Test Setup

Test Configuration
CPU Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850
(Quad-core 3.0GHz, 2x6MB L2, 1333FSB)
Motherboard Asus P5N-T Deluxe
Graphics Cards Triple-SLI NVIDIA GeForce 8800 Ultra
Memory 4GB OCZ DDR2 PC2-8500 Platinum Series
HDD Western Digital WD4001ABYS (Fully equipped)
CPU Cooler Zalman CNPS7700
Power Supply PC Power & Cooling Turbo Cool 860W
(AnandTech Edition)

For the temperature results we decided to attached temperature diodes to the CPU cooler, the GPU cooler (first GPU), the hard drives, and the inside of the chassis. This configuration may or may not end up being similar to what you run, but since we will use the same hardware in our case reviews we will be able to build a collection of results. The first graphics card in an SLI or triple-SLI setup always runs hotter than the others, which is why we will take measurements from this card.

For the time being, we installed the maximum supported number of hard drives (seven in this case). However, the temperature diode will also be connected to the first hard drive of our RAID setup. The fourth diode is in the middle of the case at the height of the DIMMs. This diode will allow us to measure ambient case temperature, and we will test optional configurations as necessary -- i.e., if a case offers a special air duct we will test both with and without this air duct.

Note: You will notice that we are testing with a very high-end setup for now, which is not representative of many computer systems. We will add a second more reasonable configuration in the future that will focus on reducing noise levels. For now, the temperature and noise readings should be considered something of a worst-case scenario; we will retest this case and others once we have additional hardware selected.

Installation Temperatures and Acoustics
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  • billt - Monday, November 10, 2008 - link

    Good looking case. But then I am partial to Silverstones; have a TJ09 and a SG03 (neither overheat). Wish they had made this case 1-2" deeper.
  • MrX8503 - Monday, November 10, 2008 - link

    I think antec might of been the first ones to have the psu at the bottom, but what silverstone did to their psu is ingenious!

    I like how the psu fan is flushed to the bottom hole of the case with a filter on it. This lets the PSU suck air from the outside of the case and is separate from the entire case air flow.
  • SilthDraeth - Monday, November 10, 2008 - link

    What amazes me, is you can get a bling bling case for $50. But if you want a simple case like this it will cost you around $200.

    I know quality of craftsmanship is one thing, but there is no reason you shouldn't be able to get aesthetics like this in a $50 case. It could look similarly, but maybe have a few sharp edges that need to be filed by the purchaser.
  • Vidmar - Wednesday, November 12, 2008 - link

    That hard drive cage is a real problem with airflow. For what this thing costs I would expect a high end power supply as well.

    For my $$$ this Rosewill R6AR6-BK case has almost all of the features of that case, cooler performance and at 1/4 of the cost!
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
  • Sunrise089 - Monday, November 10, 2008 - link

    The TJ-07 model from Silverstone is a popular case for watercoolers. Does this case replace the TJ-07, or is there an even larger 180mm equipped case in the pipeline?
  • Cardio - Monday, November 10, 2008 - link

    I have had 3 of their cases and while well made, they all had extremely poor thermal performance. Could only run one of their expensive HTPC cases with the top removed! Very poor engineering as far as I am concerned. Never again they must not even test these things!
  • HOOfan 1 - Monday, November 10, 2008 - link

    Looks a little like the Coolermaster RC-690
  • HOOfan 1 - Monday, November 10, 2008 - link

    also it is nice for a change to see a black case with a black back panel....
  • strikeback03 - Monday, November 10, 2008 - link

    For reversed fan flow measurements, did you reverse all the fans? So that the rear 120 would be the only intake, and most airflow from it would be sucked right back out by the 180 on top? How would a more Antec-like configuration, with front intake and both rear and top exhaust, work? Also, would the stock fan configuration have any negative impact on air flow around a larger tower style cooler?

    Also, you mentioned that you wouldn't recommend using a PSU with an 80mm fan, why is that?
  • Christoph Katzer - Monday, November 10, 2008 - link

    No, just the large one on top (then according to ATX spec) to see the difference. No 80mm-fan-PSU because one with 120mm fan can get fresh air through the bottom.

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