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To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an Intel Core i5 3570K, Radeon HD 7850 and multiple storage drives. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the Corsair Obsidian 350D‘s cooling capabilities.
For stress testing we use a mixture of Prime95 and FurMark to create the maximum heat output. Prime95′s ‘Small FFTs’ setting allows us to stress our CPU. FurMark’s ‘GPU Burn-in’ mode creates the maximum amount of load our GPU is ever likely to see.
Test System:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 3570k.
- Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4-M.
- CPU cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX (100% fan speed).
- Memory: 8GB Patriot Viper 2133MHz.
- Graphics card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 1GB Dual-X (‘auto' fan setting).
- Power supply: Seasonic Platinum-1000.
- Storage drives: 128GB Kingston V100 (OS), 1TB Samsung F3, 1TB Samsung F2.
- OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit.
Thermal Performance Test Procedures:
- The case’s default fan configuration is used to give an accurate interpretation of the out-of-the-box performance.
- The Corsair Obsidian 350D‘s default fan configuration is: 1x 140mm front intake fan and 1x 120mm rear exhaust fan.
- The fans are operating at full speed.
- We allow the system to idle for 15 minutes and record the stable temperatures.
- We allow the system to operate under extreme stress for 15 minutes and record the stable temperatures.
Room temperature was maintained at 23°C.
With just two case fans, the Corsair 350D offers solid cooling performance, regardless of its micro-ATX form factor.
Adding an extra exhaust fan in one of the roof mounts would be a quick and easy way of improving cooling performance.
A fan controller is a good idea, but few companies add them in, which is sad. I know my last thermaltake case was very loud. Corsair fans are generally slightly higher quality although I know a lot of people are complaining lately.
This is a great case.
The window really makes this case IMO, would be criminal not to have one with it if you bought it. THe price is ok too. nice one.
Great review luke, tons of detail on the fitting and inside, really wanted to make me look at building a second system now.
Great series of cases, I own an Obsiadian already and its going to last me many years – great build quality on their products which always distinguishes them from the masses.
I agree, bundle a corsair bundled fan controller in future, if the budget allows it. would be hugely beneficial as we could turn down the fans when working on the machine or general use, then enhance the speeds when gaming.