Photos Part Three: Hardware Installation and Testing
Now for the real fun. The hardware we’ll be using for the purposes of this review is as follows:
- ASRock z77 Pro 3
- Intel i5 3570k
- Xigmatek Dark Knight Cooler
- Patriot Viper 2x4GB 1600mhz memory
- Visiontek Radeon 7950
- Silverstone 700w modular power supply
- Seagate 500gb hard drive
- Thermaltake Soprano
I have to say, of all the cases that I’ve used so far, it’s very refreshing to see tool-less options. It’s probably one of the better changes made by case companies . Installing a CD, DVD, or Blu-Ray drive is a simple means of picking a slot, removing the cover from the rack and inserting the drive until you hear that glorious click. Removing it is just as easy, simply push down on the lever and it will release. Similarly, the hard drive rack has a set of trays for easy and secure storage. And, as you can see from the pictures, the hard drive ports will be facing the opposite side panel.
Also like many cases these days, the power supply is mounted on the very bottom of the case. This is yet another feature I think is one of the better decisions made in recent days; however, for some, it may be a matter of preference, but it probably won’t be reveresed anytime soon. And finally, if you’re in to overclocking, you’ll be glad to know this case has ample room for both air and water-cooling solutions. The Xigmatek Dark Knight demonstrates this very nicely.
Finally, there are also two new features worth addressing. The first is a top-mounted hard drive slot which is invaluable for those times when you need to transfer files at a moment’s notice. The second involves the back plate. Usually, the bolts that secure components like video cards, network cards, and so on, are normally accessed by removing the side panel and taking a 1/4″ nut driver to them; however, the Soprano has decided to place the bolts on the outside of the case which are in turn held together and to the case by an extra panel.
