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Product:
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Thermaltake Aguila VD1000BWS Mid-Tower Case |
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Price:
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$152 (CDN) / $136 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Thermaltake
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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July 1st, 2006
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Annie from Thermaltake
for sending the Aguila VD1000BWS Mid-Tower Case for review.
Introduction:
Thermaltake has a long-standing reputation for providing a wide array of products designed for the computer enthusiast
market. The company gained popularity as a manufacturer of heatsinks, CPU coolers, DC Fans and thermal based products.
In recent years, Thermaltake has shifted its focus by developing new products designed specifically for enhancing of
the appearance of a standard case. To break into the crowded case manufacturing market, the company developed its own
suite of marketable cases in desktop, mid-tower and full-tower formats. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating
Aguila VD1000BWS Mid-Tower Case, a pre-modified all-in-one solution that offers an array of customizable features.
Specifications:
The Aguila is a mid-tower case with physical specifications similar to other cases within its class. Thermaltake however
presents this case as a server alternative, with features that would appeal to LAN admin and end user alike. The Aguila
is available in two colour formats (Black or Silver) and features the option for a solid or pre-modified side panel window.
Here is a list of specifications taken from the Thermaltake website:
| Model |
Thermaltake Aguila VD1000BWS Mid-Tower Case
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| Dimensions |
478mm (H) x 210mm (W) x 520mm (D) |
| Weight |
10.98 kg |
| Colour |
Black or Silver |
| Drive Bays |
11 (5 x 5.25", 2 x 3.5" and 4 x 3.5")
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| Motherboard Size |
12" x 9.6" (ATX) & 9.6" x 9.6" (Micro ATX)
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| Top I/O Connector |
USB 2.0 x 2, IEEE 1394 x 1, Audio & Speaker ports
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| Cooling |
Front (intake): 120x120x25mm, 1300rpm, 17dBA and Rear (exhaust): 120x120x25mm, 1300rpm,
17dBA, blue LED fan
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| Material |
Chassis: 0.8mm SECC and Front panel: Aluminum
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| Expansion Slots |
7
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Features |
- Clear side panel window
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| - Top Access I/O Panel
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| - ATX/BTX compatible (BTX upgrade kit is optional)
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| - Fits up to standard ATX & BTX motherboard
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| - Meshed front grill to maximize ventilation performance
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| - Dual 120mm silent front and rear fan
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| - Liquid cooling system upgradeable
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Thermaltake Aguila VD1000BWS Mid-Tower Case arrived in good condition and was shipped in cardboard packaging via UPS
Ground. The package was slightly heavy and had several distinct manufacturer makings including the case model number and
a list of features. Upon opening up the packaging, the case is sealed with protective plastic and secured by two pieces
of Polystyrene on the left and right hand sides.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Aguila was bundled with an assortment of accessories which include drive mounting brackets, mounting screws, motherboard
stand-offs, PSU support bar and security keys. The documentation included in the package is comprehensive and includes
a series of reference diagrams that aid in component installation whether you are a novice or experienced user.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Out of the box, my first impressions of the Thermaltake Aguila VD1000BWS Mid-Tower Case after removing the packaging
were very positive. The design of the Aguila is aesthetically pleasing accented with two subtle colours (black and white)
that have been highlighted in specific areas. Most case modders center their projects on having a theme and colour match
their components accordingly to make the design flow. Thermaltake has done a good job with the Aguila by using the right
amount of colours to make the case look very appealing. The Aguila measures approximately 478mm (H) x 210mm (W) x 520mm (D)
and supports all Micro ATX, Full ATX and BTX motherboard formats. The entire exterior is black coloured with the main
focus on the curved aluminum front bezel. The front bezel is very stylish with the Aguila logo silkscreen on the bottom
portion. Consumers have the option of ordering this case in standard
form or with a pre-modified window in place on the side panel. The case does not ship with a PSU but can be purchased
as an add-on option separately.
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