Choice of PC housing computer stuff – not an easy task, since it is necessary to provide for a variety of factors that may later affect the ease of communication with the system, ranging from interior decoration and finishing some subjective things like the beauty of the front panel or the presence of multiple external USB-port. We, in turn, recommend paying particular attention to the specific models used in the ventilation system, because simplicity is not to forget that the cooling of a modern PC housing computer stuff – a complex process, and it plays an important role creating an acceptable thermal environment inside the system unit. After all, as we know, even the most powerful CPU cooler is not able to provide the necessary cooling, if left without air inflow outboard. And if in the winter to cope with overheating quite simple, the hot summer becomes a serious test of PC housing computer stuff cooling systems.
The difficult economic situation is forcing many of our fellow citizens to save, so this time it was decided to pay attention to low-cost models available on the shelves of retail shops selling accessories. In this article, we will look at five models from different manufacturers and test how good they are, and whether the price is justified.
Testing Methodology
For the tests in each of the models it was assembled system consisting of a processor Intel Core i5 4670K with a standard cooler, motherboard ASUS MAXIMUS VII Gene (microATX), 8 GB of RAM type DDR3, 2 TB of hard disk Western Digital, graphics card Palit JetStream GTX 970, the power supply Enermax Revolution 840 watts. When their assessment took into account the quality of performance and ease of assembly. Furthermore, studies have been conducted temperature.
In order to test the models were provided with identical terms in the room maintains a constant temperature of 24 ° C. To monitor the temperature of the CPU used utility SpeedFan 4.51. To reduce the measurement error, perform additional monitoring by the monitoring system from NZXT, reads the data from five thermocouples, enshrined in various places. The processor was heated up with the program OCCT 4.4.1. The measurements were performed three times at a private booth. Average results obtained are shown in Table.
#1. PC housing computer stuff: GMC Titan
The Korean company GMC 1996 develops and manufactures enclosures for PC housing computer stuff and is an expert in this case. In its model range, there are many successful models and GMC Titan is no exception.
This creation designer inadvertently striking thanks to the abundance of decorative elements. Complete the picture and angular face. A good we see the location of the interface connectors that are displayed on the sloping surface in front of the. There’s also sheltered a large power button. A side wall portion is made transparent so that one can observe what is happening in the system. The relatively wide interior space for easy installation of components, most of which support Quick release fasteners. Surfaces treated bad, although sharp edges still there. Number three in the system fan is very quiet. One of them has an LED backlight. Space for an extra is not provided, but there are holes for hoses of liquid cooling. In this model, the manufacturer has not stinted on the filter elements, which is rare for low-cost models.
#2. PC housing computer stuff: Zalman Z11 Neo
Although Zalman company and has established itself as a manufacturer of very expensive and quality housing, it is clearly a solution designed for the budget segment. The plastic finish looks simply, although the design of the device and is designed to ensure that interest gamers. Body surface made smooth, and the upper part is formed as a comb made up of plates. The speakers are located on the sidewalls of several fans.
To be able to see all elements of the PC housing computer stuff, the side wall “hacked” big window. Like the earlier model, the new power unit is not completed, this should worry the user. The side walls are attached with small thumbscrews. The chassis is made is typical of low-cost solutions. Part neatly seamed surfaces, sharp edges but still occur. Expansion card slot covered with metal caps which, if necessary, will have to break out. Baskets for storage made perfectly, removable. Most of the elements of the screw. Installed in front of a 12-cm fan has a blue LED backlight. It is protected from dust filter.
#3. PC housing computer stuff: GMC Aegis Pro
The quality of execution, this model is very similar to GMC Titan. It has a quite decent for an inexpensive solution appearance, and most importantly – different decent workmanship. It can be used to build both home and office PCs. However, used in the design of glossy plastic, in our opinion, not very practical.
At the top is a docking station for the installation of hot hard drive or SSD. Not far from it there are several connectors USB 2.0 and USB 3.0.
In case, there are three 12-cm fans. Two working blowing out – one in the rear, the other – at the top, while the third working on blowing, – the front. Additionally, you may install one. To the body looked impressive, its curved sides are made. The power supply is installed at the bottom of it, as usual, is not included in the box. It is provided with a mounting slot removable strainer. To install the most elements require a screwdriver. The quality interior finish can be evaluated by four sharp edges almost never occur. But the wall would cost to do a bit thicker.
#4. PC housing computer stuff: Deepcool Steam Castle
The manufacturer of this model for a long time involved in the release of cooling systems under its own brand, but now it came up, and buildings. And it should be noted that it turned out good. His appearance, in our opinion, very original, and it is available not only in the traditional black and white as well as yellow and red versions. But finding them is very difficult to sell.
Unusually chosen and the materials used for decoration – here goes plastic with rubber elements. The housing has a wide squat shape and not too large. It should be remembered that it is possible to use the system only motherboard microATX size and miniITX. However, the quality of both internal and external elements, by the standards of low-cost models is impressive.
Looking at the body catches the eye original lattice ducts derived on the upper surface. Fans behind them there, but there are led lights. In addition, the finished decorative ventilation grilles are also available on the front panel. The interior is commendable, all neatly seamed, although the place is not too much. Used in structural elements of steel having a thickness of 0.8 mm, so that does not falter and do not play. Aggregators of 3.5 and 2.5 inches are mounted using a sled. It is worth noting that in the scope of delivery includes rubber washers that reduce vibration during rate.Ispolzuemye this body graphics card can reach a length of 320 mm. Noise on top.
The ventilation system is well thought out, that’s just only one filter. Provided speed control built-in fans and lighting, but the panel management and interface connectors are placed extremely uncomfortable. Using them is possible only when the right side of the housing there is no interference, such as a wall.
#5. PC housing computer stuff: AeroCool Battlehawk
The company AeroCool loves to create catchy, memorable pattern, and this case is not an exception. Its design is quite good, the front panel looks attractive. I believe that it is especially pleasant to fans of games. The thickness of the side walls is small – only 0.5 mm. In our view, they should strengthen the cross members as they look somewhat shaky. The front panel is made entirely of plastic, the lower part translucent. Behind it lies a big fan equipped with a red LED backlighting. Just above is the hinged door with magnetic mount, which arranged for the optical drive bay, making it look more concise.
All additional interface connectors are displayed on the top panel. This solution will be convenient if the PC is on the floor. The manufacturer has equipped the body with three USB-connectors, but only one of them supports the specification of USB 3.0. A useful solution seemed to us a built-in memory card reader SD and microSD. Provided and the possibility of separate adjustment of fan speed using two switches located nearby. However, the speed of rotation does not move smoothly, but stepwise.
The quality of the chassis is good, although sharp edges still remain. All elements of the PC installed with screws. When choosing a CPU cooler should be noted that the height should not exceed 155 mm. The maximum length of the graphics card can be up to 390 mm.
The cooling system is thought bad – the case is equipped with two 120-mm fans running on blowing and blowing. And in addition, you can set three.
In general, this model impressed designed, though the manufacturer and save on rubber insert, the damping vibration that occurs during operation.
Results
Despite the low cost, presented models fared well and assemble PC housing computer stuff and temperature during the test, so that they can be recommended to buy. The best of those surveyed we found the body Deepcool Steam Castle, which went to the icon and “Editor’s Choice.” This is the most high-quality and user-friendly product of those surveyed, and the ventilation system he thought good. But PC housing computer stuff GMC Titan different optimal price / performance ratio and, therefore, receives the icon “Best Buy.”