TT Tai-Chi Quality?

[RanceJustice]

Hey guys. Normally I don't look at Thermaltake too much, because I've been under the impression that the build quality of LianLi and Silverstone are superior. However, the TaiChi Looks most interesting. Could anyone enlighten me as to its build quality and performance for a custom watercooled rig? Is the aluminum more difficult to cut than on other models? More difficult to mod? Does it actually have any heat absorbing benefits?

Currently, it seems the LianLi V2100+ and Silverstone TJ07 are at the top of my list in terms of build quality, space, and cooling. Would the TaiChi stack up to either of these, that are in a similar price bracket?

 

[skudmunky]

Well, I saw it in Microcenter and I gotta say I'm impressed. It's big, it's heavy, and it's made out of pretty darn thick metal. Looks extremely convinient for a custom water cooling rig, the 2x 120mm fan radiator mounts on the side are pretty sweet. It's kindah pricey though.

 

[dave_graham]

anandtech just did a review on it. read it and you'll prolly get your answers.

dave

 

[RanceJustice]

Thanks! I read the comparison between the CM Stacker830 and the TaiChi, however considering that the review was pretty favorable to both of them, I'm a little skeptical. I've seen some pretty hard critiques of the 830 on the forums, so perhaps I'm assuming that those on the [H] and Xtremesystems are a little more demanding.

 

[dave_graham]

Thanks! I read the comparison between the CM Stacker830 and the TaiChi, however considering that the review was pretty favorable to both of them, I'm a little skeptical. I've seen some pretty hard critiques of the 830 on the forums, so perhaps I'm assuming that those on the [H] and Xtremesystems are a little more demanding.

xtremesystems, imho, is way more demanding than the H...different caliber of folks over there. not "better" per se, but definitely more focused.

dave

 

[monopixel]

If you don't plan to carry around your case for lan party that tai-chi's weght will be advantage. Most alminum chassis, ie,1~,2~mm thickness , has noise of vibration.

Also I think these case is not for same purpose of use. 830 is almost like this case( )
http://lews-therin.livejournal.com/1076.html
And I heard some 830's problem in CM forums. PCI trouble and top fan mount problem etc.

So I think its choice depends on your aim of custom PC.

 

[Bucken]

xtremesystems, imho, is way more demanding than the H...different caliber of folks over there. not "better" per se, but definitely more focused.

dave

Much more demanding on their hardware. However most of them dont even use cases. Just bench right on their desks.

 

[vanilla_guerilla]

off top. most dont even use video cards.

i dont know about that case. a huge heavy $400 aluminum case on wheels with handles? not practical for home use. seems like most folks heading in the other direction, ie matx, lan cases, etc.

 

[RanceJustice]

I'm looking primarily for four things -

Size - I'm looking for a larger case than my current LiLi6070. I want something big enough for a high quality watercooling system and plenty of room for high end components (SLI etc)
Cooling - I want the case design to at least facilitate, if not add to, a good watercooling rig.
Build quality - I want a high quality case made of high quality parts
Asthetics - I want a good looking, high quality, easily modable, sophisticated case. However, I am willing to give up a little bit of form for greater function

With this in mind, I doubt a htpc or matx box would be what I'm looking for. However, if you can suggest a way to prove me wrong...

Also, if anyone could provide a comparison between the TaiChi and the two cases I listed earlier, I'd be appreciate. To reiterate, those are the LianLi V2000/2100+ series, an the Silverstone TJ07. That's the "bracket" of cases I'm looking at.

 

[monopixel]

Easily modable , at this point , you can't cut out easily tai-chi material. Most parts are made of extruded thick alminum.....

I think these requests conflict each other , "I want a high quality case made of high quality parts" "Easily modable". Flimsy basic chassis will be easily moddable.

Stacker 830 , it is so functionable , already full function , so it might be no more moddable

 

[dekard]

I'm familiar with the TT case and I'm strongly leaning towards buying the v1000. I'll say that the two cases compare in a couple of ways and in other ways could not be any more different.

The TT is a beast of a case. Its big. Its bad. Its very aggressive looking. The ribs on the side stand out. You notice them. The size of the thing is noteable. It has a presence in a room. Its a well made case and the wc system is decent.

The v1000 is an elegant case. Well made, with attention to detail. Smooth packaging if a bit unconvential. Classy look. No one has ever accused the the TT of being classy.

All in all, I'm not even considering the TT as thats not what I'm looking for in a case. Yes, I'm looking for superior quality and built in wc, but not a big ass case that will frighten children. I'm looking for superior quality and built in wc in a subtle, understated and damn nice case.

as always, ymmv.

 

[RanceJustice]

Mono - Good point. I havel limited experience in modding and I had a much easier time cutting through my LianLi 6070's aluminum panels than my antec aria's plastic squished aluminum dabcle. I should have been more specific! By high quality I was talking about good, uniform aluminum, not steel and plastic amalgamations.

Deckard - Thanks .I'll definately remember this. It does seem as though the V2000 series and the TJ07 certainly are more graceful, then the TaiChi. I did want to mention, that I wouldn't be using the TaiChi WC system, but instead selecting my own. I wish there was some physical store that I could go and look at the V2000/2100, TJ07, and TaiChi next to each other!

 

[monopixel]

.

Are you mentioning these comment with each cases had or touched? Yes I did.

Besides, V1000 is not superior case unfortunatly but good case. Its HD noise and side and top panel vibration noise are loud. M/B plate is so flimsy (but screw hole is strong. This point is good quality of lianli) and easy finger printable. Some people dont like G5 copy cat chassis , lack of originality.

But I like V1000 case. Becasue it has many advantage too.
So I think there isn't best case for everyone. You can say negative comment to every chassis. And if you are saying thsese comment without having or touching practicaly , that'll be nonsense.

 

[vanilla_guerilla]

gigabyte 3d aurora. big, has 2x 120mm exhaust fans and enough extra room around them to use an internal 2x120 rad. also had pre drilled holes (look to be around 1 1/2") with nice gaskets on the back for coolant hoses. except for front bezel/door, which is thick aluminum, the rest of the case is standard (.8 or 1mm) thickness aluminum.

 

[dekard]

Are you mentioning these comment with each cases had or touched? Yes I did.

Besides, V1000 is not superior case unfortunatly but good case. Its HD noise and side and top panel vibration noise are loud. M/B plate is so flimsy (but screw hole is strong. This point is good quality of lianli) and easy finger printable. Some people dont like G5 copy cat chassis , lack of originality.

But I like V1000 case. Becasue it has many advantage too.
So I think there isn't best case for everyone. You can say negative comment to every chassis. And if you are saying thsese comment without having or touching practicaly , that'll be nonsense.

If you interpreted my post to be negative about the TT you missed the point. They are different cases and I think I spoke about them both being of high quality. They are very different from each other and both very stylish in their own ways. My friend, who owns the TT, thinks its the best case on the planet. It fits his style. Personally I wouldn't be caught dead with it in my house but that doesn't mean its a bad case. Just not my style.

Both cases are superior quality.