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In a way, this review of the Zalman Z10 Duo feels like the final chapter of a larger story. Over the past month, I’ve tested quite a few gaming cases within a similar price range, including the Zalman Z10 and Zalman Z10 Plus. The Z10 Duo shares a lot of similarities with them, but it stands out as a refined version—almost a correction of previous shortcomings. While it’s not perfect in every aspect, the improvements are well-executed.
Technical characteristics
- Form factor: ATX Mid Tower
- Dimensions: 481×220×488 mm
- Weight: 9 kg
- Maximum length of the video card: 395 mm
- Maximum height of the cooler: 173 mm
- Maximum length of the power supply: 200 mm
- PCIe slots: 7
- Drives: 2×3,5” + 2×2,5”
- Front fans: up to 3×120 mm / 3×140 mm
- Fans on top: up to 3×120 mm / 2×140 mm
- Fans at the back: up to 1×120 mm
- Fans on the bottom: 2×120 mm
- Fans on the side: 2×120 mm
- Complete fans: 3×120 mm in front, 120 mm at the rear
- Radiator in front: up to 120 mm / 140 mm / 240 mm / 280 mm / 360 mm
- Radiator on top: up to 120 mm / 140 mm / 240 mm / 280 mm / 360 mm
- Radiator at the rear: 120 mm
Video review of Zalman Z10 Duo
Price and package contents
The price reflects these improvements, coming in at around $120. Interestingly, the difference between the Z10 Duo and the Z10 Plus is relatively small—roughly $10 in official stores. However, the Duo offers a significantly better feature set, starting with its included accessories.
One of the key additions is the inclusion of two interchangeable front panels—one made of 4mm tempered glass and another perforated metal panel. By default, the case comes with the glass panel installed. The mechanism for swapping these panels is somewhat unconventional, though not complicated, and is clearly explained in the manual.
Additionally, the need for a perforated front panel might not be as critical in the Z10 Duo. The design already includes gaps in front of the fans, and the side metal panel is perforated as well. This allows for the installation of two 120mm fans on the side, which do not interfere with any internal components—unless a radiator is added.
Specifications (and similarities)
Overall, the Zalman Z10 Duo is about 95% identical to the Zalman P10 Plus. The dimensions remain the same at 481×220×488 mm, though the weight has increased slightly to 9 kg compared to the P10 Plus’s 8.1 kg. It supports E-ATX, ATX, mATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards, with clear mounting instructions provided in the manual.
The case supports GPUs up to 395 mm in length, CPU coolers up to 173 mm in height, and power supplies up to 200 mm in length. Cable management is unobstructed, thanks to a repositionable hybrid drive cage. Additionally, there are two dedicated 2.5-inch mounting spots for SSDs.
The case supports up to 11 fans, with most of them being 120mm. However, 140mm fans can be installed on the front and top panels. The included fan hub, similar to the one in the Z10 Duo, provides six RGB connections but lacks PWM control. As for radiator compatibility, it allows for a 360mm unit on the top and front, and a 120mm radiator at the rear.
The case includes magnetic dust filters, just like previous models. These are either magnetically attached or mounted on rails, with the top filter featuring a dedicated grip area for easier removal.
The side panel is also made of 4mm tempered glass. The front panel remains the same as before, featuring two USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, separate buttons for reboot and lighting control, and separate audio jacks.
As for the accessories, aside from the front panel, they are identical to those included with the Z10 Plus. This means the case comes with a GPU bracket, cable ties, screws, USB covers, a small speaker-buzzer, and some mysterious covers that resemble caps for USB-A ports. These USB covers fit perfectly into the caps, which led to a bit of frustration when one got stuck inside another and I had to pry it out.
Differences
So, what accounts for the extra 900 grams in the Zalman Z10 Duo? First, it’s the fans. The downside is that they’re all 120mm. The upside, however, is that they’re ZM-IF120 models, four of them, featuring an Infinity Mirror. For RGB enthusiasts, this is almost the perfect choice—perhaps only holographic models could top these, but finding them as part of a bundle is another story.
Additionally, the ZM-IF120 fans are built with a hydrodynamic bearing and run at a constant speed of 1200 RPM. They’re relatively noisy, especially when compared to 140mm models—size does make a difference in this case. However, it’s important to remember that the system’s overall noise is determined by its weakest link, so if you have three 140mm fans and one 120mm, it’s the 120mm fan you’ll hear the most.
This is the main drawback of the Z10—it’s not possible to install a 140mm fan at the rear. While you could use a PWM fan and slow it down, in the case of the Z10 Duo, you would need to replace all the fans if you want a consistent setup.
Another notable difference, and one that I’m particularly impressed by, is the pre-installed vertical GPU mount. I haven’t seen this feature in a while—probably not in the last five years. However, the riser cable is not included in the package.
What else stands out? The screws are still overly tightened, but they are manageable. The front filter is improved compared to the Z10 and Z10 Plus—it doesn’t fall out when the case is laid on its side. And, of course, cable management remains excellent, with no changes in this regard.
Conclusions
The Zalman Z10 Duo has just one compromise—the inclusion of 120mm fans instead of 140mm ones. This means the case will be slightly louder out of the box. However, it compensates for this with a much more attractive design, thanks to the Infinity Mirror on the fans. It also makes it easier to install the GPU vertically, and the side dust filter no longer falls out.
Add to this all the benefits from the Z10 and Z10 Plus, and consider that the price has only increased by 10%. It sounds appealing, right? However, I still believe that each of these three cases caters to a different audience, and calling one a direct replacement for another wouldn’t be accurate. I recommend all three, but which one is the best choice depends on individual preferences.
Well, here’s the question I’ll pose to you: Revisit the reviews of the Z10 and Z10 Plus for reference. But if you remember, which of the three cases do you like the most? The straightforward Z10, the RGB-infused Z10 Plus, or the upgraded Z10 Duo? For me, it’s the Z10 Plus, simply because of the 140mm fans. But feel free to share your thoughts—don’t hesitate!
Read also:
- Cougar MX600 Mini RGB Case Review
- Zalman P30 Air Case Review: Fresh, Compact, Modern
- Cougar MX220 RGB Case Review
