Installation
The cavernous interior and many tool-less features make installing hardware a simple matter. The Monolize does not go the final step to feature a removable motherboard tray, but given the price of this chassis, it is a forgivable offense.
Tagan’s specifications state that the Monolize can accommodate a motherboard using the Extended-ATX specification. This claim is easy to believe, considering the vast expanse between the I/O slots and the drive bays. As such, our test hardware — based on a Micro-ATX specification — looks comically small installed in the case.
Our mATX board is positively dwarfed by the Monolize.
Tagan provides a selection of tool-less rails to install optical drives and hard drives.
A plethora of mounting hardware for internal devices.
Unlike similar rails provided by some other manufacturers, Tagan’s drive rails require no screws. Each rail features two pins that slip into the optical drive’s screw holes. The rails hold very securely when the drive is installed in the case.
These drive clips making installing drives a snap.
Testing methodology
The testing hardware represents a standard sample of what one might find produced by a major manufacturer: a purpose-built small case utilizing a single 120-mm exhaust fan to cool a micro-ATX based system.
Our system fully assembled with the Monolize
Our hardware configuration consists of the following:
- CPU: AMD 64 X2 5000+ at 2.60 GHz
- Motherboard: Asus M2N61-AX with nForce 430 chipset
- CPU Heatsink: AMD stock heatsink/fan unit
- Memory: 2×1024MB OCZ Gold DDR2 PC-6400
- Graphics Card: nVidia 8600GT 256MB
- Hard Drive(s): Western Digital Caviar SE SATA drive
- Optical Drive(s): Samsung Super Writemaster Lighscribe
System temperatures were measured using SpeedFan 4.35 and the system load was generated by running two instances of Prime95’s In-place large FFTs test for at least 30 minutes. Ambient temperature was maintained at 20C throughout testing.
A single temperature measurement was taken in the reference case at idle and load. These measurements were also taken with two fan velocities in the Monolize case: one with the side fans turned to their minimum, and another with the fans turned to their maximum. In order to test the unique fan feature of the Monolize, no front or rear fans were attached.
Results
Our results bore out our initial impression: “Get a load of those fans!”
In both the Monolize and our reference case, temperatures appear under control with the system in idle. However, at both fan speeds, the Tagan Monolize handily outperforms the reference case by sheer volume of air; the temperature goes from comfortable to downright cool.
The reference case really displays its shortcomings at full system load. In comparison, the Monolize barely breaks a sweat and keeps the components significantly cooler than our reference case.
We were surprised at just how well the Tagan Monolize cooled the components using only its side intakes. It is likely that with a rear exhaust fan attached, the Monolize could perform even better.
Conclusion
Tagan seems to have met their goals for the Monolize case. It is strikingly well-built, installation is simple, and the cooling is excellent. Overall, the Tagan Monolize offers excellent performance and value for the money. For the cost-conscious case buyer, the Monolize is a perfect choice, and we are awarding it the Icrontic Outstanding Product Award.
Pros:
- High-quality construction
- Front panel texture
- Tool-less I/O clip and rails
- Plenty of room
- Unique side fan configuration
Cons:
- Lack of removable motherboard tray
- Excessive width with side fans and feet deployed
And the system just plain looks swank in the dark.
Pages: 1 2
Articles RSS