Thermaltake Matrix
1. Introduction
Today, we will not be reviewing an extravagant case with flashing lights and aqueous liquid running through meandering cooling pipes...(but we will soon, in a future review...). No, today we will be reviewing something more down to earth, a solution for the everyday user. Thermaltake's "MATRIX", is the PC case under the spotlight this time, designed for the end user who wants to upgrade their current, "cheap" PC case, without spending too much as would be the case with a case modding enthusiast solution.
The MATRIX PC case, is a mid ATX case with front and back ventilation, featuring a solid side panel (which can hold a 12cm fan opposite the CPU) and a passive ventilation window frame for the graphics card. The front panel has air filters (a light spongy material) to prevent dust entering the case, while overall, the whole design resembles a lighter, watered down version of the Soprano or Tsunami series from Tt. Note here, that the Matrix case comes in two versions, one is the MATRIX VD (VD200BNS reviewed here) and the MATRIX VX series which is more sophisticated.
- Features
- Aluminum badge with mesh panel
- Dual USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 Firewire, MIC & Speaker ports
- Tool-free installation for all drive bays & add-on cards
- High efficiency ventilation: 12cm silent fan in rear (front 12cm fan is optional)
- Entirely filtered front panel design to prevent dust built up
- Specifications
| Model | VD2000BNS |
| Case Type | Middle Tower |
| Net Weight | 5.68 kg |
| Dimension (H*W*D) | 420 x 190 x 480 mm |
| Cooling System | Front (Intake) : 120 x 120 x 25 mm (optional) |
| Rear (Exhaust) : 120 x 120 x 25 mm, 1300rpm, 17dBA | |
| Drive Bays | 10 |
| - Accessible | 4 x 5.25", 2 x 3.5" |
| - Hidden | 4 x 3.5" |
| Material | SECC Japanese steel |
| Color | Black |
| Expansion Slots | 7 |
| Motherboards | Micro ATX , Standard ATX |
| PSU | N/A |
The MATRIX case does not come with a PSU inside, so you'll have to purchase the Power Supply Unit separately. The front intake fan is optional, which means that the case does not have a front fan by default (nor is it included in the box) so in this case too, you'll have to purchase the fan separately.
Let's take a quick look at the important features
of the MATRIX VD200BNS case. The images
on the left show the Tool-free kits for the drive
bays and add-on cards.
- Tool-free kit for 5.25” drive bays
- Tool-free kit for 3.5” drive Bays
- Tool-free kit for HDD drive bays
- Thumb-Screw for easy side panel opening
- Tool-free kit for add-on cards
- 12cm fans in the front and back
- CPU air guide & VGA card venting hole
- All mesh design front panel for maximum ventilation
- Shinny aluminum plate with Tt logo
- Entirely filtered front panel design to prevent dust built up
- Easy access front I/O (USB 2.0 x 2, Firewire, Speaker / Mic ports)
In the ensuing pages of our review, we will take an in depth look at the MATRIX case and its features. So let's move on...
