When buying a PC the consensus from gamers was bigger is better; that changed when the mATX board started coming out. mATX cases were a lot lower in profile and still did everything you needed them to for casual gaming. Now with the new ITX standard and the ion chipset you are able to get playable frame rates on some popular games like Counter Strike and Team Fortress 2, which for its size is pretty impressive. Thermaltake has always been quick to the gate for gaming and media PC chassis and the new itx standard is no exception. The Element Q series from Thermaltake has everything you need to get a good start on your next ITX build including the power supply! Let’s take a look:
Provided by: Thermaltake
Price: $60.72
Closer Look:
Specifications and Features:
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| Case Type | Mini Case |
| Material | SGCC |
| Front Bezel Material | Plastic |
| Color | Black |
| Side Panel | No |
| Motherboard Support | Mini ITX |
| Motherboard Tray | No |
| 5.25″ Drive Bay | 1 |
| Ext. 3.5″ Drive Bay | 1 |
| Int. 3.5″ Drive Bay | 1 |
| Expansion Slots | 1 |
| Front I/O Ports | USB 2.0 x 2 HD Audio |
| Cooling System | |
| Liquid Cooling Capable | No |
| Liquid Cooling Embedded | No |
| Power Supply Supported | SFX |
| Power Supply Included | 200W SFX Power Supply |
| Dimension (H*W*D) | 130 x 220 x 330 mm 5.12 x 8.66 x 13 inch |
| Net Weight | 2.7 kg 5.95 lb |
| Security Lock | |
| Application |
Testing and Conclusion:
The best way to test a case is to do a build in it; there were some space issues which cannot be avoided in such a close knit case. I would say because of its design it did remind me of the NZXT Rogue, the one thing NZXT did that I wish was done in the Element Q was a slide able motherboard tray which for me would have won it some major points. That being said it was fairly effortless to get the zotac ion board in and the fact this case allows for 2 HDD’s and a full sized ODD makes it more impressive that it was as easy as it was to put the build together. I have to say I like a lot about the In Win ITX Case we just recently did but the Thermaltake Element Q is a much better choice for a gaming chassis where as the BP series fit media applications a little better.
Overall I have to say it is a great itx case and I would recommend it for anyone wanting a budget gaming rig, you just can’t beat the price seeing as how it includes a PSU.
Pros:
- Well Built
- Pretty Easy to Work in
- Includes 220W PSU!
- Price
- Thumbs up for Black and Red Color Scheme
- 5.25 and3.5 not the Stupid Slim Garbage
Cons:
- Sliding Motherboard Tray Could a be Great Addition
- Fan on PSU is a Little Noisy but not bad
