Thermaltake WORLD EXCLUSIVE Review - The Tower 100!

Today we can present a worldwide exclusive review of Thermaltake’s latest chassis - The Tower 100. As Leo finds out, by Thermaltake’s standards it is very small indeed… but is it any good if you want a mini-ITX case? read the written review here: bit.ly/3otdrZn
00:00 video start
00:15 introduction
00:55 some context!
02:36 pricing and disassembly of the top
4:04 removing the side glass panels - The Peel!
05:46 the bottom panel and PSU choices
07:19 GPU positioning
08:50 test hardware and starting the build
09:36 trigger warning - thermal paste application!
10:44 Leo has two annoyances with the mobo…
11:32 and then we come to the PSU and cable routing!
14:35 installing the final component - RX 6800 XT
15:40 putting the panels back on
16:54 thermal testing setup
18:04 noise levels
18:47 thermal results - Leo is happy!
21:10 final thoughts
Test system:
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (6 cores/12 threads, 4.1GHz all cores)
CPU cooler: Noctua NH-U12S
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450I Aorus Pro WiFi
Memory: 32GB G.Skill TridentZ Neo DDR4-3600MHz
Graphics card: Sapphire Radeon RX 6800 XT 16GB
Power supply: Seasonic Focus PX-850 Platinum 850W
SSD: Sabrent Rocket M.2 NVMe 4.0
OS: Windows 10
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#thermaltake #tower100 #case

[@KitGuruTech]

Like it or hate it? let us know 00:00 video start 00:15 introduction 00:55 some context! 02:36 pricing and disassembly of the top 4:04 removing the side glass panels - The Peel! 05:46 the bottom panel and PSU choices 07:19 GPU positioning 08:50 test hardware and starting the build 09:36 trigger warning - thermal paste application! 10:44 Leo has two annoyances with the mobo… 11:32 and then we come to the PSU and cable routing! 14:35 installing the final component - RX 6800 XT 15:40 putting the panels back on 16:54 thermal testing setup 18:04 noise levels 18:47 thermal results - Leo is happy! 21:10 final thoughts

[@martinfarinha]

For me personally the most interesting question this style of case has raised is why no company has made a case like this with a built in monitor so a customer can build a small form factor all in one computer in the style of the original Macintosh.

[@KitGuruTech]

@@martinfarinha Im curious - what size of screen do you think would work built into a case like this ??

[@martinfarinha]

@@KitGuruTech probably a 17" 16x9/16x10 laptop monitor.

[@daemonbyte]

@@martinfarinha to big and expensive I think. It would be nice if that panel with the logo on it was a screen though. Can put all system specs and temps on it

[@martinfarinha]

@@daemonbyte why would it be too big? If it can fit in a laptop then how much case real estate would it use??

[@theMaster...]

Well done Leo, just proves that integrity and honesty can pay off. Asrock should take note, and stop their childish boycott of Hardware Unboxed...

[@KitGuruTech]

ASRock are not the company they were years ago. Its hardly any loss for Hardware Unboxed, lets be honest.

[@Walhor]

Hardware Unboxed AND Gamers Nexus

[@noahpaulette1490]

@@KitGuruTech After a few doa asrock boards I just stopped bothering.

[@KitGuruTech]

@@noahpaulette1490 Yep. their whole company principle in recent years is appalling. Awful to work with due to internal changes.

[@Dax-D]

Asrock products are something I stay away from these days. I tried out a motherboard in my latest build last Spring and I was not impressed with the quality and the horrible bios that came with it. I sent it back.

[@swizzler8053]

Finally. A black and white pop corn maker.

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

The timing is also perfect: with the movie theatres currently closed, it makes sense to enrich your movie theatre at home 🍿

[@jonathanehlers6855]

It's quite fugly.

[@GunJam_]

just what I thought also

[@Jrtowns1]

I think the air intake design with the basic holes makes it look cheaper. Decent idea but not so well executed.

[@drpork1360]

@@kasimirdenhertog3516 yeah over clocked popcorn

[@donkeysunited]

I love how you didn't let the "world exclusive" influence your principles. You're still critical where needed. It's why we love your reviews.

[@swissmatteo]

Wonderful disassembly and review of Thermaltake's The Tower 100. Thank you KitGuru!

[@AG-bp3ll]

That is definitely different. I'm happy to see companies focusing on air flow with the new cases. Also glad to see Thermal Take working with you as feedback from reviewers is important.

[@atursams6471]

Love your case reviews! Amazing work. You are so clear, thorough, concise and engaging!

[@ronnie8274]

Very nice case. Great review, I heard all I needed. Going to get one because I watched this review. Thanks kit Guru.

[@ghost_of_m403]

I have become a pretty big fan of KitGuru. Leo you are a class act. There were a few surprises to me. Seeing you disassemble the case highlighted aspects of the build that weren't obvious. Watching you install the PSU and routing those cables was one surprise. If I remember correctly I think their original revision of this didn't have as much ventilation planned for the top and rear, so I think they have listened to feedback. Thanks for taking the time to review this product and share it with us.

[@daemonbyte]

I actually quite like it despite being thermaltake. I suspect though many itx builders won't want such a large case.

[@sexycowman]

Spot on

[@BrunoMaskulado03]

if its matx and the same size, i think many would buy this.. but for itx? many not a lot~~

[@DJDekgit]

For a 'itx' case that's one the offers probably the most gpu size support, I'm thinking about getting one. I have a nzxt h200i right now and I can't fit a 3080 without custom watercooling it. A founders edition would fit but fans would be blocked by basement completely.

[@derkjanspeelman2113]

i bought it today :) really looking forward to it. It's the perfect size

[@Trumanlol86]

Interesting case, I really like the look. For how large it is, considering it's an ITX case, I wish they had designed some room for a 240 or 280 radiator.

[@michaelthompson9798]

I actually quite like these cases. Great review Leo. I would like to see in an update or different upcoming case, a smaller version with sfx power and slightly smaller case size. But a great case I’m considering purchasing in my next mini itx build soon.

[@shaunmadden545]

This is a fantastic move from TT to give you an exclusive after you doing your fans proud by being honest as possible.

[@wyckedgames4975]

I have a Tower 900 that I am currently case modding, saw this and thought... awww I could do a mini-me build lol... great review

[@Brodda-Syd]

Good Review. So glad you built and tested case. Well done!!!

[@marckeirle494]

Nice review enjoyed it. Think i will build two of these for my sons will be ideal for them.

[@EvoBeard]

Great review. I've got to give respect to Thermaltake for sending you this and giving you the exclusive. Shows that even if a company doesn't like a review, they can respect it, and handled it brilliantly in my opinion. Unlike the stuff with Hardware Unboxed. I was looking at an NZXT H1 for my daughter's refresh build, Where's there's minimal width and depth where her current CM Elite 130 resides, but this seems like it might take the spot on the shortlist. The included abundance of filters is a plus, I usually have to ghetto some AC filter on.

[@icanthelplt90]

I like this. I don't need a new case, but I could see that sitting on my desk looking all fancy like though. I'm glad there is sooo much airflow also!

[@capitaldd3693]

great review. I literally just got this case - its sitting beside me as I watch this video. I'm not keen on the motherboard tray though - it is not threaded for the screws. I can already tell the glass will be a chore to keen spotless - if you are ocd about keeping it super fresh. I do like the dust filters on every intake area. I do wonder if it'll rattle as its in so many pieces..... I like the little extra space from the little legs/feet. But, what I really like is the ATX power supply option. A great idea that saves me when picking my supply - sfx power supplies are getting out of hand. thanks for the review... keep up the good work.

[@perdomot]

Thermaltake learned their lesson: NEVER MESS WITH LEO! LOL.

[@perdomot]

@@geshtal2056 Yeah, I saw that and I also saw how they changed things around and improved the case considerably. Not a fan of Steve's as I feel he is a bit too self righteous at times in matters of thermals and airflow. His disdain for form over function is rather off putting at times. There are plenty of cases that are gorgeous but don't have great thermals and Steve seems to think they should be looked down on because of this. Steve should just advocate for test benches.

[@perdomot]

@@geshtal2056 I give him credit for his knowledge but he does go a bit too deep sometimes. I just want to know how much of a delta there is from one AIO to another. Stuff like that.

[@RubenKemp]

@@perdomot despite all that I would still like to hear/see his review of this case.

[@perdomot]

@@RubenKemp I think he'd admit they changed a lot of things but he still hates the case. LOL

[@RubenKemp]

@@perdomot ehhwell. It's a niche thing. 20+ liter for an itx case makes no sense to me either, if the performance is not there for high tdp parts. Looks are the only reason someone buys this case pretty much.

[@Tias858]

This seems to be the only video that showcases how peripherals are connected to the device. Thanks for that detail!

[@CyberTrooper-jp8kd]

the only video that answered my question regarding the placement of the motherboard... thank you for having common sense!!

[@MrChancebozey]

Great vid. Looking forward to a more creative build vid in this case :)

[@SFAJmz05]

Just wonderful!!!! Building my first sff pc for my mother, now I have something to think about in terms of case between this one and the Lian Li case. Thanks a ton!!

[@flint8979]

I like the over view of the case. I saw this case on Newegg and of all the videos out there this was the only one I could find that told you about how the rear IO is accessed.

[@SethWistful]

Cool looking case, thanks for sharing. Still in love with my Coolermaster 130 all these years later, which is just this with a traditional orientation and no glass panels, ha!

[@underby2483]

nice video. i like that your can be so critical, like i would be! that build does look very neat and i like how the graphics hangs so no stress on the mobo.

[@GilesGuthrie]

Good review. Looks like a nice case. I just built in an NR200P for my son, and this Tower 100 looks like it has usefully more space. ATX power supplies at modern-GPU-wattages are easier to get hold of, so that's a good decision by Thermaltake IMO. And puts it in a rivalry with the Corsair 280X which is a similar Mini-ITX board/ATX power config.

[@AlaricScandoveski]

Thank you for this review. I was originally waiting for the phanteks shift evolve x mini one to become back in stock. But it was curious when thermaltake announced this, and your review made me buy it. The case was supposed to be a living room display case to be hooked to tv..... It's now my main case, getting a custom watercool loop, and I'm putting my phanteks evolve shift X into the living. It's a great itx case, good cable management if you're focusing on nvme ssd's and your itx has 2 slots(gigabyte x570 aorus I has 2 thankfully). I would through have enjoyed thermaltake to have taken advantage of how the case skeleton and all the panels are colored. Perfect opportunity to offer two tone looks. Only complaint is that back panel fan.

[@kamiljp87]

I am literally salivating at this thing!

[@Shrek765]

Thank You! Was wondering where the Back Panel Cabling was coming "OUT!" It is a Nice Case!

[@ashtonmark24]

Interesting case and a nice review with some useful details. I'm a big Core V1 fan , I've built several comps in that case for the kids/friends and this new addition might well become my new go to... I think a key bit to consider is mITX M.2 SSD cooling too. The M.2's on the back of the mobo can get a bit toasty due to lack of airflow, for me that rear mounted fan is crying out to be pointed at the back of the mobo to help keep it cool. Looks like with all those mesh panels, getting air in/out shouldn't be an issue too. I'm hoping GN will do the usual in-depth review testing the thermals/noise etc as I'd be interested to see what Tech Jesus thinks too!

[@enkimerlin3209]

Love these detailed reviews

[@mrsnulch]

THANK YOU for 16:25. I've watched so many videos just wanting to know how you access the rear I/O of the motherboard, nobody else talks about it lol.

[@FANGSTALKERNINJAMASTER99]

I have the tower 900 snow edition and love it. This new tower 100 looks awesome.

[@rojodogg]

Good honest review, thank you sir.

[@charlesuk5358]

Good review, really nice looking case, only other thing i question, seeing as they use a psu bracket mount, why not include a SFF adaptor bracket? Oh and what motherboard would you have swapped for?

[@duskognjatovic4566]

Beautiful case. Beautiful review.

[@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS]

Great review! Is there cause for concern regarding the heavy cpu heatsink and motherboard mounted vertically? Im surprised its noisy with Noctua fans. I just realized while typing those are probably the stock case fane and might be quieter with Noctua replacements.

[@zhv3062]

I cant believe this exists! I have the Tower 900 ! this 100 would look amazing next to it especially being a ITX case. Tower 900 is by far the best case I have ever had the privilege of buying. Its like building your Dream rig in the Roomiest Case around. Its like a mini-fridge.

[@pseudonym5872]

Nice review. Showed me that I wouldn't want to buy this. I would have wanted a smaller Tower 900 - something like 2x 240/280 rads, not 1x 120 like we got. I ordered a CoolerMaster NR200P case for my new mITX build a couple of days ago and seeing this review up, I cringed at the thought of maybe picking the wrong case. But it turns out that I made the correct choice. Thanks, KitGuru!

[@vip01]

I built a new PC in this case a couple weeks ago. It looks great and techies that looked at it liked it. It's 18.2 inches high so I had to shorten the feet about 1/4 inch, to use it on my desk. It was not to difficult to build in. I connected the CPU power cable and front panel connections before I bolted it in place. It was so dark in side with the tinted glass, I added a rgb color strip to light it up.. I want to upgrade the ram, but I have to take the top off and the front glass panel to do that. Also, the way the motherboard mounts the end with all the connections is at the top, so I installed extension cables for the USB, ethernet and hdmi connections and they hang out the back for easy access..

[@deandio1067]

Hi, great video. I have a corsair rm850x psu. The cable come out of the side, will that be a problem installing it? Cheers

[@randyharpel619]

Just picked up this case today in white. Working on replacing the right side glass panel with an ultra thin XSPC 240 radiator. It doesn't look like it's going to be too hard.

[@Ba1atu]

Wow! Its really nice they gave you the exclusivity considering what happened with the ram.

[@Dax-D]

What a nice balanced review of this product.

[@gohachi5313]

A fair review and I think Thermaltake deserves a pat on the back. The case definitely stands out from the crowd and has some favorable features. I like it.

[@scruffy3121]

Always loved the large version of that case. But it was a bit too bulky for my place. This looks alot more like a fit for my next PC.

[@haze5407]

good video so far, well done. i have one questing tho do Micro ATX fit also or only Mini-ITX

[@KitGuruTech]

Nope to mATX, it is ITX only.

[@haze5407]

@@KitGuruTech why man please its just a micro

[@jefffawcette6031]

Well done video.

[@jonathanellis6097]

I really like that case, it's a shame I've just upgraded my system if I hadn't I would have probably gone with this case. It looks different and cools ok, and isn't just a boring black box with glass big thumbs up! Also well done Thermaltake for not behaving like a child when you got a negative review like a few companies have recently, your brand has gone up in my eyes! 👍

[@graham8377]

can the noise problem be resolved with new silent fans? And do you have a measurement of the noise in DB? Thanks for the great video.

[@cmetaphor]

Nice video! I would like a few more details though, ex: Can a radiator sandwich be installed in top or bottom? Can one of the fans, like the pull, be installed underneath the grill on the power supply side? Ex2: Can ssds be installed on the backside of the motherboard if a thin (15mm) fan is used rather than a standard 25mm thick fan? Always appreciate the depth and details you guys put into your case reviews, congrats on the exclusive!

[@jameskagua6392]

im going to subscribe because you sound like my dad trying to get into something he does not like doing and great review i think im going to get this case if its available in the Philippines and cheap as well

[@CliffForster]

That back fan is an exhaust? Behind the motherboard? I'm curious if it's doing anything, and I'd love to see thermals with a fan bottom mounted to bring some intake from the bottom chamber.

[@steamedcream7671]

This is a rather nifty little case. Seems to have good airflow, lots of glass to see all your components and reasonably cheap. If I was building a SFF case I'd probably lean towards something a bit smaller, but I'm sure there are plenty of people that will prefer the quirky and interesting looks of this case compared to something a bit more conventional like the NR200.

[@Nazstyle12]

that case actually looks great.

[@RithusNO]

Umm so i was thinking about getting a mini-ITX case and I'm in between Evolv Shift Air 2 and this one, but the thermals and noise make me worry a lot, do you think this is more quiet than the Evolv Shift??

[@KOT-ANGRY]

I bought Corsair 220T.........and after bought i saw videos with Corsair 4000D and BeQuiet 500DX......awwwwww ☹ but they dont have 3x RGB fans included (only Be Quiet have their good 3x Pure Wings 2 140mm - good and silent)... I want Be Quiet case now buy money is spend and there is no way back... Will love my 220T (yesterday got RX6800, card fits perfect, only 1cm was left free space from front vents lol, but nice looking build)! Only one question - why corsairs 220T glass is not TINTED??? :(...

[@capitaldd3693]

great video. thanks for sharing. Do motherboard standoffs come with the case...? I picked up a used case and it does not have standoffs, and there are none on with my board either.. thanks

[@KitGuruTech]

All the usual accessories are included, as shown in our review

[@spinkick9270]

The blanks makes the case look, well goooood. I like it. I like it alot.

[@Chalto]

I like it. If I was building a mini ITX system, I'd definitely use it for an HTPC. Slap in some moderate RGB, and it'll be a nice little functional showpiece.

[@foresttaylor7850]

I need clips of this guy saying "huge" and "pocket sized", that's gold in the mines right there

[@omegabob99]

Two questions: 1) would this fit the Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Impact? It's a mini-DTX motherboard (the only one maybe) and just a little longer than a mini-ITX. 2) so a 3 slot graphics card wont fit but will a 2.5 slot card fit? Thanks! :-)

[@RobertHutchings]

Deffinatley buying this case. Absolutely love it. Currently using an NZXT h210. Think I will prefer this. I'm going to have to cool a Ryzen 9 3900x in it though...

[@PulpComic]

Congrats on the TT exclusive.

[@ghostzini17]

Would you not suggest running a 120mm AIO? Getting the case for a build and like the look better.

[@andystech5223]

Well dang. I have the THermaltake Core X1 and X71 and now I want one of these. Fiance would love having that next to her :)

[@Daggoth13]

so you could have a aio push pull config? meanig 140 top fan Radiator and then a 120 under "top part but inside the case"?

[@tholoz]

Looks like a popcorn machine.. I love it :)

[@silver33]

Does the front glass panel rattle on yours? Mine does when I'm typing at my desk.

[@QuentinStephens]

Well done Thermaltake! And thank you Leo for an excellent review. If I were to offer a modest suggestion for improvement it would be to make the fans and the filters all white on the white edition. It's really nice to see cases with vertical (as opposed to upright) GPU mounts making a comeback; I guess Silverstone's patent has expired. If you find some spare time, could you please try a high end GPU with a blower cooler - the Gigabyte RTX 3090 comes to mind - in this case?

[@KitGuruTech]

Both of the cases are boxed up and heading off to other reviewers so I doubt that will happen.

[@QuentinStephens]

@@KitGuruTech Oh well. Maybe one of them will spot my request.

[@harshlens]

Still prefer the Silverstone LD03, managed to fully custom cool gpu+cpu, cables super tidy and I feel you can get more ventilation because there's not the power supply at the bottom that blocks off intake.

[@reddragon8609]

Big help I was curious where will the cables go

[@indoviral6235]

Can i use hsf thermalright silver arrow 8 heatpipe in this case?

[@zx14jeff]

I am going to buy one, thank you.

[@DarkCylon]

What an interesting case. If I were building a min-ITX PC, I'd take a hard look at this one.

[@orilynx6319]

Hello, where is the 5.25 ODD ? I don't see it in datasheet on the Thermaltake's website whereas it's here in your video. I'm interested about it.

[@handlealreadytaken]

Maybe I'm the exception, but easy side panel access is a must for any case I buy. Flipping something like a BIOS switch on the graphics card, working with a cooling loop or swapping PCIE cards becomes a pain. My order of preference is hinged door like the Enthoo 719, quick release mechanism, retention knobs or channels like on the NZXT H1 and then screws holding the panel on. Having to completely unscrew the top would be a huge deal breaker. Thermaltake really needs to look at the design and come up with a better solution.

[@RiffyDevine]

Anyone know if a evga hybrid card could fit in side with the tubes or would they just not fit?

[@OverlordActual]

I would love a case like this but the motherboard requirements make it impossible since I need the pcie slots.

[@OGSGTWOBBLE]

That case looks sweet. It’s not big like it’s big brother!

[@xalderin3838]

The slits in the Top Back of the case... You think you could fit Tubes back there, for potential Liquid Cooling, on the External? Just curious on this. Also, nice Vid! :D Like the Case.

[@ompampinos]

I wonder how easy would be to mod this in order to fit some radiators. Those side vents look like a good spot.

[@eggshellsandyolk5746]

do you think i can fit in aorus master 3070 ti in it its i think its abt almost 4 slots

[@PokeAmp]

anyone know where i can get that top I/O for my custom case :(

[@experiment18a40]

I like the look of the case. Would be nice to have more water coolong support though. As you said 120 rad is not great

[@MudSluggerBP]

Looks like a 3D printer, love it 👍🏻

[@LeoDavidson]

Looks like a neat case. I'd like it more if the side glass was replaced with more mesh on the left( so all of the GPU has access to fresh air, not just half of it), and on the right with room for a 360mm radiator/AIO, or even two side by side maybe? Would need to be slightly wider, but not much, and it'd be more symmetrical rather than having just the GPU on the left and the CPU off center. But, saying that, I'm not really the market for this kind of case as I'd always built a full ATX system (even if I don't need full ATX for every PC, having all of them use it makes it easier to hand down parts from the main ones to the secondary ones when I upgrade).

[@gmantoon]

Gutted just about to build a new pc love this case all my components won't find in this

[@randalldraco3822]

Lovely nice chassis. I would like TT to make a mid ATX version between this and old chunky boi. Regarding your comment on R9, recently I upgraded to 3900x, using my old ML120 AiO. It hoovers around 69 in normal work and spikes up to 80. What's better Noctua d15s/DarkRock pro4 or 240 AiO?

[@Grimmwoldds]

I think they see that their mATX cube versions do better and tried to fill in the lacking points(huge chonk where the big tower was more attractive than the level 20 xt, and mITX)

[@samiam9059]

Love my Thermaltake core v21 a lot more. Can do anything with that case and quiet, well ventilated with a couple modifications.

[@foryoutubers9634]

Can I install in it ATX motherboard? (like in Tower 200)

[@GreeceExplored]

Fair play to TT for having the maturity to give KitGuru the exclusive after the recent PR problems. Showing how it should be done to build brand value and customer good will. Personally the case is interesting, good to see lots of interesting case formats recently, but this one looks a little too like a 3D printer enclosure for my tastes, however, applaud the innovation and variation

[@mrjiggs8]

I really Like Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 for mini itx and more specific for the 65watt 5600x give it a try found it really improves airflow in the case by not having the huge heatsink blocking air flow...

[@mrjiggs8]

if that is indeed the price might consider getting a couple been using the Coolermaster NR200 P and trying to put a full atx psu in it is such a pain glad to see what they've done here.

[@MrLincoln87]

Any up coming reviews on the TT copy of the Noctua fans?

[@SquishyFletcher]

So to clean the side filters, you've got to take the entire top off the case? With 5 awkward screws to remove? Great planning ThermalTake.

[@syrt2264]

It's not like you clean it every day bro

[@zakgelsthorpe8694]

When is this out in the UK and where to buy?

[@Bonksticker]

great build,..at leasst all most all the parts are avalible in the shops ;) Other channels keep building with parts that had only a paper lanch ;)

[@johndejesus4636]

Im glad this review is here. I wouldn't want the case after seeing the GPU temps reach almost 80