Page 2 - Physical Look - Outside
Like most cases on the market today, the SilverStone Redline RL05 has similar design features with the rectangular exterior look. However, I would say the sharp red accent gives it more visual flare, and at the bottom of the front it slopes slightly inward to make it look less ubiquitous. I really like the look of the red stripes down the front grille. The entire front is a mesh panel, allowing two big 140mm fans to bring in fresh cool air for the interior. Fortunately, it also has dust filters so your case will not be a stationary vacuum cleaner, but they are a bit flimsy. Other grilles found around the case are on the top and bottom, each with their own dust filters similar to the one found at the front. Overall, thanks to the steel body, the case itself feels solid.
The specific dimensions of the SilverStone Redline RL05 are 210 mm in width, 465 mm in height, and 450 mm in depth. The dimensions are pretty standard for an ATX mid-tower; no real surprises here.
The front panel connectors are all found on the front, without something like the power button found on top like some cases. The reset and power buttons are located on the left of the front panel, but they are not very responsive, and sometimes I am even unsure if I pressed them or not. Only when the computer is starting up or resetting alerts me to the fact they were actuated. Directly across from the power and reset buttons are the two USB 3.0 ports and 3.5 mm audio jacks. Something we are seeing more and more on cases today are USB Type-C connectors, which the one found on the Redline in a rather strange position above the 5.25" drive bay. In my personal opinion, it looks out of place. Lastly, there is, of course, the 5.25 inch drive bay in question, with a mesh cover if you do not use it, which I think is the situation for a lot of people in 2016.
The SilverStone Redline RL05 is a budget case, but is also aimed at enthusiasts. As a budget case, there are some cost saving measures. While the steel construction is sturdy, the dust filters are fairly flimsy, and there has been quite a bit of dust built up inside my PC in the last little while. However, my computer is in a carpeted room a bit above ground. The front can fit a 280 mm or 240 mm radiator, and even has some room for an 80 mm fan for extra air intake for the bottom compartment. The top has room for either a 120 mm or 140 mm fan. With my ATX motherboard installed, there was no room for a full sized fan, but a lower profile unit should be able to fit nicely.
The back panel shares the same color as the rest of the case. With the Phanteks Eclipse P400 I reviewed back in February, I found a different color a nice contrast to the rest of the white exterior; however, with the Redline RL05, while I do not think an entire red panel would look good, some red accents would make it more aesthetically pleasing. The rear exhaust vent can house a 120 mm fan. The motherboard I/O cover had some trouble staying in properly, but I was able to force it in place with the motherboard installed. Also found on the back are seven expansion card slots. There is also a locking mechanism in place for these. Most of the back panel has some mesh, which could allow some dust getting in, but with a positive pressure air setup, this should not be a problem if your computer is turned on and running.
At the bottom of the case are four rounded rubber feet, which gives the SilverStone Redline RL05 quite a bit of breathing room. I still would not place it flat on a carpeted floor. As you can see in our photo above, there is not much else at the rest of the bottom panel except for the power supply intake. The same dust filter found at the top and front is also found on the bottom. Overall, the case is sturdy as aforementioned, and the steel exterior construction makes it feel quite solid. At this budget price, I am impressed.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Outside
3. Physical Look - Inside
4. Installation and Conclusion
