So you’re sitting there combing through all the different PC cases and aren’t quite sure what you’re looking for…Well for starters, the case is the place where the components live happily and depending on the size of your motherboard, this is how you should choose your case. The Raijintek Asterion Plus is certainly one that needs combing over and with support for up to E-ATX motherboards, all but the largest (XL-ATX) motherboards will fit inside without a problem at all.
Focusing on some of the features of the Asterion Plus, unlike the classic version that features tempered glass window side panels, the ‘Plus’ version actually features acrylic panels which open outwards and can easily be removed from the hinge itself; perfect when building inside and working with the cable management aspect of the build. Aside from the side panels, the chassis is made from aluminium and features a black anodised finish…it looks absolutely gorgeous in the flesh!
Internally, there is plenty of room for even the most monolithic of systems. First of all, there are 9 PCI slots meaning even the most powerful SLI or CrossFire multi-GPU configurations will fit into the Asterion Plus. On top of that, it has decent water cooling options available with support for radiators up to a maximum size of 360mm in the front, as well as up to 360mm of radiator space in the top; you can even install up to a 140mm radiator in the rear for good measure too. One of the most notable internal features is the lack of HDD drive bays which Raijintek have hidden in the back; up to 3 x 3.5″ HDDs can be installed in this chassis. Also notable is the large PSU shroud which has become ever popular with system builders and enthusiasts alike.
Price wise, you can bag yourself one of these beauties at Overclockers UK for £139.99; a proper steal if you ask me. Of course, it has pitfalls, but every product does. The Asterion Plus is pretty large when you consider it’s classed as a midi tower, but with E-ATX motherboard support, one can obviously forgive this. Those looking for a smaller option however, probably won’t. Secondly, there is quite a lot of space behind the motherboard tray for cable management, but the right-hand side at the rear doesn’t many if any cable tie mounts at all. This was a bit of a PITA and with those cheap little adjustments, it’s close to being a near perfect case. That small issue aside, the Asterion Plus has to be considered one of my favourite midi tower cases of the last couple of years for sure!
Overall the Raijintek Asterion Plus delivers on so many levels and is a very worthy winner of our gold award. On top of that due to the neat interior and classy black anodised finished aluminium panels, it deserves our design award too! If you were to stick a bigger brand name badge on this case (not saying Raijintek aren’t a big name!), you would be looking at £200 for this case which in my opinion, speaks absolute volumes!
Huge thanks to Overclockers UK and Raijintek for sending the Asterion Plus in for review.
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Performance
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Design
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Value
Summary
Pros:
– Gorgeous and sleek black anodised aluminium finish
– Plenty of water cooling support with up to 360mm in the top, front and up to 140mm in the rear
– Great looking PSU shroud
– Hidden drive bays for a cleaner aesthetic
– Supports up to E-ATX motherboards
– Awesome price at £139.99 (from Overclockers UK)
Cons:
– Needs more cable tie clips at the rear of the motherboard
– Would have been nice to have sturdier clips on the top grille
