MODTHEBOX would like to thank Jeff from Xoxide Modifications
for sending the Thermaltake Xaser III VM3000A Series Skull Mid-Tower for review.
Introduction:
Arguably, the Mona Lisa of every modders’ work is the computer case itself. Some modders spend months planning out
modifications to their computer case making sure everything is taken into consideration including the airflow, colour
scheme, materials, cable management and lighting. Working hand in hand with the modding community, computer
hardware manufacturing companies have been creating tools, cases, and parts to assist the do-it-yourself and
pre-modified consumer markets. In order for a pre-modified case to be worth buying, the case needs to be designed for
proper airflow, have a great design and be constructed out of high quality materials. Today in the MTB Labs, we will
be evaluating the latest pre-modified solution from Thermaltake; the Xaser III VM3000A Series Skull Mid-Tower.
Specifications:
The Xaser III VM3000A is a mid-tower case packed to the rim with features. Aside from the standard drive mounts and side
panel window, it has a plethora of security features yet installation of parts and case maintenance remains virtually
screw-less. Here are some of the specifications taken directly from the Xoxide Modifications and Thermaltake websites:
Thermaltake Xaser III VM3000A Series Skull Mid-Tower - Key Specifications:
Thermaltake Xaser III VM3000A Series Skull Mid-Tower: Manufactured by Thermaltake
Case Dimensions: 535mm (H) x 192mm (W) x 430mm (D)
Weight: 10.8 kg (23.81lb)
Drive Bays: 11 (6 x 5.25" external, 2 x 3.5" external, 3 x 3.5" internal)
Expansion Slots: 7
Chassis: 0.8mm SECC and aluminum
Form Factors: ATX, Extended ATX, Pentium IV or AMD
Fans: 4 (1 x 80 mm front, 1 x 80mm intake, 2 x 80mm rear)
Universal ATX I/O Shield included
VR Function Fan Speed Controller and LCD Temp Monitor with alarm
Special Features: Front Dual USB2.0 & IEEE1934 Firewire, Skull series EL lamp with 3-way function inverter
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
The case arrived from Xoxide in the Thermaltake’s stock VM3000A packaging; thick double walled corrugated cardboard.
The front of the box displays an angled shot of the case showing off the front bezel and side window. On the front
is a list of some of the features of the case as well as a picture of the optional LAN Party PC Carrying Harness which
was not included in the package. The back of the box displays two angled shots of the case without any of the panels
installed as well as 25 small pictures outlining the cases security, cooling, and screw-less features.
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
Inside the box, the case was wrapped in plastic and secured between two pieces of formed Polystyrene on the left and right sides
of the package. My initial thoughts upon seeing the VM3000A were very positive. The case is not overly heavy and is actually
lighter then I expected considering it is constructed primarily out of steel. The design of the case follows the general
design of Thermaltake’s Xaser line sporting clean case lines accented by angular cuts and a color scheme comprised primarily
of black and red. The Skull series VM3000A Xaser III cases are only available in the black and red color scheme. There was no
power supply shipped with this case, however a Thermaltake Silent Purepower Power Supply is optional. As with the other cases
in the Xaser III line, the VM3000A is compatible with Standard ATX and Micro ATX motherboards.
