| Tagan CS-Monolith Mid Tower ATX Case |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Cases | |
| Written by Ronald Tibbetts - Edited by Olin Coles | |
| Tuesday, 09 October 2007 | |
Tagan CS-Monolith Computer Case ReviewEveryone acquainted with high-end power supplies has probably heard of the Tagan brand. Trying to build on that reputation with an expanded product line, Tagan has submitted for review their take on high-end computer cases. The Tagan CS-Monolith Mid Tower ATX Case. There has been a growing industry trend toward exotic cooling schemes. Manufacturers capitalizing on this are willing to go to any extreme to stand out in the crowd. No matter how extreme the case...as enthusiasts we benefit directly from this. Allowing for more overclocking headroom, and more powerful machines. The story goes... Hot Components vs. Cool Ingenuity... it's an arms race everyone benefits from. As long as manufacturers understand the desire for cutting edge aesthetics, quiet computing needs, and space constraints. We can all comfortably look forward to new innovations never dreamed of before. With these points in mind, Benchmark Reviews will be taking a close look at the Tagan CS-Monolith Mid Tower ATX case. Another Newest Edition to the Tagan Aplus case Family. Sporting two giant 250mmside fans, a very distinct look, and a unique approach to the installation process. This is going to be an interesting case study... So lets see what Tagan's revolutionary cooling, and design tactics bring to an already very crowded table. And if it is enough to set them apart, or even ahead. Monolith - Something suggestive of a large block of stone, as in immovability, massiveness, or uniformity. 
My first impression when handling this case was "Monolith...That seems aptly named". This isn’t a bad thing. By definition this case is the polar opposite of flimsy, or forgettable. And almost immediately, I was struck by the sheer size, and heft, of the chassis, dubbed a "Super Tower" by Tagan. Weighing in at 11.78kg (almost 26lbs) and measuring 545mm (almost 22") high, this case certainly almost qualifies for the Full Tower spec. Finished in all black matte, adding to the already real presence of this colossal case; it's a paint job no other shade could better represent. To set it off from the rest of the case, the front panel is made of a rugged hard plastic, and has been given a "Silk Rubber" material coating (which is pleasant to the touch) and also lends to the overall visual effect; matte black. Located on the front panel is the case door, inlaid with a high-gloss acrylic panel, accented with blue LED lighting effects. 
Engineered with an obvious design meant to appeal to a wide range of consumers, from first timer buyers, all the way up to enthusiasts. The CS-Monolith has incorporated two very large 250mm fans into the side panel. Overkill? Maybe. However, there are undeniable advantages to this set-up that I will go into a little latter. Other notable features include a nearly tool-less installation of components, built in accessory box, and enough real estate to park any modern hardware...with room to spare. Features: Tagan CS-Monolith Mid Tower ATX
Specifications
Closer Look: ExteriorUpon arrival, I noted the package containing the Monolith had a sturdy plastic handle built right into the top of it. This in addition to the two handholds located at the top of either side make for easy transport of an otherwise awkwardly large and heavy box. Since it arrived unscathed, I am fairly certain the handles help cut down on shipping damage. A nice touch. 
Inside the box you will find the CS-Monolith snugly tucked between two foam inserts, and wrapped in a poly bag. It definitely goes without saying how appreciated a well package item is. 
The front doors' high gloss acrylic panel is protected in transit by a clear vinyl sheet. Upon removal, it's hard not to appreciate the mirrored finish hidden beneath. The rest of the front panel is made a high grade plastic coated in "Silk Rubber" material, giving the foremost of the case a distinct finish resistant to fingerprints, with a smooth feel to it. Unlike the rest of the case however, the high-gloss acrylic is very prone to finger prints, and dust. 
It was difficult to capture shots with the front door that didn't include objects in the lab being reflected off the mirror-like panel. 
The CS-Monolith has a lot of exhaust venting. Located near the top of each side panel, opposite the drive stack on the left panel, and on top of the case as well. Which could be used to isolate the PSU intake air (the PSU mounting plate allows installing the PSU either way). 
The rear chassis fan mount supports 80mm, 90mm, and 120mm cooling fans for plenty of hot air exhaust venting. There is another optional fan mounting located beneath the front bezel that supports a single 120mm fan.
We'll take a close look at that latter on. The PSU mounting plate comes pre-installed in the PSU bay. One of only four things you'll need a screwdriver for. Detailed Exterior FeaturesThe CS-Monoliths front door opens to the left; to the ire of some I'm sure since it is not possible to change this orientation. The door opens to just beyond 90 degrees. And when closed, is held shut by two built in magnets, assuring it stays closed. The hinges are made of the same rugged plastic as the door, and swivel on solid metal posts. The door unit has a sturdy feel to it. Everything fits well, and there are no lose parts. The only thing missing is a lock. Located behind the Monoliths door is a standard power, and reset button. I am delighted with the inclusion of a reset button, since case manufacturers are drifting towards leaving out this handy feature. In addition to the standard buttons there's also an ON/OFF switch for the front panel light control. Another thoughtful idea not always taken into consideration with lighting. The switches are all made of the same type of material as the front bezel. And although made of plastic, they feel sturdy, giving a satisfying "click" when pressed. The drive bay covers are made from the same high grade plastic as the front bezel, and mesh seamlessly with the finish. 
Here is a shot of the twin 250 mm side-panel control console (With ON/OFF switch and a variable resistor (VR) speed controller) for each fan. They too are made of the same plastic as the front buttons. With the VR fan controls you can independently tune each fan for whatever combo of cooling and noise that suits you. Two blue LED let you know when each fan is on. 
Included on the front bezel is an I/O plate with two USB 2.0 ports, Hi Def Audio, and an IEEE 1394 port. They are located towards the front of the CS-Monolith near the bottom. Saving you from going around the back of the case for access to these ports. However, I feel they are too close to the bottom to be truly useful. They should be moved to the top of the case, as other manufacturers have done. It would also have been nice to see an eSATA port included. 
The use of standard thumb-screws for tool-less access to either side panel is a nice feature. And since one screw was missing when I received the CS-Monolith it was an easy replacement. I would have also liked to see a way to lock the panels. I did note the RoHS compliance tag, and I hope more manufacturer's world-wide follow this trend. To learn more about RoHS compliance, and why it is a good trend, click here. 
Adjustable from 0, 45, and 90 degrees, and locking in at each angle. The support stands allow for consideration of storage space needs, while providing added stability when extended. Though a nice feature, you won't be needing the extra support with this case. It's rock solid no matter what. 
The only need for extending the stands that come to mind would involve shag carpeting or small children. Closer Look: InteriorMade of 1.0mm thick (SECC), the multi-functional chassis supports ATX, Micro ATX, and 12" or 13" server motherboards. Roomy is an understatement here. The interior offers a large clean work space. Though made entirely of steel, every edge is either rolled or ground down to equal zero sharp points. As a personal preference, I would have liked to see the black finish extended to the interior. 
One of the interior features is the screw-less 7 PCI port clip. Designed to allow for quick installation of add in cards. The tab swings opens on a hinge releasing the I/O shields to easily slide out. When closed the clip locks tightly shut on a metal flange holding your PCI cards. 
It's a good thing there's an included utility compartment for spare accessories. With so many pieces needed to make this case tool-less, it would be hard to keep track of them without it. Not only can you keep spare drive brackets and extra parts in the box, but the 5.25" and 3.5" drive bay covers fit too. The storage box can be removed, but unfortunately not installed anywhere else. There are also two wire harnesses to help manage the cabling from the front of the case. Included in the extras is another harness to be used with cable ties. 
The twin 250mm fans connect with a single Molex connector and run on 12 volts. They have seven blades, and from what I can tell, move a lot of air. Targeted directly at the HDD's, Video Card, Chipset, and RAM they should move a lot of heat too. Despite their size, even on their highest setting they quietly hummed, barely audible above the ambient noise. I removed one to see that the fans are made by XClio, but I could find no other information about them. Being concerned about finding a replacement fan should one fail, I searched and quickly found several aftermarket options available. 
The front fan mounting bracket is cleverly hidden behind the front bezel. You will have to undo three plastic clips on either side for it to swing open (the bezel does not come off all the way because of the various cables). 
The bracket supports a single 120mm intake fan. Featuring quick release tabs the bracket comes out, and allows for easy installation in a tight spot. Detailed Interior FeaturesIn the built in storage compartment you will find a brief, but illustrated, Manuel in English, German and French. Along with, six sets of blue Hard drive (HDD) mounting brackets, five sets of green 5.25" Optical Drive brackets, and two sets of green 3.5" floppy drive brackets. Everything thats needed for drive installation. Also included are sixteen motherboard standoffs/screws, four case screws, four PSU mounting screws, and five cable ties. Thoughtfully included is also an optional Piezo Speaker. 
The tool-less mounting system allows for quick and secure drive installation. Each bracket has two steel rivets that slide easily into the drives existing screw mount holes. The brackets have a universal design, and should fit any drives currently on the market. I tested them without a problem on a Western Digital WD740ADFD Raptor. The brackets are as easily removed from the drive as well. 
To install the drive you simply slide the whole unit into the drive cage getting a resounding snap as the brackets lock securely into place. Once installed the drives are just as anchored, as if they were screwed in. For removal press in the plastic tabs on either side, and pull out the unit. It couldn't have been any easier. My only concern is if you lose the brackets there is no option of using screws for the HDD. 
The 5.25" drive installation is identical to that of the HDD's. Only with bigger brackets. I did have to use excess force installing the CD-Rom drive in the top bay. And the same for removing it. The remaining bays were fine though. And it was a delight not having to remove the left panel, or have to screw anything in place. The drive bay covers are easily removed for drive installation, being held in-place by plastic clips on either side. The drive covers were very secure, and I did not have a problem with them staying in place. 
There is no removable motherboard tray. However, installation will not be hampered by space constraints; there is plenty of room to spare here. 
I installed an Asus P5K Deluxe without problem. In fact this was the easiest motherboard install I have ever done, thanks entirely to the large work space provided by the CS-Monolith. Final ThoughtsBorrowing off a design by XClio, the CS-Monolith has had a lot of engineering thought put into its design. Regarding its cooling scheme, the twin 250mm fans will create a lot of air pressure inside the case. Guaranteeing a constant source of fresh air and pushing hot air up and out of the many vent holes. This method though could potentially interfere with some CPU/GPU coolers on the market that require uninterrupted airflow. However, the brute force approach to cooling might just be the ticket for Overclockers and those who worry about more then CPU temps, but the chipsets, voltage regulators, RAM, and other components that are subject to heat. The CS-Monolith is also an off-the-shelf solution for those who just don't want to worry about heat. There is only one issue, as I see it, regarding fans that move this much air. Dust. I don't think it would have been to much more to include some filters. The lighting effects are done very well. The contrast between the bright blue LED and matte black defiantly adds a visual appeal that many will find irresistible. And gives multifunction to the front door. There is no standard power light, unless you consider the lighted Aplus logo. But there is a blue LED HDD activity light (not pictured here) discreetly located below, and to the right of the logo. I very much like that you can turn off the lights on the front door. It's too bad the same idea wasn't given to the fan lights and controls while still keeping the fans on. A side window above the fans would've been great, but not having a side window, and rocking two giant fans, means you don't have to worry about cable management at all. Although there are no windows to see in, the vent holes are open enough to see the black finish is not extended to the inside of the case. A minor detail, but something to keep in mind with future releases. It's always good to see needed ports added to the front of a case, saving a lot of hassle as you know. The ports on the CS-Monolith are more than what the average user will need. Even throwing in a Firewire. However, I would have loved too see an eSATA port, and the front I/O ports moved more to the top of the case. The inclusion of a storage box is a thoughtful touch. Truly goes to show Tagan is keeping their end user in mind giving you a place for all the spare parts. I would have liked to seen the box re-located to the 3.5" drive bay though, since few use the floppy and you'd still have access without removing a side panel. The tool-less install of the drives was the easiest I have ever experienced. With the rest of the tool-free perks, and ample work space, there's no dread in doing future upgrades. I can just imagine the time and hassle saved already.
ConclusionPackaging is top notch here: A clearly labeled box, with plastic handle on top, two hand holds on both side, with protection from double foam inserts and a poly bag. Ensuring your purchase arrives, and is undamaged, while allowing you to move it yourself. The fit and finish on the CS-Monolith is exactly what you'd expect. A flawless paint job, giant fans, and brilliant lighting all lend to a look that will leave most peoples mouths hanging open. Whether in awe or horror the CS-Monolith leaves its mark. Made of all steel, means the main body of the Monolith is virtually indestructible. And no sharp edge means it won't destroy you either. The front bezel is made of rugged high grade plastic, same as all the plastic components. As a creative touch most of the front end, save for the mirrored door, is coated in a rubber material that's silky to the touch. The benefit of an over-the-top cooling system, with two giant 250mm fans, is exactly what some have been looking for. Making the whole thing tool-less only sweetens the deal all the more so. Based off the nearly identical design by Xclio, while costing $10 USD less The CS-Monolith's only competitors in its price range are other Tagan cases. At NewEggs Price of $119.99 you truly get a lot of real estate for your dollar with this big case. Along with a powerful cooling solution, and good looks. To sum it all up, there are a lot of things I like about Tagan's CS-Monolith. Their full-blown approaches to cooling, one of a kind look, hassle free installation, and managing to package it all in one helluva big case. There are some minor adjustments to be made in my eyes. But nothing that in any way handicaps the many features you'll get. Pros:
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Comments
parts ( thay are yellow ) , c'oz I cant find them on net. i know that's doesnt cost a lot, but I need them
txs for replay
mitja