Montech AIR 1000 Premium Case Review - a new contender!

Today James is checking out the Montech AIR 1000 Premium chassis. It's only £67.99/$89.99 so it's not mega expensive, but you even get a choice of mesh or glass front panels - both included in the box. Is it worth buying however? We find out today. Read more in the written review: bit.ly/3FvdWua
00:00 Video start
01:27 External features and RGB fans
03:53 Internal features and hardware compatibility
05:32 Rear panel and behind the mobo tray
08:04 RGB controller comes included
09:29 Test system specs
10:41 The build process
12:11 James is not happy with something…
12:44 Back to the build
14:17 It’s finished - but what does James think?
16:31 Thermal performance
18:45 James chats with Luke about the CPU thermals
20:23 James’ final thoughts
System Spec:
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
• Motherboard: MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk
• Memory: 32GB kit (4 x 8GB Modules) G.SKILL Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 C16
• Graphics: Gigabyte RTX 3080 Aorus Master
• 1st Storage Device: 500GB Corsair MP600 PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
• 2nd Storage Device: 2TB Kioxia XG6-P PCIe Gen3x4 M.2 NVME
• CPU Cooler: Montech Air Cooler 210
• Power Supply: Seasonic Focus PX-850 850W 80+ Platinum
• Case: Montech AIR 1000 Premium
• Operating System: Windows 10 21H1
Pros:
Amazing budget price.
Very good build quality for a budget case.
Supports high end hardware.
Includes four ARGB fans and ARGHB fan Hub.
Interchangeable front panels included.
Cons:
Cable management cut-outs blocked by PSU
Montech logo on the PSU shroud loks out of place
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#montech #airpremium1000 #pccase

[@KitGuruTech]

Update 25/11/21: Since the review was published, Montech has been in touch to clarify that for retail models the RGB hub will come with a full complement of six connections, unlike our review sample that only had four.

[@djventura1486]

Untrue. I bought this came with 4 rgb ports

[@theusros]

@@djventura1486 I bought mine and came with 6 rgb ports. 03/12!

[@PaulJohn01]

I got 6 connectors but my fans do Not power on !

[@mercflf8]

i have the montech air 100 rgb case and it surprised me since i had never heard of the brand...well built and has grommets where needed.the side panel is on a hinge and the pull tab is great...montech is a brand to watch out for...

[@KitGuruTech]

Would you go for the mesh or glass front panels on this case? Let us know your thoughts! 00:00 Video start 01:27 External features and RGB fans 03:53 Internal features and hardware compatibility 05:32 Rear panel and behind the mobo tray 08:04 RGB controller comes included 09:29 Test system specs 10:41 The build process 12:11 James is not happy with something… 12:44 Back to the build 14:17 It’s finished - but what does James think? 16:31 Thermal performance 18:45 James chats with Luke about the CPU thermals 20:23 James’ final thoughts

[@akmarksman]

I'd go mesh. James said what I was thinking when I first saw it, it looks like a clone of a 4000D.

[@KitGuruJames]

@@akmarksman it sure does. However the bigger diameter mesh holes on the Corsair 4000D will be an advantage in terms of airflow.

[@donkeysunited]

Definitely mesh. From other reviews, the holes are too small and far apart and removing the front filter would leave a gap at the top of the case. I'm not overly comfortable with how close it resembles the 4000D but Montech have added enough innovations of their own to help differentiate it.

[@markbooth3066]

Yup, ​@@donkeysunited , what was the phrase "Air in name only"? Only looks good when you don't actually compare it to other cases. When you do, it ends up at the bottom of many charts and often lower than many non "airflow" cases.

[@MorganT36999]

I love this case so much!

[@CFI963]

Fantastic case. Can’t wait to get mine

[@Weezedog]

5800x runs really hot. Have to manually lower PPT/EDC/TDC targets for better thermals. Usually can drop from 90C to 70C with a pretty minimal decrease in performance. Or you can turn on 65W ECO mode for a slightly bigger drop in multi-core performance but an even bigger drop in temps.

[@evenblackercrow4476]

Solid review, thanks. I'd go with either glass or mesh--both look pretty good, imo, but maybe the noise is better dampened by the glass. It seems that the choice of cpu cooler is the main factor to affect the case's thermal performance. I like the case, too.

[@neef68]

Great review!! Thanks for your insight!

[@gaininfo9806]

Nice review

[@jagjitsingh809]

Thank you Kind sir for this detailed review. Subbed for the straightforward, no BS review. Also 10/10 roast for the guy that messed up the cable-management cutout. He kinda deserved it.

[@Diam0nd_1]

Just bought this case and the rgb on the fans don't seem to be working, any fixes?

[@helopilotr]

Is there a 4 pin fan connector also included? You showed the ARGB hub for the fans, but can I also power the 3 front fans by one 4 pin fan connector on my motherboard or do I have to buy that extra?

[@_omaloulou_7838]

Do the fans require 4 cooler slots in the motherboard or 2.

[@IceniTotalWar]

Just ordered this here in the Philippines got it on sale for 47 quid even though peso=pound has gone down recently. Will update when arrives and built in if there's any problem. Bought this as i have to save in some areas to afford other parts.

[@rafunson7321]

So what happened? Curious cause I am considering this case

[@lexavaritia7596]

I think i found the perfect case. thanks

[@stevewatson6839]

Ronseal of Approval. I like that James didn't take Luke's word, but verified it. For personal use I'd wait for a revision to sort the crass gromet mistakes. That Montech logo would have to go too, it looks not only badly placed but wonky and would annoy me enough to chuck the case - If I didn't know to cover it up! But for those it'd be a no-brainer. Top trumps, James!

[@KitGuruJames]

Glad you enjoyed the review Steve.

[@Den_gamle_ankan]

If someones here and can answer, what is the red blinking lamp up on the chassi next to the blue lamp?

[@Sebasuraa]

Cooler Master MasterBox TD500 Mesh vs Montech AIR 1000 Premium?

[@stanisawkowalski7440]

I always wait to see James' art of cable management :]

[@KitGuruJames]

Not a bad case for it this one.

[@stanisawkowalski7440]

@@KitGuruJames Yeah, they did it kinda like Fractal does for few years with their smaller cases. But this time my WOW when looking at your job was even bigger, like new level, so I just don't know what future will bring with your cable management :D

[@vitorcristiano9744]

14:50 it looks to have enough space to pass the cable before putting the psu in

[@PaulJohn01]

This will be in my next build once i can get a 6700xt for $300 😁😁😁😁. Currently in the Philippines i can get it for $75.

[@mycustardlove4168]

Are they 3 pin or 4 pin fans?

[@IridiumZero]

Is not putting the logo on straight a "premium" feature?

[@joyyahoo]

Sorry to say you installed the back fan in too high position that cause the cpu run in 68c, Mine only in 46-48c and my environment are around 25-30c in asia. When you put your hand behind while running game you not going to feel much hot air fully coming out. Should lower down a bit in the middle where will leave 1 hole up and 1 hole down for the back fan.

[@jordyboy321]

How did you power the fans? The sata power cable for the controller just does the lights

[@PaulJohn01]

Same here ?

[@jordyboy321]

@@PaulJohn01 I had to remove the 4 to 1 joiner they put in and put in two fan splitters to connect the fans to two separate fan hubs on the mobo. Works fine

[@PaulJohn01]

@@jordyboy321 Thanks for the help, i got it working 👍👍👍👍

[@kev2427]

@@PaulJohn01 how did you get them working? I’m just about to order this case

[@Ken-zg3ze]

Not trying to throw shade but isn't it common knowledge that a small tower cooler will result in high temps on a 5800x?

[@sunnyjeet4465]

I just bought this case today and unbowed it. Its fairly good.. built quickly isn't very cheap, doesn't feel like bunch of metal sheets. Pretty soil case of you want to cool it with fans.

[@User-jr7vf]

what temps are you getting

[@saltbaeguitarist]

will noctua nh-d15 chromax.black fit in there with just a few millimeter space near the tempered glass?

[@alsurya4953]

Nh D15S chromax will fit (160mm with fan), but regular D15 (without S) will not fit (165mm with fan).

[@IceniTotalWar]

I had the Corsair 4000D on my PC Partpicker list until recently at $80 it's now $110 and removed from list. This is it's replacement currently at $75, i'm hoping to get a Ryzen 5800x but they are overpriced in my region and still increasing in price. If i can get this CPU i will definitely need an AIO. But most likely i'll end up with an 5600x, also overpriced in my region.

[@johnmickel7204]

Its the cheaper version of the Corsair 4000d airflow

[@IceniTotalWar]

@@johnmickel7204 I need to update my list. Parts are starting to come down like CPU and GPU , hopefully cases as well.

[@brianisaac8152]

Planning to one from wootware

[@pauppey6332]

Is arctic liquid freezer II 280 can fit on top?? Thanks

[@gasterd5528]

It says on the websites that it can fit a 170cm cpu cooler. Believe it or not.

[@fjdcwc832]

Thanks for the review! Clean shirt in the next video?

[@KitGuruJames]

I was hoping that no one would spot that. It might have to be a new shirt. 😆

[@ViperXtreme]

as a 5800X owner, you would almost always reach 90C even with a D15 unless you tweak curve optimizer and PBO settings.

[@KitGuruJames]

Yep, I had not much experience with the 5800X previously. Luke said pretty much what you have about 5800X thermals. I feel like a full custom loop 5800X build is coming.

[@ViperXtreme]

@@KitGuruJames curve optimizer alone would do the trick, but would need some test to make it stable on some conditions. Offset cooler mount for custom waterblock would work great as well since all ryzen 3000 and 5000 cpus have their dies off center. Arctic freezer 2 series coolers are the only ones i know that address this for AIOs

[@KitGuruJames]

@@ViperXtreme funny you should mention that. I built a system for a friend recently using a 5800X and I selected the Arctic Freezer II 280 and mounted it offset.

[@scotttait2197]

Own a 5800x not been an issue with thermals paired with h150i in 5000D airflow case with option to make fans push pull was running just push ⏫️ , have a 5950x paired with a H170i also good thermals in 7000D airflow ... I bought the reviewed mobtech 1000 case for older pc that doesn't have usb-c asus prime b460 with i7 10700

[@kimguts8381]

@@ViperXtreme planning to build 5800x with Noctua NH-U12A without tweaking cpu performance and using this case. Would that be a problem if ever?

[@peabeanie3578]

I’m having a lot of trouble connecting the fans, do they need to be connected to the motherboard? I thought that they were already connected to the case so they’d turn on with the power but they haven’t. Please help 💔💔

[@PaulJohn01]

Same here, RGB comes on automatically but fans don't come on 🤔🤔

[@fokthewef]

I have a 5900x inside a Corsair 5000x with a 360mm rad on custom cooling. With all the glass panels and an ambient temperature of 26 degrees celcius the CPU is at 45 degrees in idle and around 60 to 70 degrees while gaming. At room temperature of around 23 degrees I'm at 40 degrees idle. This Montech case looks a bit like the 5000x with the angled vents in the front. Might actually have good cooling

[@KitGuruJames]

The 5900X seems easier to cool than the 5800X.

[@fokthewef]

@@KitGuruJames but it can peak to 90 easily without proper cooling.

[@KitGuruJames]

@@fokthewef yeah I'm running a 5900X in an NR200P as a gaming rig. Temps are well under control with a 280mm AIO. However the CPU isn't being pushed to its limit I guess.

[@desmond3245]

Why didn't you do a GPU test?

[@kev2427]

The gripe about the power grommets is so annoying. My PSU left literally no gap

[@MrSamadolfo]

😒👍 really nice sexy case, im picking it up, i advise Front Glass and throw away the front filter, only BS i see is the hub, they gimp it, its missing 2 additional plugs

[@MrSamadolfo]

and black out all their Logos! not cool

[@mortuus4601]

its amazing it comes with 4 rgb fans for under 100 dollars how is this possible ? corsair it would cost the double lol

[@moetazammar964]

Gamersnexus tested the 1000 lite and wasn't impressed at all, be careful not to confuse them boys. (premium/lite)

[@CFI963]

Exactly... GN test lite version only comes with 2 stock fans... Premium version seems to be much better.

[@D3R3bel]

@@CFI963 there is no physical difference between the 1000 lite and the premium except the fans. Given that the montech 1000 lite performed very poorly even in standardized fan tests with noctua fans, I would assume this is about the same.

[@watch3r9]

bad cpu mount?

[@KitGuruJames]

Nope, re mounted just to be sure. It's just a hot CPU under the load I used.

[@kalitvenec]

cool

[@SpuriousECG]

The lite version of this case was given the prestigious "Air in name only" award by GN, so high CPU temps were not unexpected.

[@Joseph-hc1nx]

4:40

[@kravenfoxbodies2479]

I has to be close to heaven when doing a 180 for your shopping needs .

[@KitGuruJames]

Haha sometimes I have to walk into a different room too. It is pretty cool though tbh.

[@frijin490]

Bit controversy to call case premium and doesn't include front panel usb-c.

[@KitGuruJames]

The lack of USB-C was a slight disappointment.

[@MrDvneil]

90ºC "temperatures under control" ..., come on, we know you can do better

[@KitGuruJames]

Can definitely do better but it's still within AMD spec. The 5800X is a tricky one to cool.

[@recyclebinladen5903]

Poor temps in this high airflow case has everything to do with the 5800x and nothing else. You're not experienced enough or something. Edit : James clarified in a reply below why he used the 212 in this review instead of something more apt- he was comparing it with the Montech cooler. It makes sense in that context.

[@barrychuckle2559]

Not everyone can be an expert on everything like yourself. He did admit that he hadn't had much experience with the 5800X.

[@recyclebinladen5903]

​@@barrychuckle2559 Dude. You're watching a yt channel that are assumed to be experts on said topic. And its common knowledge that 5800x is a thermally uncontrollable chip at stock. Just look at few other comments. Leo would've addressed it. I was a bit harsh for sure, but the fact is its common knowledge.

[@barrychuckle2559]

I realise that but he tested another cooler and made that assumption from his own testing. I would rather see someone do their own work to clarify what's going on rather than just take someone else's word for it. Otherwise we would just end up watching a bunch of identical videos with the same outcome which is boring.

[@recyclebinladen5903]

​@@barrychuckle2559 He used a 4 pipe standard 120mm air cooler and continued to go along with it. Later, claiming the temps too hot, he swapped it with ANOTHER cooler in the same category. It's just silly and weird to see. He mentioned that the case can accept 165mm coolers (D15 types) yet chose to go for a subpar cooler thats obviously physically inadequate for that chip. He went on and on about that silly HD audio port (which I admit is strange design) but was sort of blind to his own review choices. Watching someone do their own work and all is fine, but we'd assume them to know commonly accepted facts, especially given they're a channel housing experts and not novices fooling around with top grade hardware. Not Kitguru for sure. At this point I think you're just defending him because I spoke a bit harshly, than the actual argument.

[@barrychuckle2559]

@@recyclebinladen5903 A single tower cooler with this type of heat pipe layout is optimal for the Ryzen 5000 CCD layout. Other reviews from KitGuru such as the SilentiumPC Fera 5 and Deepcool AS500 Plus prove this so maybe it wasn't such a bad choice. The 5800X is just a hot CPU.