This case is FREE (so you can't complain) - Teenage Engineering computer-2

Quick Overview

The Teenage Engineering Computer-2 case is primarily reviewed as a design exercise that, despite being given away for free, exhibits flaws like flimsy material and poor component fit, making its aesthetic value questionable over practical functionality.

Key Points: The Computer-2 case is constructed from one sheet of semi-transparent PP-plastic using living hinges and snap hooks, requiring no screws for assembly. The case was initially priced at $9 USD but was given away for free ($0 USD) because it was sold out, leading the reviewer to jokingly state it cannot be criticized. The reviewer used specific high-end components for the build, including an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU and an MSI Aero RX 6400 GPU (max length 180mm supported by the case). The assembly process revealed issues, such as the flimsy plastic material and the placement of the power button connector cable being too long, requiring the user to poke a hole in the plastic. The case supports mini-ITX motherboards, an SFX power supply, and an 80mm chassis fan (a Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 cooler was used). The reviewer notes that the case's design choices, like the visible yellow power wires and the overall aesthetics, result in a form-over-function product.

Context: This video features a hands-on unboxing and assembly of the Teenage Engineering Computer-2 case, a highly minimalist and unique PC enclosure designed to function as a build-it-yourself project. The presenter, Linus Sebastian, contrasts this plastic case with a previous metal version (Computer-1) and demonstrates the assembly process using specific, modern PC components like an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU and an MSI Aero RX 6400 GPU, highlighting the case's construction methods and inherent design challenges.

Detailed Analysis

The video reviews the Teenage Engineering Computer-2 case, which is presented as a highly unique, modular, and essentially free DIY PC chassis. The presenter initially unboxes the flat-packed case, noting it is constructed from a single sheet of semi-transparent PP-plastic using living hinges and snap hooks, meaning no screws are required for assembly. The case is designed for mini-ITX motherboards, SFX power supplies, and GPUs up to 180mm in length. The presenter installed an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU and an MSI Aero RX 6400 GPU, noting the GPU choice was due to size constraints. During assembly, several flaws surfaced: the plastic material felt flimsy, and components like the power button cable were too long for the intended slots, forcing the presenter to use a sharp tool to poke a new hole in the plastic. Furthermore, the presenter noted that the CPU cooler (Noctua NH-L9a-AM5) ran hotter than expected, though this might be expected given the limited airflow design. The case's aesthetic is described as unique but ultimately a form-over-function product, with the presenter concluding that while it is an interesting design exercise, the flimsy nature and build quirks make it less practical than its premium-looking predecessor, Computer-1.