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Today we are checking out Silverstone’s latest 90-degree stacked computer case, the Fortress FT05. This striking case has been constructed exclusively using aluminum for all the panels and comes in either a silver or black finish with the option of a case window. Performance has been the focus of this case in both terms of cooling performance and operating volume... Just two months ago we were afforded the chance to take a look at Silverstone’s latest and greatest creation the RV05, better known as the Raven 5. As excited as we were to test out the latest Raven case, the fifth instalment didn’t offer the smoothest of rides, leaving us with mixed feelings. On the positive side of things, the case looks great and it gave the best thermal results we’ve seen while generating little noise. There isn’t an issue with cost either. At $115 for the windowed version, the RV05 is cheaper than previous models, which were already priced in must-buy territory. The 90-degree stacked design might offer unbeatable cooling performance but it also means working inside the RV05 was extremely cramped, not least because of all the space wasted in the top of the case. In the past we have really admired the unique layout of Silverstone’s Raven series, but for the first time we were seeing a real flaw in the design -- namely because the Raven RV05 wasn’t as accessible as you’d expect for its overall size.  The case also suffered some serious limitations in its power supply support which meant larger 1000w capacity units, that are often required for SLI and Crossfire, wouldn’t fit unless the cases 3.5” drive support was eliminated entirely. While certain aspects of the RV05’s internal design disappointed for some users it wasn’t the biggest turn off. As a gaming focused case the Raven 5 looks extremely aggressive and it’s out there looks can be a turn off. Silverstone is aware of this and often creates a more sedate and classy version of their extreme gaming cases. For the Raven 5 that version is now known as the Fortress FT05. That said, the FT05 isn’t just a direct clone of the RV05 with a different skin, it is for the most part a newly designed computer case. For example whereas the RV05 is a 63.8L behemoth that stands 529mm tall, the FT05 is a more manageable 483mm tall with a 46L capacity, making it almost 30% smaller. As I write this the Silverstone Fortress FT05 isn’t available in the US yet, but based on pricing popping up in Australia it is going to be quite a bit more expensive than the RV05, around 50% more, which puts pricing at about $200. So we know that the Fortress FT05 is smaller, quite a lot smaller, so what has Silverstone done to make this case so much more expensive when compared to the RV05? Let’s find out... |
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Jean |
Posted on: 10/25/2014 11:24 AM
Looks pretty :-) |