Brutus 2 Is an Amazing Computer Case with an Animated Window Panel

When you build your own PCs, the case you choose is the ultimate expression of your style and tastes. Some people prefer cases stuffed full of colorful lights that show off the motherboard and graphics card, while others prefer sophisticated minimalist cases that would look at home in a Dieter Rams exhibit. Combining both of those is Brutus 2, and the animated side panel is one of the coolest case features I’ve ever seen.

At first glance, Brutus 2 looks like a spartan, yet attractive, case with a windowed side panel when it’s powered off. But, switch on the power and that window comes to life. Instead of the usual acrylic window, it uses a semi-transparent TFT screen. It’s transparent enough to be able to see the components inside, but the screen is fully capable of displaying videos and animations. The result is both tasteful and eye-catching, and it is definitely something none of your friends’ gaming PCs have.

The screen itself is connected to a Raspberry Pi, which is where the video is playing from. Controlling it requires a lightweight Windows app, but it shouldn’t take up much in the way of valuable performance. What you choose to display on the screen is up to your tastes, but just about anything would look good on this. Brutus 2 is currently in the crowdfunding stage on German site Startnex, and it’s not entirely clear what countries they’ll ship to. But, it’s definitely worth investigating if you are as awestruck as I am.