Introduction

Most hardware reviewers get a fair amount of PC cases. I guess I've reviewed more than my share, five or six this year with a couple of more scheduled for the next couple of weeks..well over a dozen in the past few years, I lost count a long time ago. I've had cases that cost around $50, and cases that cost over $200. Premodded and plain Jane, innovative and outright boring.

Out of all of the cases I've had, I don't have to stop and think which one was my favorite. Hands down, the case I liked the most was a Silverstone Temjin TJ-05, the original model. It is big and beautiful, and I used words in my review like elegant and regal about it. It was the first large case I owned, the first with twin 120mm fans, the first that would hold more than three hard drives (it will hold seven), and a few other firsts for me. I still like it today as much as I did in 2003 when I reviewed it. I have had three different rigs in it, and I will undoubtedly use it again someday, unlike the other 6 or so unused cases that accompany it in my shed.

So it stands that I feel Silverstone builds a fine case, along with their other fine products, which includes enclosures, power supplies, and cooling solutions. Will the KL01 live up to my expectations for quality and innovation? We'll see.

Specifications:

Model: SST-KL01B-W (black, with window)
Material: 3.0mm aluminum front door, SECC body
Motherboard: ATX, Micro ATX
Driver Bays:
- External 5.25" x 5 or 8 without HD cage 3.5" x 1
- Internal 3.5" x 4 (vibration dampening)
Cooling System:
- Front 1 x 120mm intake fan, 1200rpm
- Rear 1 x 120mm exhaust fan, 1200rpm
PCI Expansion Slots: 7
Front I/O Port:
- USB2.0 x 2
- IEEE1394 x 1
- audio jack x 1
- MIC x 1
Power Supply: 1 x ATX
Graphics Card: Full size long cards capable (12")
Net Weight: 8.5 kg (appx 8.7 lbs)
Dimensions: 206 mm (W) x 432 mm (H) x 480 mm (D) (appx 8" x 17" x 19")

Packaging

The KL01 comes in this very attractive purple box. It is well protected with layered foam ends, that are designed to not only suspend the case, but to protect the feet.