For a wrap up of these cases we just reviewed, I am going to put out some basic temperatures that these cases achieved. I will also give out some mini-awards to these cases. And please realize that not all cases are made the same. Your individual taste will differ from what I write here so don't kill me for hating your case.
Here's the basic steel case we tested along with the aluminum cases. It's an Enlight 7237 which was originally hacked with a front intake. I took that off just for this test to see how it'll be with just its basic cooling.
First up, some temperatures. These were obtained using the temperature probe from Radio Shack and our trusty CompuNurse temp probe. CPU full load is just running RC5 for about 45 minutes, a few 3dMark 2001 benches and some rounds of Counter Strike:
|
Models |
AMD Tbird 1.4 Stock |
AMD Tbird 1.4 @ 1.5 (1.80V) |
| Room Temp. ~ 27C |
Case |
CPU Idle |
CPU Full |
Case |
CPU Idle |
CPU Full |
| Chili Silver ATX Prof. |
40C |
45.5C |
47C |
43C |
47.4C |
49.1C |
| Lian Li PC60 |
36C |
43C |
45.2C |
39.1C |
45.5C |
46.8C |
| CoolerMaster ATC201 |
35.4C |
42.8C |
44.5C |
37C |
45C |
46.4C |
| Enermax Blue CS688 |
37.8C |
44C |
46.1C |
38.5C |
46.7C |
47.7C |
| Skyhawk ALP4388 |
37.3C |
42C |
44C |
39.2C |
44.5C |
46.1C |
| Enlight 7237 Steel |
38.3C |
45.1C |
46.6C |
42.3C |
47.5C |
49.3C |
* Case temperature is tested near the area above the video card. As near to the middle of the case as possible.
Overall, my personal favorite is the Lian Li PC60 at this point. It combines good looks with usability to bring the best out of an aluminum case. Temperatures within the case looked good which strengthen its strong hold on the aluminum PC case market. A close second comes in for the CoolerMaster. It is a nice case, but with its high price tag this may not be a case most people can afford.
One of the disappointments is the Chili case. I wanted this case to do well in the test, but it failed due to its small size. It's quite a looker, only hampered by the fact that there is absolutely no air flow possible. This caused CPU temps to hit the roof, not a good thing with these hot AMD chips.
The most surprising is the cheapest case on the review block, the Skyhawk. Taking a look at the temperatures, this case is a knock out for the low price. I think with a bit of modification, this can be one kick ass case. Keep an eye out for it.
There will be other cases coming out soon from these companies, keep an eye out as we will try to get them in for a review too. Thanks to Carl over PCMods.com for bringing these cases over to us for some testing. They stock all these cases so if you're wondering where to get them, PCMods.com has them.
