Testing

Methodology

We use a unique strength test that is a little simplistic and all it requires is my weight on the top and observing the bending etc. that the case exhibits. The ‘test’ is explained more here.

For the temperature and noise output testing, we use the same PSU in every test and observe the noise output and give you a relative reading on our scale.

The temperature results are taken from the ambient temperature of the case (via temperature probe), the CPU and the chipset. All of these results are taken without a graphics card (our motherboard has on-board). The temperatures are taken at load and at idle for the processor using Orthos to load the cores. The stock AMD heatsink is used with Artic Silver 5 with an AM2 6000+ CPU at stock underneath.

Ambient temperature is 19C.

Results

At full load, the case fans are nice and quiet in their operation. They don’t quite register as mulnaz, but they are damn close.

The idea of the tunnel of air over your motherboard is a good one, but if you have a graphics card installed or any add-in card, it sits directly in the way and acts as a massive wind break stopping the tunnel of air in its tracks.

The standing test gives a score of 2 which isn’t bad considering as the case is made out of aluminium. It’ll be able to stand up to the rigors of LAN events where your PC is often subjected to knocks and bangs as it makes it’s way to your gaming desk.

The temperatures aren’t bad when there is no graphics card installed, with the tunnel of air keeping the case inside at 2 degrees above ambient. The chipset sits at 36C with the CPU next to it at 30C.

When running Orthos for 30 minutes, the core heats up to 48C which is 25C different from the 23C case temperature. The chipset sits at 45C which is pretty good considering its tiny heatsink.

Baring in mind that these temperatures are using the stock heatsink rather than some epic chunk of metal, such as the IFX-14, they aren’t bad. At either load or idle, the hard disc sits at 40C which is quite high considering its not being used at all during the testing.

These temperature are good, but there is no GPU installed. Chucking in the 8800 Ultra used during installation, the CPU at load soars to 54C while the chipset stayed at 46C. If you are using a graphics card (i.e. not onboard and hence anyone who wants to play a game at anything above 640x480) then the cooling system isn’t the greatest but is by no means inadequate.

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Using the carry handle is easy enough although you won't look the most fashionable with this but it will make carrying the case a little easier. It's not the most sturdy, and in fact I managed to snap one of the clips whilst trying to tighten the strap, but it should do the trick if you are careful with it, but it doesn't get my vote of faith.

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