Thermaltake DH 104
Test Setup and Installation
Published: 27th November 2008 | Source: Thermaltake | Price: TBC |
Test Setup
For testing we wanted to replicate a fairly high-end HTPC, one that was capable of modest gaming. If you're a regular to the site you will know that the 4830 is currently our favourite mid-range card, so one of those was on our list. Although the rest of the system may be a little overkill for watching hi-def videos, it means the DH 104 was pushed further than it normally would, which will hopefully highlight any faults.
The full specs are as follows:
Q6600 'G0' @ stock
Cooler Master Z600 Cooler
4GB Crucial Ballistix
Asus Maximus Formula
Raptor X 150GB x2 'boot drives'
250GB Seagate 7200.0 'media drive'
HIS Radeon 4830 512MB
X-Fii Extreme Gamer sound card
LG DVD-Ram drive
Cooler Master Z600 Cooler
4GB Crucial Ballistix
Asus Maximus Formula
Raptor X 150GB x2 'boot drives'
250GB Seagate 7200.0 'media drive'
HIS Radeon 4830 512MB
X-Fii Extreme Gamer sound card
LG DVD-Ram drive
As you can see, it wasn't going to be easy for the DH 104 to cope with the heat generated by the system chosen. We also chose to include a high-end cooler, which would allow lower fan speeds so we could determine how much noise was being generated by the case fans.
Installation
Installation seemed to go well; all the components fit well and there were a few nifty features that really aided the build time.
At first we thought something had gone wrong when the stand-off was made. However, once we got around to installing the motherboard, all was revealed. The stud goes in the centre of the motherboard and holds it in place. Installing a motherboard usually involves trying to hold it in place, holding a screw driver, lining up the screw and trying to screw them in all at the same time. The stud simply holds the board in place, freeing up your hands... Well done Thermaltake!
Next up, we installed our hard disks in the rack. We decided to space them out as much as possible, so that they wouldn't bake each other. However, once we put the cage back into the case it became apparent that there was insufficient space to use the slot. The bottom slot in the cage means the disk is right next to the motherboard. The 24 pin ATX connector on our board was directly below the drive, blocking off the power connector. Since the placing of the ATX connector isn't exactly unique, this is perhaps something Thermaltake needs to look at.
The final problem we encountered is almost unique to our PSU, but is still worth noting for readers who may have the same PSU. The 120mm fan overhangs underneath the PSU, meaning we couldn't install in the final row of modular ports on our PSU. To rectify this, we had to remove the bracket on the fan, shortening it by about a centimeter. This gave us enough clearance to attach the plugs.
Finally, after an hour or so, our PC was ready to be used. The cable management in the DH 104 is pretty poor, and we struggled to make a neat looking system. This will most likely affect the cooling performance of the case, and perhaps something Thermaltake should look at fixing with a few routing holes or similar.
Most Recent Comments
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Originally Posted by name='ionicle'
very nice looking case i must say
but £300 ...phew...bit much aint it 200 would be a better price point for it especially in this credit crunch, people want cheep and cheerful |
Great review, I love these cases - always scared at the price >.<
A possible switch-out of the lcd for maybe a hdd bay or these days.. optional iPod dock ?, perhaps 5.25 opening.. basically LCD or utility opening for added extras u can purchase to suite ur needs. Or ofc blank blate (same color [see below], with Thermaltake watermarked on it - not too heavy to be tacky tho)
Under £200, the unit should sell well, with an obvious after purchase of LCD or any of the above options, would be good business.
The look is very nice imo. It's a shame the flap for the usb/ports looks off-colored to the rest of the unit, it could be the lighting or photography that may make it look worse than it actually is. If that was a spot-on match, I`d class it as slick. For this reason, I'd be more inclined to hunt for a black model.
Nice.Quote
A possible switch-out of the lcd for maybe a hdd bay or these days.. optional iPod dock ?, perhaps 5.25 opening.. basically LCD or utility opening for added extras u can purchase to suite ur needs. Or ofc blank blate (same color [see below], with Thermaltake watermarked on it - not too heavy to be tacky tho)
Under £200, the unit should sell well, with an obvious after purchase of LCD or any of the above options, would be good business.
The look is very nice imo. It's a shame the flap for the usb/ports looks off-colored to the rest of the unit, it could be the lighting or photography that may make it look worse than it actually is. If that was a spot-on match, I`d class it as slick. For this reason, I'd be more inclined to hunt for a black model.
Nice.Quote
Cheers for the feedback!
I agree on the removal of LCD and possibility of other accesoiries, that would certainly be useful..
The USB ports were a slight darker tinge, but it looks great for real, pictures cant do it justice!Quote
I agree on the removal of LCD and possibility of other accesoiries, that would certainly be useful..
The USB ports were a slight darker tinge, but it looks great for real, pictures cant do it justice!Quote
anyone aware of other reviews for this case? I miss info on screen resolution. Could it handle 1080p in clone with a HDTV. What cable connection is used for the LCD, VGA?Quote
CSS Valid
but £300 ...phew...bit much aint it
200 would be a better price point for it
especially in this credit crunch, people want cheep and cheerfulQuote