In a world of flashy RGB lighting and aggressive gamer aesthetics, sometimes you just want something different. PC case manufacturers are finally catching on, with a growing niche of designs that prioritize minimalist elegance and unique form factors. The latest to turn heads is Chieftec, a brand known for reliable chassis, with their aptly named release: "The Cube."
Recently launched in the European market, The Cube lives up to its name by offering a boxy, minimalist design that boldly stands out by blending in. But is it just another pretty face, or does it offer the substance to back up its stylish looks? We’re diving deep into the specs to see if this compact case is the perfect fit for your next build.
The most immediate and striking feature of the Chieftec Cube is its design. If you have a fondness for the clean lines of vintage audio equipment, you'll feel right at home. The front panel is dominated by a large circular vent, shrouded in a breathable fabric that is unmistakably reminiscent of a high-quality speaker.
This isn't just for show, however. Behind that distinctive grille is a pre-installed 200mm fan, setting the stage for impressive airflow right out of the box. Available solely in a sleek, uniform black, The Cube is designed to be a subtle and compact statement piece that won’t dominate your desk space. For more information on the design philosophy, you can always check out the official Chieftec website.
Specs and Compatibility: What Fits Inside The Cube?
Don't let the compact, 34.1-liter footprint fool you. Chieftec has engineered The Cube to accommodate a surprising amount of hardware, making it a viable option for powerful small-form-factor (SFF) builds.
- Graphics Card Support: One of the biggest hurdles with compact cases is GPU compatibility. Chieftec has addressed this directly, stating that The Cube can handle graphics cards up to a generous 335 mm in length. This means many of the best mid-range and even high-end GPUs on the market will slide right in.
- Cooling and Ventilation: Beyond the massive front 200mm intake fan, the case allows for the installation of two additional 120mm fans to create a robust airflow system, keeping your components cool under pressure.
- CPU Cooler Clearance: You have a comfortable 160mm of clearance for your CPU air cooler, providing plenty of options for quiet and efficient cooling solutions without needing to resort to a complex liquid AIO setup.
- Power Supply: In a welcome move, The Cube supports standard ATX power supplies. This saves you from the expense and limited selection often associated with SFX PSUs. A great compatible option is the MSI MAG A850GL, which is a reliable unit for most builds.
- Storage Options: For storage, you get a balanced configuration of two 2.5" drive bays and two 3.5" drive bays. This is ample space for a primary SSD, a secondary SATA SSD, and a couple of large hard drives for game libraries or media storage.
Connectivity and Dimensions
Convenience is key, and The Cube places all its I/O ports on the top of the front panel for easy access. You get a modern and practical selection:
- 2x USB 3.0 Type-A ports
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port
- Separate 3.5mm audio jacks for microphone and headphone/speaker output
In terms of physical size, The Cube measures 26.5 x 33.5 x 38.5 cm (10.43 x 13.19 x 15.16 inches) and weighs 4.6 kg (10.14 lbs) empty, making it a manageable and desk-friendly centerpiece.
Pricing, Availability, and Final Thoughts
The Chieftec Cube is already on sale across the European Union with a very attractive price tag of approximately €70 (roughly $80 USD). This positions it as a highly competitive option in the compact case market, offering a unique design without a hefty premium.
As for international availability, Chieftec has not yet announced plans for a North American or global release. For our European readers ready to build, you can find the latest pricing and retailer information on price comparison sites like Geizhals.
The Bottom Line: The Chieftec Cube successfully carves out its own niche. It’s a case for the minimalist, the audio enthusiast, or anyone tired of the same old tempered glass and RGB paradigm. With thoughtful compatibility for modern components and its standout speaker-inspired design, The Cube is a compelling choice for a quiet, powerful, and stylish PC build.