A+ Case Black Pearl WCR Edition ATX Case
Conclusion
Published: 18th June 2007 | Source: APlus Case | Price: |
Having owned quite a few high-end cases including a custom painted Silverstone TJ03 and a Coolermaster Black Widow, it's fair to say that I'm extremely particular when it comes to selecting enclosures for my own personal use. Quality, styling and performance are all extremely high on my list of requirements, and I'm pleased to say that the A+Case Black Pearl WCR has met every single one.
Featuring a 100% aluminium construction with single sheet for the main body, the Black Pearl oozes quality and doesn't feel as flimsy as some of the other aluminium cases on the market. Small touches like spring loaded stealth drive bay covers and a basic fan controller give the Black Pearl an edge over some of the competition and certainly save the need to purchase some of those "additional extras".
Hearing that the Black Pearl was "Water Cooling Ready" certainly seemed to be the icing on the cake, however after trying to install several radiators inside the Black Pearl it was clear that only a small selection of radiators would fit. This is not a fault of A+Case, as there's no way they could possibly create a case that would work universally with all radiators - but it's certainly something to bear in mind before making any purchases. In addition to this, installing a radiator inside the case covers over the lower two expansion slots on most motherboards, possibly causing problems for users with add-in soundcards.
Overall the Black Pearl WCR is a great case that has the quality and looks to take on the best cases that Lian Li and Silverstone have to offer. Retailing for around £170 the case certainly isn't suitable for those on a budget - but as the saying goes: "You get what you pay for" - and this is certainly true for the Black Pearl.
Pro's
• High quality, all aluminium construction.
• Sexy looks - one of the best on the market.
• Designed with water cooling in mind.
• Stealth drive bay covers.
• Integrated fan controller.
• Other small touches like thumbscrews throughout.
Con's
• Radiator location blocks two expansion slots.
• PSU area might not be long enough for certain PSU's
• A little expensive, but cheaper than some other similar cases.
Thanks to A+Case for providing the Black Pearl WCR for review and to WaterCoolingUK for water cooling components.
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Most Recent Comments
Mmmm looks like home already. Great review Jim!Well that looks familar.
A lian li v2000 modded a bit.
Looks professinal though, very expensive though.
Rob
A lian li v2000 modded a bit.
Looks professinal though, very expensive though.
Rob
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Originally Posted by name='robump'
Well that looks familar.
A lian li v2000 modded a bit. Looks professinal though, very expensive though. Rob |
I'd say more like a Silverstone TJ-07, but slightly cheaperQuote:
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Originally Posted by name='PV5150'
Ay
I'd say more like a Silverstone TJ-07, but slightly cheaper |
Inside a TJ07
http://www1.oc.cn/img/2006/0602/silv...e_tj07s-23.jpg
Inside a V2000
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...0b_TestFit.jpg
Inside the A+ case
http://www.overclock3d.net/gfx/artic...101612328l.jpg
But anyways open to discussion.
Looks like a bit of a comination, they look t of made the hard drive bays removeable.
Rob
Looking forward to revision OC3D jimbo 
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Originally Posted by name='Ham'
Looking forward to revision OC3D jimbo
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Heh, and its big enough too fit an SS in the bottom! 
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Originally Posted by name='Ham'
Heh, and its big enough too fit an SS in the bottom!
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Originally Posted by name='XMS'
The thickness of the alu and the construction is prolly enough to carry a SS weight too without bowing.
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='robump'
Id would still go for v2000 looking at the hard drive bays.
Inside a V2000 http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...0b_TestFit.jpg Inside the A+ case http://www.overclock3d.net/gfx/artic...101612328l.jpg But anyways open to discussion. Looks like a bit of a comination, they look t of made the hard drive bays removeable. Rob |
But anyway, yeah it's prolly a combination of the two. The HDD cages are exactly like the ones in my TJ-07, excapt they cater for more HDD's. And the problem that Jim showed in the review with the radiator depriving you of PCI slots for sound cards etc, the TJ07 doesn't have because it really only caters for 6 HDD's in the bottom anyway. Which ultimately provides more headroom in the top of the case for another rad should the need arise. But it's still a very nice case, and an excellent effort in designing a highly flexible one at that.Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='FragTek'
It would still be in the best interest of the modder wishing to employ internal phase to lay down a thin sheet of steel in the bottom to distribute the weight of the compressor.
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Aplus Case Black Pearl custom made.
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Originally Posted by name='Razvanell'
Aplus Case Black Pearl custom made.
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Visually stunning setup mate 
Well done on an uber looking rig
Well done on an uber looking rig That thing is sweet
10x! Hard work. Q6600 @ 3,6 GHz (G0) stable on EVGA Black Pearl @ 35 C.
CSS Valid
http://www.overclock3d.net/gfx/artic...142301383s.jpg
A+ Case Black Pearl Review