as you want.
The front I/O port is equally impres-
sive, sporting a whopping six USB 2.0
ports, on top of the standard FireWire
and audio ports. The CMStacker is
even available with a case window,
but does not include a PSU.
MA XIMUMPC VERDICT: 9
MR. FREEZE:^ Spacious interior and front
USB 2.0 ports aplenty.
CAPTAIN COLD:^ BTX conversion is a
P.I.T.A.
$170, http://www.coolermaster.com