Streacom DA6 Series: Form Meets Function

There are small form factor cases; there are open frame cases. Then there’s the Streacom DA6 and DA6XL SFF Open Frame PC Cases. Innovative, stylish, and totally tubular. These cases have a vertical orientation, an open-sided design, and are manufactured from premium-quality materials. It’s what sets them apart from other chassis. Come with me and check out these incredible new cases.

Open Frame Features

Streacom wanted to create a chassis that showcased high-end hardware without interruption nor impeding cooling in any way. Thus, the vertical SFF open frame DA6 and DA6XL were born. The stand-out feature is the fact they are entirely open frame. Out of the box, the passive cooling is phenomenal.

The stainless-steel tubing forms the shape of the chassis, unlocking an incredibly versatile structure. Both the DA6 and DA6XL include eight universal brackets which can attach to the inside or outside of the frame, supporting a myriad of hardware. From fans to SSDs, you have full freedom to mount these brackets anywhere on the frame.

The top and bottom plate are manufactured from machine cut aluminium, finished in matte black. Enhancing the versatility and functionality of the DA6 and DA6XL, both of these plates feature modular ports for I/O panels. By default, the module equipped with the power button and USB Type-C port is fitted to the bottom port, but there are four additional modules you can swap in or instal on the other available ports. This flexibility with the I/O panel means you can fit ports accordingly with your motherboard – in both standards and placement. The additional modules are:

2 x USB Type-C ports
2 x USB Type-A ports
1 x USB Type-A and 1 x USB Type-C port
1 x Power button and 1 x USB Type-A port

Additionally, there is a biometric module for Windows Hello that can replace the glass button. This touch sensor button is compatible with all Streacom D Series cases.

DA6 vs DA6XL

There are two additions to the Streacom D Series with this launch: the DA6 and the DA6XL. Fundamentally, they operate on the same tenant – premium-quality build to support and showcase high-end hardware with outstanding versatility. Their key difference is their sizing. As you would expect, the XL is larger. Here are their sizes side by side:

DA6

Width x Depth: 215mm x 215mm
Height: 431mm
Internal Volume: 15.9L
Total Volume: 19.9L
GPU Support: Up to 323mm long

DA6XL

Width x Depth: 215mm x 215mm
Height: 466mm
Internal Volume: 17.6L
Total Volume: 21.5L
GPU Support: Up to 358mm long

In addition to being available in two sizes, they also come in two colour schemes. The black model features an entirely black finish on both the tubing and plates. The chrome, however, pairs the black plate with uncoated stainless steel.

Hardware

So, what does all this versatility and flexible configuration mean? It means, that within the 215mm-by-215mm footprint, you are able to build a powerful gaming PC that will be cooled efficiently and look amazing.

True to its SFF nature, the DA6 and DA6XL can only accommodate a Mini-ITX motherboard, placed on one side of the mounting tubes. The other side holds the graphics card, with adjusters for both the PCI mount and riser. This allows you to align your GPU centrally on the x-axis. We all know that GPUs are the centrepiece of any gaming PC, and Streacom want you to show. it. off.

How long your GPU can be, depends on whether you opt for the XL model or not. There are three expansion slots and ample space to accommodate for a wide variety of available cards.

Plus, there is even some wiggle room to future-proof this case for newer and bigger graphics cards.

But Wait, There’s More

Traditionally, SFF cases are limited to SFX and SFX-L power supplies. The DA6 and DA6XL can accommodate up to ATX power supplies, thanks to the fact their mounting position is not fixed. Utilising the universal brackets, the PSU can be affixed on any four of the sides by the top plate. Vertically or horizontally. You have got options. Naturally, the size of your GPU will affect placement and the PSU form factor, but there are plenty of configurations to play with.

The same is true for storage drives, too. If using the Streacom DA6 or DA6XL for a gaming build, the hardware you pick will limit the number of storage drives you can instal. The universal brackets support both 2.5” SSDs and 3.5” HDDs, which, again, can be placed on any available side. Should you use this case for a NAS drive or HTPC, then you can install anywhere up to nine 3.5” HDDs.

Additional Cooling

Being open frame, the DA6 and DA6XL already have phenomenal cooling capacity. You can choose to bolster this with additional thermal hardware. The universal brackets can hold up to 140mm fans and the height of the case allows for 280mm radiators. Whilst these cases may have been designed for passive air cooling, custom water-cooling loops will look right at home with the tubular aesthetic!

Plus, there is ample space for a downdraft CPU cooler. Taking you to the edge of the frame, you have 105mm clearance for hardware.

However, should your CPU demand more cooling power than that, what is stopping you from installing a taller tower? No panels to limit your hardware.

Test Your Build Skills

Does the Streacom DA6 or DA6XLSFF Open Frame Case make you want to test your building skills? These cases are available now to pre-order at Overclockers UK. We’d love to see your builds in this fascinating case. Be sure to tag us @OverclockersUK.