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This review of the Zalman Z10 DS computer case will focus primarily on its standout feature – the included display mounted on the front panel. It’s worth noting that I’m not calling it “built-in,” and that distinction matters. You also shouldn’t expect my usual in-depth breakdown of specifications here. Instead, I’ll offer only brief clarifications where necessary – something that, in fact, became relevant back when I reviewed the standard Z10.
Video review of Zalman Z10 DS
Zalman Z10 DS specifications
- Size: Mid-Tower
- Board form factor: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Maximum GPU length: 395 mm
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 173 mm
- Number of 3.5’ bays: 2
- Number of 2.5’ bays: 2+1
- Number of expansion slots: 7
- USB: 2×USB 3.0, USB 3.0 Type C
- Places for fans: 11 pcs
- Built-in fans: 3×120 mm
- Front fan mounting locations: 3×120 mm / 3×140 mm
- Rear fan slots: 120 mm
- Top fan mounting locations: 3×120 mm / 2×140 mm
- Fan mounting on the bottom: 2×120 mm
- Fan slots on the side: 2x 120 mm
- Front radiator size: 120/140/240/280/360 mm
- Radiator size on the top: 120/140/240/280/360 mm
- Dimensions: 474×220×488 mm
Market position
The Zalman Z10 DS Black typically retails for around $200 or €180, making it the most expensive model in the Z10 lineup. For context, the series also includes the Z10, Z10 Plus, and Z10 Duo. The most affordable option in this range costs nearly half as much as the Z10 DS.
Main similarities
That said, the core specifications across all models in the series are nearly identical. They each weigh around 8 kg, come with a tempered glass side panel, and use thumbscrews that – depending on your luck – might be tightened so firmly at the factory that you’ll need a screwdriver to loosen them.
Fan compatibility includes support for up to three 140 mm fans at the front, up to three 120 mm fans at the top, a single 120 mm fan at the rear, up to two 120 mm fans at the bottom, and two 120 mm fans on the side. There’s no support for 420 mm radiators, which is worth noting. On the upside, dust filters are present on all major intake and exhaust areas. The top filter even has a dedicated cutout for your finger, making it easier to remove without bending it.
The case supports ATX, microATX, Mini-ITX, and E-ATX motherboards. It accommodates CPU coolers up to 173 mm in height, power supplies up to 200 mm in length, and graphics cards up to 395 mm long. Zalman also includes a magnetic GPU support bracket with two adjustable legs, which helps reduce sag on heavier graphics cards.
There are two mounting points for 2.5-inch drives, and a dedicated drive cage for 3.5-inch HDDs. However, the cage only includes one set of tool-less rails. If you want to install a second 3.5-inch drive, you’ll need to screw it in manually on top of the first one – which requires removing the entire cage. That said, the cage itself is adjustable and can be repositioned if needed.
What’s new?
Now, let’s get to the main new feature. When it comes to included fans, the Zalman Z10 DS is relatively underwhelming. It ships with just three 120 mm fans – two of which don’t even have RGB lighting. For comparison, the base Z10 model includes four fans, three of which are larger 140 mm units.
The base model didn’t have the RGB hub that the Z10 DS includes, but the fans still need to be powered through separate 4-pin connectors. Fortunately, a 3-way splitter is included in the package. As for cable management, it’s generally well-handled, with silicone grommets at the bottom and Velcro straps at the back to keep cables in place.
At this point, I understand that the Zalman Z10 DS might not seem particularly exciting. On its own, based on the specs, it’s nothing special. It doesn’t even have the brand’s signature sliding mesh panel on the side. So, why the 10,000 price tag?
Main feature (monitor)
Because you get a monitor as a bonus. It’s important to understand this, because if the monitor were built into the case, like in the Jonsbo D41 Mesh or ASUS TUF GT502, for example, it would be a completely different story. The monitor doesn’t even support proprietary interfaces that can be modified through plugins for AIDA64.
No, it’s essentially just a laptop monitor. It’s a 15.6-inch Full HD, 60 Hz display. The monitor comes separately in a box and has a relatively thick body, but it includes a set of screws for mounting. It even has VESA 75 support, and VESA screws fit. Apart from the monitor, inside the case, there’s a box with a stand for the laptop. The stand is basic but doesn’t slip.
The monitor is powered via USB-C, but not Type-C to Type-C; it only works with Type-C to Type-A. It accepts a signal via mini HDMI, and the case itself has an output for that. There are even control buttons! They’re quite sensitive, and there are only three, but they allow you to adjust the screen brightness in increments of roughly 50 nits.
The monitor is powered via USB, not through Type-C on the output, but through USB-A. This means you can power it from an older motherboard, a power bank, or even a cheap old smartphone charger. It consumes anywhere from 3.5 to 9 watts. At the lowest brightness, the screen is barely visible, so at night, for example, it won’t strain your eyes.
Just to remind you – by default, the Zalman Z10 DS comes with a different panel, featuring mesh. It opens up, and swapping it out for the monitor is quite simple: lift the hinges, tap gently from below, and slide the monitor into place. Connecting the cables is a bit awkward, but overall, it’s not a dealbreaker.
Thanks to the hinges, if your case is on the desk, you can rotate the monitor towards you. This improves airflow and makes it more convenient to use. Although, airflow doesn’t necessarily have to be from the front – remember, there are also mounting spots on the side. Ideally, you’d move the included 120 mm fans there. And by the way, there’s also a mesh dust filter on the side.
So, this case comes with a monitor that can be mounted on VESA, attached to the included stand, or fixed to the case itself. You can use it with a PC, smartphone, or even a laptop. My setup is very similar, also with a 15.6-inch display on the side. Yes, my monitor is touchscreen and has a battery, but I don’t use the touchscreen, and the battery isn’t crucial if you have a bunch of power banks and a USB cable.
Conclusions
Does the included monitor justify the price of the Zalman Z10 DS? Much more yes than no. Simply because it’s not a tacky product where the monitor is stuck on with double-sided tape. This is a well-thought-out, purpose-driven, and well-executed model. Its main advantage is its HIGHLY versatile nature.
Feel free to leave comments about why you think you don’t need a second monitor if one is enough for you. But as I’ve always said, until you have two monitors, you don’t really know whether you need them or not. Simply having Telegram, YouTube, or performance monitoring on a second screen saves way more time than you might think. So yes, I recommend the Zalman Z10 DS.
Read also:
- Review of the Zalman Z10 Duo Computer Case
- Zalman P30 Air Case Review: Fresh, Compact, Modern
- Review and Comparison: Zalman Z10 Plus vs. Zalman Z10 Cases
