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

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6UnJ_60fKQ
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/g6UnJ_60fKQ
Generated: 2025-10-02T18:04:23.542+00:00

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## 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.

![Screenshot at 00:18: The presenter holds up the unfolded Computer-2 case, clearly showing the text 'the $9 computer case' and 'teenage engineering' printed on the white protective sheet, emphasizing the product's identity and low initial price point.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/g6UnJ_60fKQ/00-00-18.png)

**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.

### Unboxing and Design

- The case arrives flat-packed, made from one sheet of semi-transparent PP-plastic using snap-hooks and living hinges
- Features include support for mini-ITX, SFX PSU, and 80mm chassis fan (Noctua used)

### Assembly Challenges

- Assembly involves cutting tabs with scissors and using supplied rubber fasteners for the CPU cooler
- The presenter notes the plastic is flimsy and component fitment (like the power button cable) is awkward, requiring modifications.

### Component Selection

- Build uses AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU and MSI Aero RX 6400 GPU (180mm max length constraint)
- The GPU choice was limited by the case's small form factor.

### Final Verdict

- The case is an intriguing design exercise, especially because it was given away for free ($0 USD), but its cheap plastic construction and design compromises lead to a less than ideal build experience.

![Screenshot at 00:01: Presenter opening the flap of the cardboard box containing the flat-packed Teenage Engineering Computer-2 case.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/g6UnJ_60fKQ/00-00-01.png)
![Screenshot at 00:04: Close-up of the Teenage Engineering OP-1 synthesizer, which the presenter references as an example of the company's iconic tech designs.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/g6UnJ_60fKQ/00-00-04.png)
![Screenshot at 00:18: The presenter displays the assembled white outer panel of the Computer-2 case, showing the printed text identifying it as 'the $9 computer case'.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/g6UnJ_60fKQ/00-00-18.png)
![Screenshot at 00:26: Screenshot of the website showing the Computer-2 case listed at '0 USD' and 'sold out', highlighting the free giveaway status.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/g6UnJ_60fKQ/00-00-26.png)
![Screenshot at 00:34: The presenter examining the semi-transparent PP-plastic chassis material up close.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/g6UnJ_60fKQ/00-00-34.png)
![Screenshot at 01:35: Close-up of the included jumper wires for the power and reset buttons, which the presenter notes are too long.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/g6UnJ_60fKQ/00-01-35.png)
![Screenshot at 03:12: Text overlay specifying the build components: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU and the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 low profile cooler.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/g6UnJ_60fKQ/00-03-12.png)
![Screenshot at 03:36: Close-up of the presenter using a small screwdriver to secure a component to the Mini-ITX motherboard.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/g6UnJ_60fKQ/00-03-36.png)
![Screenshot at 06:25: The presenter uses the supplied rubber anti-vibration mounts \(NA-AV3\) to secure the brown Noctua chassis fan.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/g6UnJ_60fKQ/00-06-25.png)
![Screenshot at 08:05: The presenter holds up the completed mini-PC build inside the clear plastic case, demonstrating its small form factor and portability via the integrated handle.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/g6UnJ_60fKQ/00-08-05.png)