Armour VA8000 - Computer Case THERMALTAKE - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Full Tower Computer Case
Model	Armour VA8000SWA (Silver) / VA8000BWS (Black)
Case Type	Super Tower
Side Panel	Transparent (window)
Net Weight	7.5 kg (Silver) / 16.2 kg (Black)
Dimensions (H x W x D)	530 x 220 x 560 mm
Cooling System	Front: 120 mm blue LED fan (1300 rpm, 17 dBA); Rear: 120 mm blue LED fan (1300 rpm, 17 dBA) + 90 mm fan (1800 rpm, 19 dBA); Top: 90 mm fan (1800 rpm, 19 dBA)
Drive Bays (Total)	11
Front Accessible Drive Bays	Up to 10 x 5.25" (or 2 x 3.5" with tray)
Internal Drive Bays	6 x 3.5" HDD
Chassis Material	1.0 mm Aluminum (Silver) / 1.0 mm SECC (Black)
Front Bezel Material	Aluminum
Color	Silver or Black
Expansion Slots	7
Motherboard Support	Micro ATX, ATX, Extend ATX, BTX (with optional kit)
BTX Upgrade Kit	Optional (Model: A9358) - includes BTX rear plate and SRM
Tool-Free Mechanism	Yes, for 5.25" and 3.5" drives, PCI slots, and 12 cm fan cage
Removable Fan Cage	12 cm fan cage with 3 HDD bays, tool-free clips
Power Supply	ATX PS2 (sold separately; optional Silent Purepower)
Front I/O Ports	USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 Firewire, Audio (Ear & Mic)
Intrusion Switch	Yes, for chassis open alarm
Included Accessories	Mylar tapes for ATX motherboard insulation

Frequently Asked Questions - Armour VA8000 THERMALTAKE

How do I open the side panel of the Thermaltake Armour VA8000?

First, use the side panel key located at the back of the case to unlock it. Then push the button on the side panel and swing it outward. Ensure the panel is unlocked before attempting to open.

How to install a 5.25" optical drive in this case?

Squeeze the tool-free clips outward to release them, remove the drive bay cover from the desired slot, insert the drive into the bay, then squeeze the clips inward to secure the drive.

What is the procedure for installing a 3.5" HDD?

Unscrew the thumb screw on the removable HDD cage, push down the metal tab and pull the cage outward. Place the HDD in the cage, secure it with screws, then reinsert the cage and tighten the thumb screw.

How to remove the 12 cm fan cage?

Squeeze all three tool-free clips on the fan cage outward, then remove the three drive bay covers in front of the cage. Slide the cage outward from the front of the chassis to remove it.

What motherboards are compatible with the Armour VA8000?

The case supports Micro ATX, ATX, Extend ATX, and BTX (with optional kit A9358) motherboards. Always consult your motherboard manual for correct standoff placement.

How to install the power supply unit?

Slide the power supply into the chassis as shown in the manual. Locate the hook of the PSU supporter on the circled hole, swing the supporter to the proper position, and secure it with a screw.

How to connect the front I/O ports (USB and Firewire)?

For USB 2.0, connect the 10-pin cable to the motherboard USB header matching the pinout (VCC, DATA-, DATA+, GND). For IEEE 1394, connect the 6-pin cable to the Firewire header ensuring correct pin alignment (VP, VG, TPB-, TPB+, TPA-, TPA+, Ground). Refer to your motherboard manual for exact locations.

How to connect front panel audio (Ear & Mic)?

Connect the 7-pin audio cable to the motherboard front panel audio header. The pinout is: EAR R (Red), Return R (White), EAR L (Green), Return L (Yellow), MIC IN (Red), MIC VCC (White), Ground (Black). Consult your motherboard manual for the correct header.

Is there a BTX upgrade available for this case?

Yes, an optional BTX Upgrade Kit (Model A9358) is available. It includes a BTX rear plate and a BTX SRM (Supported Retention Module) to adapt the case for BTX motherboards.

How many fans come pre-installed and what are their sizes?

The case includes: one 120 mm blue LED fan at the front (intake), one 120 mm blue LED fan at the rear (exhaust), one 90 mm fan at the rear (exhaust), and one 90 mm fan at the top (exhaust). The 120 mm fans run at 1300 rpm (17 dBA), the 90 mm fans at 1800 rpm (19 dBA).

USER MANUAL Armour VA8000 THERMALTAKE

Two desktop computer tower units shown from different angles, no visible text or labels

User

© 2005 Thermaltake Technology Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. All other registered trademarks belong to their respective companies.

Thermaltake

Coolall YOUR LIFE

www.thermaltake.com

Contents

Chapter1 Product Introduction

1.1 Specification 1

Chapter2 Case Mechanical Operation

2.1 How to open the side panel 3
2.2 Installing 5.25" Device 4
2.3 Installing 3.5" HDD 5
2.4 Removable 12cm Fan cage with 3HDD 6
2.5 Installing 3.5" HDD For 12cm Fan Cage 7
2.6 5.25" to 3.5" Drive Tray Device Installation 8
2.7 Installing 3.5" Device to Drive Tray With Power Button 10

2.8 Installing Power Supply 12

2.9 Installing the Fan on Top of the Case 13

2.10 How to Remove the Fan & Fan Holder 14

2.11 Air Cooling System 15

2.12 BTX Upgraded Kits 16

2.13 PCI slot tool-free function operation 17

Chapter3 Motherboard & Leads Installation

3.1 Motherboard Installation 18
3.2 Case LED connections 19
3.3 USB2.0 & IEEE1394 Firewire connection 20
3.4 Ear & Mic Connections 22

Chapter4 Other

4.1 Silent Purepower ^TM power supply (optional) 23

Chapter1 Product Introduction

1.1 Specification

VA8000SWA

Exterior view of a silver desktop computer tower with visible internal circuitry and ventilation slots (no text or symbols)

Model	Armor --- VA8000SWA
Case Type	Super TowerCase Type
Side Panel	Transparent side panel
Net Weight	7.5 Kg
Dimension	530 x 220 x 560 mm (H*W*D)
Cooling System	●Front (intake) : 120 x 120 x25 mm blue LED fan, 1300rpm, 17dBA●Rear (Exhaust) : 120 x 120 x25 mm blue LED fan, 1300rpm,17dBA &90 x 90 x 25mm,1800rpm,19dBA●Top (Exhaust) : 90 x 90 x 25mm, 1800rpm, 19dBA
Drive Bays	11
-Front Accessible	Up to 10 x 5.25", 22x3355"
-Internal	6 x 3.5"
Material	Chassis: 1.0 mm AluminumFront bezel: Aluminum
color	Silver
	7Expansion Slots
	Micro ATX, ATX, Extend ATX, BTX Motherboards
BTX upgraded kits (option : A9358)	SRM / Rear plate

Black desktop computer tower case with visible internal circuitry and ventilation slots (no text or labels)

Model	Armor ---VA8000BWS
Case Type	Super TowerCase Type
Side Panel	Transparent side panel
Net Weight	16.2Kg
Dimension	530 x 220 x 560 mm (H*W*D)
Cooling System	•Front (intake) : 120 x 120 x25 mm blue LED fan, 1300rpm, 17dBA•Rear (Exhaust) : 120 x 120 x25 mm blue LED fan, 1300rpm,17dBA & 90x90 x25mm,1800rpm,19dBA•Top (Exhaust) : 90 x 90 x 25mm, 1800rpm, 19dBA
Drive Bays-Front Accessible-Internal	11Up to 110x55285'2,123x5.5"6 x 3.5"
Material	Chassis: 1.0 mm SECCFront bezel: Aluminum
color	Black
	7Expansion Slots
	Micro ATX, ATX, Extend ATX, BTX Motherboards
BTX upgraded kits (option : A9358)	SRM / Rear plate

VA8000BWS

Chapter2 Case Mechanical Operation

2.1 How to open the side panel

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To find out the side panel key from the back side of the case then open it as the picture.

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Make sure the side panel lock is opened.

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Exterior view of a computer tower case showing internal components and ventilation ducts (no text or symbols visible)

Push the button then swing out the side panel.

2.2 Installing 5.25" Device

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Interior view of a refrigerator with visible shelves and glass panels (no text or symbols)

Squeeze and pull out-ward the tool-free clip

Close-up of a desktop computer tower case showing front panel, grille, and rack (no visible text or labels)

Close-up of a desktop computer tower with drive bays and ventilation grilles (no visible text or labels)

Remove the drive bay cover from the selected position, then insert the device into the 5.25" drive bay

Interior view of a computer case showing multiple drive bays and ventilation slots (no visible text or labels)

Squeeze and push in-ward the tool-free clip.

Front view of a desktop computer tower rack with ventilation grilles and drive bays (no visible text or labels)

Finish installation

User's Maunal

2.3 Installing 3.5" HDD

Unscrew the thumb screw for removable HDD cage

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Interior view of a computer drive bay with visible internal components and a white arrow pointing to a component (no text or symbols)

Interior view of a server rack unit with open door and drive bays (no visible text or labels)

Push down and hold the metal tab, then pull the HDD cage out-ward to remove from chassis.

Close-up of a computer drive bay with multiple drive bays and a central drive (no visible text or labels)

Interior view of a computer drive showing two labeled components (3 and 5) with no visible text or symbols.

Secure HDD with Screw

2.4 Removable 12cm Fan cage with 3HDD

Interior view of a server rack with numbered components and directional arrows indicating movement (no readable text or symbols)

Squeeze and pull out-ward the tool-free clip
Note: Remove 12 cm fan cage is secured with 3 tool-free clips. Be sure to free all 3 tool-free clips

Close-up of a computer tower fan with visible internal blades and ventilation slots (no text or symbols)

Close-up of a computer tower fan with visible cooling effect and ventilation slots (no text or symbols)

After loosen tool-free clip, remove 3 drive bay covers located in front of the 12 cm fan cage. Then slide the fan cage out-ward to remove.

Exterior view of a stainless steel industrial cabinet with ventilation grilles and internal compartments (no visible text or symbols)

Interior view of a refrigerator with shelves stocked with refrigerators (no visible text or labels)

Remove another 3 drive bay covers at desired location for 12 cm fan cage Squeeze and pull out-ward the tool-free clip at desired location

Close-up of a computer tower CPU socket with visible fan and drive mechanism (no text or symbols)

Close-up of a metallic industrial fan with ventilation grilles (no visible text or symbols)

Insert the 12 cm fan cage into the desired location by sliding the cage in-ward from the front of chassis.

Close-up of a refrigerator with visible door, shelves, and ventilation slots (no text or symbols)

Close-up of a metallic panel with multiple recessed compartments (no text or symbols visible)

Squeeze and push in-ward the tool free clip to secure the 12 cm fan cage.
Replace back the 3 drive bay covers previously removed

2.5 Installing 3.5" HDD (For 12cm Fan Cage)

Close-up of a server rack cabinet with numbered components (① and ②) and directional arrows indicating assembly or movement (no readable text or symbols)

Squeeze and pull out-ward the tool-free clip at desired slot.

Close-up of a server rack with multiple drive bays and a highlighted internal component (no visible text or labels)

Insert HDD by sliding HDD into the 12 cm fan cage.

Close-up of a metallic mechanical component with a central circular recess and two mounting holes (no visible text or symbols)

Secure HDD by tightening screw to HDD

Close-up of a server rack unit with multiple drive bays and ventilation slots (no visible text or labels)

Squeeze and push in-ward the tool free clip to secure the HDD in the 12 cm fan cage.

2.6 5.25" to 3.5" Drive Tray Device Installation.

Interior view of a computer or electronic device with labeled components (no readable text or symbols)

Interior view of a refrigerator with visible door, shelves, and storage compartments (no text or symbols)

Squeeze and pull out-ward the tool-free clip securing the drive tray

Close-up of a computer tower case showing ventilation grilles and drive bays (no text or symbols visible)

Interior view of a computer oven with ventilation grilles and a door (no visible text or labels)

Remove drive bay cover in front of the drive tray. Then slide out the device tray.

Exterior view of a beige internal computer drive (no visible text or labels)

Metal mechanical component with two circular holes and a central circular mark (no visible text or symbols)

Insert HDD drive into device tray. Secure HDD with screw from the side of device tray labeled HDD.

Close-up of a computer tower rear panel showing drive bays and a label with an arrow pointing to the front panel (no readable text or symbols)

Close-up of a computer tower case showing ventilation grilles and drive slots (no visible text or symbols)

Insert back the device tray and replace back the drive bay cover.

Interior view of a refrigerator with visible door, shelves, and storage compartments (no text or symbols)

Squeeze and push in-ward the tool free clip to secure the device tray.

Installing Floppy Disk Drive to Device tray

Exterior view of a beige internal computer drive (no visible text or labels)

Close-up of a metallic electronic component with two circular pins (no visible text or symbols)

Remove device tray and insert floppy disk drive into device tray. Secure FDD with screw from the side of device tray labeled FDD.

Close-up of a server rack with ventilation grilles and drive bays (no visible text or symbols)

Close-up of a refrigerator interior showing glass doors and doorways (no visible text or symbols)

Insert back device tray. Remove mesh on drive bay cover. Then replace back drive bay cover. Squeeze and push in-ward the tool free clip to secure the device tray

2.7 Installing 3.5" Device to Drive Tray With Power Button

Close-up of a computer tower case with ventilation grilles and a black arrow pointing to the cover (no text or symbols visible)

Squeeze and pull out-ward the tool-free clip securing the drive tray with power button. Remove and slide drive bay out-ward to remove.

Exterior view of a computer tower case with ventilation grilles and mounting points (no text or symbols visible)

Squeeze both top and bottom portion of drive tray cover picture to the left to remove cover.

Close-up of a mechanical component with a pointed tool inserted, showing a perforated surface (no text or symbols visible)

Exterior view of a metallic automotive air vent with control panel and two separate electrical connectors (no text or symbols visible)

Remove mesh from cover

Exterior view of a modern office building (no signage)

Place cover back to drive tray to its original position. Insert 3.25" device and secure device with screw.

Exterior view of a computer drive chassis (no visible text or labels)

Close-up of a computer monitor with an arrow pointing to the front panel (no visible text or symbols)

Insert back the device tray pictured above. Squeeze and push in-ward the tool free clip to secure the device tray

Interior view of an industrial equipment cabinet with shelves, fans, and control panels (no visible text or labels)

Drive tray with Power Button can be placed at any drive bay desired.

Front view of a server rack unit with multiple drive bays (no visible text or labels)

2.8 Installing Power Supply

Close-up of a computer fan inside a drive bay, showing internal components and no visible text or symbols

Install power supply unit as shown in pictures

Close-up of a metallic tool with a circular annotation highlighting a specific feature (no text or symbols visible)

Locate the hook of PSU supporter on the hole which is circled in photo above

Close-up of a mechanical component with a magnified inset showing a small rectangular feature (no text or symbols visible)

Swing the supporter to its proper position as shown in photo above

Close-up of a computer mouse with a circular inset showing a close-up of the mouse (no text or symbols visible)

Interior view of an electrical cabinet with visible wiring and components (no text or symbols)

Secure the supporter with screw

2.9 Installing the fan on top of the case

Close-up of a microchip or electronic component with hexagonal grid pattern and internal components (no visible text or symbols)

Close-up of a computer fan with visible cooling effect and directional arrows (no text or symbols)

Press-in 2 clips on the side of fan

Close-up of a computer fan with visible internal components and a black arrow indicating a motion (no text or symbols)

Align all clips with mounting holes, then push-in the fan against case body to secure it.

Close-up of a perforated metal panel with a hand holding a tool, showing no visible text or symbols.

Close-up of a hand holding a transparent plastic bag with a circular inset, next to a grid-patterned device (no visible text or symbols)

Push fan clip upward to loose fan, then remove fan holder from inside

9 cm rear fan

Three-panel photo showing a computer tower with a mesh socket, a CPU fan emerging from the side, and a separate view of the tower's internal structure (no text or symbols visible)

To remove fan & fan holder by press-in clips then pull both from inside. Please see above picture

2.11 Air Cooling System

-90 x 90 x 25mm, 1800rpm, 19dBA -Rear HDD cooling
-Rear (Exhaust) : 120 x 120 x25 mm blue LED fan, 1300rpm
4-pin connector: connect to PSU
3-pin signal connector: connect to M/B

2.12 BTX Upgraded Kits

Interior view of a computer tower case showing internal components and ventilation ducts (no text or labels visible)

BTX rear plate

Metallic mechanical part with internal slots and mounting holes (no visible text or symbols)

BTX SRM (Supported Retention Module)

BTX upgraded kit box

2.13 PCI slot tool-free function operation

Open the plastic clip then take off the PCI bracket as follow.

Chapter3 Motherboard & Leads Installation

3.1 Motherboard Installation

Each motherboard has different standoff layout. It is highly suggested that you refer to your motherboard's manual when installing motherboard into the case. The cases are applicable with Extend-ATX Standard ATX, Micro ATX motherboards. Your motherboard may require a special I/O Panel, which should be included with your motherboard.

Placement Direction:

When installing the motherboard, make sure you follow the direction provided by your motherboard manufacturer. On most standard motherboards, the edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis. It is highly recommended that you install CPU, heat sink and modular components before fixing the motherboard inside the chassis.

● = the locations of the screw holes. Note these locations and place included standoffs on the chassis first.
Above illustration is a sample of what the motherboard's layout. For more detail screw hole placement, please refer to your motherboard manual.

3.2 Case LED connections

Close-up of a vintage electronic device with a mesh grille and control buttons (no visible text or symbols)

On the front of the case, you can find some LEDs and switch leads (POWER SW*1, POWER LED*1, H.D.D. LED*1, RESET SW*1, SPEAKER*1).

Please consult user manual of your motherboard manufacturer, then connect these leads to the panel header on the motherboard. These leads are usually labeled; if not, please trace them back to the case front to find out their source.

• POWER LED connects to your M/B at the PLED.
• POWER SW connects to the PWR connector on the motherboard.
• H.D.D LED connects to the 2-pin labeled HDDLED connector.
• RESET SW connects to the RSW connector on the motherboard.
• SPEAKER connector: find out the 4-pin labeled SPEAKER on the M/B then connect it.

3.3 USB2.0 & IEEE1394 Firewire connection

USB connection

Please consult your motherboard manual to find out the section of "USB connection".

USB2.0 connection
M/B layout (Ex: ASUS)		Case layout
1	USB+5V	VCC 1	Red	USB 1
2	LDM1	DATA-1	White
3	LDP1	DATA+1	Green
4	GND	GND 1	Black
5	NC	SHIELD 1	Black
6	USB+5V	VCC 2	Red	USB 2
7	LDM2	DATA-2	White
8	LDP2	DATA+2	Green
9	GND	GND 2	Black
10	--	SHIELD 2	Black

Close-up of a mechanical component with a circular housing and mesh pattern (no visible text or symbols)

Close-up of a mechanical component with multiple small components and a curved surface (no visible text or symbols)

IEEE1394 Firewire connection

Please consult your motherboard manual to find out the section of "IEEE1394 Firewire connection".

1394 Firewire connection
M/B layout (Ex: ASUS)		Case layout
1	+12V	VP	White
2	Ground	VG	Black
3	TPB-	TPB- or TPB*	Red
4	TPB+	TPB+ or TPB	Green
5	TPA-	TPA- or TPA*	Orange
6	TPA+	TPA+ or TPA	Blue
7	Ground	Ground	Black

Close-up of a black cable with multiple connectors and wires, no visible text or symbols

3.4 Ear & MIC connections

Please consult your motherboard manual to find out the section of "front panel audio connector".

Ear & Mic connection
M/B layout (Ex: ASUS)		Case layout
1	LINE_OUT R	EAR R	Red
2	LINE_IN R	Return R	White
3	LINE_OUT L	EAR L	Green
4	LINE_IN L	Return L	Yellow
5	MIC	MIC IN	Red
6	MIC PWR	MIC VCC or MICBIAS	White
7	Ground	Ground	Black

Close-up of a black cable with multiple labeled connectors (no readable text or symbols)

3.5 Case open alarm function (Intrusion switch)

To find out the cable with 2pin connector (Micro SW) from the rear of inside the chassis.
2 To find out the position of Chassis Alarm on your motherboard. (please consult your motherboard manual)

Chapter4 Other

4.1 Silent Purepower ^TM power supply (optional)

The Thermaltake Silent™ Purepower specification meets Intel Pentium 4 and AMD K7; it offers plenty of functions, which mainly include:

1. Automatic Fan Speed Control: The Silent Purepower™ power supply can detect the inside heat and automatically adjust the fan speed to provide adequate airflow.
2. Ultra Silent: Ball bearing fans with high reliability and super low acoustic noise under all load condition.

The functions can assure the Silent Purepower ^™ meet the balance in noise control and heat exhausted. The Silent Purepower ^™ provides complete protection function as follow:

1. Over thermal protection at 100^ C- 105^ C
2. Short circuit protection on all output.
3. Over voltage protection / Under voltage protection.
4. Over current protection.

Besides, Thermaltake enables the quality assurance of the Silent Purepower ^™ 100% Hi-POT and ATE Function Test, 100% Burn-In and AC Input cycled on/off under high temperature condition. Furthermore, it has been approved by UL, CSA, TUV, VDE, NODIC, CB, FCC, CE, CNS.

Product photo of a computer power supply unit with circuit board, motor, and star-shaped components (no visible text or symbols)

There are three main products of Thermaltake PSU, it is divided into standard, VR and specialty power supply unit. Please refer to http://www.thermaltake.com/purepower/main.htm

Important Notice -

Contents below are additional information for proper motherboard installation for Thermaltake Armor (page 18) / Kandalf (page 20) Full Tower Chassis.

Two rectangular objects with small square cutouts on a white surface, no visible text or symbols.

Inside the accessory box, please locate the Mylars (clear plastic films).

*Note: Due to the unique design of the Armor / Kandalf Chassis, these Mylar tapes are included to prevent ATX motherboards from contacting the chassis.

Close-up of a metallic electronic component with four circular features and mounting holes (no visible text or symbols)

Remove the adhesive backing and place the Mylars over each locations as shown.

Interior view of an electronic device casing with visible circuitry and mounting holes (no text or symbols)

Completed. Please note the Mylar tapes included are transparent. The image here is for reference only.

*Note: When assembling BTX motherboards into the Armor / Kandalf chassis, these Mylar tapes are not necessary.

Close-up of a metal rack with multiple oval-shaped filter bands (no text or symbols visible)