Caselabs Merlin SM8 Review

tinytomlogan

The Guvnor
Staff member
14083944204l.jpg


We take a look at the latest chassis to emerge from Caselabs in California. Its a size that will appeal to many more customers but will it still have the charm of its behemoth brothers?


Continue Reading
 
I don't know what to think of these :s I like the proportions, looks and the modularity, but they just seem way too big to me. I really hope they make a small one soon, something to compete with the prodigy would be nice. but eventhough this is as small as they do at the moment, it's still huge :(
 
say hello to my new case...
c'mere honey...

this is what the 800D should have been, but missed by a couple of miles (kilometers).
Tom you are right, CaseLabs is creating fabulous persectives on cases, without
monster budgets and marketing.
reviews like this one should make large case owners think "do i really want this
mass-produced case or have options with CaseLabs?"
options cost money, but you won't really be out-of-pocket considering cost to
mod and trial-n-error.

Great Review!

airdeano
 
Abosolutely love this, I think a Caselabs is going to be my next case when I get a new build together in however many years.
 
Caselabs quallity is very very high, no ultrathin alluminium modular system brackets for 5,25" slots .. removeable mainboard tray .. inovative but too large for me :(
 
Ooh, I've wanted this since I fist saw it on CaseLabs site. Maybe my boss will give me a raise. I might be a able to sell a kidney. Maybe I'll just eat dust puppies for a month, would do wonders for my figure!

Over the years I've had many cases, and all of them fall short in two or three areas. And they are expensive too, CaseLabs isn't really expensive if you consider what you get.
 
Last edited:
Good review and a nice case.

It does seem very nice but where are the fan filters? Filters just seem too useful and you can not use magnetic ones with this case. I wish they would roll some beads or ribs into the panels. I would make the stiffer which should reduce noise. Maybe they are stiff enough without them. Not really a deal killer but more suggestions.
Oh and an option to put the switches, USB ports, and audio on the top of the case would be nice
 
It does seem very nice but where are the fan filters? Filters just seem too useful and you can not use magnetic ones with this case.

It's pretty easy to add your own. They sell the standard screw on ones on their site, I think it's ones from silverstone. Magnetic filters like Demciflex works perfectly, they come with glue-on magnets. Works like a charm, I use them now on various cases.

I wish they would roll some beads or ribs into the panels. I would make the stiffer which should reduce noise. Maybe they are stiff enough without them.

They use pretty thick aluminium (1.6 mm IIRC), I don't think there is any problems with the side panels.

Oh and an option to put the switches, USB ports, and audio on the top of the case would be nice

That I second. Switches and stuff on top is the way to go for smaller cases :)
I wonder how hard a mod it would be. With the bigger top it should be pretty straight forward.
 
Thanks for the info on Demciflex. I have been wondering where one could find standard size fan filters. I am a noob at case mods and frankly I am driven more by function over form. What I want is a just about silent but super powerful rig so water cooling is going to be necessary and I want it tidy so it is easy to work with.
Frankly I think switches and ports on top is the way to go with large cases. If I have a tower odds are it will be besides my desk and not on it. Much easier to look down and see the parts that way. Of course one should not put your drinks on it then :)
 
I really love CaseLabs cases, and I'm considering of getting one for myself in near feature:)
Does anyone know how much exactly is shipping to UK, with all of this tax ect? Thanks.
 
There's a recent thread here which will help.

My T10 cost $210 to ship, however many of the cases now can be delivered flat-packed which reduces the cost. Tax was around £60 but that obviously depends on the value of the case and accessories.
 
Back
Top