Being a reviewer of computer hardware I am constantly exchanging components in and out of my test systems. If you don’t have a large open case this can really be stressful, as it is very annoying to have to pull everything out when installing a new motherboard or even a CPU cooler. Traditional cases work for most people, but for people who are constantly changing out parts and testing components a tradition cases usually does not cut it. Microcool, a company mainly known for cooling products has come out with the Banchetto 101 case. A case that has an all open design for easy access to all components and allows for rapid component removal / replacement and real-time monitoring. Let’s take a look…
Special thanks to Microcool for providing us with the Banchetto 101 Case to review.
Main Features:
- Light, compact and transparent
- Entirely modular
- Rapid fastening system for motherboard, VGA and PCI
- Support for radiator with up to three fans
- Universal docking for pumps and trays
- Rapid POWER and RESET push buttons
Specifications
| Model | Banchetto 101 | |
| Dimensions | 400(L) x 350(W) x 362(H) mm | |
| Weight | 5.3 Kg | |
| Materials | Methacrylate shelves (8mm) Aluminium racks (1.2mm) Chrome steel bolts and screws |
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| Colours | Clear, black and chrome | |
| Motherboard Compatibility | ATX and Micro ATX | |
| Expansions slots | 7 slots | |
| 5.25″ bays | 3 with removable rack | |
| 3.5″ bays | 4 with removable rack | |
| PSU bay | Standard ATX PS2 with removable rack | |
| Water Cooling bay | Designed for radiators with up to 3 fans, pump and tray Removable rack |
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| Cooling system | Fan door hanger (2x92mm) |
Packaging
The Banchetto 101 comes in a large retail box with a picture of the case on the front and a list of specifications on the back.
Opening up the box the entire case is enclosed in 2 large pieces of Styrofoam. Also inside you will find all of your mounting materials. I did not find installation instructions but after e-mailing Microcool they provided me with this installation guide.
Another thing you fail to mention is how hard it is to keep acrylic cases clean. In your sense it's not bad becasue you constantly swap parts in and out of your systems so the ability to clean it is always present. But, for the average Joe who buys his components and installs them it's typically some time before you are ever taking them out to upgrade or clean. Acrylic has a tendency to hold dust, and when I mean hold I refer to the fact that acrylic has the surface makeup to allow dirt to grab and hold even when contacted to Air Duster. Acrylic has to be wiped down with a wet towel and then dried with another if you want the look to stay clear. Acrylic cases can be some of the most attractive looking cases but they are also the biggest pain in the ass to keep clean.
Another thing you fail to mention is how hard it is to keep acrylic cases clean. In your sense it's not bad becasue you constantly swap parts in and out of your systems so the ability to clean it is always present. But, for the average Joe who buys his components and installs them it's typically some time before you are ever taking them out to upgrade or clean. Acrylic has a tendency to hold dust, and when I mean hold I refer to the fact that acrylic has the surface makeup to allow dirt to grab and hold even when contacted to Air Duster. Acrylic has to be wiped down with a wet towel and then dried with another if you want the look to stay clear. Acrylic cases can be some of the most attractive looking cases but they are also the biggest pain in the ass to keep clean.