KitGuru KitGuru.net – Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards
The Level 10's design is like nothing we've ever seen before. It consists of four different modules (for the PSU, optical drives, hard drives, and motherboard) protruding from the aluminium backbone. This is stabilised by a large aluminium base which protrudes out both sides of the chassis.
The case is finished exclusively in black anodised aluminium which means the aesthetics are beautiful. Thermaltake have lifted the subtle design with a red illuminated strip which spans the periphery of the backbone.
On the front of the case there is a generous selection of front-panel connections, consisting of four USB2.0 ports an eSATA port and microphone and headphone jacks. As the Level 10 was released a while back, there are no USB3.0 ports. This is a little disappointing for a case of this price but hopefully it is something Thermaltake will add to the product in the future.
Protruding from the backbone of the case we find six removable hard drive caddies which support both 2.5″ and 3.5″ drives. Unfortunately only two of these are ‘hot-swappable' as Thermaltake only include two of the required SATA adapters that fit into the back of the bays so the four lower caddies have to be connected in the conventional way. Considering the price of this case we would have really liked to see these on all six.
The right hand side panel of the case is secured by two thumbscrews which remain permanently attached to the side of the case so there is no chance of losing them! There is also two locks on this panel which secure both the side panel and all the modules on the other side of the case. This would be a great feature for those going to events like Multiplay's i40 but the size and weight of the case would make this difficult. It would seem that our sample originated from Yoyotech as it has some extra branding on this panel.
Unlocking these locks lets us to release the modules on the other side, allowing us to access the insides of the case. In the top left we find the PSU module, with the optical drive module situated in the top-right corner. This has three 5.25″ bays, the topmost of which has a bezel to disguise any ugly optical drive which may not complement the sleek design of the Level 10.
There are a number of features worthy of note in the main compartment including the removable motherboard tray that really is a must have on such a sizable chassis. The modular design of the case means that we have no choice but to route the cables through the provided holes. At the front of the compartment there is a 140mm intake fan which runs at 1000rpm and at the rear there is a 120mm 1300rpm exhaust fan. Both of these fans are Thermaltake branded and are illuminated by red LEDs.
As a result of the extensive use of aluminium in the construction of the Level 10, it weighs in at over 20 kg which is very heavy even for a case this size. Even though it has two handles, one on the top and one on the base, we wouldn't recommend it for anyone who will need to move it often as the size and weight make it very cumbersome.
Holy Shit ! I want this ! when is the competition being held to win it ?
God Damn, what a great review KG – I want one of these and have for years. it looks so beautiful!
500 quid, crap. thats a lot of cash, but BMW really came up with something weird and wonderful with this design.
Great review Henry and this is not something I immediately thought id like, but the review explains the process well, I like the look of it. and the seperate compartments looks really wicked.
Well I have seen only a handful of reviews of this and they have all been crap. this one is the best. It costs so much money doesnt it, but I think its worth it, just for the originality concept.
I never really liked this case, but the review serves it up well. hard to justify the money and some parts id like to change, but I credit Thermaltake for trying somethign different. Would a 5970 fit in it ok ?
Lovely, I adore this case, always have, could never afford it, so the competition will be sweet whenever that happens.
I love this chassis, always have, but would never fork out that money for it. Great review and a good read with my cup of coffe this morning.
Those pictures really do that case justice. its stunning, whether you like it or not. more manufacturers need to do these kind of creations.
Great review Henry, I really enjoyed reading that, even if it is a pipe dream to own one.
Is it really well made? I heard it was quite poorly pieced together ?
Awesome review. great photos. What is the noise like? does it generate much fan noise under use?
I know this case has been slagged off a lot but it is very different and I appreciate a company who breaks the mould.
Hank they didnt really break the mould, they paid BMW to break the mould for them 😉
9.5/10 – thats a hell of score Henry. Is the build quality really that good ? I had read on another site last month that it was a bit hard to close some doors etc ?
What really is the amazing if the winner for the comp is from say australia, i would LOVE to see the shipping costs for this monster xD
Nonetheless a nice case regardless of price
Absolutely brilliant, now im off to try and win this sucker.
Damn, I want one of these now, thought it looked ugly initially but it grew on me by the last page 🙁
Very attractive, I went in thinking it would be a mess, but internally it all kinda makes sense.
Very good review but how is the noise, are the fans alright?
Excellent product, if a little elitest by the terms of the pricing. I would be interested to see it in the flesh, ive only ever seen pictures online.
What is the material a mixture of steel and plastic ?
It is way overpriced and overelaborate. its a nice showcase piece.
From what I hear, Thermaltake have not made any money on this case at all, the costs of getting BMW to design it were extortionate.
that is reallly sexy, first time ive seen a thorough review of it. I would actually buy it, if I think my wife wouldnt kill me afterwards. maybe I can tell her its a new table as well.
Awesome article, and well worth a read, even if im not sold on the looks. Its different ill give it that.
Awesome article, and well worth a read, even if im not sold on the looks. Its different ill give it that.
I have wanted this since the day it was announced. what a talking point for people in the house to see.
my rich friend has this case and I really like it. its quite a complex build and you need to get your head around how it works, but its well worth the money. its like people who buy a BMW car, you spend more, but its quality.
Fucking sweet case, same price as my BMW car from 1996 tho ! ill pass !
If I had £500 to chuck out, it would be on this. Love it to death.
Stunning bit of engineering work. glad they make good cars too.
I like it, but it would take some getting used to. and I bet the system build is tricky.
Great review and Id love one, just way outside my budget.
Finally, a good review of the case. I have one and I think its awesome. I read some sites bitching about this and that, all just to look cool and they are talking shit. I love the design and its well made.
Great review, much kudos
I might actually buy this nearer christmas with some money ive got coming to me.
IT is a work of art. People are just jealous they cant get one themselves 😉
wow, ive never seen this before. what a piece of engineering!!!!
Orrdering one from yoyotech 🙂
BMW need to make more cases if they come up with wacky and weird designs like this.
Stunning engineering and I really do love this. its a little much for a case IMO, but I can understand people buying it, who are rich obviously.
It is hard to justify spending this on a case, but it has the world talking and I know this review is being linked everywhere, thats how I found it.
Id like one, but 800 bucks for a case is very hard for me to spend.
Fantastic review, thanks for all the work 🙂