Deepcool CH160 in the test: at first glance, a real Mini-ITX trick 60 comments
The Deepcool CH160 is one of the few ITX representatives that still offers the combination of a horizontally installed graphics card and a large CPU tower cooler. With a price between 60 and 70 euros, the small box is sometimes treated as a tip, but the small price of the test does not compensate for all the shortcomings.
Table of contents 1 A real Mini-ITX trick at a first glanceThe Deepcool CH160 Mini-ITX case in detail Installation and everyday experiences 2 Test results, measured values and conclusionTest system and methodology Volume at rest and in games CPU, VRM, SSD and RAM Temperature GPU Temperature and Fan Speed Conclusion
The Deepcool CH160 Mini-ITX case in detail
The Deepcool CH160 was introduced in spring 2024 and has been available in black and white for some time. The test now follows, as there is interest in the case.
While a two-chamber design with vertical installation of the graphics card is increasingly used, especially in the ITX segment, few ITX cases use a single-chamber layout and thus allow the installation of large graphics coolers. air. In addition to the already discontinued Cooler Master NR200, the Deepcool CH160 also belongs to this category. But ultimately this can only be convincing to a limited extent.
In the price comparison, the Deepcool CH160 currently costs 60 euros in black and 60 euros in white. Availability is currently low. It is normal that the branching of mesh (CH 160 Mesh) presented at Gamescom 2024 is still a long time coming.
Exterior: striking
Externally, the almost cube-shaped ITX case is distinguished by several features. The lid, base and front are perforated with small squares that allow fresh air to circulate. There’s also a carry handle on the lid so the little one, which holds almost 19 liters, can be easily transported. What is also very striking is that the case is aligned with the left side of the case. Not only is there a glass side element, but also the I/O panel.
DeepCool CH160 in the test Image 1 of 9
The build quality is surprising, especially considering the advertised price. The Deepcool CH160 is of very high quality. The quality of manufacturing and materials is absolutely correct. The perforated grid elements only bend when very strong pressure is applied in the middle. The otherwise near-pristine exterior is only lightly stained by the top handle. The handle is simply made and made of plastic. Since it is mounted a little mobile, it vibrates a little when you touch it. However, if it is not needed, it can also be dismantled.
Inside: no frills
The external elements of the CH160 are attached to the chassis using screws. The two side panels, the cover and the I/O panel cover can be removed, but not the faceplate. Without any additional added parts, the quality of the outer shell can also be fully projected onto the inner workings. Here too, no sharp edges or bad rivet points can be found.
DeepCool CH160 in the test Image 1 of 12
The spacious hardware chamber of the Deepcool CH160 can accommodate air coolers up to 172mm in height. Graphics cards can be up to 305mm long. The CH160’s power supply is either on the front, right or front. SFX, SFX-L or ATX models can be installed, although when using ATX power sources the maximum graphics card length drops to 230mm.
The rest of the interior furnishings are extremely sporadic. The faceplate, lid, and base have full-surface dust filters, but these are difficult to remove even when the case is empty. Filters must be bent out of their anchors on the long sides for removal. Since they are only glued to the plastic frame at the edges, they do not lie flat or curl.
DeepCool CH160 in the test: dust filter difficult to remove, image 1 of 4
The only other component is a small sheet metal on the left front strut of the chassis, which at first glance serves no purpose. However, the small holder serves three functions. It accommodates either a 3.5″ drive, a 2.5″ drive, or a 120mm fan with only two mounting screws. The solution seems extremely careless and as if it was added as an afterthought. Offering a single bracket in an ITX case with a raw volume of around 19 liters borders on poor planning. Regardless of the 3.5″ format, there could have at least been room for additional recordings behind the motherboard socket, as this space is completely unused on the CH160.
Installation and daily experiences
When installing the hardware, several points appear that are not suitable for the Deepcool CH160 at all. The first thing to mention as almost absolutely prohibited is the extension of the power cable, which has never been seen in any other case before. If the power supply is placed elsewhere inside the case, an internal extension is usually used, which then terminates at the rear of the case and provides a power outlet. This is not the case with the Deepcool CH160 – a short extension cord is included with the case. There is a small recess on the back into which the cable is then placed. The protruding extension then hangs extremely unpleasantly from the back of the housing. Like the hard drive carrier, this solution also seems improvised and does not even fit into the lower budget. The housing instructions are just as simple to implement. Although it is well illustrated, it is missing a few important points that inexperienced users definitely need. There is nothing documented about which power extension is included, where it belongs, and how it is installed. How to remove the dust filters is also not explained.
Less towards Fusch, but a huge limitation is the orientation of the case to the left. To use the I/O panel – including booting the PC – the Deepcool CH160 must be positioned to the user’s right. If you hide the cables at the back, only front orientation would be possible. The side panels cannot be attached opposite each other.
The purely hardware installation is particularly simple thanks to the large main chamber that complies with ITX standards. However, when installing an AiO water cooling system in the lid, make sure that any front fans are installed beforehand, as there is little space for installation afterwards.
DeepCool CH160 in the test Image 1 of 8
In general, the use of AiO cooling requires a little more attention, because the Deepcool CH160 offers a lot of space inside, but does not waste time thinking about cable management. The additional cables supplied with the AiO cooling must be stowed away. The test system also required a separate fan control and an internal USB hub, which led to an extremely cluttered and unsightly result. The only place to store the cables in a reasonably orderly manner is in front of the graphics card, if there is space, or on the floor.
Another problem arose when using the AiO cooling in the lid. There was a lot of noise in the lid area during maximum fan speed. The integrated handle blocked the airflow, so that annoying draft noises could be heard. Apart from the fact that the maximum fan speed is probably an isolated case, removing the handle is at least useful.
Ventilation options
The possible fan options for the Deepcool CH160 are quickly described. The small ITX case only accommodates 120mm fans. In addition to the optional fan space in the front, one fan can also be installed in the rear and two in the lid. A 240mm radiator can be installed in the cover, although the front or rear fan must be sacrificed depending on orientation. Concerning the maximum height, particular attention should be paid to the height of the working memory. The radiator block used in the test measures 52mm and posed no problems.
Deepcool CH160 motherboard form factor: Mini-ITX, Slim Mini-ITX chassis (L × B × H): 336 × 200 × 284 mm (19.08 liters)
Side window material: plastic, steel, glass variantPlastic, steel Net weight: 3.30 kg I/O ports / Other: 1 × USB 3.1 (USB 3.2 Gen 2) Type C, 2 × USB 3.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1), HD Audio slots: 1 × 3.5″/2.5″ (internal) Expansion slots: 3 Fans: Front: 1 × 120mm (optional)
Damn: 1 × 120mm (optional)
Cover: 2 × 120 mm (optional) Dust filter: Cover, front, bottom Compatibility: CPU cooler: 172 mm
GPU: 305mm
Power supply: 140 mm
SFX form factor price: starting from €60
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Clara is an expert in custom PC building, specialising in innovative cases and cooling solutions.
