The XTIA XPROTO-L is a unique case built for a specific kind of builder. It rewards those who value visuals and want to show off their components. With excellent thermal performance (due to its open nature) and wide hardware compatibility, the more involved build process is well worth it.
The XTIA XPROTO-L is a vertical open-frame case that puts aesthetics front and center. It’s an unconventional chassis that showcases your hardware, blending high-end water cooling support with open-air airflow. This isn’t your average ITX case – it’s a showpiece for enthusiasts who want their PC to be part of the room’s design.
The XPROTO-L doesn’t feel like building in a typical PC case. Its all-aluminum construction and vertical layout give it a distinct presence. Assembly requires putting together nearly every part, but XTIA includes all the tools and makes the process straightforward.
The case supports ATX power supplies (up to 150mm in length) and up to triple-slot GPUs, including full-size cards like the RTX 4090 Founders Edition. While there’s no outer enclosure to hide cables, most are routed through the center spine, keeping things tidy.
The layout makes every component visible and accessible, which raises the stakes—cable routing and part selection matter more than usual. The motherboard and GPU mount to the side plates, and a PCIe 4.0 riser is used for vertical GPU mounting. The process is more hands-on than most ITX cases, requiring full frame assembly.
Fortunately, the well-machined aluminum parts fit together cleanly, and XTIA includes a quality screwdriver and all required fasteners.
Cables are routed through the central spine, which keeps them hidden and reinforces the minimalist aesthetic. Flexible cables—like those from XTIA or Corsair—make a big difference in maintaining clean cable paths.
Installing the AIO is a visual highlight. In this build, the NZXT Kraken Elite 240 with its bright LCD display sits front and center. In most compact cases, screen-equipped coolers end up hidden away, but here it becomes a key visual element. Mounting it to the side bracket is simple, and the open layout gives it direct access to fresh air.
One quirk worth noting is the power cable routing—depending on your setup, you might not want the extension cable exiting the top. Thankfully, the case layout is flexible enough to offer alternative routing options, especially in vertical orientation.
This isn’t a case to rush through. It rewards thoughtful planning and deliberate hardware choices. There’s no dust protection, and all components are exposed, making it less ideal for high-traffic or dusty environments. But if you have a clean space and want a system that turns heads, the XPROTO-L makes the effort worthwhile.
The XTIA XPROTO-L is a unique case built for a specific kind of builder. It rewards those who value visuals and want to show off their components. With excellent thermal performance (due to its open nature) and wide hardware compatibility, the more involved build process is well worth it.
It’s not for everyone, but for the right builder, the XPROTO-L is equal parts case and display piece.
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