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We decided to use the Intel Core i5 2500S processor and Gigabyte P67A-UD3 motherboard for testing (reviews coming soon), cooled using the impressive Thermaltake Contac 29 BP CPU Cooler. We also installed an AMD Radeon HD 6790 graphics card as it offers a good balance between price and performance.
Test System
Chassis: CM Storm Enforcer
Motherboard: Gigabyte P67A-UD3
CPU: Intel Core i5 2500S
Memory: Kingston HyperX Genesis 4GB (2x2GB) 2133MHz
PSU: HX850W
Graphics Card: AMD Radeon HD 6790
Cooler: Thermaltake Contac 29 BP
Thermal Paste: Arctic Cooling MX-3
Hard Drive: Kingston SSDNow V+ 128GB
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
Furmark v1.9.0
Prime95
Everest Ultimate
We recorded the load temperatures using CPUID Hardware Monitor while stressing the system using Prime95 and Furmark for 15 minutes. For the idle temperatures, we left the system idling at the desktop for 30 minutes before recording the temperatures.
The temperatures we recorded are very impressive all round with the CPU reaching a maximum of 51 degrees C under load. The AMD Radeon 6790 reached 79 under load which is maintained using fan profiles. For those who want to improve the temperatures slightly, there is space in the roof for an additional exhaust fan.
In our noise level testing we recorded a result of 33.1 dBA when the system was idling at a distance of 1 m from the front of the case. The noise level was increased slightly under load but this is a result of the graphics card fan spinning up rather than the case itself. There is no inbuilt fan controller so the fans spin at a constant speed. They are very quiet, though, so we cant see them causing any issues.
It looks quite good, but I agree, their other stuff is a little better looking
Competition is very tough at this price, not sure this is outstanding enough to get a lot of attention.
There are definitely some noticable shortcomings with this case. I like the extra expansion slot on the back for something like extra USB ports or the like. I’m not too fond of the plastic front though and the plastic has a bit of a cheap look to it.