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Idle recordings are taken while the system sits at the desktop under minimum load. For the general usage test, we browse the internet while streaming 1080P videos on YouTube and running a background virus scan. Our gaming test uses Metro: Last Light – a DX11 title that taxes the CPU and GPU.
OcUK opts for 3-pin versions of the BitFenix Spectre Pro CPU fans, hence PWM speed control is not possible – they ran at a constant ~1300RPM. The front set of Akasa Apache fans and both NZXT chassis fans also ran at static speeds.
Thermal Performance
Ambient temperature was maintained at 24°C throughout testing. All fan settings were left on the OcUK defaults.
Temperature of the CPU remained below 50°C throughout testing, proving that the Prolimatech Genesis was performing well. Unless a particularly CPU-intensive game is being played, it is unlikely that CPU temperatures will rise above 60°C when gaming. That said, a pure CPU load (such as video editing) will push thermals higher.
GPU temperatures for both graphics cards were positive, with single-fan operation at lower loads giving temperatures in the mid-30s. Stressing the cards with a gaming load saw the GPU temperatures climb up towards the 70s.
OcUK's decision to space the graphics cards was an excellent one. The upper graphics card still engulfs hot air from the lower unit, but it is by no means starved of coolant, and only operates a few degrees higher than its partner.
Acoustic Performance
With the case positioned on the floor, our sound level meter is placed where a user’s ears are likely to be located – around 50cm above the system and 100cm in front of it.
With a total of 11 fans installed in the system, noise output is actually surprisingly good. The system is clearly audible at lower loads, which is slightly frustrating given that speed-tuning could have garnered lower noise levels.
When pushed by a demanding gaming load, the graphics cards' fans start to speed up but the system noise is not intrusive. The dual fan coolers on the KFA2 graphics cards do a good job of cooling the GPU while maintaining unobtrusive acoustic emissions.
Power Consumption
Power consumption is measured at the wall, representing the energy drawn by the system.
Idle power usage at just over 100W is nothing to worry about, nor is the general usage energy demand at little more than a pair of old incandescent light bulbs.
Stressing the system with Metro: Last Light registers a power usage level of around 460W, although we did notice peaks of up to 475W. With around 460W being pulled from the wall during gaming, the 750W SuperFlower PSU is likely to be running around its peak efficiency level. OcUK's PSU choice was a smart one.
Gotta love those BitFenix fans!