Just Take A Breath
Thermaltake Versa H17
Review by: Jennifer Griffiths
Video & Testing by: Philip Griffiths
Product Unboxing and Setup Video
Good Airflow on a £50 Case? Thermaltake Versa H17 Micro ATX case
Introduction :
We've seen some pretty unique and impressive PC cases since we began TFT. Most of them get the sexy factor. The one thing that I stress the most to manufacturers is AIR FLOW! It can be the most gorgeous case in the world, easy to build with, lights and fans flashing and dancing, more drive bays than a supermarket has parking spaces, but if the air flow is not good, it is not worth my time to use in a build.
Today we will use smoke to test the Thermaltake Versa H17 Window case. This will let you "see the air" so to speak. I'm excited as this is the first time we have done this on TFT. I am eager to see the results! So grab a seat and a drink, this is one review you don't want to miss.
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Main Features:
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Handy I/O Ports
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Easy Cable Management
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AIO Liquid Cooling Compatible
Specifications:
https://www.thermaltake.com/products-model_Specification.aspx?id=C_00003146
Case TypeMicro Case
Dimension (H x W x D)390 x 205 x 380mm
(15.4 x 8.1 x 15 inch)
Net Weight4.5 kg / 9.92 lb
Side PanelTransparent Window
ColorExterior & Interior : Black
MaterialSPCC
Cooling SystemRear (exhaust) :
120 x 120 x 25 mm fan (1000rpm, 16dBA)
Drive Bays
-Accessible
-Hidden
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2 x 2.5" ; 2 x 3.5”
Expansion Slots4
Motherboards6.7” x 6.7” (Mini ITX)
9.6” x 9.6” (Micro ATX)
For more information use the link provided
Manufacturer statement:
Designed for entry-level PC builders and gamers. Thermaltake Versa H17 Window Micro Case features the simplicity appearance with easy cable management design, AIO liquid cooling compatible, and ample ventilation options. Supporting the latest PC hardware and all high-end GPU solutions, the Versa H17 is a good choice for those who opt for stylish PC case with manageable frame size and advanced features.
About Thermaltake:
Building Thermaltake Technology into a cultural brand for the enjoyment of entertainment, e-Sports, technology and lifestyle is a realizable dream and a hope for an enterprise pursuing outstanding management. Although Thermaltake Group may face challenges in terms of entertainment, e-Sports, technology and lifestyle, we still seek to maximize the corporate value and are working hard to achieve the goal.
Packaging:
Plain cardboard box with drawing on it like most budget cases have. Nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to write home about.
Unboxing:
Inside you have the Case, manual, warranty and hardware
Installation:
This depends on your build. For the most part, it is just like any other case though. You do have a shroud over the PSU so you will need to plan your cable routes in advance.
Testing:
In tests, the airflow was almost non-existent when you look at the front panel for ventilation. However, the top fan brought in a little fresh air as you can see on the video. The reason for the bad airflow on the front is that the mesh is covered by plastics and you can see this if you remove the front panel as we did in the video. So if you are a gamer or someone who does something other than social media and booking holidays, your machine will run hot in this case.
The case itself is builder friendly. Everything you need and of good construction, minus the airflow. This is a shame. The shroud is a nice touch, however, if you have an RGB PSU, you will not see it. It would be cool if you could see just the fan of the PSU and the shroud covered the cables. Also, it would have been cool if they had included a front fan considering the air flow of the case is well....grim on the front.
There is a lot of room for a big graphics card in this case and that's something a lot of cases fail on. However, until the airflow is corrected I would not bother with it for a game rig to warrant this.
This case has room for four hard drives. 2 x 2.5" and 2 x 3.5".
Another quirk it had that always annoys me with any manufacturer is the multicolour wires showing through on the USB 2.0 header and the Audio header. When will someone get this right?
Pricing:
£56.00
Suppliers:
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Amazon
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Scan
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Ebuyer
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Falcon Computers
Conclusion:
Due to the airflow situation, this would be better suited for a home and office machine. I would suggest remarketing it as such until the airflow can be corrected. Once corrected, bring out a 2.0 for the gaming crowd. Once corrections are made it will be a good case for gamers that do not have a lot of room on their desks. For now, it's a good office machine or home machine chassis.
Pros:
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Attractive
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Cable Management
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IO ports and power buttons on top
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Top outtake does its job if fan attached.
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Extractor is great
Cons:
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Airflow is bad
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Dust filter on the bottom does not slide out
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Small air intake area on the front
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Mesh on the front is covered by plastic
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A front water cooler will not get air
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Plain box
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Multicolour wires exposed on USB and Audio headers
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Could have included a front fan due to lack of intake on the front.
They got a Bronze Award for this product.