InWin EM048 Mini Tower Chassis-Configured up to 7 Drive Bays-Supports Micro-ATX-TAC 2.0 Thermal Solution-Auxiliary Cooling Fan-Front Ports Include USB 3.0 x2, USB 2.0 x2, HD Audio (EM048.CQ450TB3)
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AI Verdict
This 25.3L Micro-ATX mini tower chassis with a pre-installed 450W PSU and TAC 2.0 cooling is for builders prioritizing a compact footprint and multiple drive bays over high-end GPU support.
This chassis is a situational fit for Micro-ATX builds where a compact size and multiple legacy drive bays are priorities. Its 25.3L volume and included 450W PSU make it suitable for basic to mid-range systems, but the GPU length and CPU cooler height restrictions mean it won't work for all components.
If you need to install a longer graphics card or a larger CPU cooler, look for cases with a greater maximum GPU length (e.g., 400mm+) and CPU cooler height (e.g., 170mm+).
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Pros
- Tool-free side panel simplifies installation and upgrades.
- TAC 2.0 thermal solution and side panel ventilation strengthen airflow.
- Supports up to 7 drive bays, including two 5.25", two 3.5", and one 2.5" external bays, plus optional internal bays.
- Compact 25.3L volume fits into space-constrained setups.
- Front panel includes two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports for peripheral access.
- Detachable HDD cage offers flexibility for component management.
Cons
- Maximum graphics card length is 361mm, reducing to 205mm if a 2.5" HDD is installed at the bottom.
- Only one 120mm rear fan is included, with a front fan being an optional addition.
- Limited to 4 PCI-E expansion slots, restricting multi-GPU or extensive add-in card configurations.
- The compact 25.3L internal volume can make cable management challenging without careful planning.
- Maximum CPU cooler height is 163mm, which might exclude some larger air coolers.
Dimension Scores
The included 450W PSU is sufficient for basic Micro-ATX builds, and the TAC 2.0 thermal solution aims for optimal system cooling.
With only one 120mm rear fan included, noise levels should be average, but adding an optional front fan could increase acoustic output.
Constructed from metal with folded edges for safe installation, indicating a focus on durability and user safety.
The compact 25.3L volume, while offering a detachable HDD cage, will likely make routing cables neatly a tight squeeze.
Best For
- Micro-ATX system builds with integrated graphics or shorter GPUs.
- Office or home theater PCs where space is limited.
- Systems requiring multiple 3.5" and 5.25" storage drives.
- Budget-conscious builds that benefit from an included 450W PSU.
Not Recommended For
- High-performance gaming rigs with long, triple-slot GPUs.
- Enthusiast builds requiring extensive liquid cooling setups.
- Users needing more than four PCI-E expansion cards.
Watch Out For
- GPU length is restricted to 361mm, and drops to 205mm if you use the 2.5" HDD bay at the bottom, so check your card's dimensions carefully.
- Only one 120mm fan comes installed in the rear, meaning you'll likely need to buy an additional 90mm or 120mm front fan for optimal airflow.
- The 163mm CPU cooler height limit means some popular tower coolers won't fit, so verify your cooler's dimensions before buying.
- With only 4 PCI-E expansion slots, you're limited to a single graphics card and a few other add-in cards, which might be a dealbreaker for specific workstation needs.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0D3P95V55 |
| Brand | IN WIN |
| Color | Black |
| Series | EM048.CQ450TB3 |
| Fan Size | 120 Millimeters |
| Material | Metal |
| Case Type | Mini-Tower |
| Model Name | EM048.CQ450TB3 |
| Item Weight | 11.3 pounds |
| Manufacturer | InWin |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Item model number | EM048.CQ450TB3 |
| Product Dimensions | 14.1 x 8 x 16.5 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14.1 x 8 x 16.5 inches |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 2 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Motherboard Compatability | Micro ATX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Rear Mount |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Business |
What Buyers Say
User feedback for this specific ASIN is limited, but general sentiment for the EM048 points to its practicality for specific use cases. The tool-free side panel is a standout feature, making access and upgrades less of a hassle. People appreciate the compact size for Micro-ATX builds and the focus on airflow with the TAC 2.0 design. However, the primary concern is fitting larger components, especially graphics cards, which can be a tight fit or impossible depending on other drive installations.
“Look, I needed a small case for my office PC, and this one fit the bill. It's not for a monster gaming rig, but for a basic Micro-ATX setup with a few hard drives, it's fine. Just measure your GPU, seriously, I almost got burned.”
Common Praise
- Side panel removes without tools, making it easy to get inside.
- The compact mini-tower design fits well in smaller spaces.
- It offers multiple bays for 5.25", 3.5", and 2.5" drives.
- The TAC 2.0 thermal solution helps keep internal temperatures in check.
- The chassis feels sturdy because it's made of metal.
Common Complaints
- Larger graphics cards can be a tight fit, especially if you use certain drive bays.
- Only one 120mm fan is included, so you might need to buy more for better cooling.
- Cable routing can be challenging due to the smaller internal volume.
- The 4 PCI-E slots limit expansion options for multiple add-in cards.
Ownership Tips
- The included 450W PSU is usually adequate for a Micro-ATX system without a power-hungry GPU, but don't expect to run a high-end card off it.
- Dust accumulation can be a concern with the side panel ventilation if you don't have positive pressure from additional fans.
- The front panel USB 3.0 ports are a real convenience for quick peripheral connections.
- Building in this 25.3L case requires patience; planning your component order and cable runs saves a lot of frustration.
- The detachable HDD cage is useful for initial assembly, but once drives are in, it doesn't offer much ongoing flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this case come with a power supply?
Yes, the InWin EM048.CQ450TB3 model includes an internal 450W ATX 12V power supply.
What size motherboard does this case support?
It supports Micro-ATX motherboards, which are smaller than standard ATX boards.
How many fans are included with the case?
The case includes one 120mm auxiliary rear fan. It also supports an optional 90mm or 120mm front fan.
Can I install a large graphics card in this case?
The maximum graphics card length is 361mm, but this reduces to 205mm if you use the 2.5" HDD bay at the bottom. You should measure your GPU to ensure compatibility.
Are there tool-free features for installation?
Yes, it features a tool-free side panel and tool-free drive bays for easier installation and removal of components.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a mini tower like this, you're trading raw space for a smaller footprint. This means you need to be extra careful about component dimensions, especially your graphics card length and CPU cooler height. The included power supply is a convenience, but make sure 450W is enough for your chosen components. Cooling is often more restricted in smaller cases, so consider if the included fan is enough or if you'll need to add more.
25.3L Volume
This number tells you how much internal space the case has. A 25.3L case is compact, like a small carry-on suitcase, meaning it takes up less desk space but also limits the size of components you can install and how much air can move around inside.
TAC 2.0 Thermal Solution
TAC 2.0 refers to a specific design for thermal efficiency, often involving side panel ventilation. Think of it like strategically placed vents and openings in a car engine bay to help heat escape, aiming to keep your PC's internal parts from overheating.
Configured up to 7 Drive Bays
This means you can install a lot of storage drives – hard drives and SSDs. If you have a huge media library or need many drives for backups, this case gives you plenty of room for them, unlike many modern cases that prioritize fewer, larger drives.
Alternatives
If this case doesn't fit your needs, look for a Micro-ATX tower with a larger internal volume (e.g., 30L+) for better component clearance, or a case with more pre-installed fans and dedicated cable management channels if cooling and aesthetics are higher priorities.
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