t_ski
11-19-2007, 08:13 PM
[page=Introduction]
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttlogo.jpg
I would like to thank Thermaltake (http://www.thermaltake.com/) for supplying the review sample.
Features:
<blockquote> Tool-free design for easy installation
Mechanical push-and-open front I/O cover
Stylized X-shaped power button
I/O panel supported 2 E-SATA,4 USB, 1 IEEE 1394 & HD Audio in/out
Organized HDD cable management
Sliding Motherboard tray
Support up to 14 drive bays
Seven 5.25" bays (slide-in to lock device)
7 Modularized HDD trays
Removable HDD cage
Adjustable PSU supporting bridge
10 Screwless PCI slots with preserved screw holes
Swappable HDD modules / Fan modules
Extra bottom space for better LCS expandability (After HDD / Fan module removed)
</blockquote>
Specifications:
<blockquote><table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="ramtable" width="500">
<tr>
<th scope="row">Model:</th>
<td scope="row">VG4000SWA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Case Type:</th>
<td scope="row">Super Tower</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Side Panel:</th>
<td scope="row">Transparent window</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Net Weight:</th>
<td scope="row">11.0 kg ; 24.2 lb</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Dimension (H*W*D):</th>
<td scope="row">605 x 250 x 660 mm;<br /> 23.8 x 9.8 x 26.0 inch</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Sliding motherboard tray:</th>
<td scope="row">Yes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Cable management:</th>
<td scope="row">Yes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Sliding hood:</th>
<td scope="row">Yes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Adjustable PSU bridge:</th>
<td scope="row">Yes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Material:</th>
<td scope="row">All Aluminum</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Color:</th>
<td scope="row">Silver chassis with black mesh<br />(Also available in black with red mesh)</td>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Cooling System:</th>
<td scope="row">Front (intake) :<br />140 x 140 x 25mm blue LED fan, 1000rpm,<br />16dBA or 120 x 120 x25 mm fan (optional)<br />Rear (exhaust) :<br />120 x 120 x25 mm blue LED fan, 1300rpm, 17dBA<br />Top (exhaust) :<br />140 x 140 x 25mm TurboFan, 1000rpm,<br />16dBA or 120 x 120 x25 mm fan (optional)<br />Bottom (intake) :<br />Two 140 x 140 mm fans (optional)<br />or two 120 x 120 x25 mm fan (optional)<br />VGA (intake) :<br />140 x 140 x 25mm TurboFan, 1000rpm,<br />16dBA or 120 x 120 x25 mm fan (optional)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Motherboards:</th>
<td scope="row">9.6" x 9.6" (Micro ATX), 12" x 9.6" (ATX),<br />12" x 13" (Extended ATX)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Drive Bays:</th>
<td scope="row">5.25" Drive Bay - 7<br />3.5" Drive Bay - 1<br />(Convertible from one 5.25" drive bay)<br />3.5" Drive Bay (Hidden) - 7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Front I/O:</th>
<td scope="row">e-SATA connector x 2, USB2.0 x 4,<br />IEEE 1394 Firewire x 1, HD Audio</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Expansion Slots:</th>
<td scope="row">10</td>
</tr>
</tr>
</table></blockquote>
[page=Packaging & Contents]
Packaging & Contents
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi01sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi01.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi02sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi02.jpg)
The Thermaltake Xaser VI is labeled as a "Super Tower" case, and the box is huge. There are some color photos on the front and back of the box, and one side has some features listed.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi03sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi03.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi04sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi04.jpg)
Since this is an expensive, high-end case, it would be a shame to have it damaged during shipping. Thermaltake understands that, so they surrounded the case with some heavy foam and two sheets of heavy cardboard. Under all that is the case wrapped in a bag made out of a soft "cheese-cloth" like material.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi10sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi10.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi05sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi05.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi06sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi06.jpg)
Taped to the white bag are the manual and a small dust-cloth. Inside the case is a small white box with all the accessories and assembly parts. Included in the bag of miscellaneous hardware are the HDD mounting clips, two plastic grommets for protecting water tubing, a heavy bag full of screws and other mounting parts, as well as a very large assortment of ties and straps to help keep the cabling neat and organized.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi07sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi07.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi08sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi08.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi09sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi09.jpg)
Also included in the box is a 3.5" to 5.25" bay adapter and faceplate, a 140mm fan and mounting bracket, and an accessory drawer.
[page=A Closer Look]
A Closer Look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi11sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi11.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi12sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi12.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi13sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi13.jpg)
Thermaltake continues to tie in the "X" design of the past Xaser line, but this time more subtly with the lines created by the windows and mesh on the side panels. The left side panel has two windows in it, and on the right the same areas are covered with black mesh. There is another version of this case that has only mesh on both sides. The front has the same black mesh included on the thick extruded aluminum door, but this time there are some chrome accents to give it even more style.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi14sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi14.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi15sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi15.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi16sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi16.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi17sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi17.jpg)
The rear of the case follows the traditional ATX layout. The top PSU area has a removable plate that allows the user to mount the PSU right-side up or upside-down. To the left of the PSU are two knock-outs for water tubing, and there are two more under the 120mm rear case fan. At the bottom of the rear there are ten PCI slots. The extra three slots are perfect for adding in those USB, Firewire or other brackets when all the slots are filled up on the motherboard.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi18sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi18.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi19sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi19.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi20sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi20.jpg)
The top of the case has more black mesh, which helps to vent the hot air out the top of the case. An unusual feature here is that the entire top slides backwards to access a small tray that can hold an MP3 player or other similar devices, or be removed and allow access to the reservoir on the optional liquid cooling system.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi21sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi21.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi22sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi22.jpg)
On the top of the case near the front is a dark-tinted plastic cover that is protected during shipping with a clear plastic film. Pushing on the right spot makes the piece lift up and out of the way to reveal the I/O panel. Thermaltake went beyond the normal amount of ports and included four USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire, two audio ports (MIC and Headset), and two eSATA ports. Below them is a large X-shaped power button which is surrounded by three shapes that will light up blue when the system is powered on. There is also a System Reset button on the right and a rather small HDD Activity LED on the left.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi23sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi23.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi24sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi24.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi25sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi25.jpg)
Behind the front door are what appear to be eleven 5.25" bays. However only the top seven are actual bays, while the bottom four are vents for an intake fan. Thermaltake chose to mimic the front bays to have a more consistent look all the way down the front panel. Each one of the removable bay covers has some open-cell foam behind the mesh, and each cover comes off by pulling it forward from the right side. At the bottom the oversized base has the Thermaltake logo on the front, and there are additional holes for changing the front door to open from the left side instead of the right. This can be done without tools, by pushing the tab in (shown in the red box on the left) and pushing it upwards. There is another pin at the top of the door that can be pushed in and down instead. With the door off, the two pins can be removed and inserted into the same place on the right side of the door, then the entire assembly can be installed back on the front of the case.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi26sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi26.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi27sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi27.jpg)
Two final things to note on the outside of the case are the large vented opening on the bottom of the case and the handle on the left side panel which has a lock to secure the hardware inside from being tampered with.
[page=Inside the Case]
Inside the Case
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi29sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi29.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi30sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi30.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi41sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi41.jpg)
With the left side panel removed, there is plenty of room inside the Thermaltake Xaser VI. The internal layout is fairly traditional, with seven toolless 5.25" bays in the top front and five hard drive bays in the lower front. To help support the power supply at the top of the case, Thermaltake included a bridge that slides under the front end and screws into place. To help remove built-up heat from the system, there is a 140mm exhaust fan located on the top.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi31sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi31.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi32sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi32.jpg)
The rear panel is standard except for the three extra PCI slots. Note the toolless clips for securing the add-in cards. There are toolless clips for the 5.25" bay devices also, which allow the drives to just slide in and lock into place.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi33sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi33.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi37sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi37.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi38sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi38.jpg)
The hard drive cage is rotated 90 degrees to make efficient use of the space and allow easy cable management. There is one attached thumbscrew at the bottom and one removable thumbscrew at the top of the cage. Undoing the screws and pushing down on the two circular tabs allows the entire HDD cage to be removed. In the lower front of the case is a 140mm clear fan with blue LEDs in a mounting frame, which allows the fan to be removed without any sort of tools.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi34sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi34.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi35sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi35.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi42sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi42.jpg)
All three of the hard drive cages feature drawers that allow the drives to be easily removed or changed. The two bays located on the bottom of the case are also removable by taking out the eight thumbscrews on the bottom of the case. When removed, the vent at the bottom of the case can be used with optional 120mm or 140mm case fans, or be used to mount a watercooling radiator.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi40sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi40.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi39sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi39.jpg)
The motherboard tray is removable and slides out after removing four screws. There are three large slots in the tray, which allow cables to be routed neatly behind the tray and out of the way. From the back it is easier to see that there is a black clip that the tray slides into to provide extra support and prevent flexing of the aluminum tray. Also from this side you can see the cables from the top I/O panel, which Thermaltake has tied together and tucked out of the way. Note how the back side of the HDD cage is completely open to allow cables to exit from this side.
[page=Installation]
Installation
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi43sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi43.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi44sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi44.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi45sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi45.jpg)
The Thermaltake Xaser VI is available in a standard air-cooled version and a liquid-cooled version. The second is basically the same as the first but with a slightly different version of the Bigwater 760i watercooling system installed. Since I happened to have one on hand, I thought it would be nice to show you what it would be like. With the top two bay covers removed, the entire unit slid easily into place. I removed the tray on top of the case by removing the four screws on the tray, as well as the two silver screws for the support bracket. I left the other bracket in the case, which is slightly visible over the fan. By removing the tray, the user would have access to the reservoir for occasional filling, and the radiator fan would have plenty of fresh cool air through the mesh on top.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi46sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi46.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi48sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi48.jpg)
By looking at the rear of the case at the PSU bracket, it may seem like the bracket can be removed and attached to the power supply, then installed together. The bracket is removable, however it should not be removed to mount the PSU. The bracket is too big to fit between the support rails along the power supply area. But by adding the bracket Thermaltake added strength to this area, since the two layers are screwed together. To support the front of the PSU the bridge needs to slide under the power supply until the two small tabs rest against the front edge. The slots in the sides of the bridge make it very adjustable, and two thumbscrews are used to tighten the bridge when in place.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi49sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi49.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi50sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi50.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi51sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi51.jpg)
To install hard drives into the system, remove any needed drawers from their cages and get two black clips for each drive. Put the drive into the drawer (with the cable end on the open side) and simply snap a clip into the screw holes on each side of the drive through the openings of the drawer.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi52sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi52.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi53sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi53.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi54sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi54.jpg)
Each drawer should then be slid back into the cage. The exposed side of the cage looks nearly the same regardless of how many drives are installed, so it does not look like there is something missing if not all of the drawers are used. From the back side, all the cables can be attached to this end, avoiding cable clutter.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi55sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi55.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi56sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi56.jpg)
With the motherboard tray removed from the system it was time to install the board. I removed two of the PCI slot covers to make way for the video card, and noticed the brass springs-clips in place. These provide some extra tension and help reduce rattles. However, about this time I noticed the two silver standoffs that are permanently attached to the motherboard tray. While the bottom one was not an issue, the one above it was not needed by the ASUS motherboard being installed, nor by many other boards available today. In fact, on the back of the motherboard where this standoff is located there are exposed traces. The two options to deal with this problem were removing the rivet that holds it in place, or just cover the standoff with some electrical tape. I chose the second, as this would still allow the standoff to be used in the future, and would provide some additional support for the time being. Fortunately, a representative from Thermaltake has informed me that this oversight is being corrected in the full production models. Another minor issue with the tray was the size of the support brackets for the rear panel. Many boards, like the ASUS one being used, have power connectors in this area. When using these motherboards with large heatsinks, there is very little room to get into this area because of the brackets.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi57sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi57.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi58sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi58.jpg)
Yet another issue with the motherboard tray was a missing hole for a standoff at the bottom right corner of the motherboard. This is a standard location for full-sized ATX boards, so its presence was surely missed. Fortunately, I had an old plastic standoff in my toolbox that I was able to put it its place. Again, Thermaltake has informed me that this is being corrected.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi59sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi59.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi60sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi60.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi61sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi61.jpg)
Next to install was the video card. The Sapphire HD 2900XT needed two of the black clips to be removed, but when they were put back into place the red plastic cover for the cooler kept the tab on the bottom of the clip from going into the proper place. I did not consider this much of a problem, though, as I was more comfortable with using screws to hold the video card in place. With the components installed it is evident how big the tray is; with the full-sized motherboard and a long video card installed they both seem undersized on the huge tray. Along the front edge of the motherboard tray there are some holes that allow the extra 140mm fan to be mounted there, pushing cool air from the front of the case across the video card(s). Please note that I chose to swap out the blue LED fan from the front of the case with the black and red fan in the accessory box. Adding the LED fan here instead would add more light to the case inside.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi62sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi62.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi64sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi64.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi63sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi63.jpg)
With the tray installed it was time to start running all the cables, and this is where the extra features start to come in handy. The holes in the motherboard tray were perfect for routing cables, and they were in the right locations. The HDD cage being rotated allowed all the power wires and data cables to virtually disappear, and all the cable ties came in handy to tidy everything up. The only problem I had here was that the Audio cable for the front I/O panel was not long enough to go all the way to the header located at the back of the motherboard. It would have been nice to have another six inches or so for most of the front I/O panel cables, just to make sure they were easily routable.
Finished Look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi65sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi65.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi66sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi66.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi67sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi67.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi68sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi68.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi69sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi69.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi73sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi73.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi70sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi70.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi72sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi72.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi71sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi71.jpg)
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The Thermaltake Xaser VI has an MSRP of 214 Euros for the black model (about $313 USD) or 243 Euros for the silver model shown (about $355 USD).</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Unique Xaser style
Quality construction
Well thought-out design
Huge size means plenty of room to work in
All aluminum construction
Cable management for hard drives and motherboard
Removable motherboard tray
Three 140mm fans and one 120mm fan included
Large vented areas provide fresh air
Door can be changed to open from either side
Top slides back to access storage tray or optional LCS reservoir
Toolless PCI slots and drive bays
Handy accessories
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
High price
Some of the I/O cables may not be long enough for some motherboards
</td></tr>
<tr><th>9.8</th>
<td>
The Thermaltake Xaser VI is a huge case with plenty of room for all kinds of hardware. The unique Xaser style is toned down for this latest incarnation, but is still very cutting-edge. The construction and design are excellent, and the list of features on this case is extremely long. The all-aluminum construction keeps the case light-weight, although when filled to the maximum that changes considerably. The removable motherboard tray, sliding top panel, changeable door-opening, and toolless features make the case a pleasure to work with. The added 120mm and 140mm fans are fairly quiet and provide a lot of airflow through the case, especially with the extra vents and abundant use of black mesh. One final place the Xaser VI shines in is cable management, which is made incredibly easy with the rotated HDD cage, slots in the motherboard tray, and the included wire ties and straps.<br />
<br />
The main problem I had with the Xaser VI was that some of the I/O panel cables were not long enough. The other issues with the motherboard tray bracket and the toolless clips for the video card are not severe enough to detract from the case, as these issues may not even exist in other systems. This is a huge case with tons of features, but with that comes a high price. For that reason it may be out of the reach of some users out there.<br />
Overall the Xaser VI is an excellent case and worth the price. For those that like the features but don't appreciate the style of the Xaser VI, be sure to check out the Armor+, which is based on the same platform.
</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/editorschoice.gif</td></tr>
</table>
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttlogo.jpg
I would like to thank Thermaltake (http://www.thermaltake.com/) for supplying the review sample.
Features:
<blockquote> Tool-free design for easy installation
Mechanical push-and-open front I/O cover
Stylized X-shaped power button
I/O panel supported 2 E-SATA,4 USB, 1 IEEE 1394 & HD Audio in/out
Organized HDD cable management
Sliding Motherboard tray
Support up to 14 drive bays
Seven 5.25" bays (slide-in to lock device)
7 Modularized HDD trays
Removable HDD cage
Adjustable PSU supporting bridge
10 Screwless PCI slots with preserved screw holes
Swappable HDD modules / Fan modules
Extra bottom space for better LCS expandability (After HDD / Fan module removed)
</blockquote>
Specifications:
<blockquote><table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="ramtable" width="500">
<tr>
<th scope="row">Model:</th>
<td scope="row">VG4000SWA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Case Type:</th>
<td scope="row">Super Tower</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Side Panel:</th>
<td scope="row">Transparent window</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Net Weight:</th>
<td scope="row">11.0 kg ; 24.2 lb</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Dimension (H*W*D):</th>
<td scope="row">605 x 250 x 660 mm;<br /> 23.8 x 9.8 x 26.0 inch</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Sliding motherboard tray:</th>
<td scope="row">Yes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Cable management:</th>
<td scope="row">Yes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Sliding hood:</th>
<td scope="row">Yes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Adjustable PSU bridge:</th>
<td scope="row">Yes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Material:</th>
<td scope="row">All Aluminum</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Color:</th>
<td scope="row">Silver chassis with black mesh<br />(Also available in black with red mesh)</td>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Cooling System:</th>
<td scope="row">Front (intake) :<br />140 x 140 x 25mm blue LED fan, 1000rpm,<br />16dBA or 120 x 120 x25 mm fan (optional)<br />Rear (exhaust) :<br />120 x 120 x25 mm blue LED fan, 1300rpm, 17dBA<br />Top (exhaust) :<br />140 x 140 x 25mm TurboFan, 1000rpm,<br />16dBA or 120 x 120 x25 mm fan (optional)<br />Bottom (intake) :<br />Two 140 x 140 mm fans (optional)<br />or two 120 x 120 x25 mm fan (optional)<br />VGA (intake) :<br />140 x 140 x 25mm TurboFan, 1000rpm,<br />16dBA or 120 x 120 x25 mm fan (optional)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Motherboards:</th>
<td scope="row">9.6" x 9.6" (Micro ATX), 12" x 9.6" (ATX),<br />12" x 13" (Extended ATX)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Drive Bays:</th>
<td scope="row">5.25" Drive Bay - 7<br />3.5" Drive Bay - 1<br />(Convertible from one 5.25" drive bay)<br />3.5" Drive Bay (Hidden) - 7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Front I/O:</th>
<td scope="row">e-SATA connector x 2, USB2.0 x 4,<br />IEEE 1394 Firewire x 1, HD Audio</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Expansion Slots:</th>
<td scope="row">10</td>
</tr>
</tr>
</table></blockquote>
[page=Packaging & Contents]
Packaging & Contents
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi01sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi01.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi02sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi02.jpg)
The Thermaltake Xaser VI is labeled as a "Super Tower" case, and the box is huge. There are some color photos on the front and back of the box, and one side has some features listed.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi03sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi03.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi04sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi04.jpg)
Since this is an expensive, high-end case, it would be a shame to have it damaged during shipping. Thermaltake understands that, so they surrounded the case with some heavy foam and two sheets of heavy cardboard. Under all that is the case wrapped in a bag made out of a soft "cheese-cloth" like material.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi10sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi10.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi05sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi05.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi06sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi06.jpg)
Taped to the white bag are the manual and a small dust-cloth. Inside the case is a small white box with all the accessories and assembly parts. Included in the bag of miscellaneous hardware are the HDD mounting clips, two plastic grommets for protecting water tubing, a heavy bag full of screws and other mounting parts, as well as a very large assortment of ties and straps to help keep the cabling neat and organized.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi07sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi07.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi08sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi08.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi09sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi09.jpg)
Also included in the box is a 3.5" to 5.25" bay adapter and faceplate, a 140mm fan and mounting bracket, and an accessory drawer.
[page=A Closer Look]
A Closer Look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi11sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi11.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi12sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi12.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi13sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi13.jpg)
Thermaltake continues to tie in the "X" design of the past Xaser line, but this time more subtly with the lines created by the windows and mesh on the side panels. The left side panel has two windows in it, and on the right the same areas are covered with black mesh. There is another version of this case that has only mesh on both sides. The front has the same black mesh included on the thick extruded aluminum door, but this time there are some chrome accents to give it even more style.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi14sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi14.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi15sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi15.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi16sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi16.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi17sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi17.jpg)
The rear of the case follows the traditional ATX layout. The top PSU area has a removable plate that allows the user to mount the PSU right-side up or upside-down. To the left of the PSU are two knock-outs for water tubing, and there are two more under the 120mm rear case fan. At the bottom of the rear there are ten PCI slots. The extra three slots are perfect for adding in those USB, Firewire or other brackets when all the slots are filled up on the motherboard.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi18sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi18.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi19sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi19.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi20sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi20.jpg)
The top of the case has more black mesh, which helps to vent the hot air out the top of the case. An unusual feature here is that the entire top slides backwards to access a small tray that can hold an MP3 player or other similar devices, or be removed and allow access to the reservoir on the optional liquid cooling system.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi21sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi21.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi22sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi22.jpg)
On the top of the case near the front is a dark-tinted plastic cover that is protected during shipping with a clear plastic film. Pushing on the right spot makes the piece lift up and out of the way to reveal the I/O panel. Thermaltake went beyond the normal amount of ports and included four USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire, two audio ports (MIC and Headset), and two eSATA ports. Below them is a large X-shaped power button which is surrounded by three shapes that will light up blue when the system is powered on. There is also a System Reset button on the right and a rather small HDD Activity LED on the left.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi23sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi23.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi24sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi24.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi25sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi25.jpg)
Behind the front door are what appear to be eleven 5.25" bays. However only the top seven are actual bays, while the bottom four are vents for an intake fan. Thermaltake chose to mimic the front bays to have a more consistent look all the way down the front panel. Each one of the removable bay covers has some open-cell foam behind the mesh, and each cover comes off by pulling it forward from the right side. At the bottom the oversized base has the Thermaltake logo on the front, and there are additional holes for changing the front door to open from the left side instead of the right. This can be done without tools, by pushing the tab in (shown in the red box on the left) and pushing it upwards. There is another pin at the top of the door that can be pushed in and down instead. With the door off, the two pins can be removed and inserted into the same place on the right side of the door, then the entire assembly can be installed back on the front of the case.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi26sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi26.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi27sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi27.jpg)
Two final things to note on the outside of the case are the large vented opening on the bottom of the case and the handle on the left side panel which has a lock to secure the hardware inside from being tampered with.
[page=Inside the Case]
Inside the Case
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi29sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi29.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi30sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi30.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi41sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi41.jpg)
With the left side panel removed, there is plenty of room inside the Thermaltake Xaser VI. The internal layout is fairly traditional, with seven toolless 5.25" bays in the top front and five hard drive bays in the lower front. To help support the power supply at the top of the case, Thermaltake included a bridge that slides under the front end and screws into place. To help remove built-up heat from the system, there is a 140mm exhaust fan located on the top.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi31sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi31.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi32sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi32.jpg)
The rear panel is standard except for the three extra PCI slots. Note the toolless clips for securing the add-in cards. There are toolless clips for the 5.25" bay devices also, which allow the drives to just slide in and lock into place.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi33sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi33.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi37sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi37.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi38sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi38.jpg)
The hard drive cage is rotated 90 degrees to make efficient use of the space and allow easy cable management. There is one attached thumbscrew at the bottom and one removable thumbscrew at the top of the cage. Undoing the screws and pushing down on the two circular tabs allows the entire HDD cage to be removed. In the lower front of the case is a 140mm clear fan with blue LEDs in a mounting frame, which allows the fan to be removed without any sort of tools.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi34sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi34.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi35sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi35.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi42sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi42.jpg)
All three of the hard drive cages feature drawers that allow the drives to be easily removed or changed. The two bays located on the bottom of the case are also removable by taking out the eight thumbscrews on the bottom of the case. When removed, the vent at the bottom of the case can be used with optional 120mm or 140mm case fans, or be used to mount a watercooling radiator.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi40sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi40.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi39sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi39.jpg)
The motherboard tray is removable and slides out after removing four screws. There are three large slots in the tray, which allow cables to be routed neatly behind the tray and out of the way. From the back it is easier to see that there is a black clip that the tray slides into to provide extra support and prevent flexing of the aluminum tray. Also from this side you can see the cables from the top I/O panel, which Thermaltake has tied together and tucked out of the way. Note how the back side of the HDD cage is completely open to allow cables to exit from this side.
[page=Installation]
Installation
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi43sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi43.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi44sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi44.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi45sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi45.jpg)
The Thermaltake Xaser VI is available in a standard air-cooled version and a liquid-cooled version. The second is basically the same as the first but with a slightly different version of the Bigwater 760i watercooling system installed. Since I happened to have one on hand, I thought it would be nice to show you what it would be like. With the top two bay covers removed, the entire unit slid easily into place. I removed the tray on top of the case by removing the four screws on the tray, as well as the two silver screws for the support bracket. I left the other bracket in the case, which is slightly visible over the fan. By removing the tray, the user would have access to the reservoir for occasional filling, and the radiator fan would have plenty of fresh cool air through the mesh on top.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi46sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi46.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi48sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi48.jpg)
By looking at the rear of the case at the PSU bracket, it may seem like the bracket can be removed and attached to the power supply, then installed together. The bracket is removable, however it should not be removed to mount the PSU. The bracket is too big to fit between the support rails along the power supply area. But by adding the bracket Thermaltake added strength to this area, since the two layers are screwed together. To support the front of the PSU the bridge needs to slide under the power supply until the two small tabs rest against the front edge. The slots in the sides of the bridge make it very adjustable, and two thumbscrews are used to tighten the bridge when in place.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi49sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi49.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi50sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi50.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi51sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi51.jpg)
To install hard drives into the system, remove any needed drawers from their cages and get two black clips for each drive. Put the drive into the drawer (with the cable end on the open side) and simply snap a clip into the screw holes on each side of the drive through the openings of the drawer.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi52sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi52.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi53sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi53.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi54sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi54.jpg)
Each drawer should then be slid back into the cage. The exposed side of the cage looks nearly the same regardless of how many drives are installed, so it does not look like there is something missing if not all of the drawers are used. From the back side, all the cables can be attached to this end, avoiding cable clutter.
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With the motherboard tray removed from the system it was time to install the board. I removed two of the PCI slot covers to make way for the video card, and noticed the brass springs-clips in place. These provide some extra tension and help reduce rattles. However, about this time I noticed the two silver standoffs that are permanently attached to the motherboard tray. While the bottom one was not an issue, the one above it was not needed by the ASUS motherboard being installed, nor by many other boards available today. In fact, on the back of the motherboard where this standoff is located there are exposed traces. The two options to deal with this problem were removing the rivet that holds it in place, or just cover the standoff with some electrical tape. I chose the second, as this would still allow the standoff to be used in the future, and would provide some additional support for the time being. Fortunately, a representative from Thermaltake has informed me that this oversight is being corrected in the full production models. Another minor issue with the tray was the size of the support brackets for the rear panel. Many boards, like the ASUS one being used, have power connectors in this area. When using these motherboards with large heatsinks, there is very little room to get into this area because of the brackets.
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Yet another issue with the motherboard tray was a missing hole for a standoff at the bottom right corner of the motherboard. This is a standard location for full-sized ATX boards, so its presence was surely missed. Fortunately, I had an old plastic standoff in my toolbox that I was able to put it its place. Again, Thermaltake has informed me that this is being corrected.
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Next to install was the video card. The Sapphire HD 2900XT needed two of the black clips to be removed, but when they were put back into place the red plastic cover for the cooler kept the tab on the bottom of the clip from going into the proper place. I did not consider this much of a problem, though, as I was more comfortable with using screws to hold the video card in place. With the components installed it is evident how big the tray is; with the full-sized motherboard and a long video card installed they both seem undersized on the huge tray. Along the front edge of the motherboard tray there are some holes that allow the extra 140mm fan to be mounted there, pushing cool air from the front of the case across the video card(s). Please note that I chose to swap out the blue LED fan from the front of the case with the black and red fan in the accessory box. Adding the LED fan here instead would add more light to the case inside.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi62sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi62.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi64sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi64.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi63sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/XaserVI/images/ttxaservi63.jpg)
With the tray installed it was time to start running all the cables, and this is where the extra features start to come in handy. The holes in the motherboard tray were perfect for routing cables, and they were in the right locations. The HDD cage being rotated allowed all the power wires and data cables to virtually disappear, and all the cable ties came in handy to tidy everything up. The only problem I had here was that the Audio cable for the front I/O panel was not long enough to go all the way to the header located at the back of the motherboard. It would have been nice to have another six inches or so for most of the front I/O panel cables, just to make sure they were easily routable.
Finished Look
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[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion
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The Thermaltake Xaser VI has an MSRP of 214 Euros for the black model (about $313 USD) or 243 Euros for the silver model shown (about $355 USD).</td>
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Unique Xaser style
Quality construction
Well thought-out design
Huge size means plenty of room to work in
All aluminum construction
Cable management for hard drives and motherboard
Removable motherboard tray
Three 140mm fans and one 120mm fan included
Large vented areas provide fresh air
Door can be changed to open from either side
Top slides back to access storage tray or optional LCS reservoir
Toolless PCI slots and drive bays
Handy accessories
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High price
Some of the I/O cables may not be long enough for some motherboards
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<tr><th>9.8</th>
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The Thermaltake Xaser VI is a huge case with plenty of room for all kinds of hardware. The unique Xaser style is toned down for this latest incarnation, but is still very cutting-edge. The construction and design are excellent, and the list of features on this case is extremely long. The all-aluminum construction keeps the case light-weight, although when filled to the maximum that changes considerably. The removable motherboard tray, sliding top panel, changeable door-opening, and toolless features make the case a pleasure to work with. The added 120mm and 140mm fans are fairly quiet and provide a lot of airflow through the case, especially with the extra vents and abundant use of black mesh. One final place the Xaser VI shines in is cable management, which is made incredibly easy with the rotated HDD cage, slots in the motherboard tray, and the included wire ties and straps.<br />
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The main problem I had with the Xaser VI was that some of the I/O panel cables were not long enough. The other issues with the motherboard tray bracket and the toolless clips for the video card are not severe enough to detract from the case, as these issues may not even exist in other systems. This is a huge case with tons of features, but with that comes a high price. For that reason it may be out of the reach of some users out there.<br />
Overall the Xaser VI is an excellent case and worth the price. For those that like the features but don't appreciate the style of the Xaser VI, be sure to check out the Armor+, which is based on the same platform.
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