Final thoughts and rating
We've started a search for the perfect mATX chassis, and though we had high hopes for the Fortress FT03, we're resigned to the fact that the search isn't over.
SilverStone's chassis isn't short of charm, but it suffers from an array of niggling issues that collectively detract from the promise of a fundamentally intriguing design. The chassis' plastic vents feel cheap, the side panels are released far too easily, noise is an issue, there's no airflow for the hard disks, the optical drive lacks an eject button, and the chassis requires a certain type of component for optimum performance. At a cost of £110, these wide-ranging issues are hard to ignore.
Yet, if you're willing to live with these problems, we have no hesitation in recommending the Fortress FT03 to enthusiast users who build PCs for the love of building PCs. Despite the quirks (or perhaps due to them), this is a chassis we've genuinely enjoyed working with, and we can envisage the Fortress FT03 being popular among those looking not for another routine build, but for something that's more of a pet project.
Bottom line: The Fortress FT03 is unique, clever and innovative. SilverStone has laid the foundations of a strong mATX concept, and it's only a few tweaks away from realising the full potential of this space-saving tower.
The Good
Eye-catching design
Clever cable management
Decent cooling performance
Able to house high-end hardware
Smaller footprint than a traditional tower
The Bad
Costs over £100
Feels like a prototype
Pre-installed fans can become noisy
Requires specific components for optimum use
HEXUS Rating
SilverStone Fortress FT03
HEXUS Awards
SilverStone Fortress FT03
HEXUS Where2Buy
The SilverStone Fortress FT03 chassis is available to purchase from SCAN.co.uk*.
HEXUS Right2Reply
At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.
*As always, UK-based HEXUS.community forum members will benefit from the SCAN2HEXUS Free Shipping initiative, which will save you a further few pounds plus also top-notch, priority customer service and technical support backed up by the SCANcare@HEXUSforum.
