Thermaltake
CTE T500 Air Full Tower Chassis
Best full tower for high-performance custom liquid cooling builds.
The Thermaltake CTE T500 Air is an E-ATX full tower chassis designed with the Centralized Thermal Efficiency (CTE) platform. Its innovative 90-degree motherboard rotation optimizes airflow for superior cooling of high-end components. This chassis offers excellent expandability for custom liquid cooling or dual AIO setups, supporting large GPUs and tall CPU coolers. It includes three premium 140mm PWM CT140 fans and features removable dust filters for easy maintenance, making it ideal for powerful, custom-built systems.
$3990.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
79
/ 903
#79 in Desktop Computer Cases
Price vs Category Average
+526%
Above average
Motherboard Compatibility
E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
/ E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Who it's for
- Performance gamers needing maximum thermal efficiency for high-end components
- Custom PC builders planning elaborate liquid cooling loops
- First-time builders seeking a spacious, easy-to-manage workspace
Who should skip it
- Users with limited desk space or minimalist office setups
- LAN party attendees who frequently transport their gaming rigs
- Quiet-office workers sensitive to fan and component noise
Performance breakdown
Thermal Efficiency
The 90-degree motherboard rotation creates a highly effective chimney-style airflow path.
Component Compatibility
Massive internal volume easily accommodates the largest GPUs and tall air coolers.
Liquid Cooling Potential
Expansive radiator support makes this a dream for custom loop enthusiasts.
Build Accessibility
Removable filters and thoughtful cable management simplify the entire assembly process.
Storage Versatility
Flexible drive mounting options handle heavy storage needs for professional workstations.
Aesthetic Presentation
Tempered glass panels showcase high-end hardware with a clean, modern look.
Key Specs
Motherboard Compatibility
E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
195mm
Maximum GPU Length
385mm
Drive Bays
Up to 4 x 3.5” HDD or 6 x 2.5” SSD
Fan Support
Up to eleven 140mm/120mm fans
Radiator Support
Up to 420mm (front), up to 360mm (rear)
Pre-installed Fans
Three 140mm CT140 PWM fans
Case Type
Full Tower
Features
- Optimized thermal performance with CTE design
- 90-degree motherboard rotation enhances airflow
- Supports extensive custom liquid cooling
- Accommodates large GPUs and CPU coolers
- Includes three high-performance 140mm PWM fans
- Easy-to-clean removable dust filters
- Modern front I/O with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
- Simplified cable management with included straps
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly celebrate the CTE T500 Air for its revolutionary design, specifically the 90 degree motherboard rotation, which delivers exceptional thermal performance. Builders appreciate the robust, high quality construction and the vast interior space that simplifies cable management and component installation, even for the largest GPUs. While its full tower size demands significant desk real estate, users agree this tradeoff is worthwhile for the superior cooling capabilities and premium feel. This chassis is seen as a high end solution for serious enthusiasts prioritizing airflow and build integrity.
Know before you buy
The 90-degree rotation aligns the motherboard with the case's airflow path, allowing heat from your CPU and GPU to move more directly toward the top exhaust. This design significantly improves thermal efficiency for high-end components compared to traditional layouts.
Yes, the T500 Air is designed for extensive cooling. It supports radiators up to 420mm at the front and up to 360mm at the rear, making it well-suited for custom loops or dual AIO configurations.
You can install a GPU up to 385mm in length and a CPU cooler up to 195mm in height. This provides plenty of clearance for the largest flagship graphics cards and high-performance air coolers currently on the market.
The chassis supports up to eleven 120mm or 140mm fans in total. It comes pre-installed with three high-performance 140mm PWM CT140 fans to get your airflow started right out of the box.
Not at all. The case features easily removable dust filters that protect your components from debris, making routine maintenance and cleaning straightforward.
The T500 Air is quite versatile for storage, supporting up to four 3.5-inch HDDs or up to six 2.5-inch SSDs, providing ample space for large game libraries or media files.
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$3990