Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 Full-Tower Chassis Review

Print
by Ryan Perry on October 5, 2011 in Cases & PSUs

Thermaltake has a large number of chassis lines, but it’s time to welcome another: Chaser. The first model, MK-1, features a bold, gamer-esque design and borrows many cues from the Level 10 GT. It features an HDD dock, a headphone holder, and tons of cooling capacity. At $150, is this a full-tower that should top your list?

Page 4 – Final Thoughts

Normally, I don’t start off this part of the review by mentioning the price – but I will for the Chaser MK-1. One can be picked up at major online retailers for ~$160, which puts it quite high up on the price scale.

This is the only problem that I have with the case considering that the HAF 932 Advanced is available for $10 less and provides better cooling out of the box. The 932 Advanced loses out with only 7 PCI slots compared to 8 found on the Chaser MK-1 and an extra optical drive bay in exchange for a hard drive bay.

Pricing aside, including a side panel 200mm fan doesn’t seem like too much to ask given the price and would likely help it match the Level 10 GT in terms of cooling – which at the same time might be why it wasn’t. A side panel fan will almost always be useful, whereas not including one in the open spot on the top is understandable since one fan in this location is typical and some may swap it out and install a radiator.

Thermaltake Chaser-MK1 Full-Tower Chassis

Other than that, the Chaser MK-1 should be a welcome addition to any power user’s system. It’s too big and bulky for my needs but there are those who need or simply like full-tower cases. To them I say go for it because the fit and finish more than makes up for the amount of room it needs.

The styling may end up being a “take it or leave it” affair, but for me there is just enough flash without being too over-the-top. The symmetrical lines compared to the odd-ball design of the Armor series and the blue accents around the 5.25″ bays, on the movable feet and on the hard drive trays are perfect for my tastes.

Thermaltake Chaser-MK1 Full-Tower Chassis

If this is the MK-1 version of the Chaser, I can’t wait to see what the MK-2 and beyond will offer.


October 5, 2011 Addendum: This article was posted originally without an Editor’s Choice award when it was meant to have one, so it’s been added.

Discuss this article in our forums!

Have a comment you wish to make on this article? Recommendations? Criticism? Feel free to head over to our related thread and put your words to our virtual paper! There is no requirement to register in order to respond to these threads, but it sure doesn’t hurt!

Support our efforts! With ad revenue at an all-time low for written websites, we're relying more than ever on reader support to help us continue putting so much effort into this type of content. You can support us by becoming a Patron, or by using our Amazon shopping affiliate links listed through our articles. Thanks for your support!