SilverStone Primera Series PM01 ATX Enclosure Review

Introduction and Specifications

An ATX enclosure with integrated LED lighting

The Primera Series PM01 is a new tower enclosure from SilverStone which combines sleek looks and integrated LED lighting.

It's been a little while since we've taken a look at a new case from SilverStone, and the company has certainly not been idle during this time. The case we have for you today is the first model from the new Primera Series, which offers "the feel of a luxurious supercar" from its angular lines and mesh grills, and it features an impressive piano black high gloss finish (a white version is also available).

The PM01 is also equipped with a trio of 140 mm intake fans, which in our black review sample are outfitted with red LED lights (the white version contains blue lighting). In addition to the front fans, the case has integrated LED lighting strips above and beneath the large side panel window, and the lighting effects can be controlled with a 4-position selector button on the top of the case.

SilverStone lists these features for the PM01 enclosure:

• Includes three 140mm LED fans and built-in LED strips for stunning visual impact
• Oversized front panel mesh design inspired by supercar intake grill
• Support two 240/280/360mm radiator for AIO liquid cooler or custom water cooling
• Reserved water tank mounting holes for water cooling setup
• Removable filters with positive air pressure design for dust reduction
• Built-in 4-segment LED light controller to adjustable brightness and modes
• Super clean internal look with PSU and drive bay cover
• Includes 10-in-1 fan hub for fan cable management

The metal mesh front and rear exhaust suggest excellent airflow, and we will find out just how effectively this new case can cool a gaming build – and how quietly it does so.

Specifications:

• Model Numbers:
  • SST-PM01BR-W (black with red LED + window)
  • SST-PM01CR-W (matte black with red LED + window)
  • SST-PM01WA-W (white with blue LED + window)
• Material: Plastic outer shell, steel body
• Motherboard: ATX (up to 12" x 10.7"), Micro-ATX
• Expansion Slot: 7
• Drive Bays: 
  • External: None
  • Internal: 2.5” or 3.5" x 4, 2.5" x 5
• Cooling System:
  • Front: 3 x 120mm / 140mm fan slot (includes 3 x 140mm LED fan)
  • Rear: 1 x 120mm / 140mm fan slot (includes 1 x 140mm fan)
  • Top: 3 x 120mm fan slot or 2 x 140mm fan slot
• Radiator Support:
  • Front: 120mm x 2 ; 240mm / 280mm / 360mm x 1
  • Rear: 120mm / 140mm x 1
  • Top: 120mm x 2 ; 240mm / 280mm / 360mm x 1**
• Front I/O Port: 
  • USB 2.0 x 2
  • USB 3.0 x 2
  • Audio x 1 
  • Mic x 1
• Component Support:
  • Graphics cards up to 16.5", width restriction – 6.88"
  • Limitation of CPU cooler: 180mm
  • Limitation of PSU: 240mm
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 220 x 571 x 560 mm, 70.3 liters
• Net Weight: 9 kg

Thanks to SilverStone for providing the PM01 enclosure for our review.

• SilverStone Primera Series PM01 ATX Enclosure – $109.99, Amazon

First Impressions

Taking a look around the PM01 we see the ATX tower concept with a few interesting design choices to make this case stand out.

A metal grill dominates the front of the enclosure, which should provide excellent airflow at the expense of noise output. You might be able to make out the trio of 140 mm fans behind this front panel, and we'll take a close look behind here on the next page.

The top of the enclosure offers the standard I/O to the right, with flush-mounted buttons on the left (power) and right (LED control) edges.

Our sample includes a large window to show off the build (and LED lighting), with a solid rear panel. A version without the side panel is available, but considering the massive grill on the case front this probably won't be any more quiet without the window.

The top panel adds a lot to the angular look of the PM01, with a sloping design from back to front. All sides of the case have the same high-gloss paint finish, be it plastic (like this top panel) or metal (sides, rear). Even the bottom of the case is finished with the glossy paint.

Taking a look at the back we see a 140 mm exhaust fan, seven expansion slots, and if you look at the top of the enclosure you'll see another automotive-inspired touch with an extra grill that potentially aids exhaust airflow.

There is a screen filter accessible from the back of the enclosure for the power supply (access to the other main filter requires the removal of the front panel, as we'll see on the next page).

Finally, the PM01 comes with a basic accessory kit with the required hardware and a pair of fan extension cables.

Next we'll take a close look at the interior of the PM01.