Sharkoon VS9 RGB
Anyone who likes to show performance, whether it’s on the screen or inside the case, will find the ideal ATX midi tower with the VS9 RGB. Despite its compact dimensions, this PC case is suitable for high-performance hardware due to its generous showcase interior and installation space for a total of six fans or two simultaneous radiators.
| Part | Product |
| Processor | Intel Core I5 13600KF |
| Motherboard | Z790 Aorus Elite AX |
| Memory | Kingston Fury Renegade RGB |
| Storage | Kingston Fury Renegade 2TB |
| Cooler | EKWB Nucleus |
| Case | Sharkoon VS9 RGB |
| Graphics Card | Gigabyte RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Gaming OC |
| Power Supply | Sharkoon P30 |
First Impressions
The mid-tower PC case market is a crowded one, with options catering to every budget and taste. But for builders seeking a balance between aesthetics and functionality, the Sharkoon VS9 RGB stands out as an intriguing option.
This case boasts a stylishly simple front panel that gives a clear view of the internal components, thanks to a large tempered glass side panel. This focus on showcasing your hardware is further enhanced by the inclusion of pre-installed addressable RGB LED fans. But is the VS9 RGB all about looks?
Ease of use is another crucial factor for builders of all experience levels. We’ll assess the cable management options within the VS9 RGB, along with the accessibility of key components for installation and maintenance. Finally, we’ll put the case’s RGB lighting features to the test, evaluating the range of effects available and its compatibility with popular motherboard software.
Can the Sharkoon VS9 RGB deliver on its promise of style without sacrificing functionality? This review will provide a comprehensive analysis to help you decide if this case is the perfect fit for your next budget and high-performing PC build.
Our Build
For this build, we opted for a powerful combination of components housed within the stylish and functional Sharkoon VS9 RGB case. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
- CPU: Intel Core i5 13600KF: This 13th generation processor offers impressive performance for gamers and content creators alike.
- Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super: This high-end graphics card is a powerhouse for tackling demanding games at high resolutions and frame rates.
- RAM: 32GB DDR5 Memory: This substantial amount of memory ensures smooth multitasking and handling of memory-intensive applications.
- Power Supply: Sharkoon P30: We paired the system with Sharkoon’s own P30 power supply, ensuring ample and reliable power delivery to all components.
- Case: Sharkoon VS9 RGB: The hero of this build, the VS9 RGB with its tempered glass side panel showcases the internal components while the pre-installed addressable RGB fans add a touch of flair.
- Cooling: 240mm EKWB AIO: A 240mm EKWB AIO liquid cooler ensures efficient heat dissipation from the CPU, keeping your system cool under pressure.
This combination delivers a potent blend of processing power, graphical prowess, and ample memory for a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The Sharkoon VS9 RGB case strikes a perfect balance, housing the top-tier components while offering a stylish and clear view of your build thanks to the tempered glass panel. The pre-installed RGB fans further enhance the aesthetics, and the 240mm EKWB AIO liquid cooler ensures the system stays cool under heavy loads.
While the Sharkoon VS9 RGB boasts a mid-tower design with ample room for most standard ATX components, incorporating our high-performance build did require some strategic manoeuvring.
The biggest space consideration came from the 240mm EKWB AIO liquid cooler. While the case supports radiators up to 280mm in the front panel, we opted for a 240mm radiator to ensure compatibility with the pre-installed front intake fans. With the radiator mounted in the top, clearance between the radiator and the RAM became a key factor. Low-profile RAM is recommended for this case, especially when using a 240mm radiator in the front. In our build, the 32GB DDR5 memory modules fit perfectly without any conflicts.
Another consideration was the length of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super graphics card. While the VS9 RGB supports graphics cards up to 380mm in length, double-checking the measurements beforehand is advisable. In our case, the graphics card fit comfortably with a few millimetres to spare.
Managing cables effectively is crucial for maximizing airflow and maintaining a clean aesthetic within the VS9 RGB. The case offers strategically placed cable routing grommets and a dedicated channel behind the motherboard tray. While the space may feel snug with a high-end graphics card and AIO cooler installed, careful cable management techniques were sufficient to keep the airflow unrestricted and the interior looking tidy.
Overall, while the VS9 RGB offered enough space to accommodate our powerful components, some planning and attention to detail were necessary, particularly regarding RAM height and graphics card length. For those seeking the most generous space for cable management, a full-tower case might be a better option. However, for builders who prioritize a stylish mid-tower case that can house high-end components with a little strategic planning, the VS9 RGB delivers a compelling option
Verdict
The Sharkoon VS9 RGB strikes a commendable balance between aesthetics and functionality. The tempered glass side panel showcases your meticulously chosen components, while the pre-installed RGB fans add a touch of flair. Its support for high-performance components like the 13th gen Intel Core i5 and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super makes it a capable choice for gamers and content creators alike.
However, its mid-tower design does require some forethought when incorporating bulkier components. Low-profile RAM is recommended when using a 240mm radiator in the front for optimal clearance. Double-checking graphics card dimensions is also crucial to ensure compatibility. Cable management can feel snug with a high-end build, but it’s achievable with careful planning.
The Sharkoon VS9 RGB is a compelling choice for builders seeking a stylish and functional mid-tower case. It offers ample space for most ATX components but might require some strategic planning for bulkier builds. For those prioritizing the most generous space for cable management, a full-tower case might be a better option. However, if you’re looking for a stylish mid-tower that can house high-end components with a little planning, the VS9 RGB is a strong contender, offering a balance between form and function at an attractive price point.