Virtual reality: Computer worlds inspire design concept created by DesignworksUSA, a subsidiary of the BMW Group, for the Thermaltake Level 10 Extreme Gaming Station.

Global launch product presentation of the Thermaltake Level-10 Extreme
Gaming Station from 2nd - 6th June at the COMPUTEX, Taipei. The
gaming industry - an industry that can deservedly adorn itself with
attributes such as innovation, progressiveness and visionary creativity.
However, where does the gaming industry itself get its inspiration from
and how does one set trends in an industry that is in itself the
embodiment of progressive thinking and imaginativeness? One answer to
that question has just been given by DesignworksUSA, a subsidiary of
the BMW Group, with the design concept for the new Thermaltake high-end
gaming tower Level-10, which was inspired by the gaming world itself.
The prototype triggered off a lot of attention at the CeBIT Hannover
earlier this year. From 2nd - 6th June Thermaltake will present the
Thermaltake Level-10 Extreme Gaming Station to the public for the very
first time at the Computex. With this futuristic chassis the company is
celebrating their 10th anniversary in the PC DIY industry. BMW Group
DesignworksUSA, a 100% subsidiary of the BMW Group, has for many years
shaped the global design landscape working for a multitude of
industries. In addition to creating yachts, trains, aircraft, lifestyle
and IT products, the three studios in Munich, California and Singapore
are also engaged with design concepts aimed at transforming visions
into reality. One of these concepts is named "Level 10" and
was realised for Thermaltake, leading PC chassis and accessories brand
manufacturer. Design concept from another world. The "Level
10" concept allows gamers to experience the power of their high-end
computers through the design itself. In order to achieve this, iconic
design is combined with optimum functionality and innovative details.
By rendering the inside components visible, the design concept focuses
on the architectural aesthetics which are inherent in computers and
result from each individually configurable component. The inspiration
for this approach the design team took right from the computer worlds
themselves - expressiveness, virtual townscapes and futuristic game
components served as orientation for the arrangement and the look of
individual components. These appear within the overall design in the
form of an open modular structure that visually appeals to users,
offering them additional functional benefits. Each high-quality
component featured by the "Level 10" concept is enclosed
within its own protective case, rendering it not only an integral part
of the design but also guaranteeing interchangeability and
transportability. Thus the design concept makes considerable allowances
for the behaviour of users who wish to use their equipment in many
different places and are eager to get it there safely. The concept also
has an aesthetical answer to the physical necessity for best possible
cooling, this also being associated with the virtual world of the
gamer. The asymmetric arrangement of the robust vertical heatsink and
the horizontally located individual components create a strong
architectural statement, clearly revealing the powerful cooling
characteristics of the Thermaltake Gaming Tower. The Open Compartment
Architecture (O.C.A.) combined with the All Aluminum Structure of the
case and a total of 4 cooling fans warrant for superb thermal
characteristics even under 24/7 full load. Decisive game factor:
Cleverly designed details. Whilst the design concept initially appeals
visually to gamers, clever detail solutions do justice to their high
demands on the applications. A smart lock system facilitates the
blocking of access in order to protect the valuable modules. A USB
memory key was designed as an extractable "power button" that
not only activates the system, but also secures personal system data,
rendering it suitable for flexible use. Two ergonomically
well-positioned, integrated handles allow safe and convenient
transportation of the tower, a highly relevant feature in the high-end
gaming tower sector. The design is rounded off by a cleverly devised
cable conduit system and light features which communicate a multitude
of tower functions such as temperature and memory volumes. Since the
computer worlds themselves supply the context for the conceptual idea,
an authentic design has been created that significantly emphasises the
functionality of the Thermaltake housing and no longer needs to be
concealed inside the chassis. With the 6 storage disk compartments the
user is not just prepared for a maximum upgrade potential but the Level
10 is Small Disks Ready (S.D.R.) as it has built in 2.5" SSD or
HDD brackets. BMW Group DesignworksUSA- Perfect design beyond the
spotlights. BMW Group DesignworksUSA is a global design consultancy and
subsidiary of the BMW Group. The company, which was acquired by the BMW
Group in 1995, now operates globally from its locations in Europe,
America and Asia. Clients turn to DesignworksUSA for brand
communications, strategy, research, design development, engineering,
modeling, and colour, materials, and finish. Unique to DesignworksUSA,
they have both an automotive and industrial design studio, enabling the
transfer of collective knowledge and inspiration from automotive design
to product design and vice versa. The studio represents a guiding force
for the BMW Group brand design studios (BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce) and
simultaneously operates as an innovation driver for the most diverse
industries from IT to medical, lifestyle or aviation. Since 2004,
Verena C. Kloos has overseen the strategy and operations for the
Munich, Los Angeles and Singapore design studios. The designs
consistently express the individual identity of a brand, so each
product devised by BMW Group DesignworksUSA gains its specific
uniqueness. Thanks to this approach the design studio stands out
significantly from its competitors, convincing big brand names - from
Nokia and HP, Saeco, Acer and Bavaria Yachts to Boeing Business Jets.
Design studio: BMW Group DesignworksUSA, Munich Studio Client:
Thermaltake, Taipei, Taiwan Thermaltake at Computex Taipei 2009
Location: Booth No. M620, World Trade Center NANGANG Exhibition Hall
Official Launch Ceremony: June 2, 2009 at 11 am For enquiries, further
details regarding design or additional photographic material please
contact: BMW Group DesignworksUSA Birgit Pucklitzsch, Communications
Tel: +49 89 548 49361, Fax: +49 895 484 9399 E-mail:
birgit.pucklitzsch@designworksUSA.com Website: www.designworksUSA.com
BMW Group, Corporate Affairs Karin Elvers, Product and Design
Communications / General Interest Media Tel: +49 89 382 23742, Fax: +49
89 382 28017, E-mail: presse@bmw.de Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com