MODTHEBOX.COM - Canada's Premier Case Modding Source - Reviews - Thermaltake Xaser III V1000D Super Tower Case Review

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The top portion of the Thermaltake Xaser III V1000D Super Tower features a stealth panel which acts as an 80mm top fan exhaust and the location for a few hidden ports. The case includes two USB ports, one IEEE 1394, a microphone and a headphone jack. The ports are connected via a series of extender cables which are located inside the case and must be connected to the appropriate motherboard headers prior to use. While most manufacturers conveniently feature these types of ports on the front bezel, the location of this type of feature might generate some mixed reactions. The ports are perfectly accessible if this case is position directly on the ground. If placed on a desk, consumers will need to stand up to connect the appropriate accessory which might be cumbersome after long term use.

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One of the highlights of the Xaser III V1000D is a centralized all-in-one fan control and temperature monitoring solution. Thermaltake has included a Hardcano 9 Fan Controller, which occupies the top 5.25" drive bay, making the unit accessible even when the front aluminum swing away door is closed. The Hardcano 9 is capable of controlling a total of 4 fans, each adjustable by a designated aluminum knob. A LCD display provides up to the minute temperature readings in both Celsius and Fahrenheit ranging from 0 ºC ~ 90 ºC (32 ºF ~ 194 ºF). The unit also includes an option for setting alarm thresholds for temperature monitoring ranging 40 ºC ~ 90 ºC. You can program in a desired setting and have the Hardcano 9 warn you with system temperatures become unstable. Underneath the Hardcano 9 is an aluminum swing away door, which consist of two pieces of anodized aluminum. The front of the door has an attractive X pattern, which is secured by a series of screws as well as the Thermaltake Xaser logo centered in the design.

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The bottom portion of the front bezel mirrors the top portion and includes another aluminum panel secured by a set of screws. In the middle of the design is an illuminated front panel, which in its stock configuration has the word "Thermaltake" down the middle. MTB readers might remember our coverage of the Thermaltake X-View which was posted last month. The Thermaltake X-View is an add-on accessory for the Xaser III, which allows users to custom design their own panel designs or select from a CD full of pre-designed images. During my observations of the front bezel, I did note that there was an obvious flaw in the design of the case since it lacked any sort of front ventilation to aid in air circulation. The front bezel material is very thick which also means that this would be a challenge for any case modders who wanted to expose this area by adding in a blowhole.

The Xaser III V1000D also includes an embedded security lock and a set of keys, which can prevent chassis intrusion. The security lock has three different positions that can lock or unlock the side panel, swing away door and the entire front bezel based on how the key is positioned.