SilverStone Lascala 10M: An Exclusive Look at SilverStone's Newest Creation
by Purav Sanghani on November 13, 2004 8:26 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Internal Design
The internal design of the LC10M is similar to that of Ahanix's D.Vine 4 HTPC chassis, which we looked at last month. At the front of the case, there are five drive bays in total, which includes two 5-1/4" drive bays and three 3-1/2" drive bays.Between the two 5-1/4" drive bays, only the lower bay can be used to mount an optical drive, since there is only one slot from which the drive's tray can eject. For the top bay, SilverStone also provides an optional 5-1/4" extension bracket to mount an extra HDD, not wasting any space.
Click to enlarge.
There are two standard 3-1/2" drive bays next to the 5-1/4" bays as well as one hidden HDD bay underneath. This 3-1/2" HDD mount can be removed to install drives easily by removing the two screws on either side. We also see the circuit board of the VFD from this angle. As we will explain later, things get a bit crowded when all of the components are installed, especially in regards to the wiring and power connections with our chosen test bed.
Looking at the LC10M from the front, there is an 80mm fan mounted on the far left side. This fan bracket also supports an optional 90mm fan, if chosen at the time of purchase. It isn't noticeable at first glance, but the fan takes in air, which enters through the vents that line the sides and bottom of the bezel.
Click to enlarge.
For structural support, there are two crossbars, one running front to back on the left side of the case and the other is just inches from the middle of the case, also positioned parallel to the first crossbar. Since home theater components are usually stacked on top of each other, there is a need for support from the weight of these components.
Click to enlarge.
Like SilverStone cases in the past, there is no tool-less design implemented in the LC10M. We have not stressed enough how much we would like to see tool-less or even screw-less designs implemented in cases wherever structurally possibly to create the simplest experience in hardware installation and replacement.
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Larry Chanin - Friday, December 24, 2004 - link
To follow-up on the last suggestion. I'm a home theater enthusiast and I know absolutely nothing about building HTPC's. So I found reading your reviews of HTPC cases extremely helpful. However, I have to admit I was totally shocked by the measured sound levels of both cases reviewed. In my home theater the projector measures about 27 db. Therefore HTPC's measuring in the 40's and 50's would be totally unacceptable. With the addition of noise-reducing products could one reasonably expect to quiet these HTPC's down to db sound levels in the 20's, or am I wasting my time researching building an HTPC?i6hlf - Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - link
Speaking of loud HTPC's, why doesn't Anandtech dig into the design of a silent and cool HTPC. I mean some solutions with laptop cpu, mob and cooler system must be an obvious solution…Tarumam - Monday, November 15, 2004 - link
A good looking desktop case for a change. But why would I ever want a loud HTPC? Sounds like an oxymoron to me.ImJacksAmygdala - Sunday, November 14, 2004 - link
Anandtech does a great job with HTPC case reviews. The thermal mapping, sound levels, and wire bundle/heatsink clearance is exactly what the HTPC crowd wants to know.As for the value memory review eetnoyer mentioned, ya I'd love to see that to although only Anandtech does HTPC case reviews right.
Besides if they showed benchmarks of value RAM overclocking just fine with AMD64 +3200 it might effect their sponsor's enthusiast memory line sales...
Gatak - Sunday, November 14, 2004 - link
I really like the thermal display over different areas of the case. Great thing to see where the hot spots arise. =)Degrador - Saturday, November 13, 2004 - link
Just thought I'd say I love the new thermal benchmarking stuff - gives a great indication of where the dead zones are (although seemingly none in this case).phaxmohdem - Saturday, November 13, 2004 - link
My first thought... Alienware MPC?http://www.alienware.com/product_detail_pages/DHS_...
eetnoyer - Saturday, November 13, 2004 - link
Instead of media PC cases, how about that mainstream (value) memory review that was promised a couple of months ago. I think it would have a much broader appeal to your readers. Not bashing, I've just been waiting with baited breath.