SilverStone TJ02 “Glacier” Limited Edition Case

Provided by: SilverStone
Retail: $106.00
Review Date: April 27th, 2004
Written by: Daniel W.

Within the last few months, SilverStone has been busy introducing a handful of great looking cases. Their Lascala series features very professional HTPC cases while their Temjin series features an array of sophisticated towers. As good as these cases look; there is one common feature they do not have; a window. Not to be left behind, SilverStone has released limited editions of the TJ02 and TJ04. These limited editions retain all the looks and features of their original counterparts, but now also feature a side window and a white front intake fan (the regular versions had a black fan). This review will be looking at the SilverStone TJ02 Glacier Limited Edition (LE) computer case.

Packaging:

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The Glacier LE case comes in a brown shipping box. The two larger sides of the box feature a big black eagle that covers up most of the bottom. SilverStone's company name and "Temjin" series name is printed across the top.

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Inside, the case is held in place by two pieces of Styrofoam. The case is enclosed in a plastic bag to protect it from scratches. The side window is further protected with clear film stuck to both sides. The film has a very strong bond to the window and will take some effort to remove but don't worry, it comes off the window cleanly. Located inside the case is a box of accessories.

Specifications:

These specifications can be viewed on SilverStone's web site.

• Material: Aluminum Front Panel, 0.8 SECC Body
• Color: Silver
• Motherboard compatibility: Standard ATX , Micro ATX
• Drive Bay: exposed - 5.25” x 4, 3.5” x 2; hidden - 3.5” x 4
• Cooling System: front - 120x120x25mm dual ball bearing 2000rpm, 21dBA(Intake) rear(Optional) - 80x80x25mm (Exhaust), 90x90x25mm, or 120x120x25mm
• Expansion Slot: 7
• Additional: USB2.0 ports x 4, 1394 Firewire x 1, Earphone jack x 1, MIC x 1
• Weight: net - 9.2kg, gross - 11.3kg
• Dimension: 216mm(W)x446mm(H)x472mm(D)
• Package: 263mm(W)x493mm(H)x530mm(D)

Exterior:

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The body of the Glacier is made of steel with a light gray, shinny mirror paint job. The face of the case is made from aluminum and features curved line patterns that refract light to give the effect that the front is curved in four sections and not flat. SilverStone is printed in the top left corner.

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The four 5.25" bays and two 3.5" bays are covered with brushed aluminum bezels that are excellent for drive stealthing. Below the 3.5" bays is a column of buttons and lights: power button, reset button, power LED, and HDD LED; in that order and each are labeled. Rounding out the front is a small rectangular door at the bottom. Like the bezels, this door is also made of brush aluminum. It opens by pushing its top. Opening it reveals a Firewire port, four USB ports, a microphone port, and a speaker port.

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The left side panel of the Glacier LE features a fat, crescent shaped acrylic window. This panel also has two latching mechanisms located towards the back that keep the side panel closed. The top mechanism has a keyhole so it can be locked. In addition to the latches, the side panel is also secured with two thumb screws.

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The bottom of the case features four black feet with foam ends for a non-slip grip for any surface that the case rests on. At bottom front is a row of vents. From these vents the front intake fan will draw air. If the computer case is placed on a hard surface, the vents are fine. If it is placed on a soft surface like carpet, then the vents most likely will be covered and ineffective. I feel there should also be vents on the sides in addition to the bottom.

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The back of the case features the standard assortments. As you can see, the Glacier can support an 80mm, 92mm, or 120mm rear exhaust fan.

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Next (Interior)