The sad fact of office hierarchy is that the boss usually gets the best stuff, but that’s not so bad when you’re in charge. If you happen to be a boss (either at work or at home) who is tech-savvy enough to read Tom’s Hardware, you’re probably not going to fall for any of the tech support high jinks of Dilbert comic strips, and will instead truly shop for the best gear. Finally, if you’re the head of a technology-based service firm, then you might even need the best stuff, at least when it comes to computing power.
One problem is that while technology isn’t always pretty, you must always project the most positive and professional image to your clients, proving to them that you’re at least as successful at your job as they are at theirs. But where do you start when your clients already have the classiest-available pre-built powerhouses? SilverStone and Thermaltake may have answers.
Don’t let the photos fool you—SilverStone’s seemingly ordinary-looking Fortress 2 is far more imposing and grandiose when viewed in person and words cannot describe the immense proportions of Thermaltake’s Level 10. Both provide artistic flair and are designed to hold oversized components. But appearance is but only one of the many things that separates these high-priced cases from their less-expensive counterparts, or even from each other.
| SilverStone Fortress 2 (FT02B) | Thermaltake Level 10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Height | 19.60" | 26.22" |
| Width | 8.31" | 12.52" |
| Depth | 24.19" | 24.17" |
| Space Above Motherboard | 0.82" | 0.52" |
| Card Length | 12.0" w/o Radiator Brackets 11.68" w/Radiator Brackets | 12.26" w/Intake Fan 13.26" w/o Intake Fan |
| Weight | 34.0 lbs. | 48.0 lbs. |
| Cooling | ||
| Front Fans | 3 x180 mm (on bottom) | 1 x 140 mm |
| Rear Fans | 1 x 120 mm (on top) | 1 x 120 mm |
| Top Fans | None | None |
| Side Fans | None | None |
| Drive Bays | ||
| 5.25" External | Five | Three |
| 3.5" External | None | None |
| 3.5" Internal | Five | Six (Shared with 2.5") |
| 2.5" Internal | 1 x Adapter | Six (Shared with 3.5") |
| Price | $230 | $700 |
Thermaltake’s specifications resemble those of an ordinary PC, in spite of its dramatic appearance, while SilverStone’s understated look partially hides an extraordinary layout. Why do we call the Fortress 2’s exhaust fan a rear fan even though it’s located on top? Questions like that can only be answered through further examination.
No fancy bling bling or blinding LED lights, excellent performance and a very elegant design. It breaks with most case design conventions in a good way. If it wasn't so expensive, I'd get one ASAP.
But that Thermaltake level 10 is rather crappy imo. The design is so over the top it loses its attraction and its performance is fairly average (certainly lower than its price tag would justify)...
Damn it! What do I build in now? Back to the original Raven I guess...
I have a Raven 2 from Silverstone and I will never buy a conventional case again. This is just better. Period.
If you need a good computer case, go for Silverstone. Raven models are somewhat bigger and aimed more at enthusiasts (due to the size, windows and other features), Fortress is a great case for everyone.
Apart from the external styling and tweaks to the drive bays and fan grills the Raven 2 and Fortress 2 are the same case.
That's what I meant. Fortress is somewhat more conservative - "No fancy bling bling or blinding LED lights", as Silmarunya said. Raven 2 has one "blinding LED light" and the window could be described as "bling bling". I suppose that's more attractive to a gamer than an office worker. ;-)
Ah I getcha. Personally though even for an office worker the window on the Fortress 2 is sweet, if you get your cable management right.
Still sulking that I have to get another case now
Rampage III Extreme + Raven RV01
or
some ATX board + Fortress FT02
I thought we were at the cutting edge, not using Victorian measurements!
When the reviews are no longer made for the USA.
When the reviews are no longer made for the USA.
When will the USA move out of the dark ages?!
Answers on a postcard care of Obama.
The Thermaltake - now, imo that's a reason to buy a case! Sure, it has it's drawbacks too, and I wouldn't blame a person for hating its looks. Me, I love it, and I love that Thrmaltake made something besides the old standard box. And, it out-performs the Silverstone in every way too.
From personal experience, speaking as a one-time Silverstone fan who owns several of their products, I'd take my chance on the quality of the Thermaltake sight unseen over the Silverstone these days.
The fact is, many measurements are international standards but based in the English measurement system, not the metric. For example, want to mount your camera on a tripod? the mount will come with a 1/4"-20 size connector, not a metric size one.
There is no reason that a meter is the standard unit of measure. Since the old days, it has been re-defined so that we can measure it very precisely - and the English system has been re-defined based on that, so is ultimately just as accurate.