Product Listing

SilverStone Raven RV04 - A Flight of Fancy?

By Wong Chung Wee - 30 Aug 2013
Launch SRP: S$249

SilverStone Raven RV04: A Flight of Fancy?

SilverStone Raven RV04: A Flight of Fancy?

The SilverStone Raven RV04 is the latest full tower casing from the Raven series. This long-running series from SilverStone has witnessed much change. From the first RV01 to the RV03, the hallmark feature of the series is the 90-degree mounting of the motherboard that the company deemed as "revolutionary". From our experience with the Raven RV02, the vertical mounting of the motherboard allows it to work in tandem with the chassis' top exhaust fan to draw out hot air. Nonetheless, the unique orientation of the motherboard has caused quite a lot of debate among DIY PC enthusiasts, including long-time HardwareZone members in our very own Hardware Clinic forum.

The SilverStone Raven RV04 has an impressive looking facade, which bears some semblance to its predecessors that include the Raven RV02 and RV03. However, the latest chassis from the Raven series boasts of a revamped interior, with a unidirectional air flow (from front to rear) for optimal cooling.

Now, for the Raven RV04, the company has decided to do away with this defining feature; instead, the latest casing from the series offers the option to mount the motherboard upside down, effectively rotating the board by another 90 degrees in the clockwise direction. According to the company, it has decided to adapt the winning design features from its popular mATX chassis, the Temjin TJ08-E, so that extra long graphics cards can be fitted with no issue and that these cards will get dedicated cooling from the large front intake fans.

This casing features a front-to-back air flow cooling system, courtesy of a single 180mm front intake fan. The motherboard is mounted upside down on a removable motherboard tray. The Raven RV04 has adapted the two unique features of the Temjin chassis and doubled the cooling capacity, while sporting a handful of other distinguishing features. Read on as we examine the Raven RV04's new features to see if they run more than skin deep.

SilverStone Raven RV04 Specifications
  SilverStone Raven RV04
  SilverStone Raven RV04
Launch SRP
  • From S$249
Casing Dimensions and Specifications
  • Dimensions: 219mm x 581mm x 497mm (W x H x D)
  • Material: SECC steel / ABS Plastic
  • Case color: Black
  • Weight: 10.9kg
  • MB support: EATX (347mm x 272mm), ATX, mATX, SSI-EEB, SSI-CEB
Drive Bays and Expansion Slots / Ports
  • 2 x 5.25-inch drive bays
  • 4 x 2.5-inch slots
  • 1 x 3.5-inch drive cage (for 5 x 3.5-inch drives)
  • 2 x 3.5-inch drive enclosures (for 2 x 3.5-inch drives, 1 x 3.5-inch drive for each enclosure)
Case Cooling
  • Front: 2 x 180mm fans or 3 x 120mm fans (2 x 180mm fans, pre-installed)
  • Rear: 1 x 120mm fan (optional)
Power Supply
  • Takes in standard PS2 ATX PSUs (optional)

Join HWZ's Telegram channel here and catch all the latest tech news!
7.5
  • Aesthetics 8.5
  • Functionality 7
  • Usability 7
  • Value 7
The Good
Aesthetically unique
Fits practically any mobo form factor, including certain server boards.
The Bad
No cooling options besides the front and rear
No bundled drive adapters for 2.5-inch drives
No cushioning found at 2.5-inch drive mounts
Not completely tool-free usage
Limited front I/O control and options
Hot-swap drive bays not accessible from front
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.