Thermaltake E550 TG Matcha Green Mid Tower CA-1Z8-00MEWN-00

It’s easy to build in because all the panels come off and it’s big. Only downside is longer cables might be needed because the cables are routed into the top instead of into the back. Did not come with any fans.

The unit is capable of using many more fans than what it ships with, and adding the fans after you’ve already installed the motherboard is a bit of a pain. Purchase the additional fans and install them while the case is still completely empty and it works like a charm.

I really like the toolless approach, the easy installation and cable management, and the excessive fan capacity. The 3-way glass is what drew me to this case, but the lack of an included riser cable makes me advise steering away unless you’re confident/know your GPU will not have hindered cooling performance in the hanging GPU orientation.
This case uses a hanging GPU orientation stock. The IO faces the ceiling and is parallel to it and the floor. This can cause… issues. My card, an ASUS STRIX 30-series card, has a cooling apparatus not meant to function effectively in this orientation. I will not pretend to know why, but it has something to do with the vapor chamber or the heat pipe layout in certain cards. I typically would get over double-digit cooler temps in a traditional or vertically (perpendicular to the ground) mounted orientation. For the case being advertised on “centralized thermal efficiency,” this is very much an oversight. Again, this wouldn’t be a problem if I had a riser cable to mount it effectively. But this case has forgone that for the additional glass panel compared to its CTE E600 and CTE E660 MX contemporaries.
My temps being worse in my new case than my decade-old case is very disappointing until I can correct it. That being said, if you plan to custom water-cool, this case certainly has the space, visual appeal, and two massive radiator slots. The orientation would no longer matter in a custom water-cooling loop.
For that reason, I’m knocking off two stars because although the case was very easy and fun to build in, aesthetically pleasing, and full of features, it fails to do what’s in the name “thermal efficiency” for all end users because of this design flaw in both the layout of the case/included configurations and card manufacturers not having to design for this orientation. If you can stomach buying a riser cable, I do not know how long of a cable is necessary. I assume at least 40cm or possibly even 50cm for the included “floating” GPU mount. I asked Thermaltake support when/if the tailor-made cable for the CTE E600 series will be on sale, and they said “soon”. I will update this review on whatever I end up doing to solve my lack of a riser cable and what I end up getting that is compatible so any other potential buyers are aware.
I do plan to carry on with this case for a very long time and that includes setting up a custom loop, so perhaps I’ll update this review for that first-time experience as well.

EDIT: I bought a cheap riser and installed it. 50cm, although 40cm would definitely work. Much better now, although I still shouldn’t have had to do this.

My old case was a me-too case which was too small had the typical power supply in basement and tempered glass on one side. When I saw this case on sale, I grabbed it. When I got it was surprised by the size, make sure to look at specs. I thought about returning, however, after building in the case I can say glad I kept it. As the results are cords are hidden, cooling is not an issue. I have two radiators in the case and could easily do three. The chassis is metal, with a mix of plastic and glass front panel for looks.

Positives: Solid, tons of space, dual chamber design, grommets in most places, 3 CT140 fans included dust filters everywhere, build quality is excellent (no sharp edges)

I love this case but there are some areas for improvement: Grommet absence in two places where the motherboard connectors end on the back of case, should come with more fans, and the front panel connector is still old style for the power switch, HD led, reset separate (Other connectors are just plug and play), space left open by the motherboard PCI slots it makes it feel like it is unfinished, hard drive bracket uses screws instead of a tray design, and lastly instructions for all the different configuration options.

One thing to mention here is the 90 degrees turn for the motherboard. With the back panel now being on top and hidden, it is not for everyone. Once the computer is connected and in place, I thought about and realized I rarely interacted with motherboard ports. The ports on the top of the case are exactly the ones I typically use. So, I personally find I love this change, but I understand if it is not for everyone.

To conclude, would I recommend this to a friend. If you like large case and have two radiators (or want to do custom water cooling), something you can likely use for 10+ years easily, definitely should be on your short list.