For the past few years Thermaltake’s cases have sort of been mainstream, appealing to pretty much anyone who wants a case. While this may or may not be the best thing other case companies have been really becoming popular with enthusiast builders out there. At CES this past January Thermaltake told us that they were going to be returning to their roots with some of their new cases, making these cases specifically for builders, modders and enthusiasts. Today we are taking a looking at the Urban T81 Full Tower which features a dual-swing door design, full modular drive concept, three 200 mm and a 140 mm fans included and the sleek design that you expect from Thermaltake’s Urban Series. Will this case impress? Read on as we find out!
Special thanks to Thermaltake for providing us with the Urban T81 Full Tower Case to review.
Specifications
Packaging
The Urban T81 comes in Thermaltake’s typical packaging. The back and front of the box are pretty much the same, not giving you that much information about the case itself. On the side of the box is where you are going to find the same list of specifications we posted above.
Opening the box up we can see that the case is nicely protected by two large pieces of Styrofoam and a cloth bag. The bag actually has the T81 logo on it.
I’ve said it before (on other review sites), and I’ll say it again; while it’s very informative – and welcomed – to see the maximum size radiator that will fit inside a particular chassis, it would be even more helpful if manufacturers would state the maximum thickness a radiator could be in a chassis.
For example; this chassis can have a 420 mm (3 x 140 mm) radiator in the roof or in the front, but what is the thickest radiator that can be installed above the motherboard. If the thickest radiator that will fit is going to be a slim rad (like the AIO’s), then I’ll be looking somewhere else; but if this chassis will house a standard 64 mm radiator (e.g. EKWB XTX series, or XSPC RX series, Alphacool’s UT60 series), then I might consider it.
Secondly; what is the clearance like behind the motherboard, is there enough room for the 24 pin power cable without having to force the back panel on (forcing the panel to bulge).
Little things like these can make or break a deal for me, and is why they’re questions that need answers.
Brechan thanks for your comments. This case will infact fit a 64mm radiator up top. Here is a detailed diagram for watercooling in the top of the case: http://bit.ly/UELaA8.
When it comes to the back of the motherboard tray if you use the metal cable organizers you will have no problem closing the back side panel at all. Hope that helps!