SilverStone Technology Premium Computer Case

This is a review for the Silverstone CS01B (the non hot swappable drive version which fits 2x 3.5 inch drives and 2x 2.5 inch drives).I see so many reviews for the DS380 that I thought it was imperative for me to do a mini review of the CS01 (non-HS) version.I would consider this case to be very niche in the sense that no, this is not meant to be a compact gaming system, but rather as a DIY headless NAS box. This box will stay in one place and be used as a Plex Server/Seedbox/Security IP Camera DVR Box.Instead of using an SFX PSU which is the only PSU size that can fit into the case, I went with an 80W PicoPSU that I had previously owned, since using a 350W+ SFX PSU would be overkill and rather inefficient. With the omission of a PSU, the interior of the case had more breathing room. I simply placed the barrel jack cable going from the motherboard 24pin through the bottom slot of the case that was reserved for installing the SFX PSU. Images attached will show this more clearly.I opted to not connect the 120mm bottom fan in order to reduce noise levels as the case is going to be placed in a bedroom. That being said, with only the CPU fan running ~1800 RPM, the case was quite silent. Only if you're arm's length away from the case can you hear the fan running.The quality of the aluminum build was hefty in the sense that it didn't feel 'cheap.' It was surprisingly heavy and didn't have the tinny feel to it as some other major case manufacturers tend to make their cases.The HDD LED activity/power LED is red colored so some may be put off by it. I personally liked it as it had a HAL-like Space Odyssey look to it.Height measures just 12 inches and is meant to be placed along side your other electronics components in the home theater setting such as a receiver, cable box, etc.One downside however, was that my 2.5 inch 1TB drive made quite a bit of noise when it seeked, and would reverberate throughout the entire case. Silverstone should have spent more time in reducing noise for the hard drive enclosure such as using some kind of rubber material to soften the noise.

Review for the CSO1B. This is my first Silverstone case having only purchased Lian li and Jonsbo previously. One of the most intelligently and beautifully designed cases I have ever come across! Very well constructed throughout! The side panels are made of heavy gauge metal and only require a slight tug to remove them. At the same time a solid push keeps them in place without fear of any vibration or becoming loose in the future. A big plus among screw-less designs. The led light is low key which also acts as the reset button. Finally a light that doesn't overwhelm you or the room. One of the best features is having the motherboard oriented in such a way that you can reach all the inputs through the top and still have your cords mostly hidden. This also allows you to back the unit close to a wall without fear of bending the cables. You can fit up to six 2.5 drives using 2-3.5 to 2.5 adapters in the 3.5 bays. Case also has room for a low profile single slot graphics card. A slide out dust filter is located at the bottom. The price may be higher, but its construction, fit and finish, does justify it.