DanTheBanjoman
09-11-2005, 02:18 PM
[page=Introduction and specifications]
Introduction:
First I'd like to thank Thermaltake (http://www.thermaltake.com) for supplying this case.
For several years Thermaltake has been making "cool" hardware for the enthusiast. This includes heatsinks, fans, cases and other cooling solutions. Today we take a look at the Thermaltake VB6000SWS, an affordable case for people who still want a good looking computer.
As for it's specifications:
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="systable">
<tr><th colspan="2" style="font-size:larger;text-align:center">Specifications</th></tr>
<tr>
<th width="100">Case type</th>
<td>ATX mid tower</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Suitable motherboards</th>
<td>ATX and mATX</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Bays</th>
<td>4×5,25" and 2×3.5" external, 4×3.5" internal</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Expansion slots</th>
<td>7 (depending on motherboard)</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Front connectors</th>
<td>2×USB 2.0, 1×Firewire, microphone, headphone</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Weight</th>
<td>7.65 Kg</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>430×190×500 mm (H×W×D)</td>
</tr> <tr>
<th>Material</th>
<td>0.8 mm SECC steel</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Available models</th>
<td>Black and silver, both with or without side window</td>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/boxback.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/boxback.jpg)
[page=The package]
The package
When we open the box we find:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/package3.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/package3.jpg)
The case, which is protected by styrofoam so it will be undamaged when it arrives at your home. Additionally it has a nice bag around it to prevent scratches and prevent dust from getting in.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/booklet1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/booklet1.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/booklet2.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/booklet2.jpg)
A small booklet with installation instructions in English.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/miscboxinside.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/miscboxinside.jpg)
A bag full of screws, spacers, two small tie wraps, a standard I/O shield and some small piece of metal, which I have no clue what is for.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/bayclips1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/bayclips1.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/bayclips2.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/bayclips2.jpg)
Brackets for screwless 3.5" and 5.25" device installation.
[page=The case]
The case
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/front2.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/front2.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/front3.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/front3.jpg)
First impression
Once I got the case out of its box and looked at all the accessories I got with it, I took a closer look at the case. My first impression is quite positive, the case has a nice design and there seems to be enough space for everything.
I got the silver version with sidewindow. Personally I would have preferred the black one. Though once I received the case, silver does look pretty good. The only thing I felt was missing is some additional cooling options, for example; a sidefan (or at least holes to mount one) and some holes in the front, so the frontal fan could actually suck some cool air in. These things can be modded though. The case seems sturdy and easy to assemble due to the few screw requirements.
A closer look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/frontside3.jpg
The case in all its glory.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/front1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/frontside3.jpg)
The front, with its bays and the USB, Firewire and audio ports.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/side6.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/side6.jpg)
The window, through it we can look at the inside. It is protected by plastic, so it should arrive scratchless. We can see more, once we take the side off.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/sideinside1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/sideinside1.jpg)
This is what the whole case looks like when it is empy.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/expansion1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/expansion1.jpg)
The expansion slots don't require screws. This is very handy because it will allow very quick installation or replacement of hardware.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/psuspace1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/psuspace1.jpg)
There is enough space for the PSU, most huge ass PSUs should fit without problems.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/cables2.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/cables2.jpg)
The VB6000 can hold up to four 5.25" devices which can be mounted easily without screws which saves a lot of trouble. On top and below the 5.25" bays there are two external 3.5" bays, these do need screws unfortunately.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/35bays2.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/35bays2.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/35bays3.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/35bays3.jpg)
Three 3.5" bays internally can be used without screws. These bays are turned 90 degrees so you won't have to struggle when you're adding a new HD. On top of these bays is another internal 3.5" bay which does need screws and which isn't turned.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/frontports.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/frontports.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/powerbutton.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/powerbutton.jpg)
The VB6000 has various ports in the front, and has some LEDs and buttons of course. These are connected via two sets of cables. Some thin cables coming from the lower part of the front are for the buttons and LEDs. From the top of the case come some thicker cables through which connect the USB, Firewire and audio ports.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/casefan1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/casefan1.jpg)
A huge but rather silent fan is located in the back.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/cables1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/cables1.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/cables6.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/cables6.jpg)
To connect the front ports and the power on/reset buttons there are various cables. All of them are labeled, so if your motherboard has labeled connectors it should be very easy to connect them.
[page=Installation]
Installation
So far I have the impression that installing shouldn't be much of a problem. Of course this doesn't mean I didn't try.
On the motherboard tray all the holes are numbered. There is also a sticker saying what numbers should be used for mATX or ATX. This made me wonder if it would be correct, it was. So it is safe to say that anyone who can read a manual could install a motherboard in this case.
As for the rest of the hardware there is nothing special. The screwless installation makes things very fast. To install a 5.25" or 3.5" drive you simple put a piece of plastic on the side which holds the device using two plastic pins on each side. You can then simply slide them into place and they are installed.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/frontinside1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/frontinside1.jpg)
Unfortunately it is required to remove the front cover to install an external drive. It comes off quite easily though.
Often when you try to add a harddrive to a computer, some PCI card or your video card is in the way and you have to remove everything first. The fact that the 3.5" internal bays are rotated 90 degrees makes installing a new harddrive a piece of cake, nothing will be in the way.
At a certain point you have to connect the front ports and buttons. The buttons are no problem, but the cables of the ports are a little short. I tried working them away by putting them right next to the motherboard but unfortunately this wasn't as easy as I thought. A few more centimeters would make it a lot easier to work away the cables nicely. It is a bit unclear how to connect the header of the USB ports but if you take the time to read the manual it is explained there very well.
Cooling problem
Because during the whole review I felt some cooling was lacking, I decided to see if I was right. The hottest piece of hardware in the system is a Geforce 6800LE with an Arctic cooling NV5 cooler. At full load it gets up to 60°C. I built it in the VB6000 with the rest of its system and checked the temps again. At full load it seems to get up to 72°C. The main reason for this is that the air it uses to cool the chip is stuck between the card itself, the side panel and three 10K SCSI disks. as shown here:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/6800.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/6800.jpg)
When taking away the side panel the maximum temperature is lowered to only 54 degrees at full load.
I believe that this problem can be fixed by drilling some holes in the side panel and adding a cooler that gives some fresh air to cool the card. I can't modify the case until this review is released, but expect an update on this.
[page=Conclusion]
Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The Thermaltake Swing VB6000 series is yours for about $60.</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Looks good
Mostly screwless installation
Rotated harddisk rack for easy installation
Priced very well
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Lack of cooling possibilities
Front port cables are a bit short
Could have had some more space
</td></tr>
<tr><th>7.9</th><td>The Thermaltake Swing VB6000 series is a good looking case for a small price. For the average user it should offer everything he/she needs. For the overclocker however I'd say it misses some spots for fans. The very same overclocker will mod the case and add these though. An overclocker on a low budget would do good to get this case. For the true enthusiast I'd recommend a higher end case though.</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td></td></tr>
</table>
Introduction:
First I'd like to thank Thermaltake (http://www.thermaltake.com) for supplying this case.
For several years Thermaltake has been making "cool" hardware for the enthusiast. This includes heatsinks, fans, cases and other cooling solutions. Today we take a look at the Thermaltake VB6000SWS, an affordable case for people who still want a good looking computer.
As for it's specifications:
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="systable">
<tr><th colspan="2" style="font-size:larger;text-align:center">Specifications</th></tr>
<tr>
<th width="100">Case type</th>
<td>ATX mid tower</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Suitable motherboards</th>
<td>ATX and mATX</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Bays</th>
<td>4×5,25" and 2×3.5" external, 4×3.5" internal</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Expansion slots</th>
<td>7 (depending on motherboard)</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Front connectors</th>
<td>2×USB 2.0, 1×Firewire, microphone, headphone</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Weight</th>
<td>7.65 Kg</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>430×190×500 mm (H×W×D)</td>
</tr> <tr>
<th>Material</th>
<td>0.8 mm SECC steel</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Available models</th>
<td>Black and silver, both with or without side window</td>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/boxback.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/boxback.jpg)
[page=The package]
The package
When we open the box we find:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/package3.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/package3.jpg)
The case, which is protected by styrofoam so it will be undamaged when it arrives at your home. Additionally it has a nice bag around it to prevent scratches and prevent dust from getting in.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/booklet1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/booklet1.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/booklet2.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/booklet2.jpg)
A small booklet with installation instructions in English.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/miscboxinside.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/miscboxinside.jpg)
A bag full of screws, spacers, two small tie wraps, a standard I/O shield and some small piece of metal, which I have no clue what is for.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/bayclips1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/bayclips1.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/bayclips2.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/bayclips2.jpg)
Brackets for screwless 3.5" and 5.25" device installation.
[page=The case]
The case
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/front2.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/front2.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/front3.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/front3.jpg)
First impression
Once I got the case out of its box and looked at all the accessories I got with it, I took a closer look at the case. My first impression is quite positive, the case has a nice design and there seems to be enough space for everything.
I got the silver version with sidewindow. Personally I would have preferred the black one. Though once I received the case, silver does look pretty good. The only thing I felt was missing is some additional cooling options, for example; a sidefan (or at least holes to mount one) and some holes in the front, so the frontal fan could actually suck some cool air in. These things can be modded though. The case seems sturdy and easy to assemble due to the few screw requirements.
A closer look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/frontside3.jpg
The case in all its glory.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/front1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/frontside3.jpg)
The front, with its bays and the USB, Firewire and audio ports.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/side6.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/side6.jpg)
The window, through it we can look at the inside. It is protected by plastic, so it should arrive scratchless. We can see more, once we take the side off.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/sideinside1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/sideinside1.jpg)
This is what the whole case looks like when it is empy.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/expansion1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/expansion1.jpg)
The expansion slots don't require screws. This is very handy because it will allow very quick installation or replacement of hardware.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/psuspace1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/psuspace1.jpg)
There is enough space for the PSU, most huge ass PSUs should fit without problems.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/cables2.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/cables2.jpg)
The VB6000 can hold up to four 5.25" devices which can be mounted easily without screws which saves a lot of trouble. On top and below the 5.25" bays there are two external 3.5" bays, these do need screws unfortunately.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/35bays2.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/35bays2.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/35bays3.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/35bays3.jpg)
Three 3.5" bays internally can be used without screws. These bays are turned 90 degrees so you won't have to struggle when you're adding a new HD. On top of these bays is another internal 3.5" bay which does need screws and which isn't turned.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/frontports.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/frontports.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/powerbutton.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/powerbutton.jpg)
The VB6000 has various ports in the front, and has some LEDs and buttons of course. These are connected via two sets of cables. Some thin cables coming from the lower part of the front are for the buttons and LEDs. From the top of the case come some thicker cables through which connect the USB, Firewire and audio ports.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/casefan1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/casefan1.jpg)
A huge but rather silent fan is located in the back.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/cables1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/cables1.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/cables6.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/cables6.jpg)
To connect the front ports and the power on/reset buttons there are various cables. All of them are labeled, so if your motherboard has labeled connectors it should be very easy to connect them.
[page=Installation]
Installation
So far I have the impression that installing shouldn't be much of a problem. Of course this doesn't mean I didn't try.
On the motherboard tray all the holes are numbered. There is also a sticker saying what numbers should be used for mATX or ATX. This made me wonder if it would be correct, it was. So it is safe to say that anyone who can read a manual could install a motherboard in this case.
As for the rest of the hardware there is nothing special. The screwless installation makes things very fast. To install a 5.25" or 3.5" drive you simple put a piece of plastic on the side which holds the device using two plastic pins on each side. You can then simply slide them into place and they are installed.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/frontinside1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/frontinside1.jpg)
Unfortunately it is required to remove the front cover to install an external drive. It comes off quite easily though.
Often when you try to add a harddrive to a computer, some PCI card or your video card is in the way and you have to remove everything first. The fact that the 3.5" internal bays are rotated 90 degrees makes installing a new harddrive a piece of cake, nothing will be in the way.
At a certain point you have to connect the front ports and buttons. The buttons are no problem, but the cables of the ports are a little short. I tried working them away by putting them right next to the motherboard but unfortunately this wasn't as easy as I thought. A few more centimeters would make it a lot easier to work away the cables nicely. It is a bit unclear how to connect the header of the USB ports but if you take the time to read the manual it is explained there very well.
Cooling problem
Because during the whole review I felt some cooling was lacking, I decided to see if I was right. The hottest piece of hardware in the system is a Geforce 6800LE with an Arctic cooling NV5 cooler. At full load it gets up to 60°C. I built it in the VB6000 with the rest of its system and checked the temps again. At full load it seems to get up to 72°C. The main reason for this is that the air it uses to cool the chip is stuck between the card itself, the side panel and three 10K SCSI disks. as shown here:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/thumbs/6800.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/VB6000/images/6800.jpg)
When taking away the side panel the maximum temperature is lowered to only 54 degrees at full load.
I believe that this problem can be fixed by drilling some holes in the side panel and adding a cooler that gives some fresh air to cool the card. I can't modify the case until this review is released, but expect an update on this.
[page=Conclusion]
Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The Thermaltake Swing VB6000 series is yours for about $60.</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Looks good
Mostly screwless installation
Rotated harddisk rack for easy installation
Priced very well
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Lack of cooling possibilities
Front port cables are a bit short
Could have had some more space
</td></tr>
<tr><th>7.9</th><td>The Thermaltake Swing VB6000 series is a good looking case for a small price. For the average user it should offer everything he/she needs. For the overclocker however I'd say it misses some spots for fans. The very same overclocker will mod the case and add these though. An overclocker on a low budget would do good to get this case. For the true enthusiast I'd recommend a higher end case though.</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td></td></tr>
</table>