{"id":28241,"date":"2012-02-02T15:51:24","date_gmt":"2012-02-02T15:51:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=28241"},"modified":"2012-02-06T17:09:31","modified_gmt":"2012-02-06T17:09:31","slug":"thermaltakes-full-tower-chaser-mk-i-takes-the-heat-from-quadfire-and-bulldozer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/thermaltakes-full-tower-chaser-mk-i-takes-the-heat-from-quadfire-and-bulldozer\/","title":{"rendered":"Thermaltake&#8217;s full tower Chaser MK-I takes the heat from QuadFire and Bulldozer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p align=\"center\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n               google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n\n\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Complete with a built-in headset stand, the Thermaltake full tower Chaser MK-I was created for gamers. It is a show-off case and it transforms into a variable LED light show at the touch of a button. It has all of the features of high-end watercooling-friendly cases, including dust filters everywhere.\u00a0 Best of all, the interior is spacious and it is also nicely-painted black. But it goes far above and beyond that with an easily accessible external HDD\/SSD dock on the top of the case that is so useful that you will wonder how you got by without it before.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.thermaltakeusa.com\/ProductHtml\/image\/VN300M1W2N\/Computer_Case_Chaser_View2.jpg\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.thermaltakeusa.com\/ProductHtml\/image\/VN300M1W2N\/Computer_Case_Chaser_View2.jpg?resize=356%2C356', '']);\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.thermaltakeusa.com\/ProductHtml\/image\/VN300M1W2N\/Computer_Case_Chaser_View2.jpg?resize=356%2C356\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The Chaser MK-I has superb airflow partly thanks to 3 large fans with options to install extra cooling fans for extreme hardware.\u00a0 In its stock configuration as tested and as pictured by Thermaltake&#8217;s own professionally rendered image above, there are 200mm each front intake and top exhaust fans, and a 140mm rear exhaust fan.<\/p>\n<p>There is no side case fan although the enthusiast can purchase a 200mm Thermaltake ColorShift fan and easily install it as provisions are already made for it.\u00a0 Having only two ColorShift fans in such a large case may be insufficient to produce a satisfying light show, perhaps when compared to the smaller oversized mid-tower <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/thermaltake-element-g-case\/all\/1\">Thermaltake Element G<\/a> with 3 included Color-Shift fans.<\/p>\n<p>We received a\u00a0Chaser MK-I from Thermaltake a few months ago and we have been using it extensively with our most difficult to keep cool system.\u00a0 It&#8217;s suggested selling price is $169.99.\u00a0 To compare, the Thermaltake Element G oversized mid-tower, which we loved and reviewed <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/thermaltake-element-g-case\/all\/1\">here<\/a>, is <a href=\"http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133086\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133086', '$145 plus $20 shipping at Newegg']);\" >$145 plus $20 shipping at Newegg<\/a>.\u00a0 The full-tower is actually less expensive as Newegg has the Chaser MK-I &#8211; winner of Newegg&#8217;s 2011 Reader&#8217;s Choice Award &#8211; shipped for <a href=\"http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133191&amp;Tpk=chaser%20mk-i\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133191&amp;Tpk=chaser%20mk-i', '$139.99 after a $15 mail-in-rebate']);\" >$139.99 after a $15 mail-in-rebate<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>Since we are extreme, we tested the Chaser MK-I tower with our overclocked FX-8150 at 4.6GHz and HD 6970-X3 Tri-Fire (HD 6970+HD 6990 with all three GPUs at 880\/1375MHz) and it passed with only its stock 3 fans running on their high preset to keep an extreme system, cool.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/TriFire-X3-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28425\" title=\"TriFire-X3-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/TriFire-X3-1.jpg?resize=300%2C296\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/TriFire-X3-1.jpg?resize=300%2C296 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/TriFire-X3-1.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Since it passed and we are extreme, we added another 4th hot running GPU in the form of a second HD 6970 plus HD 6990 for HD 6970-X4 QuadFire! And of course we shall give you the details of our testing and the results as well as our conclusion about the Chaser MK-I.<\/p>\n<p>The Thermaltake Chaser MK-I will easily accommodate the largest graphics cards including the reference version of the HD 6990, to over 12 inches. Although it comes with 3 fans, the\u00a0Thermaltake Chaser MK-I gives the consumer many options to customize it for themselves. It is not considered budget at $169.99 and it does not compete directly with any case that this editor has reviewed except for the smaller Element G which is close in price.\u00a0 The Cooler Master HAF would be the Chaser MK-I&#8217;s competitor.\u00a0 ABT Editor Leon Hyman reviewed <a href=\"http:\/\/http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/haf-922-review\">the 922 here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If one considers the alternative of buying a smaller and less-expensive case and then adding three or four fans at $20 each and customizing it themselves, they will pay about the same price but it will not be a full-tower.\u00a0 It will not have the variable LED lights nor the superb airflow promised by the Thermaltake Chaser MK-I.\u00a0 And it will not have a HDD dock built into the case!<\/p>\n<p>We have been using this case for over three months and we will share our experiences of building a system inside the\u00a0Thermaltake Chaser MK-I with our readers, including installing watercooling for the FX-8150. Naturally, we really wanted to put this Chaser MK-I case and our hardware through its paces with HD 6970 TriFire-X3 and even X4 while playing games as the most intense real world stability test to stress the Chaser&#8217;s ability to cool an extreme system.<\/p>\n<p>To make things far more difficult for our case&#8217;s ability to cool, we went for the highest overclock of our FX-8150 to date &#8211; to 4.6GHz &#8211; and we actually needed two PSUs for a total of 1625W to run our games stably using two video cards with three linked GPUs between them.\u00a0 Most portable consumer space heaters are 1500W in comparison!\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/QuadFire-X41.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28431\" title=\"QuadFire-X4\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/QuadFire-X41.jpg?resize=300%2C230\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/QuadFire-X41.jpg?resize=300%2C230 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/QuadFire-X41.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Well, TriFired HD 6970s turned out to be <em>relatively<\/em> cool so we <em>also<\/em> added another hot-running HD 6950-flashed-to-HD6970 for QuadFire-X4! This is an extreme test of any case&#8217;s ability to cool the hardware inside &#8211; a test that can make lesser cases sweat. Of course, we will report our final temperatures and results as we attempted to turn our\u00a0Thermaltake Chaser MK-I into a 1625W space heater.\u00a0 You might not want to try this at home without a side case fan, and realistically, these three cards should not be run in such close proximity to each other except under GPU watercooling.<\/p>\n<p><span>The aim of <\/span>Thermaltake<span> is to give<\/span> their consumersvalue and functionality with a large &#8220;everything included&#8221; full tower. It has has an aggressive look that gamers will like and it features a large (scratch resistant) plastic window as well as a mesh side panel that shows off its all-<span>black<\/span> interior.\u00a0 The Chaser MK-I boasts much larger dimensions than any mid tower case including<span> <a href=\"http:\/\/http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/cooler-masters-elite-430-case\/all\/1\">the Cooler Master Elite 430<\/a><\/span><span> and<\/span> the oversized Thermaltake Gladiator 600.<\/p>\n<p>The Chaser MK-I is all-purpose but it is not conservative-looking and some might take issue with the blue accents, especially if you prefer the red or green LED lights to be prominent.<span>\u00a0 Here is the\u00a0<\/span>Thermaltake Chaser MK-I<span> set alongside a regular sized mid-tower, the Cooler Master Elite 430.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/midvsfull.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28426\" title=\"midvsfull\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/midvsfull.jpg?resize=480%2C522\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/midvsfull.jpg?resize=480%2C522 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/midvsfull-275x300.jpg 275w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/midvsfull-941x1024.jpg 941w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>A case like the Elite 430 will almost fit inside of the Thermaltake Chaser MK-I.\u00a0 The Chaser is a full-tower case with a large, roomy all-black interior and we found it really easy to fit our hands around the hardware that we installed inside as we shall describe later on.\u00a0 The differences between working with a mid-tower and a full-tower is a similar experience to a mechanic working on sub-compact cars and who then works with large vehicles. There is much more room to work with in a full tower over a mid-tower.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Chaser MK-I case is a handsome case but a picture does it little justice compared to \u201cin person\u201d and our own images will simply attempt to capture the excitement and experience that we had when building a new PC with this well thought-out full tower case.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The top and front fans are protected by a fine plastic mesh that also acts as an effective dust filter. They are removable and easily cleaned.\u00a0 The side panel allows for an optional 200 mm fan to be positioned behind the fine plastic mesh.\u00a0 We notice two three-color LEDs are included with the case. \u00a0 For a case of this size, an included third LED fan might have been a great idea.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">There are two buttons to adjust the case fan&#8217;s RPMs &#8211; either low, 600 rpm; or high, 800 rpm.\u00a0 High increases their noise slightly as they reach their maximum performance mode; something you are not likely to hear over any but the quietest video cards. The Chaser MK-I looks really nice especially at night where the following image was captured in low light conditions and accented by the blue on the front panel.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/LowLight-blue.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28430\" title=\"LowLight-blue\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/LowLight-blue.jpg?resize=384%2C415\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/LowLight-blue.jpg?resize=384%2C415 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/LowLight-blue-277x300.jpg 277w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The blue decorations on the front of the case look great in blue light.\u00a0 However, they tend to clash a bit with red and green.\u00a0 Of course, the enthusiast may just fill all of his drive bays with optical drives.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Why <\/strong><\/span>Thermaltake<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Thermaltake considers themselves to be a relatively &#8220;new&#8221; company that formed in 1999 although that is more than twenty two years ago. They have been at the forefront of creating new and exciting products since the time where most computer users were provided with little to no choices for components that may seem irrelevant, but in reality are crucial to the performance of a PC. Their\u00a0Chaser MK-I case is part of the Thermaltake philosophy of what they call, <em>Key 3 Spirit Initiative<\/em> of Case, Cooler and Power Supply which is based on quality, performance and reliability.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/Key3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19521\" title=\"Key3\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/Key3.jpg?resize=277%2C277\" alt=\"Key3\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/Key3.jpg?resize=277%2C277 277w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/Key3-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 277px) 100vw, 277px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Key 3 Spirit initiative is based on the strength and know-how that Thermaltake has mastered through innovation and continuous research &amp; development that encompasses crucial components of a personal computer responsible for thermal management.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the following image conveys Thermaltake&#8217;s dedication to their customers.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/TT_philosophy.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19522\" title=\"TT_philosophy\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/TT_philosophy.jpg?resize=400%2C288\" alt=\"TT_philosophy\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/TT_philosophy.jpg?resize=400%2C288 400w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/TT_philosophy-300x216.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Now that we know about Thermaltake&#8217;s philosophy, let&#8217;s see how it is expressed in their Chaser MK-I case.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle: Introducing the Chaser MK-I--><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Thermaltake Chaser MK-I<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">We hold the belief that one of the most beautiful things about a case is when it is filled with hot-running hardware and it is still cool inside. Here we see one 12&#8243; reference HD 6990 and two 10.5&#8243; HD 6970s fitting easily inside and although there isn&#8217;t much room between the cards, there is plenty of room inside the case for QuadFire-X4.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Of course, the important thing is keeping these cards cool despite the fact that we are only using the three stock Chaser MK-I fans without a side case fan.\u00a0 We had to actually use a spacer to give the top HD 6990 a little air although it cut down on the middle card&#8217;s airflow.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/QuadFire-X4-room.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28432\" title=\"QuadFire-X4-room\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/QuadFire-X4-room.jpg?resize=480%2C360\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/QuadFire-X4-room.jpg?resize=480%2C360 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/QuadFire-X4-room-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>We used to believe it is absolutely mandatory to have a side case fan if you are running performance graphics and especially with an overclocked FX-8150 CPU and HD-69&#215;0 QuadFire-X4.\u00a0 Have we changed our minds? No, not at all.\u00a0 But that does not make this extreme test any less valid.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>The \u201cLook\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The first thing we note about the Thermaltake Chaser MK-I is its aggressive look. This is not a kid\u2019s PC nor is it conservative-looking. It has four USB ports and sound inputs and outputs, and the top metal and plastic grills does double duty as aesthetics and as a dust filter, which is especially important if they are used for intake fans. You can put in a total of 4 optical drives into the bays as well as six hard drives into the cages. Running the 2 largest fans&#8217; variable tri-colored LEDs is attractive, day or night.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-8.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28445\" title=\"case-8\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-8.jpg?resize=480%2C671\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-8.jpg?resize=480%2C671 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-8-214x300.jpg 214w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-8-732x1024.jpg 732w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a> The chassis sports a plastic front with a metal mesh and at the top front has a very basic front I\/O panel with four USB ports. Two of the ports have connections directly to the motherboard&#8217;s USB 3.0, so you have a very fast external connection conveniently available.\u00a0 This editor had only one irritation with the case &#8211; the front and top panels come off much too easily when you move your case and you must be very careful where you grab or your case may end up on the floor.\u00a0 It&#8217;s not ideal for LAN parties even assuming that the enthusiast can handle such a large case filled with hardware, anyway.<\/p>\n<p>The paint job of the\u00a0 Chaser MK-I chassis is outstanding &#8211; inside and out &#8211; and there are no imperfections that we could find. Neither the paint nor the clear plastic of the side panel are easy to scratch. Hand prints wipe off easily and we give very high marks to its exterior and interior and we like its look.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>The Features:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Features of the case Thermaltake\u00a0 Chaser MK-I include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Excellent airflow with 3 large, dual-speed fans with dust filters covering every intake that counts<\/li>\n<li>An aggressive looking gamer&#8217;s case with a variable LED lightshow<\/li>\n<li>Well-finished black interior and exterior<\/li>\n<li>Superior cooling performance including retaining holes for watercooling<\/li>\n<li>Well-managed interior space for extra long video cards<\/li>\n<li>Excellent cable management system<\/li>\n<li>Easy customization for adding additional cooling fans<\/li>\n<li>Tool-free design<\/li>\n<li>User friendly<\/li>\n<li>Three year warranty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle: Features--><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Cases and Cooling<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The PC case has evolved over the years from from its original passively-cooled closed white or beige box. All of the hardware has become hotter and hotter over the years as evidenced by the growing capacity of power supply units &#8211; especially for gamers.\u00a0 We had a total of 1625W available for our own testing!\u00a0 As PC cooling has developed over the years, so have cases to meet the growing cooling needs.<\/p>\n<p>The hardware outputs all of its heat into the case and there must be a good way to transfer and remove this heat or else the inside case temperature rises. In turn, a hot case increases the temperature of the hardware inside, leading to their possibly shortened lifespan or instability if overclocked.\u00a0 In our own testing, we needed two PSUs for a total of 1625W &#8211; more wattage than a typical consumer space heater uses!<\/p>\n<p>Cooling thus becomes critical to an overclocker. If we lower the case temperature, we lower the hardware temperature and generally we can overclock better with cooler components. The latest PC cases come equipped with fans that intake and exhaust large volumes of air, thereby lowering the temperature of the hardware inside. Many modern cases come standard with an intake fan and an exhaust fan. Even more extreme cases such as Thermaltake&#8217;s Chaser MK-I will have these fans as well as adding fans or provisions for them to the top, bottom and case sides.<\/p>\n<p>The Thermaltake&#8217;s Chaser MK-I big top 200 mm fan exhausts hot air from your case which otherwise tends to pool at the top of a case. This top fan can move a lot of air. There are provisions for another 200 mm fan or you can use the space for a watercooling system&#8217;s radiator.\u00a0 There are plenty of options and we chose to install our FX-8150&#8217;s watercooling radiator and fans in the cutout bringing air into the PC to pass through the radiator.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-topfan.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28446\" title=\"case-topfan\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-topfan.jpg?resize=384%2C837\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-topfan.jpg?resize=384%2C837 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-topfan-137x300.jpg 137w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-topfan-469x1024.jpg 469w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The Chaser MK-I comes with three fans \u2013 one 140 mm exhaust fan at the back of the case; the others two are large 200 mm fans on top for exhaust, and in the front as intake. You can easily add more (optional) fans for extreme airflow and cooling \u2013 a 200 mm side case ColorShift fan would not only look good for the lightshow, it would be functional for extreme graphics.\u00a0 The top section has wire dust screens since you have the option to install a watercooling unit or another big fan.<\/p>\n<p>An important thing that a PC builder will appreciate \u2013 besides the Chaser MK-I \u2019s reasonable price, ability to customize it and good looks \u2013 is its attention to detail. The very worst thing a builder will encounter is sharp edges inside a case and there were none that we found in building this one. And never &#8211; ever &#8211; grab the cheapest budget case that you can find.<\/p>\n<p>It is important to consider that a well-designed case properly holds the components in exact relationship to each other; there is no mismatch or straining anything anywhere to add or remove hardware. And we give high marks to the Chaser MK-I for being a solidly constructed and sturdy case. It feels solid and it is quite heavy at about 27 pounds when completely empty.<\/p>\n<p>In addition &#8211; if designed properly \u2013 a good case will help to keep cooler air circulating around your expensive components which will help to prolong their life by keeping them as cool as possible. Heat is an enemy of your hardware. All of this becomes critical to our project where we must overclock our power-hungry CPU and especially to run with 4 hot GPUs inside 3 video cards which are all starved for air because of their close proximity to each other.<\/p>\n<p>Thermaltake Chaser MK-I continues Thermaltake&#8217;s tradition of quality enthusiast cases. We have been using our Chaser MK-I for many months &#8211; switching hardware in and out many times &#8211; and it is a real pleasure compared with smaller cases. Now that it has been properly introduced, let\u2019s explore the Chaser MK-I and unpack it.<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle: Cases &#038; Cooling--><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>The Packing Box and the Presentation of the Chaser MK-I<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The Thermaltake Chaser MK-I comes well-packed in a tough cardboard box that also advertises its features in retail stores. Although it looked like the delivery company might have rented the box out for target practice, its contents were well preserved except for the headstand holder which suffered a crack.<\/p>\n<p>Here is the tough outside box that also advertises the Thermaltake Chaser MK-I &#8216;s features:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/box-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28435\" title=\"box-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/box-1.jpg?resize=480%2C405\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/box-1.jpg?resize=480%2C405 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/box-1-300x253.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Here is the back; the box was damaged during shipping:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/box-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28436\" title=\"box-2\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/box-2.jpg?resize=480%2C404\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/box-2.jpg?resize=480%2C404 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/box-2-300x252.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The Chaser MK-I comes packaged with thick foam and a plastic covering to protect it. It is a minimal but effective use of packing and there is less to recycle.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/packing.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28437\" title=\"packing\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/packing.jpg?resize=288%2C500\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/packing.jpg?resize=288%2C500 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/packing-172x300.jpg 172w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/packing-589x1024.jpg 589w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>We give our \u2018thumbs up\u2019 for the packing.\u00a0 Here are the specifications from the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thermaltakeusa.com\/Product.aspx?S=1393&amp;ID=2048#Tab1\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.thermaltakeusa.com\/Product.aspx?S=1393&amp;ID=2048#Tab1', 'Thermaltake web site']);\" >Thermaltake web site<\/a>:<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Specifications:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Chaser MK-I<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table id=\"ctl00_chMain_ctl05_gvProductSpec\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Case Type<\/td>\n<td>Full Tower<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Material<\/td>\n<td>SECC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Front Bezel Material<\/td>\n<td>Combination of plastic and high air flow mesh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Color<\/td>\n<td>Interior: BlackExterior: Black<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Side Panel<\/td>\n<td>Swivel Door with Tranparent Window<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Motherboard Support<\/td>\n<td>9.6\u201d x 9.6\u201d (Micro ATX)12\u201d x 9.6\u201d (ATX)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Motherboard Tray<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5.25&#8243; Drive Bay<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ext. 3.5&#8243; Drive Bay<\/td>\n<td>By using 5.25&#8243;\u00a0to 3.5&#8243; Converter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Int. 3.5&#8243; Drive Bay<\/td>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Expansion Slots<\/td>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Front I\/O Ports<\/td>\n<td>USB 3.0 x 2USB 2.0 x 2eSATA connector x 1MIC &amp; Speaker (support AC\u201997 &amp; HD Audio)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cooling System<\/td>\n<td>Front (Intake) :200 x 200 x 30 mm Colorshift fan x 1 (600~800rpm,13~15dBA) or 120 x 120 x 25 mm x 2 (optional) Rear (Exhaust) :140 x 140 x 25 mm TurboFan, 1000rpm, 16dBA or 120 x 120 x 25 mm x 1 (optional)Top (Exhaust) :200 x 200 x 30 mm Colorshift fan x 1 (600~800rpm, 13~15dBA); 200 x 200 x 30 mm x 1 (optional) or 140 x 140 x 25 mm x 2 (optional) or 120 x 120 x 25 mm x 2 (optional)<\/p>\n<p>Bottom (Intake) :<\/p>\n<p>120 x 120 x 25 mm x 1 (optional)<\/p>\n<p>Side (Intake) :<\/p>\n<p>200 x 200 x 30 mm x 1 (optional)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Liquid Cooling Capable<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Liquid Cooling Embedded<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Power Supply Supported<\/td>\n<td>Standard ATX PSII Power Supply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Power Supply Included<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Dimension (H*W*D)<\/td>\n<td>567.9 x 237.0 x 581.6 mm22.4 x 9.3 x 22.9 inch<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Net Weight<\/td>\n<td>12.3 kg27.1 lb<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Security Lock<\/td>\n<td>for peripherals only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Application<\/td>\n<td>Suitable for gaming, enthusiast, DIY and modding<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>MSRP: US Dollars : $169.99<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Here are the Features from the same source.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Command Center<\/strong> \u2013 With Chaser MK-1\u2019s fan controller onboard, gamer and enthusiasts can appreciate the convenience of adjusting the fan speed or lighting effect of the computer system.<\/li>\n<li><strong>USB 3.0 SuperSpeed<\/strong> \u2013 Tired of reaching to the back of the computer to connect a USB 3.0 device?\u00a0 Chaser MK-1 features latest USB 3.0 ports with internal header.\u00a0 Two USB 3.0 ports are conveniently located on the front of the case.<strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>HDD Docking Station<\/strong> \u2013 By adapting world\u2019s best selling BlacX Docking Station concept into a computer case, users can now effortlessly transfer large volume of data without the need for a conventional external storage device.\u00a0 Simply insert any 2.5\u201d or 3.5\u201d SATA hard drive into the docking station and start enjoying hot-swap capability and blazing-fast transfer speed through SATA interface.<strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>VGA TripleMax 33CM<\/strong> \u2013 All of today\u2019s high-end and advanced graphic cards that are capable of delivering ultra-realistic, immersive and intense gaming experience have longer than usual form factor which means not all computer case will fit.\u00a0 Chaser MK-1 not only address this concern by supporting graphic card up to 330mm in length, but also designed cooling surrounding the graphic card location to improve heat dissipation and reduce acoustic output.<strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>CableClear Cable Management<\/strong> &#8211; Dramatically improves thermal efficiency of the computer system by ensuring power cables do not get in the way of airflow.<strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Enthusiasts Water Cooling Ready<\/strong> &#8211; Spacious interior is only the bare minimum when it comes to water cooling.\u00a0 Chaser MK-1 features an innovative top removable panel that can be easily transformed to accommodate high-efficiency 24cm radiator!<strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Combat Headset Holder<\/strong> \u2013 Headset holder designed into the case allows gamers to store their gaming headset easily and securely.<strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Heightened Foot Stands<\/strong> \u2013 High thermal efficiency case that address all common and uncommon issues.\u00a0 Heighten foot stands elevate the whole computer system enough to prevent rug or any other soft flooring material from blocking the air intake\/exhaust found on the bottom of the case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Unfortunately, the plastic foot stands are uncovered by any protective material and they will scratch furniture or a hardwood floor.\u00a0 Also, the FAQ is wrong about the video card size; it will fit 12&#8243; but the CPU information is evidently correct:<\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">Q:<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">What is the longest graphics card that may be used with this chassis?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">A:<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">This chassis will fit a video card that is no longer than 10.5&#8243;.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">Q:<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">What is the tallest cooler that will fit this chassis?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td valign=\"top\">A:<\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\">This chassis will fit a cooler that is no taller than 163mm(6.4&#8243;)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Now that we have unpacked the Thermaltake Chaser MK-1, let&#8217;s give it a thorough examination.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle: Unboxing &#038; Specifications--><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Exploring the Chaser MK-I<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Here we see the Thermaltake Chaser MK-I with the left side panel off. The inside of the case is very nicely painted black. Not painting the case&#8217;s interior is a major cost-saving feature for the manufacturer and it often differentiates a midrange case from a high-end one. Inside the Thermaltake Chaser MK-I is sufficient room for three over-sized video cards like the 12&#8243; HD 6990 and ten and one-half inch reference HD 5000\/6000 series and large CPU coolers. Here we see the case after we unpack it for our build and we remove the parts inside.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/empty-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28440\" title=\"empty-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/empty-1.jpg?resize=480%2C430\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/empty-1.jpg?resize=480%2C430 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/empty-1-300x268.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>A full tower can be any size.\u00a0 The secret of a successful case is to have it large enough for most enthusiasts without making it overkill. In this regard, the Chaser MK-II delivers.\u00a0 There is a huge cutout for the motherboard so that you don&#8217;t have to remove it just to install a CPU cooler or to upgrade a CPU.<\/p>\n<p>There are rubber covered pass-through holes for cable management and for watercooling.\u00a0 The hard drive bays are fixed to the chassis and cannot be removed without a cutting tool; we miss the removable cage of the Element G.\u00a0 Perhaps one might want a second PSU inside the case as we would have liked.\u00a0 Technically there is already room for a second PSU on the floor of the case, but the cables make it too tight of a fit and we installed our second PSU outside of the case for a total of 1625W to power our overclocked FX-8150 and HD 69&#215;0-X4 QuadFire extreme system.<\/p>\n<p>The front has dust filters over the optical drive bays and over the front intake fan. At the top of the case there are filters, but at the back there are no dust filters as the air mostly moves out of the case. The metal mesh of the drive bay covers and the dust traps behind it do a superb job of trapping dust. Even the metal mesh is designed to keep your case interior dust-free.<\/p>\n<p>The Thermaltake Chaser MK-I comes with the standard internal connectors which are USB, headphone\/microphone inputs, and LED and switch connectors. The special one is the USB 3.0 header which makes for some really fast transfers as well as the connector for an external USB 3.0 HDD\/SDD dock right on top of the case.\u00a0 We grew to love the effortless convenience of rapidly transferring data from one PC&#8217;s HDD to ours.<\/p>\n<p>The instructions come inside the case in a cardboard box and the accessories are also packaged in a plastic bag. You will also get the necessary screws and zip ties. It is mostly a \u201ctool free\u201d build although a Philips screw driver is always useful and probably necessary to loosen the thumbscrews.\u00a0 You will also get an instruction manual which is quite generic and also printed in several languages.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-31.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28441\" title=\"case-3\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-31.jpg?resize=480%2C448\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-31.jpg?resize=480%2C448 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-31-300x280.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Here is the Thermaltake Chaser MK-I from the right. The motherboard tray is not removable but the large cutout makes it completely unnecessary for all of the usual situations. You can easily remove and replace a CPU in just a few minutes \u2013 without the irritating need to remove the motherboard just to remove a heatsink or to replace a CPU. There are also several cutouts for cable management.<\/p>\n<p>The back panel is visible from this shot:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28442\" title=\"case-2\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-2.jpg?resize=384%2C633\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-2.jpg?resize=384%2C633 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-2-621x1024.jpg 621w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The\u00a0Chaser MK-I case comes set up stock for air-cooling but also has convenient cutouts for water cooling tubes to pass through at the top above the back cooling fan&#8217;s grill. There are no ready options for installing smaller fans on the back grille for more extreme cooling needs, but it is not necessary and small fans generally add to noise. To the left of the 140 mm fan is where the standard motherboard I\/O shield plate is installed.<\/p>\n<p>Below that are standard eight expansion slots. Both left and right side panels are secured with three black thumb screws each. The panels install into the chassis with ease and they swing open and shut like doors on a hinge; a welcome and convenient change from most smaller cases where you must carefully slide tabs into rails.<\/p>\n<p>The front is constructed of plastic and metal mesh. With the front bezel removed, one can see through the front drive bays all the way to the back of the chassis. The removable metal mesh covers act as an effective dust filter to cover the 200 mm fan cooling the drive bays and the optical bay covers have the type of foam plastic used in air conditioners to protect the inside of your case from dust.<\/p>\n<p>Here is the front of the Thermaltake Chaser MK-I:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-81.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28448\" title=\"case-8\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-81.jpg?resize=480%2C671\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-81.jpg?resize=480%2C671 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-81-214x300.jpg 214w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-81-732x1024.jpg 732w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>We see the front I\/O panel with 1-eSATA, 4 USB ports including 2 USB 3.0 ports, along with the headphone and microphone jacks. Also on this panel, you will find the on\/off button for the system\u2019s power and reset button. There is also the power to the fan&#8217;s LED and a high-low switch to control the fan&#8217;s speed.\u00a0 The power button is illuminated along with the &#8220;lightning&#8221; LED which illuminates off and on to its own mysterious beat.\u00a0 The top slot is used for a HDD or SSD that connects to the motherboard via USB 3.0 for convenient hot-swapping.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/CP.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28449\" title=\"CP\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/CP.jpg?resize=480%2C260\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/CP.jpg?resize=480%2C260 480w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/CP-300x162.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>We like the layout and the fans&#8217; speed can also be adjusted for &#8220;performance&#8221;.\u00a0 During gaming one will never notice the fans&#8217; extra noise (over your video card, anyway). The right side panel has no opening nor window although it sports a raised section which adds to the Chaser&#8217;s &#8220;look&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28450\" title=\"case-5\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-5.jpg?resize=480%2C673\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-5.jpg?resize=480%2C673 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-5-213x300.jpg 213w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-5-730x1024.jpg 730w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Here is a feature worth repeating that this editor is absolutely in love with. The side panels swing open and shut like a door on hinges and there is no more need to carefully align slots and tabs to open and close your case.\u00a0 Three thumbscrews secure each side case panel.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s install our system in the Thermaltake Chaser MK-I<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle: Inside the Chaser MK-I--><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Installing the PSU and Hardware<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s look at our options for installing our power supply into the Thermaltake Chaser MK-I<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/PSU-in-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28451\" title=\"PSU-in-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/PSU-in-1.jpg?resize=480%2C370\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/PSU-in-1.jpg?resize=480%2C370 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/PSU-in-1-300x231.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The PSU can be installed fan up or fan down.\u00a0 Ideally it is installed as shown with the air being sucked through the PSU&#8217;s fan through the bottom and out the back of the grille &#8211; independent of the case&#8217;s air flow.<a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/feet-a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28452\" title=\"feet-a\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/feet-a.jpg?resize=480%2C665\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/feet-a.jpg?resize=480%2C665 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/feet-a-216x300.jpg 216w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/feet-a-738x1024.jpg 738w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>We see there is a removable metal mesh dust filter that is supplied for use with the power supply and built into the bottom of the case. Of course, if you use your PSU with the fan facing up, there is no need for a dust filter. If you install your PSU with the fan facing downward as in this case, the best place for a dust filter is naturally under the power supply, to protect it from clogging with dust as the fan will pull cool air (and dust) in from beneath the case.<\/p>\n<p>Also notice that the case&#8217;s feet elevate the case above the floor so that there is good airflow even on a thick carpet.\u00a0 The feet can swing several directions to enhance the stability of the case.\u00a0 Unfortunately there is nothing to protect the feet from scratching a hardwood floor or table.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/feet-q.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28453\" title=\"feet-q\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/feet-q.jpg?resize=295%2C300\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/feet-q.jpg?resize=295%2C300 295w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/feet-q.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 295px) 100vw, 295px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The alternative is to install the power supply unit \u201cupside down\u201d with the fan facing upward. The warm air from <em>inside<\/em> the case is now exhausted out the PSU\u2019s grille. One of the disadvantages with the fan facing up is that now you have to take extra care so as to not to drop a screw or other tiny object into the now open PSU. As a tip, cover your open PSU with a cloth when you are adding a video card, for example.<\/p>\n<p>Here is the case with the motherboard, RAM, CPU and cooler installed in the case.\u00a0 Notice how much room there is!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-inside-11.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28454\" title=\"case-inside-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-inside-11.jpg?resize=480%2C480\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-inside-11.jpg?resize=480%2C480 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-inside-11-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/case-inside-11-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Installing the motherboard is done by using the included spacers and screws. It should become apparent at this point, that full tower cases are very spacious if one is used to mid-towers and that now there is a lot more room to work with.<\/p>\n<p>Many PC builders install the CPU and CPU cooler first along with the RAM on the motherboard and then install it into the case.\u00a0 We are very glad for the Chaser&#8217;s thoughtfully placed cable management cutouts.<\/p>\n<p>You can also see from that the front bottom half of the case is taken up by a non-removable hard drive cage which can accommodate six hard drives. The top area allows for 4 optical drives which are also secured with screws (supplied) or can just be clipped in.<\/p>\n<p>Well, we have our build completed and we decided to test it with our overclocked to 4.6GHz\u00a0 FX-8150 and HD 69&#215;0 CrossFire-X3 &#8211; HD 6990 plus HD 6970 all clocked to 880\/1330MHz &#8211; notice the external PSU for a total of 1625W!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/TriFire-X3-2psu.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28457\" title=\"TriFire-X3-2psu\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/TriFire-X3-2psu.jpg?resize=480%2C412\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/TriFire-X3-2psu.jpg?resize=480%2C412 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/TriFire-X3-2psu-300x257.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Let&#8217;s see if can keep our components cool with the near-equivalent of a space heater inside our Chaser MK-I.\u00a0 The inside temperatures actually went way up once the doors were opened compared to closed and the temperature also rose quickly when the power and the cooling fans were turned off.\u00a0 Our room went from cool to very warm in less than 2 hours just by using our components for testing.\u00a0 It was actually quite pleasant gaming inside on a cool day.<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle: Building a System--><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>The Final Build and the Cooling Test<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>For our case cooling test, we used AMD&#8217;s Bulldozer FX-8150 which has a stock core speed of 3.6 GHz and which we overclocked to 4.4GHz previously in our <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/amd%e2%80%99s-fx-8150-and-crossfire-scaling-%e2%80%93-bulldozer-part-2-the-conclusion\">review<\/a> of it.\u00a0 This time we managed 4.6GHz with a massive increase in heat just at the edge of thermal stability.<\/p>\n<p>We actually conducted two separate tests. The first was conducted with HD 69&#215;0 CrossFire-X3 Tri-Fire which is two high-end video cards working together in tandem; the HD 6990 uses two GPUs and the HD 6970 uses one for a total of 3 linked adapters.<a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/trifireX3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28464\" title=\"trifireX3\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/trifireX3.jpg?resize=375%2C717\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/trifireX3.jpg?resize=375%2C717 536w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/trifireX3-157x300.jpg 157w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/trifireX3.jpg 807w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>For the second case temperature test, we used the same setup plus we added a third card &#8211; the HD 6950-flashed-to-HD 6970 &#8211; for 4 GPUs running together with 3 video cards all jammed together in close proximity.\u00a0 This extreme setup will heat your case and Tri-Fire or QuadFire (and especially coupled with and overclocked Bulldozer CPU) are a real test of any case\u2019s ability to move cooling air past your hardware.\u00a0\u00a0 As you can see, there are now four linked adapters.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/trifireX4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28465\" title=\"trifireX4\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/trifireX4.jpg?resize=387%2C462\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>We looped the <em>Crysis<\/em> GPU benchmark to get our maximum temperatures over 30 minute periods and we also ran Vantage tests continually to get instant peak GPU temperatures on the top (hottest) GPU of the HD 6990.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffff00;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Test Configuration &#8211; Hardware<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">AMD FX-8150 (reference 3.6 GHz; overclocked to 4.6 GHz), supplied by AMD<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li>ASUS CrossHair V RoG AM3+\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: small;\"> (latest BIOS, PCIe 3.0 specification; CrossFire\/SLI 16x+16x; onboard audio), supplied by AMD.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Kingston HyperX 4 GB DDR3-PC1600 RAM (2&#215;2 GB), supplied by Kingston<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">AMD HD 6990 (2 GB, reference clocks, also overclocked to 880\/1330MHz); used for PhysX, supplied by AMD<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">AMD HD 6970 (2 GB, reference clocked at 880\/1330MHz), supplied by AMD<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: small;\">AMD HD 6950 (2 GB, flashed to HD 6970 clocked at 880\/1330MHz), supplied by AMD<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Thermalright UltraExtreme120\/Scythe 120 mm fan<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">AMD Liquid Cooling CPU cooler, supplied byAMD<br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: small;\">500 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 hard drive<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Philips DVD writer<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">775 watt Thermaltake ToughPowerXT power supply unit (supplied by <\/span><\/span>Thermaltake)<\/li>\n<li>850 OCZ PSU<\/li>\n<li>Thermaltake Chaser MK-I (Supplied by Thermaltake)<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Radio Shack dual digital thermometer<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Kill-A-Watt meter<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The temperature sensor is placed below the DVD drive in a relatively cool portion of the case. It will read the inside temperature of our closed case while we compare it with the ambient (room) temperature. First we started with HD 69&#215;0-X3 TriFire and for the second part of the test, we added a third card in the form of HD 6970 for X-4 Quad-Fire.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Cooling Test<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>First, we started off Tri-Fired HD 69x0s inside our Chaser MK-I and with the hardware completely &#8216;cold&#8217; and compared the ambient temperatures near the case with the sensor&#8217;s reported temperatures from inside the case. A little variation is to be expected in the reported temperatures, and we started testing with our room at 72 F. It was rather cool outside as it is Winter but all of the room heating was caused by the PC components.<\/p>\n<p>On the digital thermometer, \u201coutdoor\u201d is the sensor inside the case and \u201cindoor\u201d is our ambient room temperature just outside of the case.\u00a0 Ambient and inside temps are approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit at the beginning of the test, a cool test room.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/X3-starttemp.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28458\" title=\"X3-starttemp\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/X3-starttemp.jpg?resize=288%2C211\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/X3-starttemp.jpg?resize=288%2C211 480w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/X3-starttemp-300x219.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We ran a half hour of continuously looping <em>Crysis<\/em>&#8216; GPU test using HD 69&#215;0-X3 TriFire.\u00a0 At its highest point, we recorded our case temperature (below).\u00a0 Notice that in 1\/2 hour, the room temperature went up by nearly 1.5 degrees F,\u00a0 but the delta between the inside case and the outside temperature was only 3-1\/2 degrees F!\u00a0 The Chaser MK-I is doing a spectacular job of keeping the components cool &#8211; and this is only with the 3 stock fans and without an optional side case fan!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/tempx3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28459\" title=\"tempx3\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/tempx3.jpg?resize=288%2C209\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/tempx3.jpg?resize=288%2C209 480w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/tempx3-300x218.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We also checked our GPU temperatures.\u00a0 The hottest that we could manage in Crysis was 87C &#8211; here we recorded 86C<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/crysis-44.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28462\" title=\"crysis-44\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/crysis-44.jpg?resize=346%2C603\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>The overclocked FX-8150 CPU temperatures also stayed in the 50sC, manageable.\u00a0 The hottest temperatures that we could read from our top GPU was 89C in looping Heaven 2.0.\u00a0 This is very reasonable for a fairly extreme system putting out a lot of heat.<\/p>\n<p>Afterward, we did something that we would recommend to no one.\u00a0 We stuck in a third hot-running HD 6970 right in-between the HD-6990 and the flashed-to-HD 6970, for Quad-Fire-X4.\u00a0 In effect, we were almost smothering our middle card and heating up the top HD 6990.\u00a0 And we did this without using any optional side case fan!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/QuadFire-X4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-28460\" title=\"QuadFire-X4\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/QuadFire-X4.jpg?resize=300%2C230\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/QuadFire-X4.jpg?resize=300%2C230 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/QuadFire-X4.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We ran Crysis again for 1\/2 hour more and noted our highest case and increasing room temperature.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/TriFire-X3-maxtemp.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28461\" title=\"TriFire-X3-maxtemp\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/TriFire-X3-maxtemp.jpg?resize=288%2C265\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/TriFire-X3-maxtemp.jpg?resize=288%2C265 480w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/TriFire-X3-maxtemp-300x276.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Things are starting to get a little toasty inside.\u00a0 The case temperature is now over ten degrees warmer than the outside temperature which has risen another degree in one-half hour.\u00a0 The CPU is starting to hit mid-60s and even the top GPU&#8217;s temperature is blipping 100C and so we decided to quit although there was no sign of instability.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/trifireX4Maxed.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28463\" title=\"trifireX4Maxed\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/trifireX4Maxed.jpg?resize=318%2C512\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>You must also realize that as your ambient temperatures climb, your inside case temperatures will also tend to climb a bit faster as in our now noticeably warmer room but unlike with other cases we have tested, the Thermaltake Chaser MK-I is completely up to the task of cooling our hottest hardware components.<\/p>\n<p>If we wanted to further cool our QuadFire setup for day to day running, we would watercool the videocards or at the very least, add a side case fan to our Chaser MK-I.\u00a0 For additional case fan recommendations we&#8217;d suggest that Thermaltake case fans as they are not only inexpensive but very quiet and efficient.\u00a0 And a 200 mm ColorShift fan would definitely add to the light show for the Chaser MK-I as well as for keeping the graphics cards cooler.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Watercooling<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We didn&#8217;t originally plan to watercool our Chaser MK-I but decided that with so much room, it might be cool (pun intended) to try out the AMD liquid CPU cooling system for Bulldozer that AMD sent to us and that is made for AMD by Asetek Cooling.\u00a0\u00a0 It&#8217;s our first experience with water cooling and we are not terribly impressed, so far.\u00a0 To be fair, we have only started to evaluate it, but the instructions included with the kit were difficult to follow and it quite hard to actually hold the pieces together so as to screw the cooler down into the motherboard&#8217;s backplate.<\/p>\n<p>Worst of all, watercooling noise is evidently very dependent on the fans that are used, and the Everflow fans used by the AMD are quite noisy when on high rpm.\u00a0 We are going to test air cooling versus watercooling this week and we will also substitute the Everflow fans for a pair of Noctua NF-F12 PWN fans and report our results in a separate article.\u00a0 In the meantime, here is AMD&#8217;s liquid cooling system installed in the top of the Chaser MK-I.\u00a0 The AMD logo lights up in red.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/WC-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28468\" title=\"WC-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/WC-1.jpg?resize=480%2C315\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/WC-1.jpg?resize=480%2C315 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/WC-1-300x196.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We moved the DVD optical drive down two slots to accommodate the AMD liquid cooler&#8217;s radiator and two fans.\u00a0 The air is drawn in from above the case and passes through the radiator to be exhausted back into the case but the heat is easily removed by the 200 mm fan on top and the 140 mm fan at the back of the case.\u00a0 An alternative is to place the radiator where the back exhaust fan is now.\u00a0\u00a0 Here is the AMD liquid CPU cooler radiator&#8217;s top intake fan as viewed from the top of the case.\u00a0 There is plenty of room.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/WC-top.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28469\" title=\"WC-top\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/WC-top.jpg?resize=480%2C359\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/WC-top.jpg?resize=480%2C359 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/WC-top-300x224.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>To fit this particular AMD-branded liquid CPU cooler, we had to drill out case threads so that the screws could pass through the fans to screw directly to the radiator.\u00a0 However, this Chaser case has so much room, it is easy to place just about any hardware inside and install it relatively easily because your fingers are never cramped.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Filters<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>How effective are they?\u00a0 Well, we think they are great. This image was taken only after a few days of use.\u00a0 It&#8217;s definitely better to clean the dust trapped in the filter where it is easily removed and cleaned rather than stuck inside your precious hardware where it is difficult to remove and where it builds up and causes thermal issues.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Filter-dust.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-28470\" title=\"Filter-dust\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Filter-dust.jpg?resize=384%2C460\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Filter-dust.jpg?resize=384%2C460 800w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Filter-dust-250x300.jpg 250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Let&#8217;s head for our conclusion.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle: The Test, Watercooling and Filters--><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle: Conclusion--><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Final verdict<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After months of living with the Thermaltake Chaser MK-I, we like<em> <\/em> it for its aggressive looks, we appreciate it for its incredible ability to keep our components cool and we love the light show when we are in the mood.\u00a0 Best of all, we like the doors that swing outward easily and the top hard drive dock.\u00a0 In addition the two external USB 3.0 ports definitely speeds up transferring data noticeably over using USB 2.0.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s sum up the many positives verses the negatives:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Positive:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The HDD dock is awesome for its convenience.\u00a0 We would suggest that Thermaltake adds a second one.<\/li>\n<li>Good looks. Ideal for a gamer that needs a full-size tower.<\/li>\n<li>LED light show that is variable and can be switched on\/off to suit your mood<\/li>\n<li>Extra-ordinary cooling performance with 3 stock fans to manage overclocked CPUs and three GPUs.<\/li>\n<li>Well-managed spacious interior.<\/li>\n<li>Excellent cable management system with intelligent cutouts for easy CPU removal and installation<\/li>\n<li>Easy customization for adding additional cooling fans or for watercooling when you want to be extreme<\/li>\n<li>Tool-free design and user friendly<\/li>\n<li>The side panels hinge like doors making it easy to access the interior<\/li>\n<li>Dust filters are included for every space that counts and the case is designed to keep dust out<\/li>\n<li>Three year warranty!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Negatives:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The bezels are not tight to the case.\u00a0 Be careful where you grab!<\/li>\n<li>The feet are not rubber covered and will scratch hardwood floors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The negatives are not major and generally are easily remedied. Our conclusion is that the Chaser MK-I is a great enthusiast stock case that allows the flexibility to cool as you choose.\u00a0 The Thermaltake Chaser MK-I is a quality and relatively inexpensive full tower case for users who want great looks, style and excellent cooling including water, without breaking their bank.<\/p>\n<p>Gamers will particularly like this case. You need not buy any extra fans or do any customization unless you are have extreme needs. Best of all, Thermaltake has designed the Chaser MK-I with plenty of room to spare.\u00a0 This was an easy and fun build and a pleasure to move hardware into and out of this case.\u00a0 We would not recommend this case necessarily for LAN parties because of its large size, bulk and the difficulty in moving a fully-loaded full tower as we found it difficult to grab, pick up and carry.<\/p>\n<p>The Thermaltake Chaser MK-I deserves our \u201cInnovation\u201d and &#8220;Editor&#8217;s Choice&#8221; awards.\u00a0 Innovation because we love their hard drive dock!\u00a0 It is convenient and it saves a lot of time.\u00a0 Editor&#8217;s Choice because it can keep even the hottest of enthusiast systems running cool and in style. We are as impressed with it in its own way as we were with the Thermaltake Element G.\u00a0 It&#8217;s highly recommended!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/06\/innovation1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-18819\" title=\"innovation\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/06\/innovation1.jpg?resize=150%2C251\" alt=\"innovation\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/EdsChoice.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19570\" title=\"Ed'sChoice\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/EdsChoice.jpg?resize=150%2C251\" alt=\"Ed'sChoice\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Our very special thanks also go out to Thermaltake for working with us and supplying us with their Chaser MK-I case. Now that we have our case set up and a hot FX CPU on watercooling, we have plans to also review Thermaltake&#8217;s Frio and Frio OCK CPU coolers.<\/p>\n<p>However, first we will test Noctua&#8217;s new near-silent fans as a replacement for the AMD stock liquid CPU cooling radiator fans to see if we can quiet things a bit and we will use a much quieter video card for that evaluation.<\/p>\n<p>Stay tuned, we have plenty more coming.<\/p>\n<p>Mark Poppin<\/p>\n<p>ABT Senior Editor<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Please join us in our <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/abt\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\">Forums<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Become a Fan on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142', 'Facebook']);\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Follow us on <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech', 'Twitter']);\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n<p>For the latest updates from ABT, please <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?feed=rss2\" target=\"_blank\">join our RSS News Feed<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Join our Distributed Computing teams<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Folding@Home &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech &#8211; 164304<\/li>\n<li>SETI@Home &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech &#8211; 138705<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.worldcommunitygrid.org\/reg\/viewRegister.do?teamID=3P39R3SRV1\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.worldcommunitygrid.org\/reg\/viewRegister.do?teamID=3P39R3SRV1', 'World Community Grid &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech']);\" target=\"_blank\">World Community Grid &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=28241\"><img decoding=\"async\" align=top title=\"Author: Mark Poppin\" src=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/ChaserMKI-imagelink.jpg\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":28479,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2533,7814,5,7],"tags":[5065,20,5068,5064,1861,4861,5066,5067,292,1152],"class_list":["post-28241","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-abt-news","category-articles","category-gaming","category-technology","tag-amd-liquid-cpu-cooling","tag-case","tag-case-and-cooling-review","tag-chaser-mk-i","tag-full-tower","tag-fx-8150","tag-hd-6970-quadfire","tag-hd-6970-trifire","tag-overclocking","tag-thermaltake"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28241","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28241"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28241\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28479"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28241"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28241"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28241"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}