Thermaltake Level 10 Gaming Station Review

Computer cases tend to reveal certain things about their owners. With one glance, your friends can estimate just how serious (or casual) your computer hardware addiction may be. Whether the chassis is a generic, cream-colored throwback from the 90's, a standard mid-tower with a couple of LED fans, or an extravagant full-tower gaming behemoth with see-through side panels and custom graphics, first impressions unavoidably start with the enclosure.

Although the market is loaded with a myriad of attractive cases, one product from Thermaltake caught our attention from the moment we laid eyes on it and it has captivated us ever since. The Level 10 gaming tower is a new over-the-top enclosure made specifically for enthusiasts who want to make a statement without saying a word; or at the very least, appreciate cutting-edge design and absolute precision build quality. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but few can deny the Level 10's eye-catching good looks and extraordinary construction. As you may have heard, this case was created by BMW Group Designworks USA for Thermaltake. The BMW Group designs new concepts for a variety of industries, such as yachts, trains, and aircraft. Let's check out its latest creation made specifically for gamers, to see if it's really as revolutionary and well-built as it looks...

In general, the features speak for themselves but a few details really stand out. First, we should address the size of this case. The Level 10 is about two feet high, two feet deep, and one foot wide. In other words, this thing is huge. Needless to say, it is one of the largest enclosures available and will require serious real estate around any desk it's installed next to. In addition to its massive size, this case is extraordinarily heavy. It weighs 47 lbs before adding a single component to it. A warning on the box even recommends a two person lift. But most importantly, the Level 10 carries a rather painful $850 price tag that speaks clearly to the fact that only hardened computing enthusiasts need apply.

The Level 10 comes with a small but sufficient bundle to aid the installation process. It includes an user's manual, warranty card, cleaning cloth, cable ties, assorted screws, a speaker, security keys, and a key chain. However, don't think you can set the bundle aside and jump into the installation. The manual will definitely come in handy for new Level 10 owners as there are several features to get accustomed with, due to the unique design of this chassis.  In addition, the keys should be available to access the enclosure's panels and drive bays. The cleaning cloth will be necessary after the build is complete and down the road for the occasional buff-up for a product that you'll likely feel compelled to care for like a new car's finish.