SilverStone Precision PS08 Case Review

[nextpage title=”Introduction”]

The Silverstone Precision PS08 is a case targeted to microATX motherboards, also supporting the Micro-ITX and Micro-DTX formats. It is bigger than traditional small form factor (SFF) cases, such as the Sugo series models from the same manufacturer.

The reviewed case looks very plain, which is expected for a case in its price range. The left panel has a ventilation mesh, which doesn’t support the installation of fans.

Figure 1: SilverStone Precision PS08 case

Figure 2: SilverStone Precision PS08 case

Figure 3: Left-side panel

[nextpage title=”The Front Panel”]

The front panel of the Precision PS08 is made of plastic and has two external 5.25” bays, using solid covers. The quality of the plastic parts is not the same as the one seen on more expensive models from the same manufacturer, but since we are talking about a USD 40 case, this is not an issue.

Figure 4: Front panel

The SilverStone Precision PS08 comes with a 120 mm fan on its front panel, with an air filter, a feature not usually seen on low-cost cases. This fan uses a three-pin connector and spins at 1,200 rpm (Hong Hua HA1225L12SA). An optional 80 mm fan can also be installed on the front panel together with the 120 mm fan that comes with the case.

Figure 5: Front fan

The case comes with two USB 3.0 ports and the traditional audio jacks at the middle of the front panel. See Figure 6. The USB 3.0 ports use an internal connector.

Figure 6: Connectors

[nextpage title=”The Rear Panel”]

The top and bottom panels of the Precision PS08 are plain, with no air intakes or places for installing fans. The rear panel and the interior of the case are painted black, which is really nice to see on a low-cost case.

Figure 7: Rear panel

The case has four expansion slots, using vented covers. These covers are not reusable; after removing them from the case, you have to toss them away.

There is a space for you to install an 80 mm or a 92 mm fan on the rear panel, but the case doesn’t come with this fan.

On the SilverStone Precision PS08, the power supply goes on the top part of the case.

The case has a place for you to install an anti-theft device from Kensington.

Let’s now take a look inside the SilverStone Precision PS08.

[nextpage title=”Inside the SilverStone Precision PS08″]

Both panels are attached to the chassis using black, metallic thumbscrews. The motherboard tray has a huge hole for you to access the backplate of the CPU cooler without having to remove the motherboard from the case. There is not enough space between the motherboard tray and the right-side panel for you to route thick cables behind the motherboard tray.

Figure 8: Overall look

Figure 9: A view behind the motherboard tray

Figure 10 gives you another overall look inside the case. Expansion cards are fastened using regular black screws from outside the case. The SilverStone Precision PS08 supports video cards up to 14.1” (358 mm) long and CPU coolers up to 5.5” (140 mm) tall, which is impressive for such a small case.

Figure 10: Overall look

[nextpage title=”The Disk Drive Bays”]

The SilverStone Precision PS08 has two 5.25” external bays, four 3.5” internal bays and one 2.5” internal bay. Storage devices must be installed using regular screws.

Figure 11: Disk drive bays

Figure 12: The 2.5” bay

[nextpage title=”Main Specifications”]

The main specifications for the SilverStone Precision PS08 case include:

• Style: Small form factor (SFF)
• Application: microATX, Mini-ITX, and Mini-DTX
• Material: Zinc-coated steel (SECC) body
• Power supply: Doesn’t come with the product
• Available colors: Black
• Side panel: Meshed
• Dimensions: 14 x 6.6 x 15.8 inches (355 x 168 x 400 mm) (H x W x D)
• Net weight: 7.5 Lbs (3.4 kg)
• Gross weight: 9 Lbs (4 kg)
• Bays: Two external 5.25” bays, four internal 3.5” bays, and one internal 2.5” bay
• Expansion slots: Four
• Maximum video card length: 14.1” (358 mm)
• Maximum CPU cooler height: 5.5” (140 mm)
• Fans: One 120 mm fan on the front panel (1,200 rpm)
• Optio
  nal fans: One 80 mm fan on the front panel and one 80 mm or 92 mm fan on the rear panel
• Extra features: Support for an anti-theft device from Kensington
• More Information: https://www.silverstonetek.com.tw
• Average Price in the U.S.*: USD 40.00

* Researched at Newegg.com on the day we published this review.

[nextpage title=”Conclusions”]

While the Precision PS08 has a few drawbacks compared to other microATX cases, you have to keep in mind that it costs only USD 40, which is at least half the price of other good microATX cases, such as the Precision PS07 and the Temjin TJ08-E . And we were surprised to see some features not usually found on cases at this price range, such as the metallic thumbscrews to open the case, the air filter for the front panel, and the painted rear panel and interior. If you are looking for a small and inexpensive case, the PS08 is an excellent choice.

Strong Points

• Outstanding price
• Vented slot covers
• Air filter for the front fan
• A huge hole in the motherboard tray for accessing the backplate of the CPU cooler
• Support for four 3.5” and one 2.5” internal devices
• Support for long video cards up to 14.1” (358 mm)
• Support for anti-theft devices from Kensington
• Rear panel and interior are painted

Weak Points

• Doesn’t come with the rear fan
• Plastic used on the front panel has lower quality compared to more expensive cases
• Not enough space behind the motherboard tray to route thick cables from the power supply
• Slot covers are not reusable