INTRODUCTION

   Having used and reviewed over 300 PC cases since the early 90's has clearly raised the bar for me so it's no surprise that i don't focus on such reviews as much as i did in the past. I mean let's face it, most PC cases nowadays look alike and yes even though they do differ in size and sometimes even in available features the end result is very similar. So basically, i do my best to get unique PC cases in the lab not just in terms of looks (although that is my primary goal) but also features, interior space and build quality. The Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition Mid-Tower by Kolink seems to be one of those unique PC cases that hasn't gotten the attention it deserves and since some of you requested it that's exactly what today's review is all about.

   Established in 2002, Kolink provided low cost keyboards and mice to computer resellers in Hungary. Over the years, Kolink expanded their range to include entry-level cases and power supplies. Following a change of ownership in 2014, the brand drove for success by providing improved quality products at competitive prices. As a result, Kolink has grown across Europe by offering a range of award winning cases & power supplies to PC gamers and system builders. From small beginnings, to expanding across Europe, Kolink is fast establishing a global customer footprint. Their worldwide team of industry experts is constantly assessing market demands and refreshing the product range to deliver the latest trends.

   The Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition by Kolink is an open air/frame type mid-tower which comes just in black color (the first Big Chungus was available with a black and red combination) and thanks to its angular design, 5 pre-installed ARGB fans, 2 pre-installed ARGB LED strips and 4 tempered glass panels (sides, front, top) it easily stands out. In total the Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition can be equipped with up to ten 120mm fans (10-way ARGB hub is also present - can be controlled either via the bundled remote or via your motherboard's sync technology) and/or three radiators (2x360/1x240) and it's got enough room for E-ATX sized motherboards, 4 drives (2x2.5/3.5" and 2x2.5"), 335mm long graphics cards, 175mm tall CPU coolers and 220mm long power supplies. So, let's see what the 2nd version of the Big Chungus by Kolink is all about.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Both the front and rear of the box have a drawing of the Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition, the company logo and the main product features in 10 languages.

The color and weight of the case are printed on the left side right beneath the company logo.

Kolink packs the Bing Chungus V2 Unit Edition between 4 pieces of thick foam.

Along with the case inside the box you'll also find the RGB LED controller with its user manual, motherboard speaker, 5 cable ties and a plastic bag with screws and standoffs.

THE BIG CHUNGUS V2 UNIT EDITION EXTERIOR

Standing 668mm tall, 651mm deep and 336mm wide the 16Kg heavy Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition is a large open air/frame mid-tower.

The left side panel is made out of tempered glass and held in place via 4 thumbscrews.

Another piece of tempered glass is placed at the front of the Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition.

The I/O is located at the lower front and includes a USB-C port, USB 3.2 port, USB 2.0 port, headphones and microphone 3.5mm plugs and the on/off button and LED.

Moving at the top we find a 3rd tempered glass panel right beneath which you can mount either two 120mm fans or a single 240mm radiator.

Even the right side panel is made out of tempered glass.

At the rear of the Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition we find another 120mm ARGB fan, 7 PCI expansion slots and the PSU area.

Turning the case over we see the I/O cables, the mounting area for three 120mm fans or an 360mm radiator and the 2 ARGB LED strips which have clearly fallen off.

THE BIG CHUNGUS V2 UNIT EDITION INTERIOR

Interior space may not be remarkable but with room for E-ATX motherboards it should be plenty for the majority of systems.

The four 120mm ARGB fans at the front can be combined with an 360mm radiator (even some 480mm radiators should fit here).

Taking a look at the base from the interior we again see the mounting area for either three 120mm fans or a 360mm radiator and of course the fallen ARGB LED strips.

There are 7 cut-outs on the motherboard tray aside the large CPU cut-out.

Turning the Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition around we find drive tray on which you can put either 4x2.5" or 2x2.5/3.5" and 2x2.5" drives.

Further down we find the 10-port ARGB hub which just like the ARGB LED strips has also fallen off.

Of course, this isn't something a double sided tape (or silicon/glue) couldn't fix.

Likewise with the ARGB LED strips which i attached on the base of the enclosure with silicon.

NOISE LEVEL TEST

After giving it much thought, we decided on performing noise tests with each PC Case we receive by placing our ExTech HD600 vertically on top of each case to measure the noise levels emanating from the pre-installed fans at both 50% and 100% with the help of a fan controller (if the case doesn't have one, i use my very own).

CONCLUSION

   As you’ll have noticed by now, I skipped the “building the system” segment of this review due to an SD card failure which cost me all 240 pictures I’d taken for it. Unfortunately, due to severe time constraints i was unable to take new ones but luckily since the Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition has been around for a while now you can find plenty of interior shots online. With that out of the way i really don’t need to tell anyone just how great this case looks. As a matter of fact, i think it easily competes with the CA700 by Sharkoon in terms of looks (not quite in build quality however) and that says a lot. Interior space is also good, not stellar by any means (335mm is more than enough for most graphics cards, not all however) but E-ATX compatibility is plenty for most systems. The ability to add two 360mm radiators and a single 240mm radiator inside is also something that many will like. For good or bad Kolink only has the Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition in black color and even though that’s the best color for me I really think variety would do wonders for this particular model. The one thing that did surprise me a bit was that both the ARGB LED strips and the 10-way ARGB fan hub had fallen off. It wasn’t hard for me to re-attach them using silicon (this could also be an isolated issue due to shipping) so I imagine most people will not have an issue either but I do think Kolink should look into this regardless.

   With a current retail price tag set at 249.90Euros inside the EU (Caseking.de) the Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition Mid-Tower by Kolink is priced well, for what it offers that is. Availability outside the EU (and the UK) is a serious issue so I truly hope Kolink eventually resolves this, at least for future products. At the end of the day the Big Chungus V2 Unit Edition looks great, has plenty of interior space and is priced competitively so the Golden Award is in order.

PROS

- Overall Build Quality
- Unique Design (4 Tempered Glass Panels)
- Five 120mm ARGB Fans
- Two ARGB LED Strips
- Open Air/Frame (Airflow Levels)
- 10 Way ARGB Fan Hub With Remote
- Room For 10 Fans Or Three 240/360mm Radiators

CONS

- Availability Outside The EU
- Room For 335mm Long Graphics Cards (For Some)