Thermaltake Kandalf Aluminum Case (VA9000)

Manufacturer: Thermaltake Technology
Supplied by: Thermaltake Technology
Street Price: $210

by Dean Barker (3/27/2005)

Introduction

Thermaltake has put out some fantastic cases over the past few years.  They have arguably put more emphasis on features and function than any other case manufacturer in business today.  Their two most recent releases, the VA8000 Armor and the VA9000 Kandalf have raised the bar to an entirely new level with features so numerous that listing them in a bulleted specification list by themselves would take an entire page in a review.  The Tt Armor Case we reviewed last month deservedly received our glowing praise.  The VA9000 Kandalf, sharing much in its design with the Armor is expected to prove to be equally impressive.  Thanks to the good people at Thermaltake we look to validate our suspicions of the Kandalf and its excellence.  Let’s begin with a specification overview of the basics.

Specifications:

• Observed Dimensions: 610 x 222 x 538mm

• Observed Weight: 9.75 kg

• Construction: Aluminum

• Drive Bays: Ten exposed 5.25" bays
                  One exposed 3.5" bays
                  Three hidden 3.5" bays

• Cooling: Included Front 120mm Intake (Blue LED)
              Included Rear 120mm Exhaust (Blue LED), 90mm Exhaust
              Included Top Mounted 90mm Exhaust

• Top Mounted Ports: USB 2.0 x 2, Line out/Mic, Firewire

• Available Colors: Silver, Black

• Expansion slots: 7

• Motherboard Type: ATX, Micro ATX, Extended ATX, BTX

• Optional: Thermaltake Pure Power PSU
               BTX Compatibility Upgrade Kit

• Window: Yes

The Face of Function

The Kandalf defines its designation as a ‘Full Tower Case.’  In fact, Thermaltake calls the Kandalf a 'Super Tower Case.'  Measuring an observed 610 millimeters tall and a good 220 millimeters wide, it would be difficult if not impossible to argue this. 

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