Zalman T8 Mid-Tower ATX PC Case

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Zalman T8 Mid-Tower ATX PC Case. This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your new PC case. Please read this manual thoroughly before beginning assembly to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your system components.

Safety Information

• Always disconnect the power supply from the wall outlet before installing or removing any components inside the PC case.
• Handle all components with care to prevent damage from static electricity. Consider using an anti-static wrist strap.
• Keep small parts and screws away from children.
• Ensure proper ventilation around the PC case to prevent overheating.
• Do not attempt to modify the case structure, as this may void your warranty and pose a safety risk.

Package Contents

• Zalman T8 Mid-Tower ATX PC Case
• Pre-installed 120mm Rear Fan
• Accessory Box (screws, cable ties, standoffs, etc.)
• User Manual (this document)

Product Overview

The Zalman T8 is a versatile mid-tower ATX PC case designed for efficient cooling and ease of assembly. It features a sleek black design with an integrated Spectrum RGB lighting strip on the front panel, offering customizable aesthetics. The case supports ATX, mATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards and includes a 5.25" ODD bay for optical drives.

Front-angled view of the Zalman T8 Mid-Tower ATX PC Case, showcasing its black finish and integrated RGB lighting strip.

Direct front view of the Zalman T8 case, highlighting the 5.25" ODD slot and the vertical RGB lighting element.

Internal view of the Zalman T8 case, showing the spacious interior for component installation and cable management options.

Rear view of the Zalman T8 case, illustrating the I/O shield cutout, expansion slots, and the pre-installed 120mm exhaust fan.

Front I/O Ports

The top panel of the Zalman T8 case provides convenient access to essential ports and controls:

Close-up of the top I/O panel, featuring the power button, reset button, audio jacks, two USB 2.0 ports, and one USB 3.0 port.

• Power Button: To turn the system on/off.
• Reset Button: To restart the system.
• USB 3.0 Port: For high-speed data transfer.
• USB 2.0 Ports (x2): For standard peripheral connections.
• Audio Jacks: Headphone and microphone ports.
• RGB Control Button: To cycle through different RGB lighting modes on the front strip.

Cooling and Compatibility

The T8 case offers robust cooling potential and broad component compatibility:

Diagram illustrating the fan and radiator support within the Zalman T8 case, including pre-installed rear fan, front fan/radiator mounts, and side fan mount.

• Pre-installed Fan: One 120mm fan is pre-installed at the rear for exhaust.
• Fan Support: Supports up to two 120mm/140mm fans at the front, one 120mm fan at the rear, and one 120mm fan on the side panel.
• Radiator Support: Supports a 240mm radiator at the front and a 120mm radiator at the rear.
• CPU Cooler Height: Maximum CPU cooler height of 160mm.
• VGA Card Length: Maximum VGA card length of 295mm.
• PSU Length: Maximum PSU length of 140mm.

Setup

1. Preparing the Case

1. Place the case on a flat, stable surface.
2. Remove the side panels by unscrewing the thumbscrews at the rear and sliding the panels backward.

2. Motherboard Installation

The Zalman T8 supports ATX, mATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards.

Diagram showing the compatible motherboard sizes (Mini-ITX, mATX, ATX) within the Zalman T8 case's internal layout.

1. Install the necessary motherboard standoffs into the motherboard tray according to your motherboard's form factor.
2. Install your motherboard's I/O shield into the cutout at the rear of the case.
3. Carefully place your motherboard onto the standoffs, aligning the screw holes.
4. Secure the motherboard with the appropriate screws from the accessory box.

3. Power Supply Unit (PSU) Installation

The Zalman T8 features a top-mount PSU design.

1. Slide the PSU into the top mounting bracket from the rear of the case.
2. Align the screw holes and secure the PSU with screws from the accessory box.

4. Storage Drive Installation

The case supports 3.5" HDDs and 2.5" SSDs.

Diagram illustrating maximum component dimensions for CPU cooler height, VGA card length, PSU length, and locations for SSD and HDD/SSD combo drives.

1. For 3.5" HDD: Install the HDD into the drive cage at the bottom of the case and secure it with screws.
2. For 2.5" SSD: Mount the SSDs to the designated 2.5" drive mounts on the motherboard tray or drive cage using screws.
3. For 5.25" ODD: Remove the front panel cover for the 5.25" bay. Slide the optical drive into the bay from the front and secure it with screws.

5. VGA Card Installation

1. Remove the necessary expansion slot covers at the rear of the case.
2. Insert your VGA card into the appropriate PCIe slot on your motherboard.
3. Secure the VGA card to the case with screws.

6. Fan and Radiator Installation (Optional)

Additional fans or radiators can be installed to enhance cooling performance.

1. Front Fans/Radiator: Mount 120mm or 140mm fans, or a 240mm radiator, to the front mounting points.
2. Side Fan: Mount a 120mm fan to the side panel's mounting points.
3. Secure all fans/radiators with appropriate screws.

7. Cable Management

Utilize the cable routing cutouts and tie-down points behind the motherboard tray to organize cables for improved airflow and a cleaner build appearance.

Operating

Powering On

Once all components are installed and cables are connected, reattach the side panels. Connect your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cable to the system. Press the power button on the top I/O panel to start your PC.

RGB Lighting Control

The front panel RGB lighting strip can be controlled using the dedicated RGB control button on the top I/O panel. Press the button to cycle through various lighting modes and colors. One of the selections will turn the lights off if desired. The selected mode is retained even after the system is powered off.

Maintenance

Cleaning

• Regularly clean the exterior of the case with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• For internal cleaning, use compressed air to remove dust from components and fan blades. Ensure the system is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.

Dust Filters

The Zalman T8 case may include removable dust filters (e.g., for the PSU intake or front intake). Periodically remove and clean these filters under running water or with compressed air to maintain optimal airflow and prevent dust buildup inside the system. Ensure filters are completely dry before reinstallation.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Zalman T8 PC case, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Zalman products are manufactured with high-quality materials and undergo strict quality control. For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Zalman website or contact your local distributor. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.