Introduction

I would like to thank Thermaltake for supplying the review sample.

Features:

• The World’s First Chassis With An Integrated iPod Dock
• iPod charger dock design
• Exclusive iPod remote control built-in
• Enjoy music without turn on PC
• Front I/O for easy access
• Multimedia LAB kit (VF3000SNS/BNS: optional ;VF3001SNS/BNS: Built-in)
  1. Media LAB remote control
  2. Media LAB application CD
  3. Media LAB VFD panel

Specifications:

Model:	VF3001BNS
Case Type:	Media Music PC Case
Net Weight:	8.5 kg
Dimension (H*W*D):	170 x 430 x 450 mm
Cooling System:	Front (Intake) : 80 x 80 x 25 mm silent fan, 2000RPM, 19dBA Rear (Exhaust) : Dual 60 x 60 x 25 mm, 2500RPM, 19dBA
Drive Bays:	2 x 5.25’’, 1 x 5.25’’ Accessory Bay5 x 3.5’’
Material:	Front Panel: Aluminum ; Chassis:1.0 mm SECC
Color:	Black
Expansion Slots:	7
Motherboards:	Micro ATX , Standard ATX

Packaging & Contents

The Thermaltake Mozart IP comes in a colorful box, with a glossy finish and a nice picture of the case on the front and back. One side has some information about the iPod connectivity, the included remote and the Media Lab display, while the other has only the model number and the company's website address in multiple languages.


When removed from the box, the case will be wrapped in a cheese-cloth like material, which is soft enough to help protect the finish. Taped to the top of the cloth is a bag with the manual and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Inside the manual I found a seperate sheet with information about Thermaltake's "Key 3 Spirit" program, which focuses on Quality, Performance and Reliability. This sheet also included a "Key 3 Spirit" sticker to place at the user's discretion.


There were two small cardboard boxes found inside the Mozart IP. One box contained a remote, two AAA batteries, a power adapter cable, manual and CD for the Media Lab display. The other box contained the bag of screws and other hardware, a security loop, a short audio cable, a rubber spacer, a remote and a small audio switching card that did not have a motherboard connector on it. (Most of these last accessories were for the iPod functions of the Mozart IP, and will be discussed later in this article). Also included was an adapter to convert a USB Male plug into a USB motherboard connector.

A Closer Look

The Mozart IP is based on the old desktop style cases, but brings many advancements not found in the old cases. The sample we received was black, but the Mozart IP also comes in silver. The top panel includes vents compatible with Intel's CAG 2.0, while the bottom features four stylish gold feet with soft foam inserts.


The rear of the case shows that this is a full-sized desktop case with seven available expansion slots. Also worth noting is the use of three silver thumbscrews to secure the back, and the option of adding a security loop.


The front of the case follows the traditional desktop design, but with a few extras. Most notably, there is a door on the left side that flips down to insert a 30, 60 or 80GB iPod (the iPod Shuffle and Nano are not supported). This iPod dock is fully lined with felt to keep your expensive device from being scratched. Below the dock there are front audio, USB and Firewire ports, as well as an LED and an infrared sensor for the remote.


On the right side of the front panel are the door for the optical drive and a window which the Media Lab display can be viewed through. This whole side can flip down to reveal the three 5.25" bays, which by default have the Media Lab in the lower bay and two black covers in the top two bays. When the door is flipped down the attention to detail becomes evident. Thermaltake uses some quality hinges that are tight yet smooth, and both this door and the one for the iPod dock close with magnetic latches. However, there is one thing missing, and that is an external 3.5" bay. Users with 3.5" floppy drives or media readers are going to have to buy a converter, which will cause them to loose the top 5.25" bay.


To remove the top cover simply unscrew the three thumbscrews on the back panel, slide the cover back and then lift off. The inside of the cover is plain, and the vents are small but unrestrictive.