DARKROCK Classico Storage Master ATX NAS Computer Case User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the assembly, installation, and maintenance of your DARKROCK Classico Storage Master ATX NAS Computer Case. Designed for optimal storage and cooling performance, this mid-tower case supports a wide range of components, making it suitable for various computing needs, including NAS builds and high-performance gaming systems.

Figure 1: DARKROCK Classico Storage Master ATX NAS Computer Case with four 120mm fans.

2. Key Features

• Extensive Storage Support: Accommodates up to ten 3.5-inch HDDs and three 2.5-inch SSDs, providing ample space for data storage.
• Optimized Airflow: Features a mesh front and side panel design for efficient air circulation, ensuring optimal cooling for internal components.
• Pre-installed Cooling Fans: Comes with four 120mm cooling fans (three front, one rear) to enhance thermal performance.
• Radiator Compatibility: Supports up to a 360mm radiator on the top and front panels for advanced liquid cooling solutions.
• Vertical GPU Mounting: Allows for vertical installation of a graphics processing unit, showcasing the GPU and improving airflow around it.
• Broad Motherboard Support: Compatible with ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboard form factors.
• Convenient Front I/O: Equipped with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, along with HD audio jacks, for easy peripheral connectivity.

3. Product Overview

3.1 Component Layout

The DARKROCK Classico case is designed for ease of assembly and efficient component placement. Below is an exploded view illustrating the main components and their positions.

Figure 2: Exploded view showing the case panels, fan mounts, and internal structure.

3.2 Front I/O Panel

The front I/O panel provides convenient access to essential ports and controls.

Figure 3: Close-up of the top-mounted front I/O panel, featuring USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HD Audio, Reset, and Power buttons.

• USB 3.0 Port: For high-speed data transfer.
• USB 2.0 Ports (x2): For standard peripheral connections.
• HD Audio Jacks: Separate ports for microphone and headphones.
• Reset Button: To restart the system.
• Power Button: To power on/off the system.

3.3 Cooling System Overview

The case supports various cooling configurations to maintain optimal temperatures for your components.

Figure 4: Internal view highlighting the three pre-installed 120mm front fans and one 120mm rear fan, along with the included 1-to-3 fan splitter cable.

Figure 5: Cooling compatibility diagram, indicating support for 240/280/360mm liquid radiators on top and front, and 120/140mm fans in various positions. Note: Removing the top hard drive cage is necessary for installing a liquid radiator on the top panel.

3.4 Drive Bay and Component Clearance

The case offers extensive drive bay options and generous clearance for large components.

Figure 6: Internal layout detailing the placement of multiple 3.5" HDD bays (up to 10), 2.5" SSD bays (up to 3), and the maximum PSU length of 200mm.

Figure 7: Component clearance diagram, showing maximum CPU cooler height of 160mm and GPU length of 295mm (up to 400mm if the drive cage is removed).

4. Installation Guide

Follow these steps for proper installation of your computer components into the DARKROCK Classico case.

4.1 Preparing the Case

• Unpack the case and all accessories.
• Remove the side panels by unscrewing the thumb screws at the rear of the case and sliding the panels backward.
• Identify the accessory box containing screws, cable ties, and other small parts.

4.2 Motherboard Installation

• Ensure the correct standoffs are installed for your motherboard form factor (ATX, Micro-ATX, or Mini-ITX).
• Carefully align your motherboard with the standoffs and the I/O shield opening at the rear.
• Secure the motherboard with the provided screws.

4.3 Storage Drive Installation

The case supports multiple 3.5" HDDs and 2.5" SSDs.

• 3.5" HDDs: Install HDDs into the designated drive cages. Each cage typically holds two drives. Secure them with screws. Note that some drive cages may need to be removed for larger GPU or radiator installations.
• 2.5" SSDs: Mount SSDs onto the dedicated 2.5" drive trays, usually located behind the motherboard tray or near the PSU shroud. Secure with screws.

4.4 Power Supply Unit (PSU) Installation

• Install your PSU into the dedicated compartment at the bottom rear of the case.
• Secure the PSU with screws from the rear of the case.
• Route PSU cables through the cable management cutouts to the appropriate components.

4.5 Graphics Card (GPU) Installation

• Horizontal Mounting: Insert your GPU into the primary PCIe slot on your motherboard and secure it with the retention clip and screw.
• Vertical Mounting: For vertical GPU mounting, an optional PCIe riser cable (not included) is required. Install the GPU into the vertical mounting bracket and connect it to the motherboard via the riser cable.

4.6 Cooling Fan and Radiator Installation

• The case comes with four pre-installed 120mm fans. Connect them to your motherboard's fan headers or use the included fan splitter cable.
• For additional fans or liquid cooling radiators, refer to the compatibility diagrams in Section 3.3. Ensure proper airflow direction for optimal cooling.
• If installing a top radiator, you may need to remove the top hard drive cage as indicated in Figure 5.

4.7 Cable Management

• Utilize the cable routing cutouts and tie-down points behind the motherboard tray to organize cables.
• Proper cable management improves airflow and aesthetics.

5. Operating Instructions

Once all components are installed and secured, replace the side panels. Connect your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cable. Press the power button on the front I/O panel to start your system.

6. Maintenance

• Dust Filters: The case features dust filters on the front and top panels. Regularly clean these filters to maintain optimal airflow and prevent dust buildup inside the case. Gently remove the filters and clean them with compressed air or water (ensure they are completely dry before re-installing).
• Internal Cleaning: Periodically open the case and use compressed air to remove dust from fans, heatsinks, and other components. Ensure the system is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.

7. Troubleshooting

• System Not Powering On:
  • Check all power connections, including the 24-pin ATX power, 8-pin CPU power, and GPU power cables.
  • Ensure the PSU switch is in the 'ON' position.
  • Verify that the front panel power switch cable is correctly connected to the motherboard.
• Fans Not Spinning:
  • Confirm fan cables are securely connected to motherboard fan headers or the fan splitter.
  • Check BIOS/UEFI settings for fan control.
• No Display Output:
  • Ensure the monitor cable is connected to the graphics card (not the motherboard integrated graphics, unless intended).
  • Reseat the graphics card in its PCIe slot.
• Hard Drive Not Detected:
  • Check SATA data and power cable connections to the drive and motherboard/PSU.
  • Verify the drive is properly seated in its bay.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official DARKROCK website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Official User Manual (PDF): Download PDF