BTX Upgrade Kit:
As mentioned, the Thermaltake Armor can be taken from ATX to BTX by installing an optional BTX Upgrade Kit. Although I am not up to speed to be able to test the kit, one was included with the case.
The kit comes in the box pictured in the image above, and includes all the items shown in the image below.
In addition to an instruction sheet and mounting hardware, you have a new rear panel for the case, and the BTX mounting bracket. These BTX mounting brackets are designed to hold the motherboard in place, but are also intended to provide better cooling for the CPU.
Conclusion:
The Armor case is another interesting innovation from Thermaltake. It offers a great amount of space, many convenient features, and a style that is truly unique. As with all Thermaltake cases, the quality and construction are superb, and the finish makes this a case worth showing off. The inclusion of features to simplify the use of water cooling is a nice touch, and one that I hope to see included on more cases down the road.
The positive features of this case are numerous and give a strong overall impression, but there are a few issues to consider. One issue that is more a matter of form versus function is regarding the front flaps. They really don't do anything, don't fully conceal any of the bay devices, and I generally find them to be in the way. I read one review that claimed they were held shut by magnets, but it is not the case with my sample. They do not stay shut, and are generally in various states of being ajar. To be honest, I would prefer a full door or nothing at all.
In general, the tool-less features are not the best I have used. The 5.25" drive bays were difficult to use with some of my devices, with some not fitting well and others not being secured well by the tool-less clips. The tool-less expansion slots have a convenient design, but did not hold cards very tightly. And finally on the tool-less front, there is nothing tool-less about using 3.5" devices in this case. Any 3.5" device needs to be secured with screws.
These search results from Price Grabber show that the Thermaltake Armor case is going to cost a bit more than your typical case (with no power supply), but it does offer much more than a typical case. The design is unique and attractive, the quality is superb, and the cooling is very impressive. Several places, including Newegg, theNerds.net, and Xoxide carry the black version of Thermaltake Armor case for as low as about $140 (US). Interestingly enough, the silver version of the same case sells for about $30 more at many of the same stores, as indicated by this set of Price Grabber search results.
It has a few quirks, but if you want a totally unique case with great cooling potential, the Armor may be worth investigating. With that said, I award the Thermaltake Armor VA8000 case a final score of 4 out of 5..."Recommended".
Final Rating (4 out of 5 stars): 
Pros:
• Extremely convenient installation options
• Unique and attractive appearance
• Excellent cooling
• Uses 92mm and 120mm fans for great cooling and low noise
• Includes features to make water cooling simple
• Spacious
• Well built
• BTX compatible with optional upgrade kit
Cons:
• Front 'flaps' are pretty much useless
• 3.5" drive installation is not tool-less
• Tool-less system for expansion slots did not hold cards tightly
• 5.25" devices did not slide into bays easily
• Price
Special thanks to Thermaltake for providing the Armor VA8000 Case to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to discuss this review.
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