Thermaltake Shark Aluminum Case (VA7000)

In action 

Under power, the Thermaltake Shark provides quite a pleasant site to view.  Being that the shark is in part designed for a 3/8” water cooling set up in mind, we chose to install a Thermaltake BigWater H2O kit.  Another lighting effect we installed was a Thermaltake LED IDE cable.  Take a look at the pics below and try to tell me you don’t think this thing is the duck’s guts.  Once disappointment under power was that the front 120mm fan filter was in partial contact with the fan making a horrid noise.  After a significant amount of bending, I was able to correct this.  However, I want to underscore that the effort and time to fix this was unacceptable.  The filter holders that Thermaltake has utilized for front intake fans in the past is far superior and should be brought back with all haste. 

Here are some shots of the eye candy that greeted us with everything installed and running.  Very impressive.

       

Conclusion 

Thermaltake has solicited opinions from users for some time now to build and refine future and current products.  I think the Thermaltake Shark Case is an example that they are listening and listening closely.  The features employed here represent a top ten list of sharp looking and practical extras that make the Shark an excellent choice for you next case.  If you intend on going with a water cooling kit, specifically any type using 3/8” hosing such as the Tt BigWater, Kingwin Arctic Kit or Titan TWC-A04, the Shark is THE case for you.  If you have a 1/2" OD H2O kit the Shark will be a big tease to you of what you almost could have. 

The increased ventilation, the shark design side panel doesn't come without cost.  The 120mm exhaust fan is going to pull a lot of stuff out of the air into your case through this area.  This isn't a huge detractor because a quick trip to Lowes can get you a small sheet of Plexiglas to cover this area if you like for just a couple of bucks.  The only bad taste in my mouth from the Shark was the front intake fan filter.  This is a poor design.  Thermaltake moved forward several steps in almost every aspect of this case except with this filter where they moved back.

Overall, I REALLY like the Shark.  As a matter of fact, this case is now my new LAN box.  I liked the case so much that it pained me not to give it an Editor's Choice award.  What few shortcomings we found were just enough to prevent this.  Each of these shortcomings were rectified with $5 and 30mins on my part but unfortunately that would preclude our giving it our highest honor.  If you have a 3/8" water cooled rig or specifically a Tt H2O kit, the Shark will please you to no end and will be one of the more worthwhile upgrades you will make this year.

Pros

• Ultra hip design

• Nice accent lighting

• Bezel door latches in place via magnets

• 120mm intake and exhaust fan

• Tool free drive rails

• HDD cage with pull out trays

• Removable mainboard tray

• Block type panel connectors

• 3/8” hose access points on chassis

Cons

• Open grill on side will be dust magnet

• Will be a tad large for some folks taste

• Chassis hose points only accept 3/8” tubing

• Front intake fan filter not fitted properly

• Price and availability questionable at present

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