Mid-Tower Mega Roundup
by Joshua Buss on September 8, 2005 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Benchmark Comparisons
To get as meaningful a comparison as possible between the different cases, we installed the same set of hardware into each one, our standard ATX test bed.
We have compiled the results of all the head and noise testing into a master chart. Cases with variable-speed fans were tested first on their highest setting and then on their lowest setting to get the two different audio measurements. The "Exhaust" column refers to the temperature of the air coming out of the unit's main rear exhaust vents, where if there were more than one fan, the highest temperature was used.
So, are you really getting what you pay for with these units? It certainly seems that this is the case with the P-180 and PC-V1000, as they both pull away with the best temp/noise numbers, but for nearly half the cost, the X-Cruiser puts up great temperatures as well, thanks to its CPU shroud, albeit at the cost of a bit more noise.
Interestingly, the F3323 also looks like an amazing deal from this chart, but those numbers must be taken with a grain of salt as we used a particularly high-performance fan, which although doesn't show up as a loud unit on our dBa meter, does make a rather audible metallic-sounding whine. If the type of noise isn't much of a problem, perhaps the greatest lesson to take away from this entire review is: all that a case really needs to cool rather well is one, high performance fan. For most users, however, the use of several quieter fans would be more ideal, and this is where a design such as the P-180 really comes out with a major advantage.
One other interesting point to elaborate on is the difference in dBa ratings taken from different sides of the cases. For most users, the top and front measurements should be the main ones to focus on. Notice how the V1000 is only quieter than the Antec cases when their fans are set to full-blast. This is probably due to the blower and 120mm running at their stock voltages. With the use of a fan controller, this noise could be controlled much better. In addition, it does look like using the air deflector inhibits the power supply's ability to exhaust air easily, as it has the highest PSU air temps.
To get as meaningful a comparison as possible between the different cases, we installed the same set of hardware into each one, our standard ATX test bed.
| ATX Test Bed | |
| Chaintech VNF3-250 AMD Athlon 64 3200+ OCZ PC3200 512MB DDR x 2 Zalman CNPS7000 Copper Western Digital IDE Hard Drive Sapphire 9800XT AGP8x |
 Click to enlarge. |
We have compiled the results of all the head and noise testing into a master chart. Cases with variable-speed fans were tested first on their highest setting and then on their lowest setting to get the two different audio measurements. The "Exhaust" column refers to the temperature of the air coming out of the unit's main rear exhaust vents, where if there were more than one fan, the highest temperature was used.
| Heat and Noise Comparison Chart | ||||||||
| Case | Component Temperatures (idle/full load) | Air Temperatures | dBa Measurements | |||||
| CPU | GPU | N. Bridge | PSU | Exhaust | Front | Rear | Top | |
| X-Cruiser | 45 / 54 | 64 / 71 | 34 | 33 | 31 | 42 | 55 | 58 |
| F3323 | 42 / 53 | 63 / 69 | 31 | 32 | 28 | 40 | 42 | 41 |
| Trio | 44 / 54 | 67 / 72 | 36 | 36 | 29 | 41 | 42 | 41 |
| Sonata II (low) | 45 / 59 | 67 / 72 | 34 | 34 | 30 | 41 | 40 | 39 |
| Sonata II (high) | 43 / 57 | 66 / 71 | 33 | 34 | 29 | 54 | 62 | 57 |
| Centurion | 48 / 59 | 67 / 73 | 36 | 35 | 34 | 40 | 42 | 40 |
| P-180 (low) | 47 / 58 | 66 / 71 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 38 | 39 | 39 |
| P-180 (high) | 44 / 55 | 64 / 69 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 60 | 62 | 61 |
| Eclipse | 43 / 56 | 64 / 70 | 31 | 34 | 32 | 40 | 41 | 40 |
| PC-V1000 | 42 / 55 | 64 / 72 | 38 | 36 | 32 | 44 | 58 | 40 |
So, are you really getting what you pay for with these units? It certainly seems that this is the case with the P-180 and PC-V1000, as they both pull away with the best temp/noise numbers, but for nearly half the cost, the X-Cruiser puts up great temperatures as well, thanks to its CPU shroud, albeit at the cost of a bit more noise.
Interestingly, the F3323 also looks like an amazing deal from this chart, but those numbers must be taken with a grain of salt as we used a particularly high-performance fan, which although doesn't show up as a loud unit on our dBa meter, does make a rather audible metallic-sounding whine. If the type of noise isn't much of a problem, perhaps the greatest lesson to take away from this entire review is: all that a case really needs to cool rather well is one, high performance fan. For most users, however, the use of several quieter fans would be more ideal, and this is where a design such as the P-180 really comes out with a major advantage.
One other interesting point to elaborate on is the difference in dBa ratings taken from different sides of the cases. For most users, the top and front measurements should be the main ones to focus on. Notice how the V1000 is only quieter than the Antec cases when their fans are set to full-blast. This is probably due to the blower and 120mm running at their stock voltages. With the use of a fan controller, this noise could be controlled much better. In addition, it does look like using the air deflector inhibits the power supply's ability to exhaust air easily, as it has the highest PSU air temps.
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RupertS - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
The power supply is a good part of the total value of the case. Also, some of the cases may work better (cooling, sound) with the power supply they come with.Hard to compare prices like this.
johnsonx - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Ditto that... this complaint has been leveled before of course:Anandtech should at least mention what power supply is (or can be) included with the case, and give some sort of subjective rating of same. For example, the Aspire case is most often available with a 420W power supply (usually a mere $15 or so more than the PS-less version), but I've heard it's crap... but maybe it isn't; I'd like Anandtech to tell me.
Likewise, the Sonata II ALWAYS (AFAIK) includes a SmartPower 2.0 450... doesn't that add significantly to the value equation? (granted, it'd be better if it were a TruePower 380 like the old Sonata, but a SmartPower 2.0 is nothing to scorn)
ElFenix - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
everyone should read the reviews on SPCR before setting up a system on this case. the reviews are very thorough and tests it in multiple configurations, and it turns out there are things you can do to improve its thermal performance by quite a bit (such as duct taping over the holes next to the power supply)flatblastard - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Duct tape on a brand new case? I don't think so..... Well, I personally wouldn't do it, but for modders/OCers I guess it might make sense.fass mut - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
what's the link to the article?ElFenix - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
all three articles, the first is over main features, the second is an absolutely silent computer, and the third is more mainstream rigshttp://www.silentpcreview.com/article249-page1.htm...">http://www.silentpcreview.com/article249-page1.htm...
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article254-page1.htm...">http://www.silentpcreview.com/article254-page1.htm...
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article255-page1.htm...">http://www.silentpcreview.com/article255-page1.htm...
jonp - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Doesn't an ATX extension cable for $4 cover the power supply to motherboard distance concern? Granted, Antec could have included it with the case; but it's NO big deal to resolve. Shouldn't be an issued when deciding.mjz - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
i hate lian li cases. I spent probably 200 dollars on their case (2 years ago) and it vibrates too much, the sound is pissing me off. I guess it can't handle my raptor or something.Tamale - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
I too agree that way too many of these cases are kinda ridiculous looking, but someone said it best when they said "the Eclipse must look better in person"... it really does. I liken it to those fancy cd players from places like brookstone and the sharper image..It's flashy, sure, but at least it's kinda 'classy flashy', if you know what I mean. If that kinda look still doesn't please you at all, there's always cases like the P-180 ;)
mkruer - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Considering that I have a PC-V2000 Plus. I am in a unique position to voice my opinion for everyone reading this thread. I will say that yes the cases Lian Li cases are overly expensive, but considering that they are the only “all aluminum” case manufacture, and they have arguably the best design, they can get away with it. The main issues with an “all aluminum” case is that because aluminum is light then steal and yet does not have the absorbing capacity of plastic, aluminum as rule of thumb tends to be louder. However there are three things you can do o improve the noise ratio of the system. First is to install sound absorbing foam in the case. This will cut down on high pitched noise. Next is to install quieter fans. The Lian Li fans are good, but they are only about average in the noise to air ratio. Finally and this is the biggest thing. In order to cut down on the “wan wan” resonance sound coming form the case you need to suspend the drive is a sling and not it the mounting bays. This by far reduces the most noise.