As part of the operation ASUS PCDIY, that we made with ASUS ROG, it was a question of mounting a complete and identifiable / purchasable configuration directly from their site. More information in our article: Build your PC Gamer well in 2022.
outside
The first contact with the Strix Helios RGB is done right out of its packaging. Imposing in all its forms, the latter will not fail to surprise you with all the elements that compose it. Do not hesitate to get help from a third party during handling. In addition, bubble wrap and smooth storage surfaces are required.
Frame
As surprising as it may seem, the case Strix Helios RGB combines strength and fragility. Indeed, its brushed aluminum frame offers a refined, aggressive and robust rendering while it is also equipped with three tempered glass panels. Don’t go wrong though, because, even if the glass is a more fragile element for this type of device, the assembly and the fixing methods make it easy to avoid hazardous jolts that could damage one of the panels. . Furthermore, the front one has an RGB backlight which does not lack character while finishing to refine the design of the Strix Helios RGB. Nevertheless, the case should be handled with care and the tempered glass panels with the utmost care during assembly/disassembly.
Finally, the upper side is equipped with a strap to make the case more portable, especially given its weight once fully assembled. The top panel is equipped with 4 USB 3.2 ports plus a USB-C port. A power and reset button adorn the same place, while, close to the sides, are those allowing you to adjust, on the fly, the speed of the fans as well as the RGB of the case.
Windows
As said before, they are the ones that give the case the most cachet while making it more fragile. Of course, in view of the price of the latter, it is obvious to handle it with care. To make everything more rigid, the glasses are tempered and firmly positioned on the frame. Moreover, it is even the first time that we have seen this assembly, the windows are placed on a pivot system which blocks their rotation. To simplify, when you press the button on the back of the case and intended to release the side panels, the latter cannot pivot more than 10 or 15° before being blocked.
This avoids handling errors where the glass would come apart on its own and hit the desk or the table on which you are working. This system is welcome for all the clumsy and proves that the manufacturer is interested in the comfort of use for consumers. A space under the glass allows you to pass your hand to easily lift it and prevent it from slipping.
On arrival, they are protected by a plastic film on either side of the window. However, we note that the front panel is not removable, but has an engraving that illuminates through RGB LEDs inserted on the sides of the chassis retaining the latter. A pleasant rendering that it will be possible to modify or even deactivate, directly from the upper part of the case or via Aura software.
Filters
Each manufacturer uses its technology to integrate the filters as well as possible, although they are generally always positioned in the same place. Here, ASUS makes us enjoy magnetic filters with a dedicated space to the grip in order to remove them easily. Finally, even if the front panel is not modular, the associated filter is just as easy to access as it is to remove. The box therefore has three removable filters located on the front, top and bottom.
interior
The external aspect being important, it is in the case that the majority of the action takes place. Whether it’s assembling your configuration, choosing the right components, ventilation or simply cable management, the composition of a tower says a lot about the possibilities it offers.
Available space
Not surprisingly, the Strix Helios RGB is a large tower of the most spacious. If only unpacking, difficult to have doubts. It can accommodate all motherboard formats, ranging from Mini-ITX to EATX. We note that sufficient space is left on the upper part, to best accommodate fans or an AIO, while on the lower area, even with an ATX/EATX, a space is left between the CM and the power supply cover (which is, in any case, modular to facilitate assembly). This makes it easier to mount your cables on the motherboard. As said before, the panels being easily removable, although in glass, access is facilitated at any time to make your modifications. A good point when you see the final weight of this tower which will not be easy to move, despite its carrying straps.
Finally, until three horizontal graphics cards or two vertical graphics cards can be mounted. Strong point, a support is provided for vertical installation and latches allow to support the card or cards horizontally. However, the vertical installation of the graphics cards requires the use of a riser cable which is unfortunately not included in the pack and therefore sold separately.
Ventilation and possible assemblies
With such an imposing case, we are entitled to expect consequent assembly configurations and, by definition, the need to ventilate as well as possible. If the sides do not allow the heat to be evacuated, we find the fans on the upper, rear and even front area since the front glass is offset from the case, certainly to improve flow. However, it is not possible to mount fans facing us inside the case, as it is possible to see in some competitors. That said, any space is good to take inside, if only to carry out a qualitative assembly and wiring.
Each ventilation sector has its own characteristics, while offering good versatility. If the rear only supports a single fan between 120 and 140 mm, the other two capacities will easily accommodate three fans or even radiators. We note, finally, that the front face can largely support a 420 mm radiator equipped with three 140 mm fans, enough to allow a very efficient air flow provided that the other areas are suitably equipped. the Strix Helios RGB is initially equipped with three front fans for one rear to achieve cross flow. For the rest, it has a space dedicated to the installation of pumps and a water cooling tank
Cables and openings
Let’s first talk about all the removable components. For simplicity, the graphics card holder assembly can move lengthwise to allow positioning of the cards ATX and EATX. As a bonus, an SSD disk can be fixed on the upper part of the latter so as not to lose any space. The power supply splits into two parts to provide access to your power supply, but also to the storage racks for the hard drives.
Moreover, the latter is easily removable using a Phillips screwdriver. Strong point of this cover, it has an opening at the level of the food to allow to see it at any time. It may seem innocent or unnecessarybut takes on its full meaning with the installation of a power supply with an LCD screen as proposed by THOR.
At the back of the box, a transparent cover allows, for beginners as well as confirmed, to hide the cable while letting the light effects pass, for those who wish to install strips or RGB equipment, like an SSD, in this location. Many cable grommets are also arranged to improve the visual rendering during cable management, whatever your level in this area. The original pre-wiring is very qualitative to make you want to keep a visual of the genre.
Finally, whether it is the case, the supports, the power supply cover or simply the windows, everything is simplified to allow the installation of the components, the passage of the cables as well as the optimization. No real flaws on the horizon for the Strix Helios RGB which, despite its slightly high price, will allow you to go after your configuration desires, without compromise.
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