Thermaltake SwordM Full-Tower Case Review – Part 1

Installation (Cont’d)

7” LCD Monitor

The first step in installing the 7” LCD monitor is to remove the extruded aluminum 5.25” drive cage from the upper 7” drive bays.  This is easily accomplished by removing two thumb screws and sliding the cage out the front of the case.  One of the included 7” bay covers can then be inserted into the lower bay and secured with four small screws.


The next step is to remove the sheet metal mounting bracket from the LCD monitor and slide it into the upper 7” drive bay.  The mounting cage doesn’t get secured with screws but instead you are supposed to bend down a bunch of little metal tabs to lock it in place.  This appears to be another carryover from its automotive heritage.


I was rather disappointed with this mounting arrangement and alternately elected to install the LCD monitor mounting bracket/cage by drilling four holes (two in each side) and bolting it into position with four small machine screws.  (Note, this is not required, just how I decided to do it.)  I also painted the front edges of the mounting bracket black so they would not be as noticeable once the 7” LCD monitor was installed.  I admit to being a bit of a perfectionist and I’m no stranger to custom modifications but I expect better for premium hardware in this price range.


The final step is to insert the LCD monitor into the upper 7” drive bay.  It should snap into position and is held in place by spring clips on the inside of the Mounting cage.  (Special tools are provided for removal.)  Note the 7” LCD monitor sticks out the front of the case slightly (~1”), which allows clearance behind the enclosure so it does not interfere with the front top exhaust fan.  A trim bezel snaps in place to help dress up the front opening, but once again it doesn’t fit very well and can easily be knocked loose.


In use, the front visor on the SwordM case has to be manually raised out of the way so the LCD monitor can deploy (it isn’t strong enough to lift the visor automatically).  Alternately you can just remove the upper visor when you have the optional 7” LCD monitor installed.