Comparison Zalman i3 Neo TG black vs Zalman i3 Neo silver

The highest cooler height allowed for this case.

In this case, we mean a cooler used to cool the processor — such a component is found in the vast majority of modern PCs. Height is measured relative to the motherboard.

The presence of rubberized legs in the design of the case.

These feet absorb vibrations generated during operation of the computer (mainly due to the operation of fans and optical drives), thereby reducing noise levels and providing additional comfort. Rubberized feet are especially desirable if the computer is placed on a table (on a tabletop or in a dedicated compartment on a table) or on a hard floor.

For more on decorative lighting in general, see Light Type above. Here we note that it can have different shades, and sometimes several options are indicated in the characteristics at once. If these options are listed through "and" (for example, "red, blue and green") — this means that this model contains all the specified colours, and the user can switch between them at his discretion. If the shades are listed through “or” (for example, “red, blue or green”), this means that this model is available in several versions that differ in the colour of the backlight.

Special mention is the "RGB" option. This is the name of the most advanced backlight, the shade of which can be chosen at your discretion. However the original RGB backlighting is capable of simultaneously displaying only one of several basic colours (white, yellow, green, red, blue or purple); nevertheless, even these possibilities are enough to customize the appearance of the case and apply various effects (such as backlight synchronization — see below).

And relatively recently, an even more advanced type of adjustable systems has appeared — ARGB backlight. The key difference between ARGB and classic RGB is the possibility of simultaneous operation of diodes of different colours. In other words, classic RGB lighting can display only one colour at a time, while ARGB can display several colours, which provides additional effects. Also, ARGB lighting is connecte...d using a 3pin 5v connector, while regular RGB uses a 4pin 12v connection. It can be represented by various types of illumination. So, ARGB is often integrated into the cooling system, the front panel and magnetic LED strips, which the user can mount at his discretion. To control the backlight, a special controller is usually provided, and buttons or controls for switching the illumination operation modes are placed on the interface panel. In some cases, the backlight is controlled by the motherboard, through a special connector. Many ARGB systems support the ability to fine-tune through specialized software.

The timing technology provided in the illuminated housing (see “Light Type”).

Synchronization itself allows you to "match" the backlight of the case with the backlight of other system components — the motherboard, graphics card, keyboard, mouse, etc. Thanks to this matching, all components can change colour synchronously, turn on / off at the same time, etc. It is worth noting that all such systems have RGB backlighting. The specific features of the operation of such a backlight depend on the synchronization technology used, and, usually, each manufacturer has its own (Mystic Light Sync for MSI, Aura Sync for Asus, etc.). The compatibility of the components also depends on this: they must all support the same technology. So the easiest way to achieve backlight compatibility is to collect components from the same manufacturer.

The presence of a special filter in the housing to prevent dust from entering. Without such a filter, dust settles on the system elements; Radiators are especially susceptible to this; they also lose their efficiency by becoming clogged with dust. If you have a dust filter, you have to clean not the “filling” of the PC, but the filter element itself, which is much simpler and more convenient.

Compartments for dust filters can be located on the front panel of the case, back, bottom, top, or in the side walls. There are also case models with several technological niches for installing dust filters - the combined version assumes the presence of such compartments on several sides of the case at once.

- Lattice. The grille on the front panel of the case often looks good and allows you to better supply the cooling system fans with more outside air. Decorative lighting is often placed behind the perforated panel, which improves the appearance of the case.

- Blank. The competitive advantages of cases with a blank front panel are improved noise insulation and effective protection of the internal space of the computer from dust.

- Glass. The veil of mystery of what is happening inside the computer system unit is lifted by cases with a glass front panel. Tempered glass as a “facade” material is used both in the form of a solid window and in the form of a glass grille with RGB backlighting. And in combination with the glass side window, it turns the body into an “aquarium”.

— Front cover. A hinged cover that completely or partially covers the front panel. Gives the computer a neat appearance, hiding connectors and external slots under a solid, uniform surface and performs the function of child protection.

— Panel display. A display on the front or side panel of the case, used to display various service information: the current processor frequency, data on the system temperature, cooling operating mode, etc. Various important data can be displayed on the display without reference to what is happening in the software part of the computer.

— Video card holder. A design solution for supporting a video card inside the case. Specialized stands or holders prevent the graphics adapter from sagging over time and reduce the load on the PCI-E slot of the motherboard. The fact is that many models of modern video cards have gained some weight - the holders are designed to compensate for their weight. Stands are available both as built-in solutions and as separate accessories that can be installed inside the case independently.

— Side panel lock. The presence of a special lock on the removable side panel of the case. Such a lock prevents unauthorized access to the internal volume of the system unit.

— Noise isolation. Availability at the case of...additional sound insulation. This can be either a special coating on the inside, or other, more specific solutions (for example, damping systems on “seats” for individual components that reduce the level of vibrations transmitted to the body). Anyway, this feature helps to reduce the noise level emitted by the system — sometimes quite significantly.

— Removable basket for HDD. The presence in the design of the case of a removable basket for the inner periphery of the 3.5 "form factor (in the vast majority of cases these are hard drives, hence the name). Such a basket facilitates assembly due to the fact that it is much easier to remove it and install a hard drive inside than mount it in a non-removable compartment inside the case; this moment is especially useful if you plan to install several hard drives in the system.

— Docking station for HDD. Built-in docking station for quick connection of internal hard drives. In fact, this function allows you to connect an internal HDD as an external one: the docking station connector is located outside the case and is equipped with quick-release fasteners for easy connection.

— Concealed wiring. The ability to run wires from the power supply on the back of the motherboard (if we take the side where the processor and slots for expansion cards are located as the main one). Thus, the space on the main side of the "motherboard" is freed from wires, which, in particular, has a positive effect on the cooling efficiency.

— The window for installing the cooling system(Cooling system) for CPU. The presence of a separate window in the case opposite the CPU fasteners. The mounting system is located on the back of the motherboard, and usually, in order to change it, you need to remove the entire "motherboard"; the Cooling system installation window saves the user from such a need and greatly simplifies the installation and change of Cooling system.