Thermaltake Matrix VX Case

Which case is better, Aluminum or Steel? To answer this question properly one must first quantify what advantage(s) each material brings to the table. Steel (SECC) is stronger and generally more rigid than aluminum leading to less resonance which in most instances decreases the noise from vibration of any components inside the case. Aluminum is much lighter weight making it much easier to move from one point to another. Aluminum is also considerably easier and probably cheaper to fabricate and manufacture.

From a raw material standpoint, Aluminum is somewhat more expensive than steel thus mostly negating any real cost savings realized in design and manufacturing. There is also the look and style which Aluminum generally wins hands down; depending on the eye of the beholder. Finally, there is the price difference between the two competing products which in the beginning showed aluminum cases of similar dimension to be as much as three times higher than their steel brethren. Advances in production as of late have somewhat lessened that price margin, but Aluminum is still a more expensive product to the end user than steel.

Aside from these primary differences that have been noted, there is also the long-standing notion that Aluminum dissipates heat much better than it's steel counterpart. This subject in itself has been the issue of many articles generated by persons much more learned than I in the physics of this matter. The heat dissipation qualities in the "real world" between cases constructed out of these two materials along with perceived style, looks, weight, and price of the finished product has probably done more to separate computer enthusiasts into two camps. Each of these camps touting the overall benefit(s) of their champion.

Thermaltake® Technology, Co. LTD, a Hong Kong based company burst onto the case, cooling, and computer accessory manufacturing scene in 1999. Thermaltake has been kind enough to furnish us with one of their newest products, the Matrix VX Case for review today. This case targets two very popular subsets of the computer case market, consumers looking for a light mid-tower case that is transportable enough to be taken to LAN parties. Please join us while we discuss the inner workings of this attractive all aluminum case.

When bringing this case to market Thermaltake did as much as humanly possible to appeal to masses. They made four different versions of the case in "all aluminum" each available with or without two different power supply options. Talk about choices!

As the image above shows the case is available in either black or silver with or without a side window. The model we'll be reviewing today is second from the left in the array, a black case with a side window and without a power supply. I would assume given today's mindset of most computer case buyers that are looking for this category of case that this would be the most popular choice to buy.