It's quite clear that Thermaltake have designed the Level 10 with usability in mind. To access the main components of the system we are simply required to unlock the two locks on the back and pull out the different module covers. Unfortunately the installation process is hampered slightly by one of the most unspecific installation guides we've experienced.
Removing the motherboard tray is extremely simple, requiring us to remove four thumbscrews. Once it's removed, we are required to install the motherboard standoffs before screwing down the motherboard. The CPU cooler can be installed after the motherboard easily thanks to the large cutout in the tray.
The Level 10 has eight PCI slots, making it compatible with most motherboards although there are a few around which require 1 slots and wont fit. Thermaltake have used standard screws, rather than thumbscrews, which means cards cannot be switched without a screwdriver. But we usually find ourselves tightening thumbscrews with a screwdriver anyway so this isn't a great issue. When this is complete, we can place the motherboard tray back in the case and tighten the thumbscrews to secure it.
Installing the PSU is a little complicated, requiring us first to open the module and then remove the bracket before actually getting to the PSU itself. Then we can insert the PSU into the bracket and secure it with the provided screws, before replacing the bracket and securing again. All the cables have to be routed through the hole in the back of the module and then routed back through the motherboard tray before connecting them.
It is also a little more difficult than usual the install the optical drive as it requires us to completely remove the module cover and then screw the drives into place. Sadly there is no tool-less option available here, either.
Installing the hard drives is a refreshingly simple process. After pulling out the caddy, the hard drive can be inserted and then screwed in using the provided screws. The caddies are designed for both 2.5″ and 3.5″ drives and require no extra bracket for 2.5″ drives as they are secured to the bottom of the caddy.
Finally we can plug all the cables into the motherboard through the provided routing holes and then secure all the modules and side panel using the lock mechanisms.
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 🙂