Chieftec Unveils The Cube: A Compact microATX Case for Living Room Gaming and Home Theater PCs

Chieftec has introduced The Cube CI-03B-OP, a compact microATX PC case designed to seamlessly integrate into living room gaming setups or serve as a stylish home theater PC (HTPC) chassis. With its understated matte black finish and front intake grill, The Cube is crafted to resemble a subwoofer, allowing it to blend effortlessly with modern entertainment systems rather than standing out as a traditional PC case.

Design and Build Quality

The Cube measures 385 × 265 × 355 mm, making it a space-efficient option for users seeking a small form factor without sacrificing essential features. The case offers a robust front I/O panel, including a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, and a 3.5 mm audio combo jack, ensuring convenient connectivity for a variety of peripherals and devices.

One of the most distinctive design choices is the horizontal motherboard orientation, even when the case is positioned upright. While this layout contributes to the case’s compact profile, it may impact GPU cooling performance, as there is no dedicated ventilation on the GPU fan side.

Cooling and Expansion Options

The Cube supports up to a 240 mm radiator for liquid cooling and comes equipped with a pre-installed 200 mm PWM front intake fan. Additional cooling options include a single 120 mm rear exhaust fan and either two 120 mm fans, a single 200 mm fan, or a 240 mm radiator on the top panel. This flexibility allows users to tailor airflow and cooling to their specific hardware needs.

Internally, the case offers CPU cooler clearance up to 160 mm and supports graphics cards up to 355 mm in length. Storage options include mounts for two 3.5-inch hard drives and two 2.5-inch solid-state drives, providing ample room for both high-capacity and high-speed storage solutions. The Cube also accommodates a full-size ATX power supply up to 160 mm in length.

User-Friendly Features

Chieftec has incorporated a “fold-open mechanism” that allows for quick removal of the front and top panels, making it easier to access internal components during assembly or upgrades. This thoughtful design feature streamlines the building process, especially in the case’s compact interior.

Availability and Pricing

Currently, The Cube CI-03B-OP is available in the European market at a price of €69.90. There is no official information regarding availability in the United States at this time.

With its blend of compact design, versatile cooling options, and user-friendly features, Chieftec’s The Cube stands out as a compelling choice for anyone looking to build a discreet yet capable living room gaming PC or home theater system.