Inside the CTE T500
Inside the CTE T500 :
The classic way to get inside is to remove the side panels, which are held in place by two captive hand screws. In itself, this is nice, but given the range of this model, we would have appreciated a more ergonomic mechanism.
The chassis :
Like the Dark Base Pro 901, this CTE T500 is compatible with a number of motherboards. If you wish, you can install E-ATX format 12 “x13” references. Otherwise, ATX, micro-ATX and mini-ITX boards will fit in without hindrance.
However, we would like to highlight the originality of the chassis, which is based on a motherboard tray oriented at 90°. As you can see, the motherboard’s connector section faces upwards, while the graphics card is mounted vertically.
Despite this unusual layout, there are plenty of openings for cables to pass through. On the bottom alone, there are four, two of which are covered by rubber grommets. On the left and right, there are three openings per side. So organizing cables shouldn’t be a major concern, especially as there’s 3.7 cm at the rear of the motherboard tray!
Storage slots :
The storage section remains classic, with a maximum of six storage slots. A 3.5″ hard disk or two 2.5″ SSDs can be fitted via a plate at the rear of the motherboard tray. The same operation is repeated at the fan support positioned at the motherboard’s wide backplate access.
Finally, at the bottom, beneath the power supply cover, we find a hard disk cage. This offers two 2.5″/3.5″ compatible baskets.
The power supply slot :
The power supply slot is clearly more basic than that of the Dark Base Pro 901. Here, there are no anti-vibration devices, no foamed rear surround or the like. No, Thermaltake offers something spartan with just two small plastic studs as support and that’s it!
Cooling options :
Where the CTE T500 really stands out, however, is in its cooling capabilities. This model can integrate up to eleven 120/140 mm fans, distributed as follows:
- Front: 3x 120/140 mm
- Rear: 3x 120/140 mm
- Top: 2x 120/140 mm
- Bottom: 2x 120/140 mm
- Backplate access: 1x 120/140 mm
Note that the case comes with three CT140 fans pre-installed as standard. There’s an intake fan at the front and a second, also intake, fan at the rear. The last fan is located at the top, mounted in extraction mode.
Compatibility with watercooling radiators is therefore very good. With an AIO, you’ll be able to fit a radiator measuring up to 420 mm at the front, as opposed to 360 mm at the rear or 120 mm at the top. With custom watercooling, you’ll have to make do with 360 mm models at both front and rear.
Finally, if you want to mount an aircooling-type ventirad, there’s no shortage of space either, as clearance is 195 mm at the top. Here, whether you have a MA824 Stealth or an Assassin IV, everything will fit!
The bundle:
The accessory pack supplied with the CTE T500 includes:
- Assembly instructions
- A bag containing nylon clamps, screws, etc.
- A plate with a cable entry for the power supply cover
- A tank/pump support
The accessory section focuses on the essentials, offering everything you need to assemble your setup. However, for custom watercooling configurations, a pump or tank can be fitted. Likewise, if you wish, you can even shorten the power supply cover with the supplied plate.
Small details:
Overall, despite its original chassis, the CTE T500 remains fairly basic. However, it does feature a honeycomb power supply cover. This is an interesting feature for mounting 100% passive power supplies. That’s right, heat will not be constrained and will therefore be able to evacuate naturally without being constrained by the power supply cover.
Otherwise, there are numerous Velcro strips on the back of the motherboard. These facilitate cabling by helping to secure cables to the back of the case. A welcome feature, especially as it’s reusable!
To sum up:
Broadly speaking, Thermaltake’s CTE T500 is an original case thanks to its internal layout and 90° motherboard tray. Likewise, it offers numerous fan slots, so you can assemble configurations that breathe, or indulge in custom watercooling.
