The Basics:
The
Thermaltake SwordM is so unique that I couldn't help jumping right in and opening everything up before starting with my systematic inspection. As you can see in the image below, you are presented with a bunch of interesting things to check out before you get very far into this case. The whole thing is aluminum, and mostly of the heavy weight extruded variety. There is a hydraulic cylinder to open the rear portion of the side panel, two hydraulic cylinders to lift up the top panel, and hinged access doors near the front of each side, as well as one on the back of the case.
There are many things to see that aren't your typical fare, but let's put everything back in place and start by looking at the various external surfaces of this new case.
The below left image takes a look at the side of the case that provides access to the motherboard compartment. The first thing you might notice are the two silver colored rails along the top of the case. While they might look like a roof rack on a SUV, they are actually handles that make lifting this mighty case a bit easier. Once fully loaded with computer components, lifting the case may become quite a strain on your back, so there are four casters to let you roll your system around, instead. The side panel itself is split into two doors, instead of the typical one. One third of the panel hinges forward to provide access to drive bays, and the other larger portion of the panel hinges towards the back to provide access to the motherboard area.
The opposite side panel is shown in the above right image. Here we see a similar split, but only the front third of this side opens. This will allow access to the backside of drive bays, while the motherboard area is fixed closed. Both side panels are rather substantial, with extruded fins rising out from the panels like huge heatsinks.
Next we see the top section of the SwordM's front panel. There is something like a visor that sticks out over the top drive bays. It is a solid chunk of Aluminum that is strictly for show, and if it gets in the way you can hinge it up or simply take it off. The two bays just below the visor are quite interesting; they are 5.25 inch bays that are actually installed in an adaptor that would allow you to have two 7 inch bays, if removed. In case you are wondering why you would need a 7 inch bay, Thermaltake offers a slide out 7 inch widescreen TFT LCD monitor, something like an in-dash entertainment center, which can be installed in this case.
The front panel connectors are also visible in the images above, and include one Firewire, two USB 2.0, headphone, microphone, eSATA data, and eSATA power. I have never seen an eSATA power connection before, and I actually don't know how to connect to it. I presume that Thermaltake must offer something for use with one of their enclosures. On the inside of the case, this power connection is wired to a 4-pin drive style power connector.
