Aerocool Quartz RGB Case Review

The two main fashion trends in computer chassis design for 2018 are the use of transparent panels and RGB lighting. Although there are not so many users who like this (at least in the European part of the world), manufacturers continue to stubbornly saturate their product lines with similar products. Therefore, we can state that the case called Aerocool Quartz RGB, which will be the subject of this review, is made entirely in the spirit of modernity. Well, at least it pleases that the transparent panels are still made of tempered glass, not acrylic, and only three front fans are responsible for the RGB glow. Models similar in structure to Quartz Red and Quartz Blue differ only, as the name implies, in single-color red and blue backlighting and the absence of the P7-H1 RGB controller in the kit, so this review can also be considered relevant for them.

Characteristics

Packing and scope of delivery

The case comes in a regular cardboard box with monochrome printing on the sides. The image of the exterior of the chassis and some of its advantages is duplicated on the front and back of the package. On the left side, technical specifications and logistics information are mentioned. On the right side, there are several points about the advantages of the device, translated into 12 languages. Internal protection against damage consists of two high-quality polyurethane dampers and a plastic bag, protective films are glued to the glass windows. There are no carrying handles on the box.

The package includes such parts as:

• case assembly instructions;
• instructions for using the controller;
• RGB controller P7-H1;
• Velcro for mounting the controller;
• six cable ties;
• plastic adapter for a screwdriver for mounting motherboard racks;
• nine motherboard racks (four more are screwed into the pallet);
• four plastic thumb screws for mounting 3.5″ hard drives;
• four cap screws for mounting 3.5″ hard drives;
• 11 body screws for the power supply and expansion cards;
• 25 small screws for motherboard and 2.5″ drives.

Appearance

Appearance Aerocool Quartz RGB turned out to be quite strict and classic, regular rectangular shape and without any frills. The front panel consists of a plastic frame and solid tinted glass, which occupies almost its entire area. The company logo is pasted on the bottom. Ventilation holes in the form of short transverse slots are hidden in the recesses on the sides between the glass panel and the plastic frame. Nothing opens here, but if necessary, the front can be easily removed by pulling the notch from below. However, such a need may arise only when replacing or servicing the three front fans, because there is still no dust filter here.

On the top edge of the front panel there is one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, between which two 3.5 mm audio outputs for microphone and headphones are inserted. This is followed by a square key to start the system and a small reset button. Two dot indicators for PC power (blue) and drive activity (red) are located on the right side of each other.

The right side panel is 4mm solid tinted glass held in place by four thumbscrews placed at the corners.

The screws also have a hole for a Phillips screwdriver, so you can remove them not only with your bare hands. A rubber gasket is glued on the back of the cap, so you can not be afraid that scratches will remain on the glass when the clamps are tightened.

Rubber gaskets are also put on the mounting bushings, so you don’t have to worry about the integrity of the holes in the side glass panel. In addition, these dampers partially compensate for the vibrations transmitted to the glass.

The glass side panel is well made and processed, all side edges are polished to prevent cuts and chips. The only thing that remains incomprehensible to me is why such a strong tinting is applied to the glass, behind which it is often difficult to see the internal contents.

The right side panel is made from a solid sheet of metal. It has a stamped handle for easy disassembly and is held in place by two plastic thumbscrews.

Inside the door has very good stiffening ribs, which give it good resistance to torsional loads.

The top panel is ventilated, covered with a removable magnetic dust filter made of a fine mesh metal mesh.

Behind the filter is a metal grill with a honeycomb cell structure. Two sets of mounting holes on it allow you to fix two 120mm fans here, placing them closer or further from the left panel.

The back panel is very standard. At the top right, there is a ventilation grille with a 120mm fan pre-installed behind it. Mounting holes for it allow you to adjust the position of the frame in height, shifting it vertically to one of five positions. All seven expansion slots are covered with disposable vented plugs. The decorative overlay plate to the right of the slots is held by a single body screw. The mounting holes of the power supply allow you to place it both with the fan up and down.

At the bottom of the case there are four legs, 13 mm high, lined with soft felt material from below. The power supply vents are covered with a metal mesh dust filter, which will be extremely inconvenient to remove and install for cleaning, since you will have to tilt and lift the case. At the front are the heads of four screws that hold the 3.5″ drive basket.

The ventilation grille of the power supply has very large oblong holes. And on the sidewall of the legs, a material is glued that imitates chrome-plated metal with its appearance.

Let’s see how the interior of the case is arranged.