Remove the side radiator mounting brackets from the lower chamber frame.
It gives you just enough to avoid breaking parts, but you’ll rely on forum posts and YouTube for real-world assembly. For a $900+ case (original price), the manual was surprisingly bare-bones. Still, it’s a piece of PC history—Caselabs’ engineering spoke for itself; the manual was an afterthought.
Ensure all stainless steel fasteners are checked periodically, as vibrations from pumps may cause slight loosening over time.
A: Hand-tighten only. The chassis is aluminum, which is softer than steel. Over-tightening will strip the threading. The manual suggests using a bit of blue (removable) Loctite if you are worried about vibrations loosening the screws over time.
0;810; was highly customizable, the manual often included sections for optional parts like XL windows or ventilated covers. 0;2a; caselabs sma8 manual
Once the internal frame is secure and all internal components are loosely set, the external dress panels can be clipped into place. The doors are retained by heavy-duty hinges at the rear, allowing them to swing open without being fully detached. The lower chamber covers and top cover are then screwed down to complete the structural rigidity.
Threaded into the motherboard tray to support your motherboard size (SSI-EEB, E-ATX, ATX, or Micro-ATX).
Periodically check frame screws for tightness, especially if the rig is transported or exposed to heavy pump vibrations.
: Guidance on mounting radiators up to 480mm (4x 120mm) in both the top and bottom chambers. Remove the side radiator mounting brackets from the
For modern owners, it is common to discover that the case has changed hands, resulting in loose hardware or misplaced parts. A critical first step is inventory. The instructions within the original box described a straightforward assembly process that typically took 30 to 60 minutes for the basic frame. The fundamental assembly principle is that of a "cover-over-frame" design. First, the rigid internal frame is constructed, followed by the attachment of the external "dress" panels that clip on or are secured with screws.
Thread and tighten the 6-32 button head screws to lock the main box structure together.
Fasten your radiator and fans directly to the CaseLabs drop-in radiator mount. Slide the loaded radiator assembly into the bottom chamber. Anchor the bracket to the bottom frame rails. 5. Storage and Power Supply Unit (PSU) Setup Power Supply Installation
Mid-plate divider separating the upper motherboard chamber from the lower radiator chamber. Fastener and Screw Guide The chassis is aluminum, which is softer than steel
: Because the case is held together by screws rather than rivets, check the tightness of the frame screws every 6–12 months if you move the case frequently. or a breakdown of the screw types used for each section?
Align the tray drawer slides with the corresponding internal frame rails.
The first critical choice involves the motherboard orientation. The standard ATX layout places the video cards in their conventional orientation, while the effectively turns the motherboard "upside down," placing the CPU and GPU closer to the top of the case. This latter option is particularly popular for water-cooled builds as it allows for shorter, cleaner tube runs.
: Press the interlocking nylon friction clips from the clip kit into the pre-drilled alignments on the outer top, front, and rear panel borders. 📦 Component Configuration & Technical Specifications Parameter / Module Form Factor Compatibility & Dimensions Form Factor Compatibility SSI-CEB, E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX Material Composition 100% High-grade Machined Aluminum Construction Enclosure Footprint Depth: 654mm x Width: 286mm x Height: 752mm Primary Power Supply Mounts Dual-PSU lower basement bracket configurations Native Storage Bays 2x 3.5" Mechanical Drive slots + 4x 2.5" SSD sleds The Removable Motherboard Tray Go to product viewer dialog for this item.