Hardware Installation
As we mentioned earlier in the review, in SilverStone’s own words "The Crown Series CW02… 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." Our curiosity was also perked by several recent inquiries from readers asking for a HTPC enclosure that could accommodate a full gaming system or multi-media server without having to compromise on components (mobo, video cards, PSU, storage, etc). 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)." OK, we accept the challenge! In this section we are going to install the hardware for a high-end system with plenty of gaming horse power and 12 terabytes of music, photo, and movie storage space.
• Intel Core i7 Quad-core CPU
• 16 GB DDR3 SDRAM
• (2) Galaxy GTX 680 graphic adapters
• 1,000W Power Supply
• (4) 3.5" HDDs and (1) 2.5" SSD
• Various CPU coolers including water-cooling
Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD5 ATX Motherboard
ATX Motherboard
The SilverStone CW02 HTPC chassis is designed to accommodate both ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards and we had no problems slipping our full size Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD5 into place as the foundation for this system. All the mounting holes lined up perfectly on the standoffs.
CPU Coolers
As a test, we mounted three different CPU cooling solutions in the CW02 chassis; a Corsair H80 watercooling system, Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo tower-style cooler, and one of SilverStone’s own Nitrogon NT06-E low profile coolers.
Corsair Hydro Series H80 High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
To mount the Corsair H80 liquid cooling system, we first had to remove the 120mm SilverStone case fan from the back panel and then install the Corsair cooling fan/radiator in its place. As you can see in the photo above this cooling solution fit perfectly into the space provided and the big side panel vent allows fresh outside room air into the CW02 enclosure for cooling the radiator.
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo cooler (on a Micro-ATX mobo)
In this scenario we installed a large tower style cooler and once again all went as planned. Note: the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo cooler is installed on a Micro-ATX mobo, which also fit into the CW02 chassis as expected.
SilverStone SST-NT06-E cooler
And last but not least, we installed one of SilverStone’s very capable low profile Nitrogon NT06-E CPU coolers, which features a robust mounting system, five copper heatpipes, and a mounts a 120mm cooling fan.
Graphics Card
It’s not very often that you will find a HTPC enclosure that is capable of mounting a pair of high-end graphics adapters. So, for this test I ventured across the river and hit Ryan up for a pair of GTX 680 graphics adapters! These cards are 10" long and require a pair of 6-pin PCI-E power connectors. In the specifications section for the CW02 chassis, it states that the CW02 enclosure will support expansion cards up to 12.1" long (or 15.5" long with the card reader removed).
At first it seemed like all was well, but when it came time to install the internal 5.25" optical drive we encountered a potential problem. There is only about 5/8" clearance between the top of the graphics adapter’s power receptacles and the bottom of the ODD. It looked like the two PCI-E power cables would be blocked. However, after a little experimenting I found that by pulling the shrink wrap and mesh sleeving away from the end of the PCI-E cables I was able to make a near 90 degree bend in the wires and everything fit together.
Note: For expansion cards that are over 9" long, the close clearance between the top of the graphics adapter and the bottom of the internal optical drive enclosure will require mounting the graphics adapter(s) first and then installing the ODD. And you will have to pay close attention to carefully bending the wires as they leave the connector so as to provide the necessary clearance.
Single AMD 7970 Graphics Adapter (11" long)
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
Greate article. Keep writing
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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….