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For the test today we are using an Intel Core i7 990x processor which is connected into the stunning new Asus Rampage III Black Edition motherboard.
Processor: Intel Core i7 990x
Motherboard: Asus Rampage III Black Edition X58
Cooler: Antec Kuhler Liquid Cooler
Memory: Kingston T1 12GB 1600mhz DDR3
Storage: Corsair F40 SSD
Graphics: eVGA GTX460 SC
Power Supply: ADATA 1200W
Windows 7 Enterprise Edition 64bit
Thermal Diodes
Raytek Laser Temp Gun 3i LSRC/MT4 Mini Temp
Digital Sound Level Noise Decibel Meter Style 2
Firstly let us have a look at the chassis design and airflow, as it comes ‘out of the box’.
The vertical airflow design is clean and effective, heat naturally rises, and with the two large penetrator fans forcing the warm air directly upwards and out of the case, cooling should be good. The 120mm fan at the top ensures that the processor section of the case will get a little ‘extra' help with the removal of heat.
We have placed thermal diodes in 5 internal positions to measure the ambient case temperatures. Ambient room temperatures were maintained at 23c throughout. We are comparing to the class leading Lian Li X2000F which is currently our favourite case. The price points may be very different, but we wanted to see how the vertical airflow compares to one of the best ‘traditionally designed' chassis on the market.
Considering the price difference (Lian Li X2000 is £410 in the UK right now, Raven 3 is £130), the Raven 3 delivers some simply superb cooling results. With the fans on high, the cooling is better than the Lian Li X2000 with the downside of substantially higher noise emissions. With fans set to low the system performs almost to the same levels as the X2000, falling a single degree behind in some of the zones.
Well im glad they changed the spiky monster design from last year into this. I think its rather fetching.
The fans are nice, the overall design isn’t ugly but I am not sure im sold on some of the internal designs. the PSU at the front from the side? its rather hard to get used to that.
I like it, good airflow, like v2
The gold stripe is a bit different, wasnt it blue originally
I likethe routing arou d the back of the case but i dont like the looks at all.
To me this seems like a bit of a mish mash of a case – nobody likes the racing stripes down the front and whilst it may look nicer in the flesh, very few people will get the chance to view it in person before purchasing.
I think if they had simply updated the superb Raven Evolution then they would have been on to a dead cert – I can see where they are coming from though because adding a 3 to the party probably attracts a lot more attention and therefor more sales.
If they do ever bring the Evo up to date with front intenal usb3.0 headers then I will be on it like a flash.