14 DAY TRIAL // Thermaltake's Level 10 has already become a veteran on the gaming and enthusiast desktop front, but its size, functionality and design have continued to captivate consumers everywhere, regardless of whether or not they could scrape together enough cash to buy it. Others, however, may take things in a different direction and make their own product based on it. This is exactly what a certain Jeffrey Stephenson has done when he has created the so-called Level Eleven.
From the photos, it is not immediately discernible, but the wooden case is actually significantly smaller than the Level 10 itself. In fact, it couldn't fit even a micro-ATX board properly, which is why Stephenson went for the VIA Pico-ITX mainboard and the same company's 1.2GHz Nano central processing unit. These two are complemented by 2GB of Crucial DDR2-800 SODIMM and an SATA 3.0Gbps 160GB Intel X25-M solid state drive (SSD).
One of the most important components used in the Level Eleven is the onboard VX855 media processor, which is actually capable of playing video files in 1,080p resolutions without problems. Other specifications include an optical drive (a Pioneer slimline, slot-load DVD burner to be exact) and a nine-bladed T&T 40mm case fan. Basically, the system packs all of these parts inside a handmade, stylishly carved “box” made of Hard Pennsylvania cherry with an aluminum inlay. The entire unit is only a little larger than a beverage can.
Unfortunately, this unusual system, while quite interesting for its small form factor and unique build, does not seem to have actually been made available for purchase. In fact, it is unclear whether the Level Eleven will ever become widely available and if its innovative looks would actually offset the modest computing power. Until this dilemma is cleared, end-users can go here if they wish to take a closer look at the full image gallery.