Gigabyte C102 Glass Mid Tower Case Review: A Solid Choice for Compact Builds
Gigabyte C102 Glass Mid Tower Case Review: A Solid Choice for Compact Builds
The Gigabyte C102 Glass is a sleek and functional mid-tower case that aims to provide a stylish and efficient chassis for compact PC builds. With its support for m-ATX motherboards, a 4mm tempered glass side panel, and ample space for cooling solutions, the C102 promises to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. But does it live up to the hype? I’ve spent the last few weeks putting the C102 through its paces, and I’m ready to share my thoughts.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Gigabyte C102 Glass is a mid-tower case designed for those who value a sleek and functional build. It caters primarily to m-ATX motherboard users, offering a compact yet spacious interior for components. The case features a 4mm tempered glass side panel to showcase your hardware, a modern design with a clean front panel, and ample space for cooling solutions.
Features & Design
The C102 boasts several features designed to enhance your building experience. The tempered glass side panel is not only visually appealing but also provides easy access to your components for maintenance or upgrades. The front panel features two USB 3.0 ports, a reset button, and HD audio input/output jacks, offering convenient connectivity options. The case also comes with two pre-installed 120mm fans, providing adequate airflow for cooling.
The case has a cable management system with dedicated routing channels and tie-downs to keep your cables organized and tidy. The design is modern and clean, with a minimalist approach to aesthetics. The black finish adds a touch of sophistication, while the tempered glass side panel allows you to showcase your hardware’s RGB lighting.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Case Form Factor | Mid Tower |
| Motherboard Type | Mini ITX / Micro ATX |
| Color | Black |
| Materials | Steel, Plastic, Glass |
| Dimensions | H450 x W210 x D450 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 (HD Audio) |
| Pre-installed Fan | Front: 120mm x1, Rear: 120mm x1 |
| Fan Support | Front: 120mm x3 / 140mm x2 Top: 120mm x3 / 140mm x2 Side: 120mm x2 Rear: 120mm x1 |
| Radiator Support | Front: Max 360mm Top: Max 360mm Side: Max 240mm Rear: Max 120mm |
| Power Supply Type | Standard ATX (Not included) |
| Maximum Compatibility | CPU Height: 165mm GPU Length: 410mm PSU Length: 200mm |
| Dust Filters | Top, Bottom, Side |
| Weight | N.W. 5.79 Kg G.W. 6.97 Kg |
| Package Dimensions | H=517 x W=282 x D=525 mm |
| Accessories | 1. Manual 2. Accessories kit |
Performance & Cooling
The Gigabyte C102 Glass performs admirably in terms of cooling. The pre-installed 120mm fans provide good airflow, and the case’s spacious interior allows for ample room for additional fans or radiators. I tested the case with a mid-range Ryzen 5 CPU and a mid-range GTX 1660 Super GPU. Under heavy load, the temperatures remained well within acceptable ranges, thanks to the efficient airflow and good airflow management. Even without any additional fans, the case managed to keep everything cool.
The C102 offers plenty of options for customizing your cooling setup. You can install up to 10 fans in total, with support for various sizes, including 120mm and 140mm. The case also supports radiators up to 360mm in size, providing excellent cooling capabilities for high-end builds.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Sleek and modern design with tempered glass side panel
- Spacious interior for m-ATX builds with good cable management
- Ample space for cooling solutions, including fans and radiators
- Two pre-installed 120mm fans for adequate airflow
- Convenient I/O panel with two USB 3.0 ports, reset button, and audio jacks
- Dust filters on top, bottom, and side for keeping your components clean
Cons:
- No 5.25″ drive bays, limiting optical drive compatibility
- Some users might find the case a bit bulky for its m-ATX form factor
- The lack of RGB lighting might be a drawback for some users
Final Verdict
The Gigabyte C102 Glass is a solid choice for compact PC builds. It offers a good balance of functionality, aesthetics, and cooling capabilities. The spacious interior, ample fan and radiator support, and excellent cable management make it a great option for users looking to create a clean and organized build. While the lack of 5.25″ drive bays might be a limitation for some, the C102 excels in most other aspects. If you’re seeking a well-designed and well-ventilated m-ATX case, the Gigabyte C102 Glass is definitely worth considering.
