SilverStone TJ09 Full-Tower Case

Reviews: Cases

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Max Slowik
Kurtis
SilverStone
Mar. 30, 2007

Specifications

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Quality Check

Our quality check basically consists of three things: Structural Integrity, Installation, and Safety. Structural integrity testing is where we apply pressure to the case from different directions and check to see if the frame can be easily bent or twisted out of shape. Installation is the process of installing the various system components and making sure that installation goes smoothly. Lastly, the safety testing is a result of the installation process. After installing everything, I should be left without any open wounds.

Overview

Where isn't there quality? I'm surprised at how well-conceived the TJ09 is, and the degree of follow--though is immeasurable. Through and through, the case might upstage the computer it houses.

There was a single burr on the left door inside the bezel near the expansion slot intake opening, a molten shaving left by the milling process that wasn't brushed off (it's a polished surface), and that was the single production mistake of the whole case. I knocked it off with a fingernail.

Structural Integrity

Any shortcomings, failings or cheap construction would have made themselves plainly clear at this point, and it's safe to say that the build quality is spot on and stable as Hell.

Beyond the case being sturdy, it's very stable with the PSU at the bottom, the feet grip smooth surfaces well, none of the parts rattle against each other, and even the mesh used for ventilation is strong. All the edges are polished and rounded, even on the inside.

It wouldn't be right to parade around with this case, it practically belongs on display, but if it was moved a lot, it sure wouldn't be worse for wear.

Installation

There are no surprises, aside from pleasant, when sticking a computer in the TJ09. Some people might miss tool-free hardware, but with this case, it means that everything fits together seamlessly. All the hardware is snug and secure.

This installation section is brief not because details have been overlooked, but because there's nothing to it. Everything works just the way it ought to. It doesn't even matter in what order the parts are installed, no components block or even complicate other components' installation. Instead of using ridiculously long cables for the top I/O connections, Silverstone was kind enough to include extension cables for motherboards with funny or far-away headers. And well, the case is very long.

It's this simple:

The motherboard tray slides out, and it's tall enough to allow monstrous heatsinks. Install one motherboard, with processor and heatsink, slide it in, thumbscrew it in place.
The hard drive cages slide out. Four screws per drive. Slide them back in.
Unscrew a 5.25" bezel. Slide in an optical drive. Eight little screws.
Fans click into place, no screws.
Install one power supply. It can go in upside down or right side up. Tuck spare cables in under the hard drive cages.
Connect everything, turn it on.

Safety

I've said in the past that good cooling often means dust getting into the computer, and that's not safe for the computer, but the mesh used here has the perfect combination of filtration and air flow, keeping the hardware cool and clean.

As expected, the TJ09 is quite safe to work in. There are no sharp edges to speak of, the case is light (considering its size) and there is not a pinching or slipping mechanism throughout.

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Page 4 of 5

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Page 1: Introduction & First Look
Page 2: First Impressions
Page 3: Inside the Case
Page 4: Quality Check
Page 5: Conclusion

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3 User Comments

1 - Posted by mjsmere on April 3, 2007 - 3:19 pm

Excellent article, kudos.

2 - Posted by Max Slowik on April 3, 2007 - 5:34 pm

So, like, I had some real problems writing that article. Not ethical ones, I love this case and I'm glad it's mine, all mine, but rather, writing problems. Mostly problems with flow; I won't point out the problems that I think are there on account of that might taint your commentary.

I really want to hear about what you liked about it. I really, really want to hear if there was something that you thought sounded shitty.

P.S. I didn't shoot the pictures. That's all Kurtis. That's also a very good thing.

P.P.S. I'm going to take some photos of it with our next test rig once it's all installed and put them up here.

3 - Posted by mjsmere on April 4, 2007 - 7:44 pm

I'm sending you a long email about it.

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