Final Thoughts
We have seen a few cases like the Banchetto 101 before. These “test bench” cases are great for reviewers like us who are constantly changing out parts and testing new components all the time. The open design also is great for cooling and really makes it easy to monitor components. The Banchetto 101 also is a very attractive case, the clear panels and power and reset buttons are really cool.
For the most part installation of your components is very easy, although there were some speed bumps we encountered along the way. The “poles” that you use to secure your video cards took a really long time to install; I also really do not like the idea of thumbscrews for securing my motherboard either. They just get in the way and I bumped a few capacitors while trying to install them. The biggest issue I had with installation was that with our video card (Radeon 4870 X2), the cables from our power supply barely reached. There is no way with our current setup that we could run 2 video cards and get power to both of them. I have yet to see a review where a dual video card setup was used and the press photos of the case that do have a dual video card setup installed do not have the cards connected to the power supply.
Also keep in mind that we did not receive an installation guide with the case, we had to request one from Microcool.
Microcool definitely has the right idea with this case and for the most part they have done a good job executing it, but there are just some things that need to be changed. The Banchetto 101 sells for $260 online, which is much higher than other “test bench” cases out there. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Microcool Banchetto 101 Case a 7 out of 10 score.
Pros:
– Great open design
– Water-cooling ready
Cons:
– Price
– Cannot use 2 video cards and have power connected to both of them
– No installation instructions included
Another thing you fail to mention is how hard it is to keep acrylic cases clean. In your sense it's not bad becasue you constantly swap parts in and out of your systems so the ability to clean it is always present. But, for the average Joe who buys his components and installs them it's typically some time before you are ever taking them out to upgrade or clean. Acrylic has a tendency to hold dust, and when I mean hold I refer to the fact that acrylic has the surface makeup to allow dirt to grab and hold even when contacted to Air Duster. Acrylic has to be wiped down with a wet towel and then dried with another if you want the look to stay clear. Acrylic cases can be some of the most attractive looking cases but they are also the biggest pain in the ass to keep clean.
Another thing you fail to mention is how hard it is to keep acrylic cases clean. In your sense it's not bad becasue you constantly swap parts in and out of your systems so the ability to clean it is always present. But, for the average Joe who buys his components and installs them it's typically some time before you are ever taking them out to upgrade or clean. Acrylic has a tendency to hold dust, and when I mean hold I refer to the fact that acrylic has the surface makeup to allow dirt to grab and hold even when contacted to Air Duster. Acrylic has to be wiped down with a wet towel and then dried with another if you want the look to stay clear. Acrylic cases can be some of the most attractive looking cases but they are also the biggest pain in the ass to keep clean.