Conclusion:
Thermaltake has really taken case design to the extreme with the SwordM VD5000BNA Super Tower Chassis. The quality of the components is top notch, the styling is definitely unique, the features are generally well thought out, and some of the innovative design elements might actually be revolutionary.
The open back plate design may actually be my favorite element, even though I initially didn't like the idea. While it is a definite plus for keeping the system cool, it also eliminates the need for expansion slot covers and the motherboard I/O panel. I always seem to misplace these items, but want to have them installed just because they are supposed to be there. Take away the need for them, and I can go obsess about something else!
The bulk of the issues I have with this case are related to the rear door. While it may work quite well with many systems installed inside, I wound up having problems with the power supply and monitor cables interfering with it. In addition, the door interfered with the signal to my wireless network, and I did not have enough slack in my audio, video, and input device cables to reach my desktop.
Other than the issues with the rear door, the other main issue was with the lack of 3.5 inch drive bays. There are no external bays, and only three internal bays. A case this big should be able to hold more than three hard drives, and there are plenty of people with 3.5 inch card readers, fan controllers, and perhaps even floppy drives that will have to improvise to use the SwordM with their devices.
Looking up the Thermaltake SwordM VD5000BNA Super Tower Chassis on PriceGrabber for the first time definitely raised my eyebrows. I knew this was a high end case, but I initially had not considered what the price might be. With the best deal including tax and shipping coming in at just over $450 (US), you are definitely making quite an investment in your system with this case.
For those with an oversized budget for a case that you probably won't see many other places, the SwordM is definitely appealing. It isn't perfect, but it might work out well if the few limitations are considered in respect to the system intended to go inside.
Given the overall appeal and the innovative elements it contains, the Thermaltake SwordM VD5000BNA Super Tower Chassis earns the "Great Idea" award, as it is packed with many new (and old) ideas that are very cool!
Pros:
» Innovative design
» Looks incredible and unlike any other case
» Handmade from high quality, heavy duty components
» Five 120mm fans keep things cool and quiet
» With room for up to 11 120mm fans, any system should run cool
» Very big - good if you have oversized components that need room to breathe
Cons:
» No external 3.5 inch bay and only three internal 3.5 inch bays
» Rear door created a handful of problems
» Price tag over $450 US
» Very big - bad if you don't have a warehouse for an office
Special thanks to Thermaltake for providing the Thermaltake SwordM VD5000BNA Super Tower Chassis to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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