Introduction and Features
The SilverStone CW02 is a large, premium HTPC enclosure capable of housing a full high-end gaming system or multi-media server.
SilverStone Technology was one of the original manufacturers to enter the HTPC case market and they continue to offer one of the largest selections of HTPC enclosures available today. SilverStone currently offers 18 different HTPC enclosures spanning three different series including the Crown, Grandia and Lascala series. In addition to designing premium HTPC enclosures, SilverStone has a long-standing reputation among PC enthusiasts for providing a full line of high quality computer chassis, power supplies, cooling components, and accessories.
(Courtesy of SilverStone)
The Crown Series CW02 HTPC chassis that we will be taking an in depth look at in this review is a beautiful enclosure capable of housing a full, high-end gaming system or media server and provides internal storage for up to six HDDs and comes with a built-in multifunction LCD display and remote control. The all aluminum alloy CW02 features elegant styling and is available with either a black or silver (clear) anodized finish, which is sure to blend in and compliment your other high-end, audio-video equipment.
Over the past several months I have received several inquiries from readers asking about a HTPC enclosure that is capable of housing a high-end gaming system or multi-media server. As one reader wrote; "I’m looking for a large, high quality HTPC case that will let me install my dual purpose gaming system and media server. It needs to have plenty of room for a full size ATX mobo, dual graphic cards, a large PSU, good case cooling and at least 5 internal 3.5" drive bays (four HDDs and one SSD)." At first glance it appears the CW02 may be just what this reader is looking for. Later on, we are going to install a high-end gaming system (water-cooled Intel i7 CPU, dual GTX680 graphics cards, 1000W PSU, and 12 Terabytes of storage space) into the CW02 enclosure; this should be fun.
Here is what SilverStone has to say about the Crown Series CW02 HTPC chassis: "The Crown Series CW02 was designed for one purpose: allowing users to really appreciate what a HTPC chassis is designed for. At first glance, the daring appearance of its exterior design, premium all aluminum construction and extra thick reinforced aluminum face plates, sets off an understated sophistication with a touch of bold persona. On the other hand, the interior design of the CW02 is able to accommodate extended length graphic cards, proficiently displaying the HTPC system at its best. Capable of installing CPU coolers of 160mm in height for additional cooling options, this spacious accommodation assures the highest performance system possible. Users can enjoy their performance system with a built in state-of-the-art multi language LCD display and a 52-in-1 card reader under the hood. The CW02 has the potential to be named "The Best of" in every category."
SilverStone Crown Series CW02 HTPC Chassis Key Features:
• High-end HTPC system
• Premium, heavy grade aluminum alloy construction
• Available in Black or Silver
• Multilanguage, multifunction LCD display with remote control
• iMON software supports Win XP (SP2) and Win 7 (x86, x64)
• Dual large control knobs for volume and navigation control
• Supports ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards
• Supports extended length graphic cards
• Supports CPU coolers up to 160mm tall
• One external 5.25" optical drive bay for DVD/Blu-ray player
• Six internal 3.5" drive bays for multi-terabyte storage
• Suspended vibration dampening on hard drive cages
• Excellent case ventilation with multiple dedicated vents
• 120mm Quiet exhaust fan on back included
• Additional mounting holes for two optional 92mm case fans
• Built-in 52-in-1 card reader
• Front I/O ports and card reader concealed behind front door
IEEE1394 and a pair of USB2.0
IEEE1394 and a pair of USB2.0 ports on the front panel in this day and age is ridiculous. Aprat from that Silverstone makes great case and the replacement of this case will surely fix that front I/O ports.
It wasn’t ridiculous 3 years
It wasn’t ridiculous 3 years ago when I purchased this case. I just swapped it out a week ago for a smaller one. I can’t believe it hasn’t been updated since!
It’s fantastic for the person that wants a game PC under their TV.
find a board that will fit
find a board that will fit this form factor and also supply USB3.0 headers………..
Uhm this is an ATX case so
Uhm this is an ATX case so it’s not hard to find a board with headers, beside this case is several years old, which is why the I/O ports are outdated.
you have to pay $$$$ to get
you have to pay $$$$ to get the USB3.0 headers on board, also its an HTPC, is your primary method of moving files plugging stuff in to the front panel? Sorry if it is.
also how often will the front panel be used on a HTPC? game controller? 2.0 is plenty fine.
a proper setup really doesn’t have MUCH use for 3.0 on the headers…… so I don’t think anyone at silverstone is losing sleep over this, i wouldn’t.
stop sneeker netting.
The iMon is the deal-killer
The iMon is the deal-killer for me. Their stuff never does work quite right.
How about the cooling if i
How about the cooling if i use the cw02 not as a htpc but as
a normal pc for video editing ?
Only one 120mm fan and two little 80mm in the bottom are not
very much.
I use is as a HTPC for 1 year
I use is as a HTPC for 1 year now.
It is a fantastic case.
I use a 16mm cpu cooler on my I3-540 without fan, and the temperatures are great
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Any chance an ‘Asus RAMPAGE
Any chance an ‘Asus RAMPAGE IV EXTREME’ motherboard (E-ATX) will fit into this case?
Cant imagine you can fit in a watercooling sytem??
I manage to put custom build
I manage to put custom build water cooling system in to GD01MX(outside radiator), and install gtx480. For that purpose had to sacrifice hdd holder section(not a big deal). Btw full size atx board fits easily
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Hey is there any chance that
Hey is there any chance that an Antec25 KulerhH2o 920 liquid cooling system would fit into this case or would there be headaches concerning case room ?
I have a Thermalright Silver
I have a Thermalright Silver Arrow Cooler in this case, and this one is the tallest Heatsink cooler.
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I’ve lost the atx power
I’ve lost the atx power Adapter for the CW02 case. Silverstone sell it no more since 2015. can someone help me? Would pay a very good price….