The Montech HS01 Pro and HS02 Pro cases feature a sleek, invertible design with a modern fish-tank aesthetic, offering decent thermal performance and ease of inversion, though with some usability and cable management challenges. Priced mid-range, they appeal to those prioritizing stylish looks over top-tier cooling, but have limitations like limited radiator support and minor accessibility issues.
The video reviews the Montech HS01 Pro and HS02 Pro cases, highlighting their modern, invertible design features. Both cases are built on the same chassis, with differences primarily in the front panel material—glass or mesh—and include five fans in the package. Key design elements include a recessed motherboard tray, ventilated rear chamber cover, and an unusual front-mounted power supply. While mechanical aspects like the rear fan removal are praised, ventilation issues in the power supply area are noted as a downside. The cases are priced between $130 and $140 with fans, or $100 to $110 without, positioning them in the mid-range market.
The review discusses the cases’ inversion capability, which is designed to be quick and tool-less, utilizing spring-loaded captive screws, magnets, and plastic snaps for ease of movement. However, the process doesn’t fully adapt internal components like side panels or rear fan brackets, which remain installed upside down when inverted, and the power supply switch becomes inaccessible. The front panel features a curved glass design, though the reviewer clarifies it’s actually a full 90° bend rather than an 8° curve. The overall aesthetic aims for a sleek, fish-tank look, similar to some high-end models, but the design choices around back connect motherboards and internal layout create some usability and cable management challenges.
The thermal performance testing shows that inversion has minimal impact on CPU and GPU temperatures, with both configurations performing similarly. The cases are tested with stock fans, with some tests involving upgraded, standardized fans for better airflow. Results indicate that the HS01 and HS02 maintain decent thermals, with CPU temperatures around 49-52°C above ambient and GPU temperatures close to 43°C. The cases perform well in GPU thermals due to bottom intake fans, but their cooling isn’t exceptional compared to higher-end or more traditional cases. Noise levels are also measured, with inverted layouts slightly quieter at full fan speeds, though overall differences are minor.
In conclusion, the reviewer emphasizes that the Montech HS cases offer a stylish, mid-range option with unique aesthetic features like the curved glass front and invertibility. While their thermal performance is middling, they are reasonably priced compared to more expensive, high-end cases with similar designs. The reviewer notes some drawbacks, such as limited radiator support, challenging cable management, and the lack of included SSD screws, which may impact usability. They recommend considering alternative mesh or fish-tank cases in the same price range, depending on individual preferences for cooling and design. Overall, the cases are seen as decent options for those prioritizing style and form factor over top-tier thermal performance.