Gigabyte C102 Glass Ice ATX Mid Tower Case Review: GB-C102GI
Looking for a stylish and well-equipped mid-tower case for your next PC build? The Gigabyte C102 Glass Ice might be the perfect option for you. This case boasts a tempered glass side panel, ample space for components, and impressive cooling potential. I’ve had the chance to put it through its paces, and I’m here to share my experience and help you determine if it’s the right choice for you.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Gigabyte C102 Glass Ice is an ATX mid-tower case that caters to a wide range of PC enthusiasts. It comes in a sleek white color and features a tempered glass side panel that showcases your components. The case offers ample space for high-end components, a variety of cooling options, and convenient features for easy cable management.
Features
The C102 Glass Ice is packed with features, making it a versatile choice for various builds. Some standout features include:
- Tempered Glass Side Panel: The C102 Glass Ice’s side panel is made from 4mm tempered glass, giving you a clear view of your PC’s internals. This is a popular feature for enthusiasts who like to showcase their hardware.
- Pre-Installed Fans: Two 120mm fans come pre-installed, providing good airflow for basic builds.
- Extensive Fan Support: The C102 Glass Ice can accommodate up to 10 fans, allowing for impressive cooling performance.
- Radiator Support: The case supports up to 360mm radiators in the front and top, giving you plenty of options for custom liquid cooling setups.
- Dust Filters: It features dust filters on the top, bottom, and side, keeping your components clean and extending their lifespan.
- Cable Management: The case includes multiple cable routing options and tie-downs, ensuring a neat and organized build.
Performance
The C102 Glass Ice excels in terms of cooling performance. The pre-installed fans do a decent job of keeping components cool, and the extensive fan and radiator support allow for significant customization. I was able to build a powerful system with high-end components, including a top-of-the-line CPU and GPU, and the temperatures remained well within acceptable levels even under heavy load.
The case’s design is also well-suited for efficient airflow. The mesh front panel allows for good airflow to the front fans, and the open layout of the case helps to prevent heat buildup.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the C102 Glass Ice’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros
- Sleek and stylish design
- Tempered glass side panel for showcasing components
- Excellent cooling performance with ample fan and radiator support
- Good cable management features
- Dust filters to keep your system clean
- Plenty of space for high-end components
Cons
- No 5.25″ drive bays
- The white color may show fingerprints easily
- The case’s size may be slightly bulky for smaller desks
Final Verdict
The Gigabyte C102 Glass Ice is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a stylish, well-ventilated, and feature-rich mid-tower case. Its ability to accommodate high-end components, impressive cooling potential, and convenient cable management make it a solid option for both gamers and enthusiasts. While it lacks 5.25″ drive bays and the white color may attract fingerprints, the C102 Glass Ice’s strengths far outweigh these minor drawbacks. Overall, I highly recommend this case for anyone building a new PC.
Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Case Form Factor | Mid Tower |
| M/B Type | Mini ITX / Micro ATX |
| Color | White |
| Materials | Steel, Plastic, Glass |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 450 x 210 x 450 mm (± 1% error) |
| Expansion Slots | 5 |
| 5.25″ Drive Bays | None |
| 3.5″ Drive Support | 2 |
| 2.5″ Drive Support | 2 + 1 (Replace from 3.5″) |
| I/O Panel | USB 3.0 x2 / Reset Button / Audio In & Out (supports HD Audio) |
| Pre-installed Fans | Front: 120mm x1Rear: 120mm x1 |
| Fan Support | Front: 120mm x3 / 140mm x2Top: 120mm x3 / 140mm x2Side: 120mm x2Rear: 120mm x1 |
| Radiator Support | Front: Max 360mmTop: Max 360mmSide: Max 240mmRear: Max 120mm |
| Power Supply Type | Standard ATX (Not included) |
| Maximum Compatibility | CPU Height: 165mmGPU Length: 410mmPSU Length: 200mm |
| Dust Filters | Top, Bottom, Side |
| Weight | N.W. 5.79 KgG.W. 6.97 Kg |
| Package Dimensions (H x W x D) | 517 x 282 x 525 mm |
| Accessories | 1. Manual2. Accessories kit |