![asus rog strix helios asus rog strix helios](https://www.techbooze.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ASUS-ROG-STRIX-HELIOS-GX601-BLACK5.jpg)
PSUs are actually installed on a separate bracket, but again the thumbscrews for this are not captive, which is daft, and it seems almost pointless since you’ll probably be removing the PSU shroud anyway. It makes things more convoluted than they are on other PSU shroud designs. Removing both parts of the PSU shroud involves five screws in total, and this isn’t strictly necessary for the build but is recommended, as it’s hard to access the PSU cables thanks to the motherboard tray getting in the way. One thing to note is that the HDD cage can be fitted to three different positions (thus supporting longer PSUs or thicker radiators), or you can remove it altogether. Maybe it’s understandable mechanical drives are given less focus in a modern case, but we’re not at all impressed with how Asus handles this area.
![asus rog strix helios asus rog strix helios](https://cdn.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Screenshot_20.jpg)
#Asus rog strix helios install
Worse still, the caddies they install on are plastic and cheap. Worse, they are installed in a cage that is only accessible once you remove the front of the PSU shroud, as the drives caddies pull out on the motherboard side, not the rear. Only two are supported, and there are no after-market options for increasing this – a bit limiting for so large and expensive a case. These are simple and effective – no complaints. This is also where you’ll find the main SSD mounts, namely four independent metal 2.5” brackets, each held with a captive thumbscrew. The door lifts off its hinges too if you want to get it completely out the way, which is very useful. It’s secured with two captive screws, and then opens up to reveal that Asus has pre-routed all the cables very neatly already – good stuff.
![asus rog strix helios asus rog strix helios](https://www.asus.com/media/global/products/g2Pl47nZaToiPUKg/P_setting_000_1_90_end_500.png)
Translucent, it’s designed to hide unsightly cables when viewed from the outside while allowing LEDs on SSDs (or Asus Aura terminals) to shine through if used, and it’s very effective at keeping things clean and tidy. On the opposite side the most obvious feature is the plastic cable management bracket, which is actually a door. The bracket is held in with two thumbscrews, but annoyingly these are not captive and they are too tight to be undone with thumbs. Both 360mm and 420mm radiators are supported, which is good. The front fan bracket is fully occupied by default, but even behind this there is about 65mm of clearance before you hit the PSU cover or HDD cage (both removable anyway). Offset mounts mean that 120mm-based radiators might be able to be thicker depending on your motherboard and memory, but no promises. Speaking of, 280mm and 360mm units are supported here with 60mm of clearance available for fans and radiator combined above the top of the motherboard. It makes for a simple way to deal with large radiators and multi-fan setups. The roof one is externally accessible once you’ve lifted out the dust filter, and it’s held in with two screws. You can also shift it towards the front of the case slightly, which is what you’ll need to do if you’re using an E-ATX board.īoth the roof and front feature removable brackets for fan/radiator installation. The cover also acts as a cable cover and has built-in 2.5” mounting points for a single device. This includes two plastic GPU support beams to help combat sag, and the ability to reposition them is great for catering to different GPU heights and lengths. A separate bracket is supplied for supporting double vertical GPUs, and this takes the place of the horizontal brackets.īreaking up the space is a ‘multi-function cover’. For GPUs, however, the vertical GPU bracket impedes access to the regular horizontal ones, and you have to remove it entirely (four screws) just to access the necessary covers for a solo dual-slot card installation, which could surely have been avoided. Pre-installed motherboard standoffs include a longer middle one to hold the board in place as you reach for the first screw. The large dimensions also mean that clearances for components are large: 190mm for coolers and 450mm for GPUs. We also like the acrylic window in the PSU shroud, as it lets you show off your unit and is in keeping with the showcase aspirations. Thankfully, both parts of the shroud are made from steel, and overall material quality inside continues to be high. Inside, Asus uses a standard tower layout divided into two with a removable, two-part PSU shroud. It’s an excellent design that works very well. Both are attached securely yet each is released with a single push of a quick-release button on the back. The two glass panels are secured to steel mounting aids, thus avoiding a need for any externally visible holes or screws.