SilverStone Raven RV02

Examination:

SilverStone describes the benefits of the Raven RV02 design as being smaller, lighter, and higher performing than the original RV01. The Raven RV02 inherits many traits from the RV01, including the 90-degree rotated motherboard design, but it improves upon other areas while adding in a few new features. Starting with the front of the case, it is noticeably different from the RV01. The original Raven had the pushdown 5.25-inch drive bay cover that was unique, but it was mechanically drive and prone to a few problems, so that has been eliminated with the RV02. With the second-generation Raven there is no covering for the front drive bays, with the eight 5.25" bays being exposed. However, if using the internal 3.5" drive mounting system, three of those bays will be occupied. At the bottom of the SilverStone RV02 is a large Raven logo. This case is made of steel but the edges, top, and front bezel are reinforced by a heavy-grade plastic.

At the top of the Raven RV02 is the power and reset buttons along with the front panel ports, which include two USB 2.0 and two audio ports. It is a bit unfortunate that SilverStone still really has not jumped on the eSATA connector bandwagon or that there is no IEEE-1394 Firewire connector on this high-end enclosure. Along the top is also a blue LED strip for some added decor. Like the RV01, covering the majority of the Raven's top is a giant exhaust area along with the expansion slots and I/O panel, which is covered by a plastic grill. Cables are routed out from the rear of the case.

The dimensions for this case are 212 x 503 x 643 mm while the weight on this large steel chassis is 12.5 kilograms. Compared to the RV01, the RV02 is longer but its overall shape is not dramatically different. The left side of the case is relatively plain and -- unlike most ATX cases -- the acrylic window for the SST-RV02B-W is on the right hand side due to the rotated motherboard tray.