[Review] Thermaltake LanBox Black [by me]

[alucasa]

So, Lanbox has arrived today.

This is 6th mATX cases I've bought over the years.

http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/8620/img0855hb5.th.jpg (http://img462.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0855hb5.jpg)

Size of the box was expected, I tell you, really.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2473/img0856pl7.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0856pl7.jpg)

What I did not expect was the nice white cloth bag it came with it. It was really nice cloth bag.

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/3964/img0857zw2.th.jpg (http://img329.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0857zw2.jpg)

And here it is ~

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/5969/img0858nw8.th.jpg (http://img329.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0858nw8.jpg)

It is quite a beauty, nice as elegant as Silverstone Sugo, but it certainly looks nice on surface.

A little blurred shot of its front.

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/1063/img0860ta3.th.jpg (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0860ta3.jpg)

I compared its size with Silverstone Sugo.

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/900/img0861gt7.th.jpg (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0861gt7.jpg)
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/38/img0862ks9.th.jpg (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0862ks9.jpg)

As you can see, it is taller and wider than Sugo. In another word, it is pretty big.

I compared the case with other ... smaller cases.

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/5308/img0863qh8.th.jpg (http://img295.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0863qh8.jpg)
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/4554/img0864sj5.th.jpg (http://img295.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0864sj5.jpg)

A shot of its side and rear.

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6410/img0865zc7.th.jpg (http://img295.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0865zc7.jpg)
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6127/img0866tq1.th.jpg (http://img295.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0866tq1.jpg)

Only its top can be detached. The side panels are a part of its bottom. You cannot take it off at all.

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/9374/img0867bn3.th.jpg (http://img339.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0867bn3.jpg)

This is where PSU goes.

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/4950/img0868cz4.th.jpg (http://img339.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0868cz4.jpg)
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/4310/img0869xx4.th.jpg (http://img339.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0869xx4.jpg)
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/7236/img0870rv9.th.jpg (http://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0870rv9.jpg)
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/1437/img0872ff4.th.jpg (http://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0872ff4.jpg)

Motherboard tray is a trend these days. It comes with a little bonus as well, a hook .

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5339/img0873qe2.th.jpg (http://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0873qe2.jpg)
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/2042/img0874ym2.th.jpg (http://img116.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0874ym2.jpg)

There are two optional 60mm fans on the tray.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/7396/img0876tx3.th.jpg (http://img116.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0876tx3.jpg)

Supposedly, those are silent fans. But chances are I won't be using them anyway.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/5172/img0877fg3.th.jpg (http://img116.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0877fg3.jpg)

And ... let's have a closer look at inside.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/5093/img0878nv4.th.jpg (http://img116.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0878nv4.jpg)

It comes with a 7 inch bay and a 5.25 inch bay.

The 7 inch bay can be used to install this : http://www.xoxide.com/tt-7in-lcd-display.html

Otherwise, it can just be used as a 5.25 bay.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/3650/img0880nv0.th.jpg (http://img116.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0880nv0.jpg)

It has a 80mm fan on front and a cage for 2 HDDs.
Optionally, you could install another HDD in its 3.5 bay.

http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/9959/img0881na1.th.jpg (http://img105.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0881na1.jpg)
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/8050/img0883sr9.th.jpg (http://img105.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0883sr9.jpg)
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/3261/img0885ow2.th.jpg (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0885ow2.jpg)
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/7776/img0887yj6.th.jpg (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0887yj6.jpg)

The handle can be easily uninstalled. And I am gladly informing you that the handle is metal rather than plastic.

Until I actually get to install components for this case, I am letting it rest in the white cloth bag.

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/9697/img0888lj2.th.jpg (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0888lj2.jpg)

Unlike Sugo, this case is made of solely steel. Thus, it is actually quite heavier than Sugo. Furthermore, its build quality is not equal to Sugo's. Sugo's build quality is better, but not by far.

Although the case's side panels are stuck to the case, I find that it has plenty of spaces only with its top detachable. Be warned though. If you are of a strong guy, watch the side panel. You could bend it very easily.

I hurt my skin here and there a little while uninstalling components. It has sharp edges.

The handle feels cold to touch and is made of steel,which is a nice bonus.

Thank you for reading.

[Solarfall]

it whould have been nice to see some pics with hardware installed.
and to see how all fits into this case.

[SoulGG]

I need something like that for CS lan parties:D

[Nicksterr]

Hmm, wonder if a 8880GTX would fit? Can you mount the HDD cage somewhere else?

[alucasa]

Can you mount the HDD cage somewhere else?

No, but you can take it out and use the 3.5 inch bay for one HDD.

If you give me length of your video card, I will see if it will fit or not for you later tonight.

[Nicksterr]

Length is 275mm or 10.8 inches.

[alucasa]

Length is 275mm or 10.8 inches.

That was a quick reply.

I just checked to see.

It won't fit with the HDD cage. It must be taken out. Even then something else might get in the way.

By the way, that is one LONG card.

[LiQU!D]

My God that thing is hideous.

[NickS]

You really think so, Liquid? I was thinking, "wow, that must be one of TT's nicest cases!"

Heh..

[p0tter]

Wish he posted full pics.

[Nicksterr]

You really think so, Liquid? I was thinking, "wow, that must be one of TT's nicest cases!"

Heh..

ditto

[alucasa]

it whould have been nice to see some pics with hardware installed.
and to see how all fits into this case.

So, here they are.

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2364/img1066ia0.th.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1066ia0.jpg)

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/5108/img1067im8.th.jpg (http://img236.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1067im8.jpg)

Anything better than Geforce 7600GT won't fit.

[Nicksterr]

Hmm, actually it seems like you have an older optical drive, because techPowerup! reviewed this and were able to fit an 8800GTS. Link (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/LanBox/)

[eva2000]

Nice been looking at those case for a while :)

[Spawne32]

have u put any hardware in your case yet?

[jpcastro]

alo

i have bought one of this beautifull barbones but the BNS model without the hand and transparent side windows, tomorrow i´ll start mounting and take some screenshoots.

regards

[Lestat]

Anything better than Geforce 7600GT won't fit.

thats not true, if you look you have way more than enough room for a longer card.

the Lian Li V300 on the other hand, there is no way to get anything bigger than that in there without cutting the 3.5" bay.

looks to me like you have enough room for a full size 7800/7900 or an X1800/1900.
i also see your not using a short DVD drive. or it is and its just shoved way back.

i have yet to see anyone say a certain card wouldn't fit.

i would like to have you measure the video card area from the back of the case to where the dvd drive cage is.
then measure from the front of the case to the back of the dvd drive cage.


more pictures of the inside with the sides of the case off are needed.

i am on the verge of getting one but need more info.

[Modulok]

it whould have been nice to see some pics with hardware installed.
and to see how all fits into this case.

Here are some pics from when I reviewed the case (http://www.bigbruin.com/2007/ttlanbox_4)

I really like the idea and concept of the case, but the mATX limitation is why I don't use it.