ThermalTake Core V1 Mini Desktop Casing Review

Ahhh and so we’re here, the interior isn’t roomy – that’s a given, after all it’s Mini-ITX casing and the sides are of equal dimension. While the cut-out on the motherboard tray is huge, it doesn’t cater well to some Mini-ITX boards where the CPU socket is placed closer to the graphic card.

Thermaltake Core V1 Mini Desktop Casing Review

Underneath the motherboard there’s sufficient space for the PSU but it’s barely sufficient to house cables.

Thermaltake Core V1 Mini Desktop Casing Review

Here’s what the area looks like after everything was installed, and that’s a modular PSU mind you. The cables are all stashed and tucked away like can of worms.

Thermaltake Core V1 Mini Desktop Casing Review

On the other side of the casing lies the drive cages.

Thermaltake Core V1 Mini Desktop Casing Review

And here’s what my setup looks like after placing all the components in place. Notice how the Gigabyte R9 280X Windforce (goldfries custom modded) stretches beyond the opening at the forward section. In this mod I use the AVF LED light strips for lighting and I replaced the front 200mm fan with an AeroCool Shark Fan 140mm Evil Black Edition and it was used as the fan for the NZXT Kraken X40 AIO cooling system

Thermaltake Core V1 Mini Desktop Casing Review

I routed all my cables to the side where the drive cages are as they’re also nearest and neatest path, the motherboard is an ECS L337 Gaming Z97I-DRONE Mini-ITX Motherboard.

Thermaltake Core V1 Mini Desktop Casing Review

Thermaltake Core V1 Mini Desktop Casing Review

The Verdict

ThermalTake Core V1 is an outstanding casing, it’s small but yet it’s so beautifully done. Setting up the casing wasn’t challenging at all as the sides were all removable, that helps a lot when it comes to getting components in place, certainly an experience very unlike some of the larger casings.

The Core V1 retails at RM 179, a very good price for something that’s well build and looks great. The Core V1 is hands down the best Mini-ITX casing in my book.

goldfries recommended

Lovely casing, really lovely. 🙂

Thermaltake Core V1 Mini Desktop Casing Review