Once the build is done the panels simply push on to spring clips which hold them securely in place:

The two side panels are interchangeable and again there are many options – this one is the extended window which adds $15:

While this is the standard window with ventilation which also adds $15:

Now we can also see the front window that is another option. If this is not chosen a front mounted 240 radiator cutout is provided instead. However note that a 240 radiator here would clash with a top mounted 360. A slim one should work with a 280 though. As can be seen the case tidies up very nicely as all the hardware to clip the doors on is hidden. There are no external screws that show to the end user either and it’s a neat feature to be able to get so much access so quickly to so many parts of the case:

Summary

I’ve been a big fan of CaseLabs right from the early days and this is another amazing design. After seeing the Merlin single wide tower lineup I really wasn’t sure what else was left for them to do, but this case really does blow anything else out of the water. In a very compact package you can get a ton of visibility to your hardware without compromising on cooling. The case could easily be setup with 2x360s, 1×280 and 1×240 which is enough for 99% of users. For the 1% there are optional pedestals that let you add more cooling or more drives or whatever else your heart desires.

It really is hard to find any fault, and my only niggles are that the I/O panel isn’t relocated in such a way that the HDD chamber could fit a 360 radiator. The price could also be dropped and the default HDD rack removed simply because most people don’t need it.

Of course when it comes to price the case is not cheap, like a car it may start at $359.95 but by the time you’re done adding satnav and leather you’ll be spending more than you thought. This particular version as shown would be $468.95 and that’s without the SSI-CEB tray upgrade and without the Tech Station conversion kit which we’ll be dealing with next! It may also not be your aesthetic, the design is certainly more on the form meets function side than the pretty side.

Overall it is a great case with an almost tank like build quality, innumerable options and configuration possibilities. When configured properly it is really easy to build with, maintain and change up. It will also outlast any of your hardware choices. The price difference between this and “normal” enthusiast cases can be compared to buying a tailored suit from Saville Row versus going to Men’s Wearhouse. There is a reason for the price difference and it may not be for everyone. However when compared to the total budget for a fully water cooled multi GPU rig, the cost is actually not that high relatively. The question this case asks is why buy anything else if you can afford it?

Gold Award (and then some)

Where to buy: CaseLabs

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