2003 Winter Case Review Part 2: The ATX Avalanche

Thermaltake Xaser III VM3000A: Skull Series

From Thermaltake we also received the VM3000A, which is part of their new Skull Series. The buzz about this case centers around Thermaltake's introduction of a new honeycomb-style windowed side panel that Thermaltake claims is fully EMI shielded. According to Thermaltake's Web site, this case with the honeycomb-windowed side panel in place is fully EMI shielded, tested by Class B. Unfortunately, no review site on the Internet, including THG's, has an RF/EMI test chamber to do comprehensive RF/EMI testing. Thus, we cannot verify the validity of this claim. Nonetheless, the theory that Thermaltake has presented in this design is sound; thus, it could quite likely live up to Thermaltake's claims.

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Number Of Internal 3-½" Bays3
Number Of External 3-½" Bays2
Number Of External 5-¼" Bays2
Number Of Case Fans Supported4 - 80mm
Construction Material0.8 mm SECC & Aluminum
Power Supply DetailsOptional - not included
Special FeaturesLighted EL designed flashing front skull bezel design; front-mounted USB and 1394/Firewire; fan speed controller; temperature controller; LCD monitor; screwless design; windowed side panel w/honeycomb technology fully EMI Class B shielded
Size17.75"(H) x 7.5"(W) x 21.25"(D)
Sample Case Provided Bywww.thermaltake.com
Estimated Cost$149.00 US
Cooling Potential Rating9
Construction Quality Rating9
Overall Case Rating9