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.

Installing the Components Comparison
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  • Bonesdad - Monday, February 16, 2009 - link

    Exactly my point...I live in a house...not the Battlestar Crapactica.

    Frakkin case designers...are they all 12 years old?
  • Mikey - Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - link

    LOL, good one. I do think it's pretty "cool" looking, but beauty really is in the eye of the beholder..in this case...the beholder's an old blind guy. It's cool in the sense its very high tech and retro looking, but ugly in terms of elegance. As far as functionality goes, I think it's a great case with lots of awesome features for the advanced computer guru. I would actually consider buying it! http://findaerialequipment.com/">aerial lifts ftw
  • Nfarce - Monday, February 16, 2009 - link

    LOL. Point taken. Well, there's always the P180 or P182 from Antec for the more conservative PC building aficionados among us. IMO, Alienware/Dell has some more hideous/gaudy looking cases than this - and they are selling reasonably well.

    http://www.alienware.com/products/desktop-computer...">http://www.alienware.com/products/desktop-computer...

  • FATCamaro - Friday, February 13, 2009 - link

    Agreed... puke!!
  • cparka23 - Friday, February 13, 2009 - link

    FYI, the graph has noise measured in degrees Celsius.
  • wicko - Friday, February 13, 2009 - link

    Cool review, but would have been nice to see it pit against its predecessor. I'd have to say I'm not a big fan of the top of the case, I actually use the tray at the top.

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