Maingear Vybe RGB Tempered Glass ATX Case Review: Affordable Excellence

A new trend of system builders offering their signature series chassis to the general public à la carte, allowing enthusiasts to mimic the style and design of a boutique builder's box in their own build. We saw this change recently with the iBuyPower Snowblind case, and now Maingear is offering up its own flagship Vybe. 

Specifications

Unlike the Snowblind, Maingear’s sophisticated Vybe chassis for a mainstream price of $120. It also delivers most of the modern features enthusiasts are looking for: USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, a built-in fan and RGB controller, and a tempered-glass side panel. The only thing that feels a bit lacking is RGB. The case includes a controller, and the logo up front can be set to your choice of colors. But the three included fans are basic black. So if you want more glow, you'll need to bring your own lights.

Constructed of tempered glass, plastic and steel, our review model of the Vybe sports a red finish inside and out. The case measures 17.51 x 7.87 x 17 inches (445 x 221 x 432mm), weighs just under 23 pounds (10.25 kg), and comes with a one-year limited warranty. If red isn't your color, the Vybe is also available in black / black, white / black and grey / black. Personally, I love the red on red color scheme.

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Directly below the magnetic dust filter on the top panel are mounts for up to three 120 / 140mm fans. The plastic-framed filter attaches to the top panel via powerful magnets and is perfectly color matched.

Three USB 3.0 ports, a single USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, headphone and microphone jacks and a power button are embedded in the lower-left edge of the smooth front panel. Vents running down the opposite edge allow airflow into the chassis. The front panel is devoid of features, except a stylish backlit Maingear logo in the upper-middle portion of the panel. Two of the case’s 120mm fans are mounted behind the front panel.

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The tempered-glass side panel is bonded to a steel frame that slides into place utilizing small pegs and slots that are cut into the frame of the chassis. The rear panel is made of stamped steel, and both panels are secured to the back of the case with metal thumb screws.

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The rear of the Vybe has seven standard expansion-card slots (plus two vertical slot mounts for showing off your graphics card), a motherboard I/O area, an opening for a bottom-mounted PSU, and a 120mm exhaust-fan mount with slotted screw holes that let you adjust the position of the fan to fine-tune airflow or make room for system components.

A removable plastic mesh filter covers three quarters of the length of the bottom of the case. Large rubber-coated feet keep the case approximately one inch off the floor to facilitate air intake to the power supply.

Filters that cover every intake fan mounting location are easily removed for cleaning. The large filter that covers the intake fans directly behind the front panel is magnetic. The top filter is also attached with magnets, and the bottom mounted filter slides out from the rear.

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Although the visual appeal of a case is subjective and will vary from person to person, we believe most people will find the Maingear Vybe, in its various color schemes, an extremely attractive chassis.

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