Nouvolo Steck v2 is 12L sandwich layout Mini-ITX case with optional tophats for liquid cooling. The case uses aluminium panels with powder coating finish. Pricing starts at US$190/£225 for base case; excluding the riser cable & US$229/£268 with PCIe 4.0 riser cable included.
SPECIFICATIONS
| CASE | Nouvolo Steck v2 |
| DIMENSIONS | 343 x 156 x 228 (L x W x H) |
| VOLUME | 11.8 Litres (excluding tophat) |
| MATERIALS | Internal: Steel External: Aluminium |
| CASE I/O | N |
| MOTHERBOARD COMPATIBILITY | Mini-ITX |
| MAX CPU COOLER HEIGHT | 72mm |
| EXPANSION SLOTS | 2 |
| MAX GPU LENGTH | 320mm |
| MAX GPU THICKNESS | 2.4 or 3 slots |
| RISER CABLE | 180mm (double reverse) |
| RADIATORS SUPPORTED | 240mm (requires 34mm tophat) |
| POWER SUPPLY COMPATIBILITY | SFX / SFX-L |
| CASE FANS SUPPORTED | Top: 2x 120x15mm Bottom: 2x 120x15mm |
| 2.5″ / 3.5″ DRIVES SUPPORTED | 1x 2.5″ |
| DUST FILTERS (INC) | N |
REVIEW
Pictured is the Nouvolo Steck v2. The case uses powder coated finish and lazer cut paneling. Giving the high price of the case, it really should have had CNC’d panels and anodised finish. The powder coated finish leaves the impression that the case exterior uses SPCC, when infact it’s aluminium, and just feel less premium than it is. The Steck v2 is not upto the standards of $200+ case.
Of the two tophats we received; both had alignment issues and/or section gaps, with one being more pronounced than the other.
The tempered glass side panels use an adhesive to secure the glass to the mounting frame. This is not an ideal solution in our opinion and as such; one arrived with panel loose from the aluminium frame. Fortunately, this was easily reapplied.
We found the motherboard did not align with rear of the case and was caused by bending of the internal spine. However, this doesn’t account for the motherboard I/O panel being off centered vertically. The bottom fan bracket was also pressing up against the motherboard I/O shroud which presented it own issues.
CONCLUSION
The review unit received is retail case as far as we’re aware, but left the impression of bad engineering samples. The case in theory could have been good, but in practice was a dud unit.
The Nouvolo Steck v2 suffered QC issues and defects ranging from panel/sections alignment issues on the base case and tophats; to bent/buckled internal brackets: such as the spine and fan mounting brackets.
Giving the poor condition of the case, it was not practical to proceed further with the build.
We also discussed Nouvolo products with the wider community and did not receive positive response in terms of support from Nouvolo regarding issues or product quality. Your results may vary.