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Silverstone RV02 Raven 2 Case Review
Author: Dennis Garcia
Published: Thursday, October 29, 2009
Case Construction
In our case reviews we like to take a subjective look at how each case is constructed. According to the specifications the Raven 2 is built from 0.8mm steel and happens to be extremely light considering. Using steel in high-end chassis design is a relatively uncommon for Silverstone but the added strength allows them to create a larger and lighter chassis than if they used aluminum alone.
The motherboard tray will support oversized ATX motherboards up to 10.6". Questions have come up in regards to video card lengths. As you can imagine all cases have expansion card limits based on internal case dimensions, standard "stacker" style cases can vary depending on what you have installed. Having the motherboard turned 90 degrees does physically limit how long your expansion cards can be and the official Silverstone documentation claims cards up to 12" can be installed.
So what does that mean? Well, cards Radeon 4870 X2, and GeForce GTX 295 can be installed without any issue. The ATI Radeon 5870 will also fit since it's roughly 11.5" long. The Radeon 5870 X2, which will likely be around 12.1" long, could also be installed after you remove the middle fan grill.
The motherboard tray will support oversized ATX motherboards up to 10.6". Questions have come up in regards to video card lengths. As you can imagine all cases have expansion card limits based on internal case dimensions, standard "stacker" style cases can vary depending on what you have installed. Having the motherboard turned 90 degrees does physically limit how long your expansion cards can be and the official Silverstone documentation claims cards up to 12" can be installed.
So what does that mean? Well, cards Radeon 4870 X2, and GeForce GTX 295 can be installed without any issue. The ATI Radeon 5870 will also fit since it's roughly 11.5" long. The Radeon 5870 X2, which will likely be around 12.1" long, could also be installed after you remove the middle fan grill.
The case is very well constructed and features recessed rivets and folded corners for strength and stability. None of the rivets or screws are color matched which isn't a huge deal considering they are completely covered when the case is fully assembled.
Some of the best value add accessories come when you least expect them. On the front of the Raven2 you will find a strangely placed and decorative "chevron". Wouldn't you know it, when your case is powered on it glows a nice electric blue.
Another stylish feature is a side window. Keep in mind the window is an option for this case and in our personal opinion you should pick the Raven2 without it. The execution is not that great but, but a window none the less.
Another stylish feature is a side window. Keep in mind the window is an option for this case and in our personal opinion you should pick the Raven2 without it. The execution is not that great but, but a window none the less.