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Silverstone Fortress FT05 Case Review

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Silverstone Fortress FT05 Overview

If you hate seeing plastic on your cases, good news! The only plastic on this chassis is the removable top panel cover, the flip up panel over the IO ports, and the carry handles on the top. The remainder of the FT05 is a solid mix of aluminum for the outer bodywork and steel for the main structure. You can buy this case in silver or and black, with a side panel window available for both versions. Regardless of which version you choose you’ll also get a reflective mirror strip around the front and sides. On the front mirrored strip you also get a nice bright Silverstone logo lit in white, along with the red HDD activity LED.

FT05 Full ViewIf you don’t get the side panel window, then your panels will look just like this – a plain sheet of aluminum. Each panel has a layer of sound dampening material on the inside, and are removed by first taking off the top cover and then releasing the latch under the rim. However, the panels are pretty flimsy and bend. To get an idea, look at my photo of the rear of the case and you’ll see that the side panel is actually bulging out slightly. I felt like the panels on the RV05 were sturdier and offered more clearance for cable management.

FT05 Side PanelThe back panel is identical to the one on the RV05. An opening is provided at the top for cables to reach the motherboard backplate, while a magnetic dust filter is provided for the PSU intake.  This dust filter is attached via magnets and to get it off you just pull down and out from the side of the case.

FT05 Rear PanelThe bottom of the case features a solid panel with four foam feet. On the RV05 this panel was left open to facilitate open airflow, but the FT05 takes in air from a gap in between this panel and the main body.

FT05 Bottom PanelFinally, the top panel is covered by this plastic panel that simply slides in place between the side panels. Yes, its unfortunately plastic, and after sliding it on and off a few times I starting noticing a little damage and cracks on the joints that hold it in place. Clearly not the sturdiest design, and a real disappointment given the attention to the rest of the exterior.

FT05 Top Panel

Overall the FT05 is sturdy, and has plenty of aluminum and steel. However, the side panels especially felt flimsier than the ones on the RV05, and I’d even go as far as to say the plastic bodywork on the RV05 was better built than the steel on the FT05. It’ll last you a while, but you better hope it doesn’t take any knocks.


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