AeroCool Cipher Case Holds 16 Drives for Storage Based Cryptomining

PC cases and cooling specialist AeroCool has unveiled a new case with mounting space to fit up to 15 storage devices simultaneously. Yes, that might be somewhat excessive for the average PC builder; however, the AeroCooler Cipher case is “specially designed for mining storage-based cryptocurrency,” says the designer.

Firstly, you might be a bit confused by the 16 (headline) or 15 max drives specification. According to AeroCool, the case has twelve 3.5-inch and four 2.5-inch drive bays (16). However, due to one overlapping mounting spot in the chassis, the maximum simultaneous loadout consists of eleven 3.5-inch HDDs and four x 2.5-inch SSDs (15) or twelve x 3.5-inch HDDs and three x 2.5-inch SSDs (15) simultaneously.

Secondly, another first impression you might get of the case is that it will be a huge, overbearing tower. However, AeroCool’s arrangement of four removable HDD cages for the 3.5-inch drives, plus the case floor and rear motherboard tray, is pretty efficient. In other words, the case is not unusually large for a tower case that houses a full-ATX motherboard at 205 x 485 x 485mm (W x H x D) in total. It is much the same size as other ATX cases we have reviewed in recent months, such as the Antec P10 Flux and Silverstone SETA A1, and considerably smaller than the likes of the Corsair 5000X.

With the AeroCool Cipher case not being extraordinarily large, you will therefore have to make some compromises if you want to have a graphics card that’s longer than 290mm. A GPU measuring between 290 and 400mm long can be accommodated only if you eschew one of the 3.5-inch drive cages, reducing the max 3.5-inch drive loadout by two. On the topic of graphics cards, the Cipher allows for vertical graphics card installation. But longer cards will impact the amount of HDD cages you can populate.

The AeroCool Cipher case has lots of provisions for active cooling to back up the natural airflow construction. However, as with graphics cards, some choices will impact your drive cages. The worst option for people wanting lots of storage is fitting a front radiator. However, you can put a 120, 240, 280, or 360mm radiator in the top without any storage capacity penalty. Furthermore, the front can be fitted with 120mm x 3 or 140mm x 3 fans without storage penalty, so you probably wouldn’t buy this case if you insist on front radiator positioning.

Storage Based Cryptomining?