Announced my preferred budget-friendly compact PC case, now contemplating an all-white construction for a new build
The Thermaltake S100 TG Snow Edition is a budget-friendly compact PC case designed primarily for Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, offering good value and style for white compact builds.
This case, measuring approximately 441 x 220 x 411 mm (17.36 x 8.66 x 16.18 inches), boasts compact dimensions, making it suitable for smaller form-factor builds. It supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards and can accommodate up to three 120mm fans at the front, two 120mm fans on the top, and one 120mm fan at the rear. Radiator support is limited to a maximum of 280mm for front and top placements.
The Snow Edition's visual design appeals to users looking for an all-white aesthetic build without a high price. It features a 4mm tempered glass side panel to showcase internal components, and black highlights on the side, fan, and hinges allow it to house black GPUs and internal components without looking off.
Despite its small size, the S100 TG Snow Edition is surprisingly roomy, capable of fitting large coolers like the Cooler Master Hyper 612 Apex. However, the case has limited or somewhat awkward cable management options, making upgrades or cable routing more difficult, especially in bigger builds or when upgrading over time.
Moreover, while three front fans fit, radiator clearance is tight, especially due to front I/O placement, limiting the use of larger radiators or front liquid cooling configurations. The case comes with one fan, but it may not be sufficient for a decent rig, necessitating additional fan purchases for better cooling.
Another limitation is the non-replaceable expansion slots, meaning if you switch a GPU to a different slot size, an ugly unused slot may remain exposed, affecting aesthetics and possibly airflow. Unlike some modern cases, no side fan mounting options are available, restricting certain cooling configurations.
In essence, the Thermaltake S100 TG Snow Edition offers good value and style for white compact builds but involves compromises in upgradability, cooling flexibility, and cable management, typical for cases in this price and size category. For those seeking more expansive options, consider the Phanteks Eclipse G400A, the 2024 edition of NZXT's H7 Flow, or the Lian Li O11 Vision Compact.
- Fans of minimalist white designs might appreciate the seasonal appeal of the Thermaltake S100 TG Snow Edition.
- Despite its small size, this compact PC case can bet on accommodating large game coolers like the Cooler Master Hyper 612 Apex.
- If you're building a lifestyle that incorporates home-and-garden tech, you might need to upgrade to a case like the Phanteks Eclipse G400A or the NZXT H7 Flow (2024 edition) for more flexibility.
- Technology enthusiasts may find the S100 TG Snow Edition's limited radiator support and non-replaceable expansion slots a drawback for their shopping list.
- Sports fans seeking a versatile case for their rig might opt for cases like the Phanteks Eclipse G400A or the Lian Li O11 Vision Compact, offering more options for cooling and cable management.
- The Thermaltake S100 TG Snow Edition, with its all-white aesthetic and card [for storage or gaming, depending on context] compatibility, caters to a certain lifestyle while preserving a tighter budget.
