Conclusions

The new Kublai series from Silverstone is certainly a welcomed addition to their already impressive line of enclosures.  The KL01 may not necessarily stand out from a majority of cases on the market, but it does manage to sport some highly unique features that can be quite useful for many, some of which are not found in any other case on the market.

Small Enclosure with Server-style Features

While the KL01 was designed to primarily target the gaming community, after spending quite a bit of time with it, I found that it is best suited for a home server or even a home theater type setup.  The hot-plug features on this case are its most impressive and those storage lovers out there looking to build a system with a large SATA array should have this case on the top of their list.  With additional CP05 kits, you can have a setup that will allow you to manage and maintain all your internal hard drives without even having to open up the case for access.  On top of that, the front intake fan is also hot-pluggable for easy maintenance and/or replacement.

How Small Is Too Small?

As with all small PC enclosures, you will always run the risk of encountering some kind of issue when attempting to install all your system components.  Unfortunately, with the KL01, this is something you definitely want to keep in mind.  Not only does the motherboard layout play a significant role in a trouble-free install, but some of its main features may also interfere with your other hardware.  If you plan on taking advantage of its HD hot-plug feature, you definitely want to examine its interior thoroughly before mounting all your hardware.  The CP05 adapter required for this feature may interfere with some of the connectors on your motherboard and may force you to either move the internal cage or not take full advantage of it at all.  If only this case was just slightly longer in terms of its overall depth, then this wouldn't be an issue at all.  However, if you plan on mounting a Micro ATX case in this enclosure, you don't have to worry about this at all.  Again, it really all comes down to the motherboard you plan to pair with it.

High Level of Flexibility

Apparently, Silverstone was aware that a small chassis like this may require some kind of modification in order to accommodate all your components.  Fortunately, the KL01 does does offer a high level of flexibility, both in terms of component placement and convenience.  The front aluminum panel can be inverted very easily to open from the right or left.   Also, absolutely everything on the drive cage can be removed, including the internal cage and the tool-less brackets.  This will allow you to find the best location for all your drives depending on your motherboard's layout.  They even include a pair of 3.5" to 5.25" brackets for those who would like to install more than one 3.5" bay drive and/or accessory.

Final Thoughts

After spending quite a bit of time with this new case, I couldn't help but come to the conclusion that it is just slightly too small to not only provide a trouble-free install, but also to support a wider range of components.  In addition, I once again found myself disappointed with the power button on this chassis.  While I did briefly comment on this with the high-end Temjin 10, the button on the KL01 was much worse.  When depressed, I found that half the time I would power the system on the button would stay in this position and I had to work it out of place.  This is where I wished the reset button would be power, as this button has just the right feel and felt quite solid in comparison.  Also,  implementing the power button on the top front where the reset switch resides would have been a wiser choice in my opinion. 

Despite the issues encountered with this case, I couldn't help but be impressed with its one of a kind hot-plug features that you honestly will not find in any enclosure in its class.  Yes, it is apparent that there are a some install related issues many will face with this enclosure.  However, most of them can actually be resolved, thanks to its high level of customization.  While it doesn't earn our very highest recommendation as a result, I would still recommend this case to any PC enthusiast looking to build a system consisting of a large SATA storage solution.  This even includes those looking to build a home theater system where a tower case is best for its environment.  The hot-plug features are just that convenient and do work flawlessly.

More information on the new KL01 can be found on the Silverstone Website.  The KL01 is available with or without a window.  Also not that Silverstone has released a second case in this new series as well.  For those who are not fans for front door panels, the KL02 might interest you.  Depending on the model you choose, this one actually has some added cooling features not found on the KL01.

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