Thermaltake SHARK aluminum tower case

Thermal aspects

The rear of the SHARK case accomdodates a 120mm fan which has thankfully become the new standard in the evolution of case air-flow dynamics. Multiple screw holes are located along the rear, and a few accoutraments I’ve yet to identify.

At the bottom of the rear-panel 4 x 1-cm ports allow watercooling tubes to pass through. Although the system I was using at the time of this photograph used larger diameter tubing, had I re-configured the H20 system larger holes at the top of the rear-panel would have accomodated these tubes.

A photo of the larger 1.5-cm pre-punched holes which are easily removed with a screwdriver. To the right the as yet “unidentified” accoutrament I alluded to earlier.

The SHARK’s flexibility inadvertantly offers some thermodynamic benefits as well. While the area above the PSU is intended to house watercooling related hardware, the added space offers some “hidden” thermal benefits.

Literally above and beyond the all aluminum construction, the area above the PSU allows warm air to rise and accumulate there. Eventually the heat will radiate (conduct) through the aluminum housing. In a typical case design the PSU mounts at the uppermost region of the unit where the warmest air would rise engulfing that power supply. While this may seem trite, a reduction in temp albeit just a few centigrade degrees, will not only allow your PSU to perform better but also extend it’s life.