Thermaltake has been doing custom computer cases for years now. Over the years we have seen many different approaches to the common case from Thermaltake. From the extreme styled Xaser series cases, to the completely functional and stylish Armor case being reviewed today. Thermaltake has taken on a more subtle approach to case design, and I for one applaud the change.

There is a vast amount of mid tower cases on the market today, but not very many “server class” cases are available with the same style usually reserved for the smaller mid tower market. Understandably though, the majority of users who purchase cases don't require the room or the size that a full “server class” case provides. It appears with the release of the Thermaltake Armor case, going against the growing trend of “small form factor” cases is the right thing to do. Most products are taking up less desk real estate, while the Armor ignores the latest trend and goes for functionality instead.

Other manufacturers have launched similar ideas to the Armor case, utilizing the multiple drive configuration capabilities this case provides. When considering similar products, Coolermaster's Stacker comes to mind. Not many cases can provide the room and capability that you find in this case, all while maintaining a subtle hint of style.

Features & Specs

This case is available in two colors, Black and Silver. Black uses an anodized aluminum front panel and steel chassis with painted exterior panels. Using steel on the black model brings it in at a healthy 16.2Kg.

The Silver version uses the same anodized aluminum front panel, as well as the painted case panels. However its construction is made from aluminum. This shaves the weight of the silver case down to 7.5Kg. That's a substantial difference over the other model. Since the silver case is what we will be reviewing today, why not take a peek at the factory specs of this case.

Impressive specs, a mere 7.5Kg for all that storage is pretty impressive. That means this case weighs 16.5 pounds converted over from kilograms. The specs of this case are impressive as well. 10 front 5.25” bays in the front to work with makes for quite a lot of different configurations to choose from. Let's take an up close and personal look at this case. Since there is so much to cover on the case itself, I will not take too much time to cover the packaging of this case. As always it was well packed, protected properly and shipped in a full color box that demanded attention.

Case Exterior

My first impression of this case was very positive. It has just the right amount of eye catching features to give it a subtle classy feel. Simple and functional was my first impression. The paint is durable and well applied. The aluminum accents are strategically placed to give it a high end look. Overall the case is appealing and appears to be high quality.

The front panel on the Armor appears massive. The most noticeable feature on this case is the two aluminum doors that swing out to expose the drive bays. Serving no real purpose other then looks, these drive bay doors do in fact add attractive appeal to this case. The hinges on the doors are easily removable and could be removed if the user chooses not to have the doors on the case. The front of the case is nothing but options to the user. The power and reset button are interchangeable to any of the 11 bays on the front of this case. The “Power Box” also serves as an adapter that allows you to mount a 3/2” drive in one of the 5 ¼” bays. Usually used for the floppy drive or any other available 3 ½' device you may have. You will also notice that there is a small “Tray” in one of the bays. This serves as a place to keep small important items such as extra screws, the door keys etc… All of the front drive bay covers can be configured to cover a 3 ½” device or removed completely. The drive bay covers also all have filters installed behind them that are easily removable and washable. This is great for keeping dust down inside the case.

The top of the Armor is pretty straight forward except for the large grill piece on top of the case. This plastic trim piece serves as the mounting system for a 92mm blow fan located underneath the panel. It also has a small door you can open to reveal external USB/Audio/Firewire jacks located on the top of the case. There is a considerable amount of open screened area on top to allow for airflow.

The two side panels that come with the Armor case are painted silver to match the case. They have the same medium gloss finish as the front panel. The motherboard side is plain and utilitarian as all cases. The other side has 3 separate windows cut into the panel. There is plenty of window space here to see just about anywhere inside the case. There are also two finger latches that fasten this panel to the case. Keeping with the tool less idea. You can attach this side panel without using thumb screws. The top latch has a key that allows you to lock the door. However this key is identical to every other key sold with this style latch, so it's pretty useless in my opinion. The side panels are large and flimsy feeling as they are constructed of aluminum on this silver model. They are also hard to pull off. Taking two hands. The fit here wasn't exactly as smooth as one would have hoped. If this case was shorter and the panels were not painted, I believe they would work properly and feel more firm. Even the door acrylic is standard premod plastic. Very thin and brittle. However, it is attractive and if taken care of should be just fine for every day use.

The rear of the “Armor” case shows the increased cooling potential that is derived from adding a 92 mm fan beside the power supply. By turning the PSU on its side, Thermaltake was able to add another case fan to pull cool air in the case. On the other side of that fan sits an extended hard drive cooling rack. You can also see on the back of the “Armor” the four small holes under the 92mm fan. These holes are precut for Thermaltake water cooling kits. Thinking ahead about upgrades for the consumer is always a welcome feature on any case. The negative to be found here is that the motherboard tray does not come out of the case. Making installation of the motherboard slightly more complicated then some cases that do offer removable trays. The rest of the rear of this case is standard ATX design. On the underside we have standard swivel-out case feet. You choose the look and/or the level of stability.