Montech King 45 Pro Review: Stylish, Affordable, Superior GPU Cooling
▼ Summary
– The Montech King 45 Pro is an affordable PC case featuring angled bottom intake fans that deliver exceptional GPU cooling performance.
– It has a minimalist design with wrap-around glass, tool-less access to all sides, and reasonable build quality without obvious weaknesses.
– The case includes a top-mounted PSU, which may cause power cord clearance issues with certain PSU models due to the angle of the connection.
– It comes with three new Montech RX120 Pro intake fans and one exhaust fan pre-installed, along with a built-in ARGB and PWM controller for simplified cable management.
– Additional features include support for up to 10 fans, a 360mm radiator, two storage drives, and an IO panel with USB-C, USB-A, audio, and reset buttons.
Montech’s King 45 Pro stands out as a budget-friendly mid-tower PC case that delivers exceptional GPU cooling performance thanks to its innovative angled bottom intake fan design. This configuration sets it apart from typical front or side-mounted fan layouts, directly targeting heat buildup around the graphics card. With a minimalist aesthetic, tool-free access, and pre-installed Montech RX120 Pro fans, the King 45 Pro aims to balance style, affordability, and thermal efficiency for PC builders.
Product specifications reveal a case compatible with ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards, available in black or white finishes. Measuring 462 x 450 x 245 mm, it accommodates CPU coolers up to 187mm tall and graphics cards as long as 435mm. Storage options include support for two 2.5-inch or two 3.5-inch drives, while cooling flexibility extends to ten fan mounts, three RX120 Pro intake fans and one AX120 Pro exhaust fan come pre-installed. A 360mm radiator fits along the side panel. Priced at $119.90, it includes a one-year warranty.
The King 45 Pro’s minimalist design features rounded edges and a two-piece wrap-around glass panel, offering clear views of internal components. An integrated ARGB lighting strip on the front, plus illuminated fans, provides customizable aesthetics. Many users will prefer setting these to a solid color for a cleaner look rather than using the default multi-color cycle.
A top-mounted power supply unit distinguishes this model, similar to Montech’s earlier HS02 Pro. While this placement works well with most PSUs, those with angled power connectors, like certain MSI models, might experience a slightly tight fit with the included power cable. Alternative units, such as an Asus TUF Gaming 850W, avoid this issue entirely.
Tool-less side panel removal simplifies access for upgrades or maintenance, with secure magnetic or latch-based attachments. Build quality feels solid overall, without noticeable weak points. Around back, a dedicated PSU cage sits in the upper left, accompanied by generous cable routing space and a mesh-covered section to maintain PSU airflow. Storage drives mount directly onto the cable cover door.
An integrated PWM and ARGB hub at the top rear simplifies fan and lighting control, reducing cable clutter. The standout thermal feature remains the three reversed-blade RX120 Pro intake fans positioned at a steep angle along the bottom panel. These specialized fans, not yet sold separately, reportedly boost airflow by approximately 10% compared to Montech’s non-Pro AX120 models, potentially reaching up to 64.9 CFM.
Internally, the layout remains clean and spacious, with direct PSU cable routing that shortens connection paths. A metallic silver Montech badge sits below the PSU cage, while the rear hosts a single exhaust fan. The top section supports a 360mm radiator or three additional 120mm fans.
Front I/O includes a USB-C port, two USB-A ports, a combined audio/mic jack, a reset button, and an ARGB-lit power button, all situated along the bottom edge for easy access. A removable dust filter protects the bottom intake, and four raised feet enhance stability and under-case airflow. One side of the base is slightly elevated to further assist the angled fans’ air intake.
From the front, the case displays its I/O panel and ARGB lighting elements, while the rear view includes standard seven-slot PCIe expansion slots, the rear exhaust fan, and the unique top power connector routing. Thermal testing focuses on the chassis’s heat dissipation efficiency, particularly regarding GPU temperatures. While these results provide valuable performance insight, they represent just one aspect of evaluation, noise levels, design preferences, included features, and pricing all contribute to the final purchasing decision. Individual needs vary, and this review aims to supply enough detail for every reader to determine if the King 45 Pro meets their specific build requirements.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
