Thermaltake Core X5 Cube Chassis Review
Thermaltake Core X5 Cube Chassis
At CES 2015, Thermaltake introduced us to their Core X line which included three models, X1, X2 and X9. Each of them was designed for different size of motherboards but maintained the ability for the end user to customize the chassis to fit their specific need. The Thermaltake Core X5 is their their latest cube chassis that debuted at CES 2016 and is designed to support up to an E-ATX motherboard along with a wide range of cooling options. The Thermaltake Core X5 is currently available in Black and Green both of which can be easily found online starting at $147.40 with free shipping for the Black version, while the Green one includes Riing fans, making it slightly more expensive at $169.99 with free shipping.
The Core X5 is similar to the Core X9, but is slightly smaller coming in at 18.2″ x 14.6″ x 21.3″ versus the X9 which is 19.8″ x 15″ x 25.2″. Both cases will support the same size of motherboard, but being slightly smaller the Core X5 has some differences between the two cases. However, the key features remain the same. Like the other cases in the Core line-up, the Core X5 is extemely modular, easy to customize and stackable.
Before we get to taking a closer look at the Core X5, if you are unfamilar with the customization that is possible with the Core X line, this should give you an idea. Nearly every piece of the Core X5 can be removed with thumbscrews, all the way down to the frame. In addition to removing the interior components, you can also swap side panels and even change the location of the front I/O cluster.
Features and Specifications
- Stackable and Expandable
- Outstanding Ventilation
- Chamber Concept
- Fully Modular Design
- Interchangeable Window and I/O Panel
| Core X5 Specifications | |
| Model | Core X5 |
| Part Number | CA-1E8-00M1WN-00 |
| Case Type | E-ATX Cube Case |
| Dimension (HxWxD) | 463 x 371 x 540mm (18.2 x 14.6 x 21.3 inch) |
| Net Weight | 12kg / 26.5lbs |
| Side Panel | Transparent Window |
| Color | Exterior & Interior: Black |
| Material | SGCC |
| Cooling System |
Front (Intake): 120 x 120 x 25mm Turbo Fan (1000RPM, 16dBA) Rear (Exhaust): 120 x 120 x 25mm Turbo Fan (1000RPM, 16dBA) |
| Drive Bays |
3 x 5.25″ Accessible: 4 x 3.5″ or 2.5″ (HDD Cage) Hidden: 3 x 2.5″ (HDD Tray) |
| Expansion Slots | 8 |
| Motherboards | Mini-ITX; Micro-ATX; ATX; E-ATX |
| PSU | Standard PS2 PSU (Optional) |
| I/O Ports | USB 3.0 x 2; USB 2.0 x 2; HD Audio x 1 |
| LCS Upgradable | Supports 1/2″, 3/8″, 1/4″ water tube |
| Fan Support | Front: 3 x 120mm; 2 x 140mm; 1 x 200mm
Top: 6 x 120mm; 4 x 140mm; 2 x 200mm Rear: 1 x 120mm; 1 x 140mm Bottom: 6 x 120mm Left / Right Side: 3 x 120mm |
| Radiator Support | Front: 1 x 360mm; 1 x 280mm; 1 x 200mm
Top: 2 x 360mm; 1 x 280mm; 1 x 400mm Rear: 1 x 120mm; 1 x 140mm Bottom: 2 x 360mm Left / Right Side: 1 x 360mm |
| Clearance | CPU Cooler height limitation: 230mm
VGA length limitation: 330mm (with ODD Cage); 480mm (without ODD Cage) PSU length limitation: 220mm (with Bottom Fan) |
Let’s take a closer look at the Thermaltake Core X5 before building a system into the chassis.