Comparison Frime Vision without PSU vs Frime Bastion Rainbow LED black

The thickness of the side walls used in the case. When choosing a thickness, manufacturers have to compromise between several points at once. On the one hand, thin walls are inexpensive and heat dissipates faster through them, which has a positive effect on cooling efficiency. On the other hand, powerful systems inevitably require thick walls, otherwise the case may simply not withstand the weight of advanced high-performance components. Thirdly, steel is a fairly durable material even with a relatively small thickness. In light of all this, in most models this indicator does not exceed 0.7 — 0.8 mm, and more often it is about 0.5 – 0.6 mm.

For more on decorative lighting in general, see Light Type above. Here we note that it can have different shades, and sometimes several options are indicated in the characteristics at once. If these options are listed through "and" (for example, "red, blue and green") — this means that this model contains all the specified colours, and the user can switch between them at his discretion. If the shades are listed through “or” (for example, “red, blue or green”), this means that this model is available in several versions that differ in the colour of the backlight.

Special mention is the "RGB" option. This is the name of the most advanced backlight, the shade of which can be chosen at your discretion. However the original RGB backlighting is capable of simultaneously displaying only one of several basic colours (white, yellow, green, red, blue or purple); nevertheless, even these possibilities are enough to customize the appearance of the case and apply various effects (such as backlight synchronization — see below).

And relatively recently, an even more advanced type of adjustable systems has appeared — ARGB backlight. The key difference between ARGB and classic RGB is the possibility of simultaneous operation of diodes of different colours. In other words, classic RGB lighting can display only one colour at a time, while ARGB can display several colours, which provides additional effects. Also, ARGB lighting is connecte...d using a 3pin 5v connector, while regular RGB uses a 4pin 12v connection. It can be represented by various types of illumination. So, ARGB is often integrated into the cooling system, the front panel and magnetic LED strips, which the user can mount at his discretion. To control the backlight, a special controller is usually provided, and buttons or controls for switching the illumination operation modes are placed on the interface panel. In some cases, the backlight is controlled by the motherboard, through a special connector. Many ARGB systems support the ability to fine-tune through specialized software.

The number of internal 3.5" form factor bays provided in the design of the case. Such bays, in accordance with the name, are intended for internal components, mainly hard drives and some SSD modules; to access them, the case must be disassembled.

Theoretically, the number of bays corresponds to the maximum number of drives that can be installed in the chassis. However, in fact, the best option is to install drives through a single slot to ensure efficient cooling. Accordingly, it is best to select a case in such a way that the number of internal 3.5" bays is twice the expected number of hard drives.

The more fans are included in the design, all else being equal — the more intense the cooling will be and the more powerful (and, consequently, "hotter") components can be placed in the case without the risk of overheating. For everyday tasks, a case with one, two, three, or four factory fans is quite sufficient. At the same time, when comparing, it is worth considering not only the number but also the operating characteristics of the fans (diameter, speed). It should also be noted that cases are available for purchase without fans but with open slots for fans, allowing you to supplement the cooling system and improve its performance if necessary.

The number of fan slots on the back of the case, as well as the size of the fans that these slots are designed for. The presence of the fans themselves in the kit should be specified separately.

The larger the fan, the more advanced it is considered: a large diameter allows you to work efficiently at relatively low speeds, which reduces the noise level and energy consumption. Case fans are available in several standard diameters; specifically for the rear panel, the size up to 92 mm is considered relatively small, 120 mm — medium, 140 mm — large.

Most often, the holes for installing fans are designed for one specific size, however, there are also “multi-size” seats, for 2-3 options in diameter.

The location of the front set of connectors provided in the case. Such connectors can be located on the front panel, on the side wall or in the upper part of the case. The first two options are found in all case form factors (see above), while the top placement is considered optimal for tower solutions, originally designed for installation under the table.

- Lattice. The grille on the front panel of the case often looks good and allows you to better supply the cooling system fans with more outside air. Decorative lighting is often placed behind the perforated panel, which improves the appearance of the case.

- Blank. The competitive advantages of cases with a blank front panel are improved noise insulation and effective protection of the internal space of the computer from dust.

- Glass. The veil of mystery of what is happening inside the computer system unit is lifted by cases with a glass front panel. Tempered glass as a “facade” material is used both in the form of a solid window and in the form of a glass grille with RGB backlighting. And in combination with the glass side window, it turns the body into an “aquarium”.

The presence of a viewing window on the side panel of the case, allowing you to see the “filling” without opening the case. It gives the case a stylish appearance; in addition, it allows you to install a lighting system inside, which is appreciated by gamers compared to case models without a window.

The materials for manufacturing the windows on the side panel are:

- Acrylic. Acrylic or plexiglass is an inexpensive material of relatively light weight, which, however, actively collects scratches and can be deformed when exposed to high temperatures.

- Strained glass. Tempered glass panels have excellent transparency, are resistant to scratches and are easy to clean from dirt. At the same time, they weigh a lot and can break to pieces if not handled carefully.

- Metal grid. Wire mesh is a simple type of window material used on the side panel of a cabinet. It allows air to pass through and provides additional heat removal from the internal components of the system unit; dust can leak through the mesh overnight.

— Front Cover. A flap cover that entirely or partially conceals the front panel. It gives the computer a neat appearance by hiding ports and external slots under a uniform surface and serves as childproof protection.

— Panel Display. A display on the front or side panel of the case used to show various service information: current CPU frequency, system temperature data, cooling mode, etc. Various important data can be displayed independently of what happens in the software part of the computer.

— Graphics Card Holder. A structural solution for supporting the graphics card inside the case. Specialized stands or holders prevent the graphics adapter from sagging over time and reduce the strain on the PCI-E slot of the motherboard. The fact is, many modern graphics card models have significantly increased in weight — holders are designed to compensate for their heaviness. Stands are available as built-in solutions or standalone accessories that can be installed inside the case independently.

— Side Panel Lock. A special lock on the removable side panel of the case. Such a lock prevents unauthorized access to the internal space of the system unit.

— Noise Insulation. The presence of additional noise insulation in the case. This can be a special coating on the interior sid...e or other, more specific solutions (e.g., damping systems on "mounting spots" for individual components, reducing the level of vibrations transmitted to the case). In any case, this feature helps reduce the noise level emitted by the system — sometimes quite significantly.

— Removable HDD Cage. The presence of a removable cage under the internal peripherals of 3.5" form factor (in most cases these are hard drives, hence the name) in the case design. This cage facilitates assembly because removing and installing a hard drive is much easier than securing it in a non-removable slot inside the case; this aspect is particularly useful if the system plans to install multiple hard drives.

— HDD Docking Station. Built-in docking station for quick connection of internal hard drives. In fact, this feature allows connecting an internal HDD as an external one: the docking station port is located outside the case and equipped with quick-connect fasteners for convenient connection.

— Hidden Cable Routing. The ability to route cables from the power supply on the reverse side of the motherboard (considering the main side where the processor and expansion card slots are located). Thus, the main "mobo" side is freed from cables, positively affecting cooling efficiency.

— Cooling System Installation Window (CS) for the processor. The presence of a separate window in the case opposite the CS mounts for the processor. The fastening system is located on the reverse side of the motherboard, and usually, replacing it requires removing the entire "mainboard"; the CS installation window frees the user from this necessity and significantly simplifies the installation and replacement of CS.