Design & Features Continued

The Inside

Finally!  An all black interior from Silverstone! 

**click to enlarge**

Open up that side panel, and you'll instantly appreciate the high quality all-black interior finish.  Let me just say that I've been sent many cases over the years and this is a simple but rare feature that will seriously enhance the appearance of any enclosure.  Now, I have seen pics of early prototypes of this exact chassis and most did not sport a black finish interior.  I'm very glad Silverstone took the extra measures to feature this in their final market design.  Besides, it is the right choice for a case designed for their new "Raven Series".

Once you can manage to get past that nice interior finish, the next thing that will stand out is that expansion card support bracket running across the center.  I didn't like it and it also blocks the view via its small side panel window.  Fortunately, it is easily removable via two thumb screws.  Depending on the cooling solution you choose, you'll probably end up removing it, as I will demonstrate in the install portion of this review.

What I also instantly loved was the tool-less design implemented for the 5.25" drives.  It's the first I've seen and functions just like a toggle button.  Push up to unlock the drives and push down to easily and securely lock them into place.  It works very well and blends in nicely with its overall design. 

**click to enlarge**

Despite the type of consumer this case will primarily target, the Raven RV01 has server-like features and will be an excellent choice for a home server build.  There are a total of six server-like hard drive brackets that have the same functionality.  You can easily pull out any of the drives for inspection or replacement and the first slot is even hot-pluggable.  The design is like their very own Kublai case I reviewed some time ago, which used their CP05 adapter that provides both power and connectivity from the bracket itself.  This is a VERY nice feature to have and highly convenient.  I guess it's too much to ask for, but wish every slot featured the optional adapter. 

Getting to the good stuff, the RV01's cooling features are superb.  You have not one, but two massive 180mm fans that are cleverly positioned to keep your all your components cool.  There is also a 120mm fan mounted on the top for exhaust.  When you first open up the Raven RV01, you may not even notice there are two fans this large already pre-installed.  They are quite stealthy, particularly the one located on the front end.

**click to enlarge**

Above is one of the two beast I took apart for a closer look.  Unlike most products, Silverstone features their own quality fans with their cases and these are definitely a new addition.  Both are model RL4Z and operate at only 18dBA while spinning at only 700rpm's.  Very nice fans!

Filters Galore!

While on the subject of fans, the Raven RV01 has plenty of fan filters, most of which are easily removable for cleaning.  Both side panels have removable filters and bottom is elevated to not only provide maximum airflow, but the fan filters can be easily pulled out for cleaning. 

**click to enlarge**

Removing the other side panel will reveal some nice cable management features I will briefly cover in the next install section of this review.

There's more than meets the eye with this case and the next feature is one you may think is not available upon first glance.  I say this because the unique back accent panel my appear as if it is not able to be removed.  It actually is, revealing its support for external watercooling options.  If you can manage to part with the back cover and deviate a bit from its overall theme, you do have the option of mounting your full-sized external radiator and even have in/out support for any size tubing.  The mounting brackets I mentioned earlier are for this use.

**click to enlarge**

Last but not least is a small but important feature to emphasize the measures that Silverstone does take in order to provide a product that is of the highest quality.  When removing the top lockable plastic panel, you'll find a very sturdy metal bracket on its rear.  Not only does this ensure that lifting the case from its top will be somewhat safe, but it plays a role with the external connections I will cover in the next section.

Next:  Installation