Microcool Banchetto 101 Open Air Modular Chassis Review

Final Thoughts

Now the hardcore hardware tweakers will say that all you need is the box the motherboard came in. Thats true, but going that route you have parts strung all over a table as well, and let’s face it: with parts all over the place either there is a fight with the significant other or some hardware meets an untimely end. With a chassis like the Banchetto 101, not only does it look great but it keeps the hardware nice and neat. I really like the Banchetto 10. It makes rapid part changes easy and it is light so moving it around the workbench is a breeze. It does everything Microcool says its supposed to and it does it well.

The Banchetto 101 has an advantage over most of the other chassis’s that I have referenced so far, as it can be rearranged. If I wanted the PSU on the left and the 3.5″ bay on the right I can switch them around. Same for the Motherboard tray being able to be turned. I will say this: this is not a chassis that you want to have if you have little ones running around or inquisitive pets. One wrong move or an errand toy (NERF darts are a hazard at my house), and your system could meet an unpleasant end.

Whether you are looking for a tech bench or an open air PC chassis just because its cool looking (and it is), then Microcools Banchetto 101 should be on the short list. Currently I was only able to find a couple of sites that had the Banchetto 101 and both had it for around $255 +shipping.

Now some of you just cringed a little at the price, but for that you get a very nice case that comes assembled and accommodates all hardware and water cooling. That is something the Antec Skeleton cannot do. Where the fight will be mainly with the Danger Den Torture Rack due to the following it has with enthusiasts, and the cardboard box, well because, some are just that cheap.

Legit Bottom Line: The Banchetto 101 is a sharp looking chassis, easy to work with and configurable to my needs. If you swap out parts a lot then the Banchetto 101 should be on your short list.