Thermaltake Chaser A31 Thunder Case Review
Author: Darren McCain
Published: Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Case Layout and Features
The A31 is a SECC steel case weighing in at a solid 14.4 lbs (6.5 kgs) and has the same quality construction we have come to expect from ThermalTake. No sharp edges and no body flex at all.
Our A31 puts its best side forward with a oversize window on the left side. This 10.5 x 12 inch window offers no side fan mount but offers enough real estate to cut a nice clear 200mm LED fan in if not bigger. The front supports 3 external 5.25" drive bays, one of which can be converted to a 3.5" bay for those still using them.
The right side has the same convex door offering up to a half inch of additional clearance for cable runs. You will need it with that big window showing every inch of the inside to prying eyes. The sides of the front and top covers are cut giving a fluid transition to the shape that keeps things from looking boxy.
The right side has the same convex door offering up to a half inch of additional clearance for cable runs. You will need it with that big window showing every inch of the inside to prying eyes. The sides of the front and top covers are cut giving a fluid transition to the shape that keeps things from looking boxy.
I have always been a fan of contrasting colors and blue on black really brings the look to life. The back of the case offers a traditional layout that includes a 120mm exhaust fan. In this case the exhaust duties are handed by a blue LED fan rated at 1000 rpm and 16 dBA.
Rounding out the rest of the back we have 7 expansion slots which limits the use of some of the larger motherboards on the market today, two water-cooling ports that will take tubing up to 1/4 inch and a standard PS2 power supply mount.
Rounding out the rest of the back we have 7 expansion slots which limits the use of some of the larger motherboards on the market today, two water-cooling ports that will take tubing up to 1/4 inch and a standard PS2 power supply mount.
The top of the case provides the home for, from left to right: A large black power switch, a hard drive activity light, a recessed reset switch colored to match the case, a set of HD audio I/O ports and two USB 3.0 ports. Behind these ports there is a nice recessed shelf for your portables or whatever you might sit on top of your case at home and room for up to two optional fans. I would recommend a traditional coaster for your beverage of choice!
The bottom of the case is dominated by four large feet. It may look like the typical swing out feet but these are not adjustable. The do offer a nice 1 1/4 inch of clearance for the bottom venting. The bottom filter is removable and covers an optional 120mm fan location behind the PSU. I really appreciate the trend towards more ground clearance with so many cases ending up siting on a carpet.
The bottom of the case is dominated by four large feet. It may look like the typical swing out feet but these are not adjustable. The do offer a nice 1 1/4 inch of clearance for the bottom venting. The bottom filter is removable and covers an optional 120mm fan location behind the PSU. I really appreciate the trend towards more ground clearance with so many cases ending up siting on a carpet.
