The front panel conceals a plethora of plastic

In selecting its building materials, ThermalRock opted to go the classic steel-and-plastic route. A great deal of plastic stands between the illuminated panel and the actual steel chassis, a fact that is particularly noticeable when you open the front panel. They could hardly have made it uglier had they tried.

Thanks to a device featuring two gear wheels, the front panel opens softly and quietly.

LED sound-level indicator

The round display on the front left is volume-sensitive - once you've connected the audio source via a suitable cable, that is. It's a neat gimmick if you go for that sort of thing.

Looking at the interior of the case is like taking a journey backwards in time to the dawn of the Computer Age. Everything here looks just like the stuff from times past. The thick steel case could use a good trimming, as could the two removable cross braces.

'80s-inspired interior

Hardware installation is easier without the braces

Extra room for two 3.5" hard drives