SilverStone Primera PM02 Case Review

According to SilverStone Technology, the Primera PM02 mid-tower PC case was created to further extend it's mission of bringing modern features and trend-setting aesthetics into PC chassis designs.

In this review we'll explore the functionality of this case and dig deeper into what the SilverStone Primera PM02 has to offer.

Specifications

Unique Features:

• ATX and Micro ATX motherboard compatibility
• 7 - Expansion slots
• 3 - USB 3.0 Type-A
• 1 - USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C
• 3 - 3.5" HDD positions (can also accommodate 2.5" units)
• 3 - 2.5" SSD positions
• 6 - Fan positions
• Includes 4 x 140mm PWM fans

Physical Characteristics:

• Case dimensions (WxHxD): 220 x 491 x 456mm

External

The SilverStone Primera PM02 is a mid-tower chassis supporting the standard ATX and Micro ATX motherboard specifications. Available in two color options, you may choose from a matte black case with red high-gloss accents and or white case with grey accents. Both individually priced at $139.

As depicted in the photo above, one feature some may not particularly care for is the projected "SilverStone" logo lighting. But this can be negated by simply not hooking-up the SATA connector for power. Exclusive to the PM02 is a unique looking front panel. Not only is this panel aesthetically appealing, but it's functional too. Crafted from steel, the heftily weighted panel is structurally solid but still allows for maximum air intake thanks to vertically slatted meshing.

Though not outlined in the manual, with a swift pull the front panel can be removed to expose a front facing dust filter. For cleaning this filter is disengaged upward and then secured back in place by magnets. Meshing on the filter is a silky cloth like material and provides a dense filtration when compared to standard plastic mesh.

Top panel is fully exposed as the case doesn't come with a solid cover. However, a removable plastic dust cover (magnetic) is included to minimize debris from getting into the case. Top front edge of the case houses an Input/Output for standard headphone and microphone jacks, recessed reset button and power button which illuminates red while on. Additionally 4 USB ports (3 x USB 3.0 and a USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C port) are present too.

This enclosure comes with a tempered-glass window side panel. Even though the glass is tinted, overall, glass is the better choice for showing off the internal components and won't scratch like cheap acrylic panels. Regardless of the material, there is always a trade-off with windowed panels as they lessen noise absorption due to lack of insulator when compared to a full steel panel with sound dampening material. SilverStone Primera PM02 is not sold with a full panel option.

I've always had some gripes with tempered-glass windows. Most manufactures simply take a piece of glass and fasten down four corners with thumbscrews. This is poor design, as glass is heavy, the panel typically falls once the thumbscrews are removed and makes it even more cumbersome to reattach.

This isn't a scenario with the PM02. SilverStone Technology knows exactly how a tempered-glass side panel should attach. Their windowed panel has two holes, each lined with rubber grommets and secures in place with two removable thumbscrews. What makes it unique is a metal retention ledge affixed along the bottom of the glass, holding the panel in place. Problem solved!

Right side is less impressive, just a standard steel side panel with two removable thumbscrews.

Internal

Front Side

Interior of the SilverStone Primera PM02 has the same black finish inside which gives it a nice uniform appearance - quite typical of a windowed case.

The motherboard plate has a cut-out (window) in the area behind the CPU socket to aid in installation and removal of CPU coolers. CPU coolers up to a maximum 167mm in height are supported.

PM02 is what they call an open air design. Offering optimal airflow, absent are any front facing hard drive or optical cages to obstruct cooling. This also allows for expansion cards compatible up to 16.3" (415mm) in length, width restriction –6.85" (174mm).

For cooling, included are four SilverStone 140mm PWM fans - three in front and one other located at rear of the chassis. Enthusiasts looking to move beyond the cooling basics will be excited for the wide variety of 120/140mm fan placements and versatile mixture of water cooling compatibility options: Front - 3 x 120mm / 140mm fan slots (comes populated).

Top - 2 x 120mm / 140mm fan slots, Rear - 1 x 120mm / 140mm fan slots (comes populated). Limitations on Front/Top/Rear radiator thickness are applicable, so please confirm your build plan with SilverStone Technology product page specifications prior to purchase.

A full length power supply shroud runs along the bottom of this case, providing a clean look by concealing the bottom mount drive cage and excess cables.

Back Side

Drives are accessible via the backside of this case. As shown in the photo, there is a bottom cage with support for three 3.5" or 2.5" drives and upper mounts supporting three 2.5" drives. All six drives are seated in plastic drive sleds for easy tool-less removal.

A Power Supply Unit (PSU) up to 190mm is supported. During my evaluation I tested with a 180mm PSU and noted that the power cables were snug due in part to the bottom drive cage is attached to the case and cannot be adjusted. Most likely this won't be an issue, but keep it in mind. The PSU intake is protected by a steel grate and also comes with a dust filter which can quickly be release from rear of the case.

Out-of-box cable management is already neatly ran and tied down with velcro strapping. Pass-through holes for cabling and hoses are all outlined with rubber grommets, this provides protection from sharp edges and chafing when routing. There is plenty of physical space behind the motherboard plate for clean cable routes to any of the 7 expansion slots.