Thermaltake Element G Case Review

Introduction

Thermaltake Element G (a.k.a. VL10001W2Z) is based on the same internal design used on Element S – seven internal 3.5” bays, two internal 2.5” bays, etc –, but externally they are completely different products. Let’s see what the differences between the two are and if it is worthwhile buying this case.

Like Element S, we were really impressed by the quality of the material used both inside and outside Element G. We also liked the very serious look from this case, making it a product that will please the eyes from both enthusiast and professional users, even though its Christmas tree light controller makes it more targeted to the gamer.

Element G and Element S are internally identical. The differences between these two cases are on the outside. These differences include:

• Front door on Element S, not present on Element G.
• 230 mm side fan on Element G. In theory Element S would have this fan as an option, but apparently Thermaltake never released this version.
• Fan speed control on Element G for the top, side and front fans.
• Fan color control on Element G, where you can change the color of the LEDs from the top, side and front fans between red, blue, green and two different alternating patterns. You can also turn off the LEDs.
• Element S has a 230 mm top fan, whereas on Element G Thermaltake reduced the size of this fan to 200-mm.
• Element S comes with one 120 mm front fan and space for installing a second 120 mm fan on the front panel. Element G comes with one 200-mm front fan (which can be replaced by two 120 mm fans).
• Element S has one eSATA port, feature not available on Element G.
• Element G has four USB ports, while Element S has two.

Now let’s take a look at Element G.

Figure 1: Thermaltake Element G case.

Figure 2: Thermaltake Element G case.

Like Element S, Element G has only three 5.25” bays. The covers for these bays are meshed and have foam dust filters on them. In Figure 3 you can also see the 200-mm fan behind the front panel, in charge of cooling down the hard disk drives. This fan rotates between 600 rpm and 800 rpm, producing a noise level between 12 and 14 dBA. Although labeled as a 200-mm, its blades measure only 160-mm. You can replace this fan with two 120 mm fans if you like and Element G comes with two screwless mounts for these fans.

Figure 3: Front panel.

Figure 4: Meshed bay cover.