Tagan CS-Monolith Computer Case Review

Everyone acquainted with high-end power supplies has probably heard of the Tagan brand. Trying to build on that reputation with an expanded product line, Tagan has submitted for review their take on high-end computer cases. The Tagan CS-Monolith Mid Tower ATX Case. There has been a growing industry trend toward exotic cooling schemes. Manufacturers capitalizing on this are willing to go to any extreme to stand out in the crowd. No matter how extreme the case...as enthusiasts we benefit directly from this. Allowing for more overclocking headroom, and more powerful machines.

The story goes... Hot Components vs. Cool Ingenuity... it's an arms race everyone benefits from. As long as manufacturers understand the desire for cutting edge aesthetics, quiet computing needs, and space constraints. We can all comfortably look forward to new innovations never dreamed of before. With these points in mind, Benchmark Reviews will be taking a close look at the Tagan CS-Monolith Mid Tower ATX case. Another Newest Edition to the Tagan Aplus case Family. Sporting two giant 250mmside fans, a very distinct look, and a unique approach to the installation process. This is going to be an interesting case study... So lets see what Tagan's revolutionary cooling, and design tactics bring to an already very crowded table. And if it is enough to set them apart, or even ahead.

Monolith - Something suggestive of a large block of stone, as in immovability, massiveness, or uniformity.

My first impression when handling this case was "Monolith...That seems aptly named". This isn’t a bad thing. By definition this case is the polar opposite of flimsy, or forgettable. And almost immediately, I was struck by the sheer size, and heft, of the chassis, dubbed a "Super Tower" by Tagan. Weighing in at 11.78kg (almost 26lbs) and measuring 545mm (almost 22") high, this case certainly almost qualifies for the Full Tower spec.

Finished in all black matte, adding to the already real presence of this colossal case; it's a paint job no other shade could better represent. To set it off from the rest of the case, the front panel is made of a rugged hard plastic, and has been given a "Silk Rubber" material coating (which is pleasant to the touch) and also lends to the overall visual effect; matte black. Located on the front panel is the case door, inlaid with a high-gloss acrylic panel, accented with blue LED lighting effects.

Engineered with an obvious design meant to appeal to a wide range of consumers, from first timer buyers, all the way up to enthusiasts. The CS-Monolith has incorporated two very large 250mm fans into the side panel. Overkill? Maybe. However, there are undeniable advantages to this set-up that I will go into a little latter.

Other notable features include a nearly tool-less installation of components, built in accessory box, and enough real estate to park any modern hardware...with room to spare.

Features: Tagan CS-Monolith Mid Tower ATX

• Super Tower Case with brand-new cooling system
• World Record: two blue LED illuminated 250 mm fans in the left side door
• Separate adjustable (speed) 250 mm fans, also with separate switch on/off function
• Blue LED illuminated Aplus logo in front with on/off switch
• Up to 13 disk drives can be mounted inside the case
• ATX and extended ATX main boards fit inside
• Easy drive mounting with 26 screw less rails
• Easy installation of the PCI cards with clip system
• 4 Thumb screws on the back for easy opening the case
• Manual in English, German and French language
• In accordance with RoHS

Specifications

• Quantity of 5,25" bays----------------------------------- 5
• Quantity of 3,5" bays------------------------------------- 2 x external, 6 x internal
• Cooling System Fans------------------------------------ 2 x 250 mm side fan, separate adjustable (and on/off)
• Fans Optional----------------------------------------------- 1 x 80/92/120 mm in back and 120 mm in front
• PCI slots ------------------ ---------------------------------- 7
• Additional Connectors ---------------------------------- 2 x USB 2.0, 2 x audio and IEEE 1394 Firewire on right side
• Supported Main Boards--------------------------------- Standard ATX, extended ATX (12"x13"), also for MP Dual CPU
• Power Supply (optional)--------------------------------- PS/2 Standard
• Accessories------------------------------------------------- 26 rails for the disk drives, various screws and spacers, piezo speaker and cable ties
• Net weight----------------------------------------------------11.78 kg
• Gross weight------------------------------------------------13.98 kg
• Net dimensions (W×H×D)------------------------------240 mm x 545 mm x 565 mm
• Gross dimensions (W×H×D)------------------------- 310 mm x 640 mm x 600 mm
• Case material---------------------------------------------- > 1 mm (SECC) Steel, Electro-galvanized, Cold-Rolled, Coil
• Front material---------------------------------------------- Silk/rubber skin plastic and acrylic

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