Friday May 25, 2012 12:11 PM AEST
First Look

ThermalTake's Chaser MK-1 case is a blue giant

By David Hollingworth
16:09 May 10, 2011 | 2 Comments
Tags: thermaltake | chaser | mk-1 | pc | case | first | look | review
ThermalTake's Chaser MK-1 case is a blue giant
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Verdict:
A touch too... overwrought for our liking, but the full review will decide it for sure.
 
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Gallery: We take a look at ThermalTake's latest gaming case, the Chaser MK-1. It's a jolly blue giant that is also probably not welcome at any Royal Weddings.

A case can have all the right features, come at a great price, and be sturdy to boot, but if it doesn't have the design ethic you're looking for... That's kind of how we feel about ThermalTake's new Chaser MK-1. It's a good effort on paper, but we just can't make our mind up about the design aesthetic that has shaped it.

In brief, it looks like a cross between a transformer, and something that Dead Space hero Isaac Clarke might wear on his head. It's all triangular shapes and diagonals, with blue strips and blue-lit logos in a black casing. It's bold, that's for certain, but it's very much on the love-it-or-hate-it spectrum.

As to its specs...

Cooling System 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)
Bottom (Intake) :
120 x 120 x 25 mm x 1 (optional)
Side (Intake) :
200 x 200 x 30 mm x 1 (optional)
Others CPU cooler height limitation: 180mm
VGA length limitation: 330mm
Side Panel Transparent Window
Color Exterior & Interior : Black 
I/O Ports USB 3.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 2, eSATA connector x 1, 
MIC & Speaker (support AC’97 & HD Audio) 
P/N VN300M1W2N 
Expansion Slots 8
Dimension (H x W x D) 567.9 x 237.0 x 581.6 mm (22.4 x 9.3 x 22.9 inch)
Model Chaser MK-I
Drive Bays - Accessbile : 4 x 5.25’’, 1 x 3.5’’ (Converted from one 5.25” drive bay)
- Hidden: 6 x 3.5’’or 6 x 2.5’’
- HDD Docking: 1 x 3.5’’or 1 x 2.5’’
Net Weight 11.6 kg / 25.6 lbs
Case Type Full Tower
Material SECC
PSU Standard ATX PS2 (optional)
Motherboards 9.6” x 9.6” (Micro ATX), 12” x 9.6” (ATX)

We'll be looking at this case in more depth in an upcoming issue. In the meantime, check out our gallery of pics to see what you think of the case's design and features.

 
Product Info
Supplier:
Price when reviewed:
179
price check*
$158.00 Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 Full Tower Black, Thermaltake , Cases (Computer), H...
ARC Computers (NSW)
$170.91 Thermaltake Thermaltake. The Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 full tower chassis spo...
MegaBuy Technology Superstore (QLD)
$175.01 Thermaltake Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 VN300M1W2N Full Tower Case (No PSU)
ITSdirect (QLD)
$193.40 Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 Full Tower with HDD Docking Station / USB 3.0 / No ...
Navada Computer Services (WA)
$206.20 Thermaltake Chaser Mk-1 Black, Full Tower, USB3
JV Computers (SA)
*Products and prices sourced from staticICE and are in no way associated with Atomic MPC Powered by
 
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2 Comments
fliptopia
May 10, 2011 8:52 PM
It looks okish. Doesn't look like the intake areas have any filtering. All a bit "meh" really
GhostFaceKilla
May 14, 2011 2:35 PM
I like it. Some great features. The headphone rest is a nifty little addition alone. And I like the option for different size fans. No rubber pads around the PSU is a little oversight but could be lived with.

I like that it is being individual.

Its value and recommendation would be based on its price though as there a number of great cases around now with largely identuical and in some cases better features.

But all in all not a bad case.
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