By: Ben Joubert
May 5, 2023
When I built my first PC back in the days, I took a long time researching almost every component to make sure I was getting the best bang for my buck. Every detail was scrutinized and compared to other options to see which combination of parts would provide me with the best value for money. Since it was my first time building a computer, I was deeply concerned with all the parts being compatible with one another. However, one component that I did not worry as much about was the case. I figured it was the best place to save the money, as I would not gain any performance from the case, and it was just something to hold all the components. Now, there is obviously a bit more to the case than being a container, but I could not be bothered at the time to use my precious budget on a component which would yield no performance bonus. I got the most basic case imaginable, and it did not take me long before I started looking with envy at how cool other computers looked. As soon as I could, I bought a better case that made it look like a gaming PC. Since my first build, computer cases have changed in many ways. The base design and skeleton may have stayed the same, but the proliferation of designs, features, and RGB LED lighting has made big differences. Today, we are taking a look at the SilverStone FARA 512Z, which features high airflow and three ARGB fans. What other nuances will we see with this case, and will it be worth your consideration? Let us read on to find out!
The SilverStone FARA 512Z arrived in a large brown box, which as usual is also the retail box for the case. The outside of the box had almost no damage except for the corners and the edges. The box was shipped all the way from Chino, California to our offices here in Calgary, Alberta courtesy of FedEx International Ground.
The retail box is quite straightforward. The case is imprinted on the front of the box, providing a good overview of what the case looks like and its features. The selling points of the case are its high airflow and dual radiator support. SilverStone is definitely pushing the cooling capabilities of the FARA 512Z as its main selling point. The rest of the box covers some of the technical specifications. As with many retail case boxes, there is not much else to report on.
Before we move on, here are some technical specifications as obtained from the manufacturer's website:
Model No.: SST-FA512Z-BG (Black, tempered glass, ARGB fans, ARGB light strip)
Material: Steel, plastic, tempered glass
Motherboard: ATX (12" x 11"), Micro-ATX (9.6" x 9.6"), Mini-ITX (6.7" x 6.7")
Drive bay: 3.5" / 2.5" x 1; 3.5" x 1; 2.5" x 2
Cooling system:
Front: 120mm x 3 / 140mm x 2 (120mm x 3 ARGB fans included)
Rear: 120mm x 1
Top: 120mm x 2 / 140mm x 2
Radiator support:
Front: 120mm / 140mm / 240mm / 280mm / 360mm
Rear: 120mm
Top: 120mm / 140mm / 240mm / 280mm
Limitation of CPU cooler: 162mm
Expansion slot: 7
Limitation of expansion card:
Length : 360mm
Width : 169mm
Power supply: Standard PS2 (ATX)
Limitation of PSU: 190mm (Drive cage installed at the front position); 160mm (Drive cage installed at the rear position)
Front I/O port: USB Type-C x 1; USB 3.0 x 2; Audio x 1; Mic x 1
Dimension: 210mm (W), x 483.2mm (H), x 426.77mm (D), 43.31 liters
8.27" (W), x 19.02" (H), x 16.8" (D), 43.31 liters
Net weight: 6.83 kg
The packaging is pretty simple. The case is covered in a plastic bag which prevents scratches, while there are also two large Styrofoam blocks to keep the case in place. Accessories for the case can be found inside the SilverStone FARA 512Z. A small box contains all the necessary screws and a couple of zip ties to help with cable management. A manual can be found online, which clarifies what each screw is meant for. However, there are no instructions for the ARGB lighting hub. It is a simple little hub, but for a new builder some clarity around how to sync it all up would be useful.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation and Conclusion
