Interior and Build Notes
Accessing the interior of the Portal is a unique experience. It begins with the removal of a pair of thumbscrews near the base of the rear panel, and this allows the entire internal frame to slide out on a metal track.
A look inside the case with the internal component frame removed
Once you have pulled the internal frame out it can be lifted off the track, providing unfettered access for component installation. The case is narrow but still offers intake and exhaust fans:
The process or installing a mini-ITX motherboard and main components is easy with this frame removed:
Storage options include a 2.5-inch SSD bracket with a pair of 3.5-inch drive bays beneath.
The completed build is easy to keep organized – particularly with a modular SFX power supply such as the one I used.
And since we have the version with a top window, the installed graphics card is on display up top with the case re-assembled:
With the build completed it's time to see how the Portal performs in our temperature and noise tests.
Someone really must have a
Someone really must have a sense of humor. “Compact” Mini-ITX case, hehe… The size of the thing (~29 liters without stand) would be compact if that thing were an mATX case. On the other hand, perhaps my English language comprehension is lacking and “compact” really just means nothing else than “biggish”. Guess i need to check the dictionary… 😉
Yeah, I like the look but for
Yeah, I like the look but for a mini-itx case it is huge. Each to their own obviously, but if you are going to pay the mini-itx premium, it doesn’t make sense to end up with a mATX size system.
No red LED in power button?
No red LED in power button? boo
It does have an LED. Check
It does have an LED. Check out the photo on the last page
A good looking computer case
A good looking computer case for people who don’t care about computers.
The Portal looks really cool
The Portal looks really cool and is aptly named. If it can bring down the temp a bit more, I don’t mind housing my next build with it. I still might. Keeping it on my short list.
Thanks for the review.