DanTheBanjoman
12-14-2005, 12:51 PM
[page=Introduction and specifications]
Introduction:
I'd like to thank Thermaltake for once again giving us a nice piece of hardware. Today we will take a look at their VC2000 "Mambo" (http://www.thermaltake.com/xaserCase/Mambo/mambo.htm).
The Mambo is an affordable case that looks quite stylish. The specifications are as follows:
<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, 5×3.5" 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, microphone, headphone</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Weight</th>
<td>6.2 Kg</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>430.3×200.2×502.2 mm (H×W×D)</td>
</tr> <tr>
<th>Material</th>
<td>SECC</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Available models</th>
<td>Black</td>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1264.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1264.jpg) [page=The package]
The package
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/box1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/box1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/box2.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/box2.jpg)
When the box is opened the following pops out:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/packed1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/packed1.jpg)
The case itself, packed just like any other case.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/booklet1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/booklet1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/booklet3.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/booklet3.jpg)
A 10 page manual which should help you install your hardware in the case.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/screwbag.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/screwbag.jpg)
A bag full of screws.
[page=The case]
First impression
My very very first impression when the mailman gave me the box was "wow, it's very light". It must either be very weak or just light material.
The list of things in the box is quite short though that's not unusual for a computer case. Everything you need seems to be there. There is a big orange cooler in the back which should blow a lot of hot air out of the case. The side has space for a 80mm fan just above the CPU and the front can hold an additional 120mm fan. Which is unfortunately not included. There is enough space for hard drives, probably more than anyone buying this case needs. And the 5.25" bays are hidden behind a nice door. The door is made of plastic and feels quite fragile, I hope I won't break it.
A closer look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1185.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1185.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1181.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1181.jpg)
The case, obviously.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1187.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1187.jpg)
The door, behind it are four 5.25" bays. It opens by pushing it lightly.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1216.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1216.jpg)
The 5.25" bays and the external 3.5" bays don't need screws. Simple pins are used instead which keep the drives in place.
The internal hard drive bays do need screws. There are five of them so there should be enough space for future expansion or a nice RAID array.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/fan.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/fan.jpg)
The case comes with a 120mm orange fan in the back, it has to make fewer RPM to move the same amount of air as an 80mm model. This should keep the case silent.
The side has space for an additional 80mm fan, it's placed just over the CPU socket (for most motherboards) so it could really make a difference if your CPU runs too hot.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1228.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1228.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1235.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1235.jpg)
The front ports are placed on the lower right side of the case, this could be annoying when your computer is placed against a wall. It does help prevent a mess in your case since they don't go through the whole case. The wires are all labeled so it shouldn't be hard to connect them using your motherboard's manual.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1261.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1261.jpg)
If you're installing your new AGP or PCI expansion card you do need screws in this case. Personally I like the good old screws, I've seen some cases with screwless installation which wouldn't work with certain cards.
[page=Installation & conclusion]
Installation
Installing a system in this case isn't much work. It mostly works the same as any other case. With the exception of the external drive bays. Fortunately this exception is positive, the pins that hold the drives can easily be pushed in to place or removed and they lock in firmly.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1241.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1241.jpg)
Due to the lack of things to complain about I even tried its optional features, the fans. The side fan is located perfectly for my Pentium 4 board. having it suck in some cool air is really helpful. I have my doubts about the front fan though. The plastic front of the case has no holes in it to let out hot air or let in cool air. Having a fan there wouldn't be as effective as the sidefan. Though if your hard drives are really running hot (10.000 RPM disks for instance) it might just work.
Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The Mambo is yours for $50.</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Cheap
Screwless drive bays
Nice clean design
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Door feels fragile
No holes for front fan
</td></tr>
<tr><th>8.5</th><td>If you could get a nice case for $50 Thermaltake's Mambo surely is one of them. It looks good, is easy to install and even has nice cooling options for the more advanced user. In addition it is quite light and has enough space for expansion. Long story short, there isn't really a reason not to buy it if you don't have specific demands. The Thermaltake Mambo should be just fine for most users.</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif</td></tr>
</table>
Introduction:
I'd like to thank Thermaltake for once again giving us a nice piece of hardware. Today we will take a look at their VC2000 "Mambo" (http://www.thermaltake.com/xaserCase/Mambo/mambo.htm).
The Mambo is an affordable case that looks quite stylish. The specifications are as follows:
<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, 5×3.5" 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, microphone, headphone</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Weight</th>
<td>6.2 Kg</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>430.3×200.2×502.2 mm (H×W×D)</td>
</tr> <tr>
<th>Material</th>
<td>SECC</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Available models</th>
<td>Black</td>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1264.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1264.jpg) [page=The package]
The package
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/box1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/box1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/box2.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/box2.jpg)
When the box is opened the following pops out:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/packed1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/packed1.jpg)
The case itself, packed just like any other case.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/booklet1.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/booklet1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/booklet3.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/booklet3.jpg)
A 10 page manual which should help you install your hardware in the case.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/screwbag.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/screwbag.jpg)
A bag full of screws.
[page=The case]
First impression
My very very first impression when the mailman gave me the box was "wow, it's very light". It must either be very weak or just light material.
The list of things in the box is quite short though that's not unusual for a computer case. Everything you need seems to be there. There is a big orange cooler in the back which should blow a lot of hot air out of the case. The side has space for a 80mm fan just above the CPU and the front can hold an additional 120mm fan. Which is unfortunately not included. There is enough space for hard drives, probably more than anyone buying this case needs. And the 5.25" bays are hidden behind a nice door. The door is made of plastic and feels quite fragile, I hope I won't break it.
A closer look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1185.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1185.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1181.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1181.jpg)
The case, obviously.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1187.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1187.jpg)
The door, behind it are four 5.25" bays. It opens by pushing it lightly.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1216.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1216.jpg)
The 5.25" bays and the external 3.5" bays don't need screws. Simple pins are used instead which keep the drives in place.
The internal hard drive bays do need screws. There are five of them so there should be enough space for future expansion or a nice RAID array.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/fan.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/fan.jpg)
The case comes with a 120mm orange fan in the back, it has to make fewer RPM to move the same amount of air as an 80mm model. This should keep the case silent.
The side has space for an additional 80mm fan, it's placed just over the CPU socket (for most motherboards) so it could really make a difference if your CPU runs too hot.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1228.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1228.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1235.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1235.jpg)
The front ports are placed on the lower right side of the case, this could be annoying when your computer is placed against a wall. It does help prevent a mess in your case since they don't go through the whole case. The wires are all labeled so it shouldn't be hard to connect them using your motherboard's manual.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1261.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1261.jpg)
If you're installing your new AGP or PCI expansion card you do need screws in this case. Personally I like the good old screws, I've seen some cases with screwless installation which wouldn't work with certain cards.
[page=Installation & conclusion]
Installation
Installing a system in this case isn't much work. It mostly works the same as any other case. With the exception of the external drive bays. Fortunately this exception is positive, the pins that hold the drives can easily be pushed in to place or removed and they lock in firmly.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/thumbs/IMG_1241.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/Mambo/images/full/IMG_1241.jpg)
Due to the lack of things to complain about I even tried its optional features, the fans. The side fan is located perfectly for my Pentium 4 board. having it suck in some cool air is really helpful. I have my doubts about the front fan though. The plastic front of the case has no holes in it to let out hot air or let in cool air. Having a fan there wouldn't be as effective as the sidefan. Though if your hard drives are really running hot (10.000 RPM disks for instance) it might just work.
Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The Mambo is yours for $50.</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Cheap
Screwless drive bays
Nice clean design
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Door feels fragile
No holes for front fan
</td></tr>
<tr><th>8.5</th><td>If you could get a nice case for $50 Thermaltake's Mambo surely is one of them. It looks good, is easy to install and even has nice cooling options for the more advanced user. In addition it is quite light and has enough space for expansion. Long story short, there isn't really a reason not to buy it if you don't have specific demands. The Thermaltake Mambo should be just fine for most users.</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif</td></tr>
</table>