Streacom surprises us with new and original products every couple of months, and this time, we received the DA6 XL. This open-frame “case” is unique for many reasons. What is obvious, it has an open design, and the way how all components are installed is very original. I won’t share much more in the introduction, but I can assure you there are many interesting features, so more description is needed. For sure, it’s worth checking our review to find out how much the DA6 XL brings.
In the beginning, product features and some technical data.
The DA6 is a vertical open frame ITX case designed to provide the ideal platform for showcasing computer components. This open-frame design, combined with the unique approach to mounting hardware, means the DA6 has incredible support for the ever-increasing size and cooling demands of gaming hardware whilst still maintaining SFF conditions.
The main structure is formed from 19mm stainless steel tubes, creating an unbroken wrap around frame that defines the body, feet and handles. This tubular theme continues to many other elements of the case to create a cohesive design. Beyond simply a style choice, the tubes play an integral part in not only the structure but functionality, serving as support surfaces for fitting components when combined with the universal brackets.
The open-frame design not only allows for unrestricted airflow but combined with the ability to utilise 4 sides for mounting, gives unrivalled cooling potential. Each side has a tube to tube aperture of 150mm (166 without the brackets) ideal for 140mm fans (or smaller) to be mounted between them.
Staying within the confines of SSF volume whilst including support for ever-larger GPUs meant introducing compromises that we didn’t just want to concede, so we decided to release 2 versions of the DA6, the standard (just called DA6) and the DA6 XL.
The XL maintains the same footprint but the added height allows for GPUs up to 358mm in length leaving room for even the largest cards and some breathing room for potentially bigger next-gen cards.
ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL
A compact form is an efficient one, that is something we have always focused on. Staying true to SFF was critical but we also didn’t want to limit the potential of this case, especially considering its ideal for showcasing your GPU.
The DA6 stays true to SFF volume but the DA6 XL with its additional 35mm of height, allows for oversized cards to be installed whilst still maintaining the same footprint.
AN EXPLORATION OF THE TUBULAR FORM
The case is designed around the use of tubes, the main structure is forms an unbroken wrap around frame that defines the body, feet and handles.
The usage of tubes or rods continues to the motherboard posts and extends to the universal brackets that comprise of cylindrical mounts and even smaller rods that form the bracket. This creates a cohesive and simple design that whilst minimalist, doesn’t feel cheap thanks to the use of premium materials and finishes.
THE PERFECT HOME FOR YOUR GPU
Whilst the CPU might be at the heart of every PC, the GPU has become the visual centrepiece of every performance system. Highlighting this was one of the main motivations for the open design of the DA6. There is simply no better way to fully appreciate your hardware without negatively impacting cooling performance (talking about you TG!) than an open case.
Beyond just having an unrestricted view of the GPU, we wanted it to be perfectly positioned irrespective of the different sizes being used, so we incorporated an adjustable mounting solution. This gives the GPU x-axis movement for precise alignment of the card to the centreline of the case.
COOLING UNLIMITED
An open frame design removes many of the limitation and performance restrictions of a conventional enclosure. This allows the choice of components to be less dependent on size and more on the performance requirements.
The DA6 has plenty of room for a large downdraft cooler with 105mm in height up to the edge of the case but there is nothing stopping you from going all out with the tallest tower cooler you can get your hands on.Whilst not specifically designed for water cooling, there are no real restrictions and radiators up to 280mm can be fitted.Thinking of going fanless? We don’t actually make any fanless CPU coolers because we believe the case is critical and integral to correct fanless operation but …. the DA6 might just be the perfect companion for those fanless CPU coolers.
VERSATILITYUNIVERSAL BRACKETS
It almost wouldn’t be a Streacom case if it didn’t feature a unique way of mounting hardware, the DA6 is no exception featuring universal brackets that are more versatile than ever.
Free to move along the entire length of the case and on all 4 sides, they allow for extremely granular placement of components and can accommodate the mounting of virtually anything as long as it physically fits (being an open case, good chance it will), opening up a whole world of possibilities.
The brackets support 2.5″, 3.5″ drives, SFX and ATX PSUs with incredible versatility in terms of placement and orientation.
MODULAR MEANS, EXPANDABLE, UPGRADEABLE AND CUSTOMISABLE
One of the features included on all ‘D’ series cases is port modularity. This allows for improved case personalisation and reduces obsolescence by providing an upgrade path for future standards.
The DA6 comes fitted with a power button + type-c module, by default located on the bottom panel but it also features 2 additional module locations on the top panel. These can be used as an alternative to the bottom placement or used to add additional ports according to your exact needs and motherboard port features.
We are committed to this modular platform and will build upon it by not only adding more port options but additional functionality such as biometric authentication.
You can buy the black version of the Streacom DA6 XL open frame ITX case for around USD $321 on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3WDcbUH, or directly in the Streacom online store for around
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