Microcool Banchetto 101 Case

Thoughts and Conclusion

So, is this case worth getting? Before I answer that, let’s run down a quick list of the pros and cons I encountered while testing it out:

Pros

• The open design makes it very easy to get components in and out of, no space constraints at all.
• The power & reset switches are simple, robust, and easy to repair; a good thing, since I had to do exactly that.
• The watercooling bracket is sized for a large radiator; it easily accommodates three 120mm fans.
• There were plenty of thumbscrews included, though a bit of trial and error was needed to figure out which were “case screws” and which were “component screws”.
• All the thumbscrews came pre-fitted with rubber washers, which helps with avoiding damage to the acrylic—or perhaps more importantly, the motherboard.

Cons

• There was no documentation included at all, I had to figure out everything from scratch.
• Obviously enough, there is no passive airflow provided for passively cooled components. If any component is in need of cooling, and does not have its own fan or waterblock, you’ll have to ensure that one is provided.
• While hardly unique to this case, the acrylic accumulates smudges and scratches very easily. I’m puzzled by the decision to use such a damage-sensitive material in an ‘open-bench’ style case.
• Relating to the above point, the metal brackets for the PSU and disk drives are not properly padded on the free edges, the acrylic was already lightly damaged in several places just from rubbing during shipping.
• The included fan bracket only accommodates 92mm fans, which is an odd size. 80mm and 120mm fans are both more common; either would have been a better choice.
• The main body of the case is very unstable, it flexes noticeably even under the minimal pressure needed to press the power switch. With all the optional brackets removed, it would be in serious danger of collapse.
• One source of much grief: the screws were poorly machined. I had to engage in much trial and error to find ones that fit each hole, and still managed to nearly strip one of the fan bracket mounting holes in the process. This might well have been just a bad batch, but this is the kind of thing that should not slip past QC.

Next, some thoughts that don’t really fit into either category; think of them as ‘things to keep in mind’.

• Any ugly wiring will be prominently on display; if you’re planning on showing off your hardware, you’ll need to pay more attention than ever to the finishing touches—wire looms, cable sleeves, &c.
• Any system installed in this case long-term is going to be an unbelievable dust-magnet, regular cleaning with canned air or similar will be vital to component health.
• Special care must be taken with exposed fans, to avoid damage to both fan blades and fingers
• This case offers no EMI shielding, so your system will be more prone to interference, both given and received.
• Special care will also be needed during transport, as fragile components have no protection from bumps, jolts, and other indignities
• Basically, this chassis offers none of the protections usually associated with a computer case.

This case sits in a curious niche, trying to satisfy the needs of showoff system builders and hardware testers simultaneously. The strange QC issues would perhaps not be a problem for most people seeking a ‘test bench’ style case, were it not for the price. As of this writing, I could not find the Banchetto for less than $260 US, which prices it firmly in the upper tier of enthusiast cases. In this price range, the series of problems and small mistakes are unacceptable. Unless you are in dire need of a ‘show off my hardware’ case, and must have it made of acrylic, I cannot recommend this case.

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