Thermaltake Tower 500 Vertical Mid-Tower Computer Chassis Supports E-ATX CA-1X1-00M1WN-00
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A 32.3 lb E-ATX chassis with three 4mm tempered glass panels and extensive water cooling support, for builders prioritizing component display and custom loops.
This chassis is a situational fit for builders who specifically want a large, vertical case to display their components and plan for extensive water cooling. Its support for E-ATX motherboards and multiple 360mm radiators makes it suitable for high-end, custom liquid-cooled systems. However, its substantial 32.3 lb weight and 24.0 by 15.3 by 15.7 inch footprint demand considerable desk space.
If this case is too large or complex for your needs, look for mid-tower cases with a maximum GPU length of 350mm and support for two 240mm radiators if you still want liquid cooling options.
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Pros
- Accommodates E-ATX motherboards up to 12x12 inches.
- Features three 4mm tempered glass panels for panoramic component visibility.
- Supports up to eleven 120mm fans for extensive airflow configurations.
- Allows for up to 360mm radiators on the side for liquid cooling setups.
- Offers versatile storage with support for eight 3.5-inch HDDs or four 3.5-inch HDDs plus eight 2.5-inch SSDs.
- Includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port on the front I/O for modern connectivity.
Cons
- Rear panel design can interfere with cable routing openings, complicating setup.
- Only includes one set of fan/radiator brackets, with no easy option to purchase more.
- Requires removal of the top lid, secured by thumbscrews, to access I/O ports.
- Basement front panel has mounting holes for only two 120mm fans or an AIO, despite having space for three 120mm fans.
- Side vents may not effectively direct fresh air to the GPU.
Dimension Scores
The vertical design promotes air convection, and the case supports extensive water cooling with up to 360mm radiators, offering high thermal performance potential.
The case includes two basic 120mm rear exhaust fans, which are not specifically designed for low noise, but the large interior volume can help dissipate sound.
Constructed with three 4mm tempered glass panels and a modular design, users describe it as a well-executed and visually appealing chassis.
Users report that cable management can be challenging, with the rear panel interfering with routing openings and requiring significant effort for a clean build.
Best For
- Custom water cooling loop enthusiasts needing space for multiple radiators and pumps.
- Showcase builds where component visibility through tempered glass is a priority.
- Builders using E-ATX motherboards and large components that require significant internal volume.
- Users with ample desk space who appreciate a vertical chassis aesthetic.
Not Recommended For
- Builders with limited desk space due to its 24.0 by 15.3 by 15.7 inch dimensions.
- Users primarily relying on air cooling for high-TDP CPUs, as the 90-degree motherboard orientation can complicate exhaust.
- First-time PC builders seeking a straightforward, no-fuss assembly experience.
Watch Out For
- Longer graphics cards, like a Strix or 4090, may require removing a bottom panel for clearance, despite the stated 325mm maximum GPU length.
- Pumps with integrated reservoirs can obstruct the right cover plate, preventing installation of the triple-fan radiator bracket.
- Cable management can be challenging, with one user reporting the rear panel interfering with cable routing openings.
- The top panel mesh might restrict exhaust airflow, leading some users to consider removing it.
- The case ships with only two basic 120mm rear exhaust fans, not premium ones, at its price point.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0B2KV8L9R |
| Brand | Thermaltake |
| Color | Black |
| Series | Tower 500 |
| Fan Size | 120 Millimeters |
| Material | Tempered Glass |
| Case Type | Mid Tower |
| Model Name | Tower 500 |
| Item Weight | 32.6 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Thermaltake |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Item model number | CA-1X1-00M1WN-00 |
| Product Dimensions | 15.3 x 15.7 x 23.9 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 15.3 x 15.7 x 23.9 inches |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Motherboard Compatability | Extended ATX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Bottom Mount |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Business |
What Buyers Say
The Thermaltake Tower 500 is a visually striking case, frequently praised for its unique vertical design and the ability to showcase internal components through its three tempered glass panels. Many builders appreciate the vast interior space, which simplifies installation for larger parts and provides ample room for custom water cooling loops. However, its sheer size is a recurring point of surprise, often being larger than anticipated and consuming significant desk space. While it offers extensive cooling options, some users find air cooling for the CPU less straightforward due to the motherboard's 90-degree rotation, and cable management can be a fiddly process.
“Man, this thing is HUGE, like way bigger than the pictures show, but my custom loop looks absolutely insane in it, even if routing those cables made me want to pull my hair out.”
Common Praise
- The vertical design with three tempered glass panels provides a full display of system components.
- Spacious interior simplifies the installation of large components and allows for future upgrades.
- Supports up to 360mm radiators on the side, making it suitable for custom liquid cooling.
- The modular design allows for extensive customization and easy access to internal areas.
- Accommodates E-ATX motherboards up to 12x12 inches.
Common Complaints
- The case is significantly larger than many users expect, requiring substantial desk space.
- Cable management can be difficult, with the rear panel sometimes obstructing routing paths.
- Only one set of fan/radiator brackets is included, and additional ones are not readily available.
- Fitting a third 120mm fan in the basement front panel requires zip ties due to limited screw holes.
- Accessing I/O ports often involves removing the top lid, which is secured by thumbscrews.
Ownership Tips
- The case's weight of 32.3 lbs makes it cumbersome to move once built, especially with components installed.
- The vertical orientation, while visually striking, means the top I/O ports are often covered by the lid, requiring removal for access.
- Dust accumulation is manageable thanks to the seven magnetic detachable dust filters, which are easy to clean.
- The included 120mm fans are basic and often replaced by users seeking better performance or aesthetics.
- Despite its size, some very long GPUs still require modifications or panel removal to fit comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this case come with RGB fans?
No, the Thermaltake Tower 500 includes two standard 120mm 1500rpm rear exhaust fans without RGB lighting.
Can I fit a large graphics card like an RTX 4090?
While the official specification lists a maximum GPU length of 325mm, users have reported fitting RTX 4090s, though it may require removing a bottom panel or being at the absolute maximum length.
Is this case suitable for air cooling?
The case is designed with a vertical layout that utilizes air convection, but the 90-degree motherboard orientation can make CPU air cooler exhaust challenging, as there isn't a direct rear exhaust path for the CPU cooler.
How many USB ports are on the front panel?
The front I/O panel features four USB 3.0 ports and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port.
Is cable management easy in this case?
Cable management can be tough, with some users reporting interference from the rear panel with cable routing openings, requiring careful planning and execution.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a PC case like this, you need to think about more than just how it looks. Its massive size means you need a dedicated spot for it, and its vertical design is specifically for showing off your build. If you're planning a custom water cooling loop, this case gives you the space, but if you're sticking to air cooling, especially for your CPU, you might run into some airflow quirks. Also, be ready to spend some time on cable management.
E-ATX Motherboard Support
This means the case can fit larger motherboards, up to 12x12 inches. Think of it like a bigger garage for a bigger engine – more room for high-end components, more expansion slots, and more connectivity options for complex builds.
Tempered Glass Panels
The three 4mm tempered glass panels aren't just for looks; they're like a display case for your PC's internals. If you've invested in RGB components or a custom water loop, these panels let you show them off without obstruction.
Radiator Support (up to 360mm)
This refers to the size of liquid cooling radiators the case can accommodate. A 360mm radiator is a large one, capable of dissipating a lot of heat. If you're running a powerful CPU and GPU, especially with overclocking, this spec tells you the case can handle serious liquid cooling to keep temperatures low.
Alternatives
If this case is too large or its vertical design isn't your preference, search for mid-tower or full-tower cases that support E-ATX motherboards and offer multiple 240mm or 280mm radiator mounting points, focusing on traditional airflow paths.
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