Date: November 2nd, 2006
Article by: Mike Carter (Hardware Reviewer)
Edited by: Nathan Glentworth (Owner / Head Editor)
Product was submitted by: Thermaltake
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PRODUCT PICTORAL AND WALKTHROUGH
The first thing you'll notice the sheer size of the case. The measurements of 540.0 mm x 220.0 mm x 640.0 mm, compared to the original Kandalf's 530 x 220 x 560 mm, is a huge increase. (for you metric-challenged out there, the Kandalf LCS is 25” deep, compared to the original Kandalf's 22”).
The next thing that strikes you about the case is the new front door treatment. At first glance, it appears that Thermaltake has swapped the original two-piece door arrangement for a single door. This is almost true. The door is still a two-piece affair, but separated into a main door and a small side wing door. The unified appearance is a nice change from the original.
Behind the door is the radiator for the liquid cooling system. This is a large, 407 x 120mm unit, boasting three 120mm fans. The radiator is comprised of thin, one-inch wide aluminum fins.
Because of this arrangement, the door is open on the top and bottom. This should allow most of the hot air to escape from the front of the case before it blows right back inside.
The front of the case itself is identical to the rest of the Armor series, with eleven drive bay locations. The bay covers themselves have mesh inserts, with foam filter backings.
The top bay holds the power and reset switches, as well as a 3.5” floppy drive bay. This bay is movable to whichever location you prefer.
The bottom bay cover serves as a pass-through for the radiator hoses. These hoses are routed from the top of the radiator, through a channel on the hinge-side of the door. This bay cover is also removable, but should stay where it is. Moving the bay cover would also mean moving the radiator hoses, which is not really practical. The pass-through hole is lined with a rubber grommet, which should prevent the hoses from damage. The hoses and connecting wires for the fans are sleeved, as well. Nice and tidy.
