Thermaltake is taking advantage of the currently running Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to introduce the latest addition to the Show and Shine section of their midi tower portfolio. In addition to four pre-installed 140mm RGB fans, the option of vertical GPU installation, and an optional LCD display, the Ceres 500 features generous perforations that promise very good airflow. Read our review to find out whether the 180€ machine with all its practical details is really worth the price.
The Tower 500, i.e. the spiritual “big brother” of the Ceres 500, had a small problem. Although it is definitely eye-catching and has its raison d’être, it almost defies convention and thus ends up appealing only to a relatively small target group of enthusiasts. The Ceres 500 is therefore now intended to bring similar features and characteristics in a more conventional form factor and for everyone. To check whether this goal could be realized, we first free the case from its packaging.
Unboxing
The outer box is relatively plain. The artwork only consists of an image of the case and a sticker. The latter explicitly points out that four 140mm ARGB fans are included, which is obviously very important.
There’s the thing. Freed from styrofoam and protective film once placed on the table. My own picture unfortunately fell victim to a dying SD card, but luckily Thermaltake was able to help out.
In profile:
The glass side panel is secured with an interesting locking mechanism. I haven’t seen it like this before either.
It is held by sturdy hinges – a trend that I very much welcome.
The included fans also immediately catch the eye. The white giants make a high-quality impression and I was already curious whether they could convince.
The front panel I/O is located on the side of the Ceres 500. I also like this solution because I personally have my PC slightly angled on the desk to have the best possible view of the installed components. With 2x USB 3.0, 1xUSB-C, 2×3.5mm blade, power and reset buttons as well as power and HDD LEDs, it lacks for nothing. Except maybe a button for the non-existent ARGB controller, which is no longer a sensation even in cases of the 50€ class..
I’m curious to see how this design feature goes over with you guys. It kind of reminds me of a belly store and seems a little out of place. But it is always an eye-catcher.
The front removed. Behind the generously perforated panel equipped with a dust filter, we find three more 140mm fans.
The front panel is hooked in at the bottom and held securely in place by thick metal nubsis (yes, that is the scientifically correct term) in the center + top.
The dust filter is held by magnets.
Nice: The fans are mounted on a tray, just like in the Tower 500. This allows mounting radiator-fan package and then can be conveniently mounted as a single part.
Since over 60% of the Ceres 500’s outer skin is perforated, there are naturally generous openings everywhere at the rear and around the power supply.
The lid is fixed with two knurled screws that do not fall out.
The lid can accommodate up to three fans with up to 140mm and even 360mm radiators.
The two large openings for the connection cables are rubberized.
Practical: The power supply can be reached from both sides. Very helpful when connecting a cable afterwards!
The seven PCIE slot bezels. I will go into their special features in more detail later.
The right side panel including openings and dust filter:
Behind the motherboard, things are also pleasantly tidy and spacious.
Just under 3cm of space between the mainboard and the side panel leave enough room for cables and extensions.
In addition to the power supply, an HDD tray is also stowed underneath the false bottom.
Besides the screws and a few small cable ties, Thermaltake obviously still attaches importance to the classic “beep” and packs a small speaker in the box.
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