Layout

The case is made out of 1.0 mm SECC making it a really solid case and at the same time a bit heavy. The front door however is made of aluminum, which allows for easy opening. The side panel has an “X” type window with 2 air vents built into it. One is located in the handle and one in the center bottom part of the side panel.

Underneath, we can find the retractable feet. Inwards, it lets you squeeze the case in tight spaces. Outwards, it gives the case stability.

On the top, you can find a blowhole and a top Dual USB2.0, Firewire and Audio & Speaker ports. The blowhole fitted with an 80mm cooling fan (21dBA) with air filter underneath, will help in air circulation and therefore help in keeping the system temperature down. The top ports on the other hand will be useful to most, as you don't have to reach at the back or bend down at the front of the case. Having ports on top is definitely a lot better especially if you have your case standing on the floor.

One of the most striking and useful feature of the Xaser V line of cases is the inclusion of a 5 1/4" bay function panel. Thermaltake of course used their very own Hardcano and fitted it in the V5000D. This panel looks very much like a HardCano 9 with just some buttons a little bit different. It has a 4 channel VR fan speed controllers, digital LCD monitor with blue back lighting, auto & manual temperature fan speed display mode, and a 3 channel temperature & fan speed monitoring system. It also has an alarm function built into its overheat prevention system. Temperature display can be changed from C/F. Best of all, it doubles as an extra HDD slot. That way, you don't really lose any slot. I can see future Xaser cases though fitted with the newer and sexier Hardcano 12.

This case features a unique 2-way door that can be opened and closed by a key. I guess this is a security thing for preventing unauthorized use of your computer. It also prevents them from fiddling with your hardware. Hmmm. My kids won't like this :-) The key unlocks the first and second doors. Unlocking the first door gives you access to your optical drives, floppy drives and the power button. Unlocking the second door, lets you install/remove drives, etc. It also lets you carry out maintenance work on your front intake fan.

A twist lock can also be found behind the second door. This twist lock acts as a side panel security lock and prevents the side case panel from being opened even when the thumb screws are removed from the back. A further side panel intrusion button is installed to warn the user if the case has been forcefully opened while locked. Note that your motherboard has to support this feature in order for it to work.

Next: Layout Continued