Mid-Tower Mega Roundup
by Joshua Buss on September 8, 2005 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Feature Comparisons
To take into account the heat performance, we added all the temperatures together and then ranked the cases from coolest to warmest. We did the same thing with the dBa values as well. Note that these "total" numbers have no real-world value at all. They're simply being used to give the cases another value for which to judge them against each other.
Here is a breakdown of how all the cases scored:
First, an explanation of the "Score + Ranks" field; this simply means that we took the total features score, then added the number of ranks (10 for temperatures, 9 for noise due to a tie), then deducting the rank that the case actually received in the respective test. For instance, the Aspire case received 7 total rank points, because it placed 8th in the noise rankings (9 - 8 gives it one point there), and 4th in the temperature rankings (10-4 gives it 6 points there). This is merely a system that we're trying to use to compare the cases against each other. The simple "total score" field is more reflective of how the case is on its own, but obviously, if there are features which are more or less important to the individual, then these scores must be taken with quite a bit of caution. One nice thing is that we had no issues with any of these cases in terms of sharp edges, so we didn't even bother including a field for the "feature" of rounded edges. Also keep in mind that we didn't consider the inclusion of power supplies for any of the cases as a feature, since buying these cases from different distributors can affect what power supply is included, if any is at all.
Now, in terms of analyzing the results, we were rather amazed at the performance of the P-180 and Eclipse cases. It was satisfying to see cases that we felt so good about in our examination score so well. Also, the exceptional air-moving capabilities (not to mention high-pitched whine) of the Panaflo fan that we added have to be taken into consideration on the F3323's final score. With a more mid-range fan in place, it might not have scored nearly as well.
Perhaps most interestingly of all is the Lian Li's seemingly poor performance, but this is a case where the scores simply can't quite capture certain traits of a case that's so different. The PC-V1000 is still our favorite out of all of these in terms of sheer usability, and it offers a certain look that if it's what one wants, it's one of the only options out there like that. That being said, most all of the cases in this roundup have very unique looks that will certainly satisfy people looking for a particular style.
To take into account the heat performance, we added all the temperatures together and then ranked the cases from coolest to warmest. We did the same thing with the dBa values as well. Note that these "total" numbers have no real-world value at all. They're simply being used to give the cases another value for which to judge them against each other.
Here is a breakdown of how all the cases scored:
| Attributes | X-Cruiser | F3323 | Trio | Centurion | Sonata II | P-180 | Eclipse | PC-V1000 |
| Ease-of-use | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.5 | 2 | 3 | 2.5 | 4 |
| Sturdiness | 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.5 | 3 |
| Included Fans | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Front Door | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Stealthy CD Drives | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Removable Drive Cages | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Side-loading HDD's | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Drive Rails (cages or drives) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Soft HDD Grommets | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Lockable | 0 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.5 (with padlock) |
| Front Port Cluster | 1.5 | 1 | 1.5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Removable Filters | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Tool-less 5¼" Drives | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tool-less 3½" Drives | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .5 thumbscrews | 0 |
| Tool-less PCI slots | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .5 thumbscrews |
| Built-in meters | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total dBa / rank (out of 9) |
155/8 | 123/5 | 123/5 | 122/4 | (low) 120/2 (high) 173/8 |
(low) 116/1 (high) 183/9 |
122/3 | 142/6 |
| Total temp/ rank (out of 10) |
332/4 | 318/1 | 338/6 | 352/10 | (low) 342/9 (high) 333/5 |
(low) 341/8 (high) 320/2 |
330/3 | 339/7 |
| Anti and Extra Features | ||||||||
| Top fan conflicts w/PSU | Motherboard mounts finicky | Tool-less PCI locks poorly designed | PSU far from motherboard | Tool-less PCI locks could be better | Big PSU's make it hard to fit six hard drives | |||
| -1 | -0.5 | -1 | -0.5 | -0.5 | -0.5 | |||
| Easy side door | Five 5 1/4" bays | Duct for expansion cards | Extra sound dampening | Light weight | Easy side doors | |||
| 1 | 1 | 0.5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||
| Hard drive rails difficult | Duct for expansion cards | Specific, targeted cooling | ||||||
| -1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | ||||||
| Six HDD bays | Six HDD bays | |||||||
| 1 | 1 | |||||||
| Total Score | 8.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 15.5 | 14.5 | 20 | 17.5 | 17 |
| Score + Ranks | 15.5 | 25 | 20.5 | 20.5 | (low) 22.5 (high) 20.5 |
(low) 30 (high) 28 |
30.5 | 23 |
First, an explanation of the "Score + Ranks" field; this simply means that we took the total features score, then added the number of ranks (10 for temperatures, 9 for noise due to a tie), then deducting the rank that the case actually received in the respective test. For instance, the Aspire case received 7 total rank points, because it placed 8th in the noise rankings (9 - 8 gives it one point there), and 4th in the temperature rankings (10-4 gives it 6 points there). This is merely a system that we're trying to use to compare the cases against each other. The simple "total score" field is more reflective of how the case is on its own, but obviously, if there are features which are more or less important to the individual, then these scores must be taken with quite a bit of caution. One nice thing is that we had no issues with any of these cases in terms of sharp edges, so we didn't even bother including a field for the "feature" of rounded edges. Also keep in mind that we didn't consider the inclusion of power supplies for any of the cases as a feature, since buying these cases from different distributors can affect what power supply is included, if any is at all.
Now, in terms of analyzing the results, we were rather amazed at the performance of the P-180 and Eclipse cases. It was satisfying to see cases that we felt so good about in our examination score so well. Also, the exceptional air-moving capabilities (not to mention high-pitched whine) of the Panaflo fan that we added have to be taken into consideration on the F3323's final score. With a more mid-range fan in place, it might not have scored nearly as well.
Perhaps most interestingly of all is the Lian Li's seemingly poor performance, but this is a case where the scores simply can't quite capture certain traits of a case that's so different. The PC-V1000 is still our favorite out of all of these in terms of sheer usability, and it offers a certain look that if it's what one wants, it's one of the only options out there like that. That being said, most all of the cases in this roundup have very unique looks that will certainly satisfy people looking for a particular style.
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Abecedaria - Sunday, September 11, 2005 - link
What was the criteria for choosing these cases? Most of them look nasty-plasticy and even the Antec P-180, although it looks good, has a veery plasticy feel.Where was Silverstone in your review? They have some of the best cases available:
http://www.silverstonetek.com/product-case.htm">http://www.silverstonetek.com/product-case.htm
and from their new subsidiary:
http://www.tuniq.com.tw/Chassis/chassis.htm">http://www.tuniq.com.tw/Chassis/chassis.htm
These things rock.
abc
unclebud - Monday, September 12, 2005 - link
please consider reviewing the performance 640 next time?it currently includes a smartpower v2 400w, for $129
thanks in advance
Rudee - Saturday, September 10, 2005 - link
There is an error in the article. The Sonata II does indeed have a removable air filter in the front of the case, thus should not be given a score of "0" for this catagory.Tamale - Saturday, September 10, 2005 - link
The filter is removable from the bottom of the case only.. while this certainly is 'removable', it is nowhere near as accessible as the other cases which I gave this point to. I struggled with the idea of giving the case .5 for this category, but it wouldn't have made a difference in the end, and I really don't feel that most users would go through the trouble of tipping the case over just to clean the filter, so no points were awarded.Thanks for pointing out the detail though.
Rudee - Saturday, September 10, 2005 - link
The Sonata II case is great. I was able to overclock a AMD 64 3700 to 2700mhz using the stock AMD heatsink and fan with one Panaflo 92mm fan in the duct over the CPU. Temps are great and I ended up returning my Zalman 7700 as I didn't need it.dgkulzer - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link
After 1 month of use I am very happy with my P180. Assembly does take a bit longer than a standard case if you are trying to hide your cables but that isnt much of an issue to me. I put a Phantom 500 PSU in it and because its longer than most other PSU's I had to replace the lower fan with a thinner model (Nexus 120). I have 4 hard drives in the lower chamber and the Nexus at 5 volts keeps them very cool - I havent had the Phantom fan kick on yet either.This is one case that looks better in person than it does in pictures, the pictures make it look like a little fridge or something but it looks pretty sweet on your desk :)
mschira - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link
I guess the two compartment design is great for watercooling. You could put the pump reservoir etc in the lower compartment. If something leaks, the electronic is save.I think that's great thing...
M.
P.S. onla trouble is where to put the power suply...
Griswold - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link
Kids, having a flashy computer under your desk doesnt make the chicks like you more. Say no to stupid side windows!Tamale - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link
you seem to forget that most kids who think it would look cool to have the window in the first place probably don't care about girls anyway ;)p.s. - most people (girls included) seem to think my all-acrylic case is pretty cool
Griswold - Sunday, September 11, 2005 - link
Besides the total lack of EM shielding (which is enough reason to not do what you did, not only because it's not allowed in many countries (I know, I know, US is different, there, the cops wont stop you if your car has only 3 wheels..)), a full acrylic case is a nice show thingie. I just find side windows embarrassing, especially when the rest of the case looks like Optimus Prime's chest armor.