After having tested the Corsair 2000D Airflow, we now move on to a new case test. Last year, the Ssupd brand launched a new ITX case model, the Meshroom S. After long months of waiting, it has now arrived at the editorial office in its blue version for a full test. Are you ready? Here we go!
The Meshroom S exterior:
Once again, we’re dealing with a monolithically styled case. What sets it apart, however, is the massive use of metal mesh… It’s absolutely everywhere: on the front, top and sides. Nonetheless, we like the style, the visuals are sober and the case will blend seamlessly into your interior, be it living room, personal or professional office. In any case, it’s not a gaming case, far from it.
We now move on to some technical data, such as dimensions. Naturally, we’re dealing with a very compact case measuring 167 (W) x 247 (D) x 362 (H) mm. Compared to the 2000D, we’re dealing with a more compact, shallower and lower body. Otherwise, as for weight, we’re at 3.2 kg on the scales, so it’s not much to worry about. That’s one of the advantages of this format in our opinion: compact, lightweight machines, at least compared to mid-tower PCs.
The control panel:
The control panel of this Meshroom S takes up space on the top of the case and features:
- Two USB-A 3.2 Gen1 connectors
- One USB-C 3.2 Gen2 connector
- And that’s all there is to it
As you can see, the control panel is minimalist, with no 3.5 mm jack or power button, and for good reason… Ssupd has positioned it on the rear of their case. But we’ve got at least two USB-As to plug in at least two USB sticks.
The underside :
Underneath the case, first of all, we find the Meshroom S‘s feet in the form of small rubber pads. There are also a number of openings for access to the graphics card connectors. Otherwise, we notice the presence of several rubber washers whose positioning strongly resembles 2.5″ SSD/HDD slots.
Rear:
The rear of this model resembles nothing we’ve ever seen before, as the top left features three inverted full-height expansion slots. As you’d expect, we’ll be able to install a triple-slot graphics card. Just below, there’s a ventilation grille and a small opening at the very bottom.
On the other side is the motherboard’s I/O shield connector slot, with the power button just above it. Finally, at the very bottom, we have the right to the power supply slot, which could be in ATX or SFX format.
The top :
Apart from the control panel, there’s nothing special about the top of the case, apart from a mesh grille. In theory, hot air is not constrained and should escape fairly easily.
[nextpage title=”Inside the Ssupd Meshroom S”]
Opening the Meshroom S is a simple matter of pulling on the side panels. These are held in place by a push-pin system already used on the Meshlicious.
The chassis :
Inside, the chassis is also original, with a card slot positioned above the power supply slot. However, the PSU will be mounted vertically. On the right-hand side of the motherboard tray, we find a large empty space that will accommodate the thickness of a watercooling radiator and its fans.
Otherwise, the motherboard slot remains clear, with plenty of space via which to run cables.
Storage slots :
We continue with the storage slots which, by default, will accommodate up to three 2.5″ units with a full-length graphics card. On the other hand, with a compact card, mounted on the three inverted slots, up to seven 2.5″ SSDs can be fitted.
As far as hard disks are concerned, things are getting tighter, with slots becoming more discreet: 0 with a full-size graphics card, or two with a compact or even ITX card.
In any case, this case has more space than the 2000D Airflow from Corsair, which only allows two or even three 2.5″ units to be fitted, depending on the version.
Power supply location:
In this case, the power supply is installed vertically, at the bottom of the case. As you can see, no anti-vibration device is present. Despite this oversight, the case stands out for its compatibility with power supplies. In fact, if you wish, you can install ATX blocks up to 17 cm deep if only front-mounted fans are used. With a waterccolling radiator, depending on the orientation of the end caps, this depth will be limited from 16 cm to 14 cm. As for SFX/L blocks, there’s no limitation linked to their format, which is very compact for the record.
Cooling options :
Like Corsair’s 2000D Airflow, this Meshroom S arrives without a fan installed. In addition, there are various slots for two 120/140 mm windmills on the front. At the top of the case, a slim (15 mm thick) 120 mm fan can be mounted. On the side, depending on the thickness of the graphics card, it will be possible to install a 25 mm fan or a 15 mm fan if the card exceeds 2.4 slots.
As for watercooling, radiators can be fitted, particularly at the front, where the case will accept 240/280 mm models. On the side, if the graphics card is shifted towards the front of the Meshroom S, it will be possible to install another 240 mm radiator. Yes, there’s plenty to do.
Now, if you want to stick with an air-cooled cpu, that’s possible, but don’t bite off more than you can chew. In fact, the default heatsink height is 73 mm. With a four-slot graphics card, which involves readjusting the motherboard tray, compatibility drops to 53 mm in height.
The bundle:
What do we find in the accessories section?
- Assembly instructions
- Nylon clamps
- Screws and bolts
- Spare clips to hold panels in place
- A gray spacer for readjusting the motherboard tray
- Various steel brackets and angle brackets
- HDMI cable with angled head
The accessory part is complete and will enable the assembly of a configuration. What’s more, the HDMI cable is a welcome addition, as there’s very little space under the graphics card for connecting the connectors.
To sum up:
All in all, the brand offers us an original case that allows the mounting of sometimes imposing components. We’re thinking in particular of four-slot graphics cards… But not without a few concessions. In the same vein, it will also be possible to mount a watercooling radiator of up to 280 mm without breaking a sweat. In short, we’ll just have to see how it turns out on assembly, but it looks promising!
[nextpage title=”Assembly”]
Assembly
We’re now ready to assemble our configuration inside Ssupd’s Meshroom S . Here are the components we’ll be using for assembly:
- Motherboard: MSI Pro B350i AC
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 1700X
- Graphics card: ASUS HD 7970
- CPU Cooler: Cryorig C1
- Power supply : Silverstone SX750
Storage:
So we begin the assembly of our configuration with the SSD installation. Indeed, given the location we’ve chosen, if we’d started with the power supply, positioning the latter would have been trickier.
To mount it, you’ll need to tilt the Meshroom S on its side, then screw the SSD in from underneath the case. Of course, you’ll need to use the right screws, as they pass through rubber washers to limit vibration.
Power supply:
Now that the SSD has been positioned, we can serenely install our Silverstone SFX SX750 power supply. The latter is positioned just above, which is why we mounted the SSD first.
As for the power supply, there’s nothing special to note, as it will be positioned vertically just below the motherboard. We’ll simply take care to position the fan, which should face the mesh panel for better cooling of the block.
Installing the motherboard :
To mount the motherboard, simply place it in its dedicated slot. Given the space surrounding it, it will easily fit into the case. All that remains is to screw it to the chassis, and given its format, four screws are all that’s needed. What’s more, there are ample clearances around it. Positioning the cables shouldn’t be a problem!
The cooler, graphics card :
Well, it’s fair to say that we took a risk in asking for this model, especially with the ventirad we’re using. Indeed, according to the data sheet, Cryorig’s C1 is “out of spec” as it measures 74 mm, whereas the Meshroom accepts 73 mm models. What’s more, it’s fitted with a 140 mm fan, so installation was clearly a matter of shoehorning… To fit it into the case, we had to change its orientation by orienting the heat pipes upwards. This was made possible by the presence of a riser rather than a graphics card.
As for the graphics card, it’s a simple matter to plug it into the riser’s female port. Then screw it to the case using the two sides of the PCIe bracket.
Cabling :
The control panel :
The control panel is easy to wire, since it’s stripped down to the bare essentials. All we have to plug in are two USB headers and a socket for the power button. In the case of the USB 3.0, we loop it around the front panel before connecting it to the motherboard. On the other side, the one for USB-C, we run it along the bottom, without plugging it in. As for the power button, we run its cable behind the motherboard to exit from below and plug it into its connector.
Motherboard :
The motherboard is simply wired by passing the 4+4-pinEPS12V behind the tray. The connector comes out the top before being connected to the motherboard.
On the other side, we have the 24-pinATX, which simply passes along the motherboard tray before being plugged in. We’ll simply hold it in place with a few nylon clamps.
Graphics card :
On the graphics card side, we run the cable in the same place as the 24-pinATX. It will therefore run along the motherboard tray and will also be secured by nylon clamps along the tray.
Storage:
For storage, we run the SATA cable behind the main tray before connecting it to the motherboard. As for the power supply, the excess cable is looped along the tray. Again, the whole thing is clamped in place with nylon clamps.
Overall:
The assembly itself is not particularly demanding. You’ll just have to pay attention to the size of your CPU cooler. So, even if our C1 from Cryorig is technically too big for the case, it fits. But we had to shoehorn it in, even if it meant changing its orientation. This was made possible by the use of a riser on the PCIe slot, rather than the graphics card itself. But, but, but, it was a risk taken in advance, since we knew that the heatsink entered the Meshlicious from the same manufacturer!
[nextpage title=”Protocol”]
Assembly of an ATX motherboard:
Removing the front panel and preparing the chassis:
To assemble an ATX motherboard, there are a number of steps to be taken first. The first is to completely dismantle the front panel, otherwise the motherboard won’t fit into the thick uprights. Nevertheless, you’ll have to be patient, as there are some fifteen screws to remove.
The next step is to move the graphics card slot forward. To do this, we’ll need to shift two metal brackets towards the front panel. Three screwdriver strokes and it’s done.
The next step is to mount a metal bar on the motherboard tray. This will serve as a spacer to position the female PCIe riser connector. Please note: for this assembly to be functional, you’ll need a riser measuring 27 cm riser which must be purchased separately.
The final step is to add a spacer to the bottom of the motherboard bracket!
Component assembly :
Once the case has been prepared, the configuration is assembled by placing the motherboard on its tray. Once in position, it is screwed to the chassis using five screws. This is followed by assembly of the power supply(SFX) and then the motherboard, which is positioned vertically behind the motherboard.
However, there are a few restrictions, notably with regard to the first PCIe slot. To enable riser connection, the motherboard’s PCIe connector must be located under the socket, or failing that, under the M.2 slot. Otherwise, the top of the power supply will cover the connector, preventing riser connection… as is the case here. Unfortunately, you don’t get something for nothing, and you can’t demand an ATX-compatible case in a 14l volume without some quid pro quo.
Mounting an ATX power supply :
If you wish, you can install an ATX-format power supply unit. To do this, you’ll need to remove the SFX bracket, which is located in the power supply slot. Three screwdriver blows later, and we’re ready to mount our PSU. Unfortunately, the use of an ATX power supply will only be possible with a mini-ITX motherboard, due to the excessive thickness of this type of block.
[nextpage title=”Switching to ATX”]We’ve updated our our test protocol to test the qualities of our cases. We’ll be assessing the performance of the various models according to three criteria:
- Insulation
- Original ventilation noise
- Air flow
With regard to the addition of ventilation, we have chosen to integrate a 140 mm fan and a second 120 mm slim fan. Both will be placed in suction, one behind the front panel, the other in front of the graphics card.
Configuration :
- Processor : AMD Ryzen 7 1700X
- Motherboard: MSI B350i Pro AC
- Graphics card: ASUS HD 7970 reference card
- Cooler : Cryorig C1
- SSD: Kingston HyperX 3K 120 GB
- Power supply: Corsair CX650M
[nextpage title=”Tests”]
Tests
Airflow :
Additional ventilation takes the form of a Thermaltake Riing 14 and a Silverstone 120 slim fan, positioned opposite the CPU cooler and graphics card respectively.
CPU airflow, original ventilation then completed :
Let’s start with the CPU temperature. We’ll keep the front and top of our test case. Let’s see if the airflow is sufficient to cool the Ryzen 7 1700X.
Compared to Corsair’s 2000D Airflow, Ssupd’s Meshroom S performs better on our CPU temperatures. As you can see, by default, our Ryzen 7 1700X stabilizes below 60°C, at 57.6°C. In spite of its proximity to the mesh panel, the ventilation performed well, unlike its Corsair rival, whose panel was further away.
On the other hand, the completion of the ventilation doesn’t really help to cool the processor. The fan on our cooler is so tightly glued to the side panel that it doesn’t manage to capture the air projected from the front panel.
Original CPU airflow without front panel or top :
In order to ascertain the limiting factor in the story (and by how much), we remove the top as well as the front of the case. The aim here is to show the raw performance of the integrated ventilation.
Furthermore, to check just how restrictive the mesh was for cooling, we removed the side panel to let our Cryorig C1 breathe. Despite the fact that it’s mesh, the airflow is still constrained, since we lose just over 4°C by removing the panel.
GPU airflow, original ventilation then completed :
We repeat the operation, but with measurements taken on the graphics card. Here, we test with original ventilation and supplemented ventilation.
Meshroom S, 2000D Airflow, the same battle when it comes to cooling our graphics card. As you can see, our HD 7970 suffers greatly from the lack of ventilation. What’s more, it’s still a blower card incapable of drawing fresh air through the mesh panel. With a more recent card equipped with two or three axial fans, the results would probably be much better.
On the other hand, adding a fan in front of the graphics card can drastically reduce its temperature… But this solution is not as effective as the 2000D Airflow.
GPU airflow original ventilation without front panel ortop:
We’ll run the same test again, but with the front panel and top panel removed. Let’s see how this affects card temperatures.
By removing the panel facing the graphics card, the latter breathes more freely and stabilizes at 88°C. In fact, we find ourselves in temperatures equivalent to those obtained in the 2000D Airflow.
Insulation :
Here, we’re simply measuring the noise emitted by our configuration when running the CPU and GPU cooling very fast.
Clearly, a case made entirely of mesh panels doesn’t do much for sound insulation – quite the opposite, in fact. During our test, we recorded 61 dB, which, give or take a few thousandths, corresponds to the noise emitted by our bare-bones configuration. In other words, insulation is non-existent.
Original ventilation noise :
This time, we measure the noise emitted by the case’s original ventilation. To do this, the configuration is run in idle mode ( CPU and GPU fans at minimum), while readings are taken successively at 5V, 8V and 12V on the case fan.
Of course, without fans installed as standard, the case noise test amounts to an insulation test at low rpm. And under these conditions, it doesn’t fare very well, with 32.5 dB recorded. But let’s not forget that we don’t have the quietest components on the market.
To sum up :
To sum up, by default, the Meshroom S is clearly not the best performer for cooling a graphics card, let alone a blower. However, after adding a fan right in front of it, it helps a lot. Nevertheless, the CPU part fares better, even if, in our case, it benefited less from additional airflow.
However, if you have components that are quite old or tend to be rather noisy, don’t count on the natural insulation of this case. The mesh panels don’t trap noise at all.
[nextpage title=”Conclusion”]
We’ve now come to the end of our test of the Meshroom S from Ssupd. So, good little housing or not? We tell you all about it!
From ITX toATX (not without constraints)!
The first thing you’ll notice about this case is the possibility of installing ATX motherboards. From now on, if you can fit an ATX card into an ITX case, you might as well say that everything fits, from large graphics cards to ATX power supplies, and indeed it does. However, this type of assembly will require time, since the interior of the chassis will have to be readapted, which presents new constraints. In particular, the motherboard must have a PCIe slot positioned under the socket. As for the riser, you’ll need a long model: 27 cm at the very least.
On the other hand, you’ll have to tell us why the power button has migrated to the rear, whereas it was on the control panel of the Meshlicious ?
Simple wiring and assembly:
However, unlike the 2000D Airflow we recently tested, we find the wiring simpler to install. As the power supply is installed at the bottom of the case, there’s plenty of space to consume the length of the cables. What’s more, there are numerous notches all over the motherboard tray, making the operation easier. What’s more, even if video connectivity isn’t easy to access, the brand supplies an angled HDMI cord to help connect a screen.
As for assembly, we have nothing to complain about, as this model offers a high degree of compatibility for component mounting. On the other hand, we were surprised by the compatibility of the aircooling fans, since Cryorig’s C1 fits, whereas on paper, it doesn’t. But don’t be fooled! Nevertheless, don’t be fooled, let’s just say that there’s a 1 mm leeway between what’s advertised on the datasheet and reality.
There’s a real lack of fans!
Once again, we’re dealing with a case that arrives without a single fan. This is reflected in the temperature of the graphics card, which struggles in the basic configuration of the Meshroom S. On the other hand, there’s nothing to report about the CPU cooler, even if the fan is stuck to the wall, it breathes… After all, it’s mesh.
So, to improve cooling of the graphics card, if you have a dual-slot model, we can only advise you to add one or two slim fans facing the card. Between the NF-A12x15 or the P12 Slim from Arctic, there’s a lot to do, but it’ll help a lot.
Because you don’t want your components to get too hot, and your ventilation to get out of control. As we’ve seen, sound insulation is clearly not this case’s strong point. So if you don’t want to be bothered in this respect, it’s best to think ahead.
What about the price?
Unfortunately, if the box is crazy enough, the biggest obstacle will be its near-zero availability and consequently high price. Over here, the average price is €240, and not all colors are available. Yes, this is a model where there’s a choice: black, gray, white, green, blue and yellow.
In Germany, on Caseking.de, you’ll find it at €179.90, and in the US at its advertised price of $169.99!
Ssupd Meshroom S :
We liked:
- Pleasing monolithic design
- Original colors: blue, green, yellow, gray, white and black
- The control panel, which can be connected to two USB sticks
- The possibility of installing up to five fans – in ITX, that counts!
- Its ability to accommodate an ATX motherboard (not without constraints)
- The ability to mount an ATX power supply with an ITX motherboard
- Compatibility with a 280 mm watercooling radiator
- Support for graphics cards in four slots
- Consistent MSRP
We didn’t like :
- Lack of standard fan
- Perfectible insulation (but these are mesh panels)
- Lack of access to video outputs
- The power button on the back of the case?
- Availability far from obvious in France
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At the end of this test, we have decided to award gold to the Meshroom S from Ssupd. The Meshroom S’s qualities more than compensate for its shortcomings. In fact, it’s a model that allows the installation of four-slot CGs, power supplies and ATX motherboards, in addition to the 280 mm watercooling radiator support. Ditto, even if availability is chaotic in France, the MSRP seems coherent to us. On the other hand, you’ll have to explain to us the positioning of the power button… We still don’t get it.
Many thanks to Ssup !
