ThermalTake is well known as one of the original companies that took plexiglass side panels, blinky lights, and pre-modded cases to a whole new level.  They were right at home with truly outrageous designs, but when it came to the Home Theatre PC (HTPC) space, they had a few false starts.

Initially, their designs were too flashy, or too noisy to carry out the two primary things that a good Home Theatre PC case must have which is quiet operation while maintaining stealth look in the living room.  Also, since HTPC's are left on all the time and used to record television shows, they also need to have decent thermal performance.

The newer Mozart series immediately started off well with cosmetics that were more in keeping with the true spirit of an HTPC Enclosure.  With a brushed aluminum front fascia and an optional VFD display, the Mozart was on its way on looks alone: It was often mistaken for a high end DVD Player or home theatre receiver.  However, it didn't quite pass the noise test.  The high pitched sound of the dual 60mm exhaust fan design seemed to ruin the mood during any quiet movie passage and without a proper sound dampening system, the front intake fan was all too noticeable.  In the case of the Mozart TX, I don't know any girlfriend or wife that would let that monstrosity sit in the living room for more than 10 seconds.

The new Mozart SX is the newest member of the Mozart family.  Unlike it's larger Mozart and Mozart TX brothers, the SX is only 90 mm's tall.  It retains the brushed aluminum look and is accompanied by a VFD module in the VC7001SNS (tested), or if you prefer, without in the VC7000SNS version.  More importantly, it looks very much like a member of the home theatre equipment cabinet.

So far, the Mozart SX passes the cosmetic appraisals, but how will it do with noise and thermals?  Most importantly, will it be a pain to put together? Let's find out!

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