Chieftec has officially launched “The Cube” (CI-03B-OP), a new microATX PC case designed to blend seamlessly into home entertainment setups. Its distinctive design mimics the appearance of a subwoofer, offering a departure from typical flashy gaming PC aesthetics. This compact chassis aims to provide a stylish yet functional solution for Home Theater PC (HTPC) builds and small form-factor systems.
Key Takeaways
- Unique Design: Resembles a subwoofer with a fabric-covered circular front vent.
- Compact Footprint: Measures 385 x 265 x 355 mm, ideal for space-constrained environments.
- Component Compatibility: Supports mATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, GPUs up to 335mm, and standard ATX PSUs.
- Cooling: Features a pre-installed 200mm PWM fan and offers mounts for additional fans or a 240mm radiator.
- Front I/O: Includes USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, and audio jacks.
- Accessibility: Boasts a “fold-open mechanism” for easier build and maintenance access.
- Storage: Accommodates two 3.5-inch HDDs and two 2.5-inch SSDs.
A Stealthy Aesthetic for Living Rooms
Chieftec’s “The Cube” case is engineered with a minimalist, boxy design, finished in matte black. The standout feature is its front panel, which sports a large circular vent covered in breathable fabric, strongly evoking the look of a subwoofer. This design choice makes it an ideal candidate for users who prefer their PC hardware to be unobtrusive and blend in with audio equipment or living room furniture, rather than stand out with aggressive styling.
Compact Yet Capable Internals
Despite its compact dimensions of 385 x 265 x 355 mm and a volume of 34.1 liters, The Cube offers surprising compatibility for standard PC components. It supports microATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, graphics cards up to 335 mm in length, and CPU coolers up to 160 mm tall. Furthermore, it can house standard ATX power supplies up to 160 mm long, eliminating the need for specialized, smaller form-factor PSUs often found in compact builds.
Cooling and Connectivity
Cooling is managed by a pre-installed 200 mm PWM fan situated behind the front fabric mesh. Additional cooling options include mounts for two 120 mm fans on the top panel, a single 120 mm fan at the rear, or a 240 mm liquid cooling radiator on the top. The front I/O panel, conveniently located on the top edge of the front panel, provides one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, and separate audio-out and microphone jacks.
Ease of Access and Storage
Chieftec has incorporated a “fold-open mechanism” for The Cube, allowing for quick and easy removal of the front and top panels. This feature significantly simplifies the building process and makes future maintenance or upgrades more accessible. For storage, the case provides ample space for two 3.5-inch HDDs and two 2.5-inch SSDs, catering to a variety of storage needs for media libraries or general data storage.
Availability and Pricing
The Chieftec The Cube is currently available in the European Union with a price tag of approximately €69.90 (around $80 USD). Availability in other regions has not yet been confirmed.
Via Chieftec
