Test Build
We kept the test build simple, we used a stock Intel cooler and only the chassis intake fan. We have not really attempted any cable management to demonstrate a point. Apart from the type of SSDs, SanDisk instead of Samsung, and the addition of an HDD, this is the same build we used when reviewing the BitFenix Phenom Mini ITX Chassis.
All mITX chassis suffer from the same issue, PSU cabling is too long for a smaller chassis. It is a pity that most PSU manufacturers are still designing only for mid tower sizes, meaning mITX have too much cabling inside and full tower chassis owners need to buy extension kits.
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4670K CPU @ 3.40GHz
- Motherboard: MSI Z87I GAMING AC (MS-7887)
- Graphics: PNY XLR8 GeForce GTX 770
- Memory: 16GB Corsair (PC3-19200)
- Drives: 2 x 120 GB SSDs OS (SanDisk SSD SATA III 128GB)
- Back Up: 1TB HDD
- PSU: Thermaltake Smart SE 730W
We swapped the chassis panels around, below we have placed the two vented panels over the CPU cooler and the storage drives area. This leaves the window for the graphics card, though some may prefer your ventilation around your GPU instead.
Wall to wall, we see the PNY XLR8 GTX 770 really packed in there. It all works fine however, it is a perfect size for the chassis.
Sizable clearance below the GTX 770, if you only had a vented panel here, the slot would work well for cable management.
We used Thermaltake’s own SmartSE PSU which is semi-modular. There are four adjustment holes on the bottom panel allowing for the placement of the rubber vibration dampers. They work without issue, simple and effective.
Thermaltake Core V1 mITX Chassis Review
Package - 8.5
Features - 9.3
Build - 9.2
Consumer Experience - 9.2
9.1
LAN rig, SteamBox or just pushed for space in your game room, there are a lot of chassis that do it well enough, this little chassis beats some of the more expensive competition in a lot of areas, and compared to its price range, not much can touch it.
