With the case in various forms of configuration we can measure what effect this has on thermal performance:
All temperatures measurements are presented as Delta temperatures, the ambient temperature has been deducted from the CPU/GPU temperatures giving us a delta.
As we often see when testing thermal performance of PC cases, removing the side panel has a drastic affect on GPU temperature. The Vector RS is no different – a decrease of 5.5°C was recorded with the side panel removed.
Fractal Design recommend installing the vented top panel when installing an AIO liquid cooler in the top of the Vector RS. As we can see, the CPU temperature dropped by 7°C with the vented top installed.
Overall, thermal performance is very good in the Vector RS. The case easily kept both CPU and GPU temperatures well under control.