Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
The SilverStone Kublai KL07 has a traditional and simple design, unlike some of the recent cases I have reviewed. It is rectangular in shape, black on all sides, and there are only a couple of breaks in the standard design. On either side of the front panel are small vents for air intake. The front intake can house either three 120 mm fans or two 140 mm fans. There are two 140 mm fans already included. For the size of the case, this is more than enough, especially if you have some airflow optimized fans. There is also a dust filter to keep the internals clean.
Other than the vents on the front left and right side, there is a ridge like pattern running up along the left side, while continuing on the top. The power and reset button are subtly hidden in this ridge pattern, which I appreciate, but before learning their exact locations, I did fumble around for them at first. The rest of the case is flat on all sides, and there is no break in the black color at any point. The dimensions come in at 222 mm in width, 510 mm in height, and 467 mm in depth. The case is quite standard in size for a mid tower, and due to its rectangular and simple design is unassuming -- which is nice and refreshing amidst the sea of RGB and windowed cases. Due to the steel body, it is a bit heavy. The weight comes in at 7.7 kg, but for a case staying in the same place all the time, it does not matter all that much, and the steel body means it feels solid.
The I/O for the SilverStone Kublai KL07 is split into two. Most of the I/O is found on the top, but the power and reset buttons are found on the front side. As you can see, the ridge pattern continues along the front edge, and proceeds to run along the right side of the case. The top I/O is composed of two USB 3.0, one USB Type-C, and the 3.5 mm audio and microphone jacks. Not that I use a Type-C USB port at all, but it is a nice addition considering more and more products are using it. The sides of the top panel also have vents on each side for either intake or exhaust. The top can house up to two 140 mm fans or two 120 mm fans, along with a dust filter if you do end up choosing an intake configuration. Allowing for many different cooling options for the consumer to choose from in a case is always best. This top panel also features padding to absorb noise.
As with most computer cases today, the back features a rear exhaust fan, bottom mounted power supply, and the motherboard I/O to the left of the exhaust fan. There are seven expansion slots as well. Either a 140 mm or 120 mm fan can be mounted in the rear, and a 140 mm one is already included. The seven expansion slots are standard among many cases on the market today, and for most consumers it will be more than enough. The power supply is mounted along the bottom with an air intake, which also has a well constructed dust filter. The back is also completely black, and has the same finish to better blend in with the rest of the case. I appreciate the overall look, especially the non-glossy finish, since a glossy finish attracts fingerprints.
The bottom features a well built plastic dust filter on a rail, making it easy to slide in and out for cleaning. There are also four rubber feet found at each corner of the case to ensure proper airflow. The feet are not very big, so I would not recommend the case to be placed on carpet, since dust will build up quickly. The power supply can be up to 200 mm long, but on the manufacturer's website there are not one, not two, but three asterisks to indicate that this value depends on the location of the drive cages found in the same area. Also, a longer power supply means less room for cables to be stowed away in the lower compartment. Overall, the case is well made on the outside with minimal gaps in between the different panels, and the construction is sturdy.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation and Conclusion
