Thermaltake Level 10 GT: Monument to Excess
by Dustin Sklavos on July 26, 2011 11:50 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
- Thermaltake
- Full-Tower
Noise and Thermal Testing, Overclocked
Nobody's going to buy a case like this just to run everything at stock. The Thermaltake Level 10 GT is made for high performance and thankfully our test bed is able to deliver. I'd like to add here, as well, that the Level 10 GT proved to be capable of handling an even greater load than this when we tested the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme FTW. This is a large case with plenty of fans, designed to handle the highest-end components around.
Again, the Thermaltake Level 10 GT's thermal performance isn't perfect but it's awfully close. The clumping in the CPU temperatures suggest the processor thermals are probably limited by the CPU cooler we use for our testbed. Overall the Level 10 GT's temperatures aren't the best but they're excellent across the board, but we also need to check noise levels.
The Level 10 GT also benefits by being among the quietest cases we've tested despite handling a substantial thermal load with aplomb. You're definitely paying for the privilege, but at least we know it's not dragging its heels. Once again, though, the benefit of running the fans at high speed is minimal at best while the increase in noise is substantial. At low, the GT delivers the quietest load noise of our test group, just edging out the NZXT X2.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
46 Comments
View All Comments
DethFiesta - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
I have an FT02 and find it to be an excellent case. Huge and heavy, yes, but highly functional and understated (except for the size). I look forward to the comparison between the Level 10 and Ft02, but even if the FT02 comes out behind, I wouldn't swap over due to the absurd look of the Level 10.Also, "duckets" are spelled "ducats."
hammer256 - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
I Recently got the FT 02 to build a machine for work, and man I am impressed. Curiously to see what the review says.A few things I really like about the FT02:
1. all the connections are on the top of the case, so much easier to access than the back.
2. The video card hangs vertically, so less bending on the motherboard.
3. Really quiet fans with lots of airflow. I only keep them at low.
4. really clean, professional looking case.
But, I wish it didn't have five 5.25 bays, and instead another 5 bay hdd cage. Also, the top cover and latch could be better. The space behind the motherboard tray could be a bit wider, for easier cable management. Finally, would be nice to actually access the dust filters without opening the case. Fairly minor gripes, all things considered.
Dustin Sklavos - Thursday, July 28, 2011 - link
I'll be doing thermal testing this weekend, but early impressions are very favorable.Our rep was hesitant to send it to us because it's (in technology years) a fairly old chassis, and I'm sure they're probably working on refining it. But it's still fantastic, and truthfully the clearance behind the motherboard tray is about on par with most other enclosures these days. It could be wider, but it's not too bad.
When I go to review it I'll have suggestions for the next revision, but my major takeaway is just...with this as a reference point, the Raven RV-03 feels like such a step back despite being newer.
rickon66 - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
My build before last was in an Antec Nine Hundred, but my last build was in an Antec Two Hundred that I got for $30 at Micro Center last fall. It does everything that this Thermaltake does -Great cooling, very roomy and it holds all of the stuff that makes up a computer togeather. What really do you need more than that? I adjusted my expectations of a case down so that I had more cash for a processor and video card that makes a real difference in performance. . Kind of like a rat rod - no show, just go. Unless you have money to burn a super fancy case is just bling.james.jwb - Thursday, July 28, 2011 - link
Apple fanboys don't have much real ammunition to throw at PC users, but when a case like this comes out i can see them all laughing their asses off, and justifiably so.It
is
hideous.
WT - Friday, August 12, 2011 - link
I love this case. Started off looking at an NZXT Phantom or a Corsair 600 SE, but after watching some vids of the Level 10 GT, I really do want it to be #1 on my list.My fave features:
SATA backplane - no more cable mess !!
Side fan features a touch contact - no more umbilical power line !!
Support for a dual radiator - was going to go H80, now I can go H100.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. One thing about this case is it is definitely a conversation piece as opposed to the average black box.