Thermaltake Urban T81 Full Tower Case Review

Some desktop PC's were designed to push limits.  Sometimes they push technological limits with the latest hardware overclocked to the bleeding edge. Others tease the creative side, such as building your system in an aquarium full of mineral oil, complete with bubbling diver and colorful fake coral.  For most hardware enthusiasts it can be both and that is what makes them ours, that's what makes them unique.  The ability to dream it, and build it has been the driving force for PC enthusiasts and modders for years. 

So with everyone's ideal PC components, layout, and designs all different many chassis manufacturers were faced with a unique problem in finding how to cater to these demands,   Thermaltake, a long-time PC chassis and component maker has approached this dilemma with a blank canvas approach.  A chassis that can be stripped down completely and rebuilt into a variety of different configurations gives the user the ability to setup their build how they like,  Meet the Urban T81, from Thermaltake.

The chassis arrived sturdily encased in styrofoam packing and a wrapped in a nylon bag to help protect it from any bumps and scuffs in transit.  Removing the T81 from it's protective packaging, it's obvious why they took so much care.  This is a very beautiful looking chassis, from the brushed aluminum front and top panels, to the large side plexiglass window.  Everything about this case screamed that it was built to be shown off and showcased.  While it is still a plastic and steel rectangle typical of modern day cases, it does introduce some gloss accents to accentuate the case. 

Case Type: Full Tower
Dimensions: 585 x 235 x 602 mm (23 x 9.3 x 23.7 in.)
Net weight: 13.8Kg / 30.4 lbs.
Material: ABS, Steel, and Aluminum
Color(s): Black
Drive Bays: 5.25" x 2 (external), 3.5" x 8 (internal)
Fans:
- Front (intake): 2x 200mm (600-800rpm, 13-15dBA) fans
- Top (exhaust): 1x 200mm (600-800rpm, 13-15dBA) fan
- Rear (exhaust): 1x 140mm (1000rpm, 16dBA) fan
I/O Ports: 4x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0, Mic & Headphone ports

So it's one thing to look good on the outside, but that's not really the point of a chassis now is it?  The T81 was designed to be an enthusiast builder's dream case, "if you can dream it, you can build it" so obviously we're going to have to break it down and find out just how modular this new chassis can be.