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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RupertS - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
The power supply is a good part of the total value of the case. Also, some of the cases may work better (cooling, sound) with the power supply they come with.Hard to compare prices like this.
johnsonx - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Ditto that... this complaint has been leveled before of course:Anandtech should at least mention what power supply is (or can be) included with the case, and give some sort of subjective rating of same. For example, the Aspire case is most often available with a 420W power supply (usually a mere $15 or so more than the PS-less version), but I've heard it's crap... but maybe it isn't; I'd like Anandtech to tell me.
Likewise, the Sonata II ALWAYS (AFAIK) includes a SmartPower 2.0 450... doesn't that add significantly to the value equation? (granted, it'd be better if it were a TruePower 380 like the old Sonata, but a SmartPower 2.0 is nothing to scorn)
ElFenix - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
everyone should read the reviews on SPCR before setting up a system on this case. the reviews are very thorough and tests it in multiple configurations, and it turns out there are things you can do to improve its thermal performance by quite a bit (such as duct taping over the holes next to the power supply)flatblastard - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Duct tape on a brand new case? I don't think so..... Well, I personally wouldn't do it, but for modders/OCers I guess it might make sense.fass mut - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
what's the link to the article?ElFenix - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
all three articles, the first is over main features, the second is an absolutely silent computer, and the third is more mainstream rigshttp://www.silentpcreview.com/article249-page1.htm...">http://www.silentpcreview.com/article249-page1.htm...
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article254-page1.htm...">http://www.silentpcreview.com/article254-page1.htm...
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article255-page1.htm...">http://www.silentpcreview.com/article255-page1.htm...
jonp - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Doesn't an ATX extension cable for $4 cover the power supply to motherboard distance concern? Granted, Antec could have included it with the case; but it's NO big deal to resolve. Shouldn't be an issued when deciding.mjz - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
i hate lian li cases. I spent probably 200 dollars on their case (2 years ago) and it vibrates too much, the sound is pissing me off. I guess it can't handle my raptor or something.Tamale - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
I too agree that way too many of these cases are kinda ridiculous looking, but someone said it best when they said "the Eclipse must look better in person"... it really does. I liken it to those fancy cd players from places like brookstone and the sharper image..It's flashy, sure, but at least it's kinda 'classy flashy', if you know what I mean. If that kinda look still doesn't please you at all, there's always cases like the P-180 ;)
mkruer - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Considering that I have a PC-V2000 Plus. I am in a unique position to voice my opinion for everyone reading this thread. I will say that yes the cases Lian Li cases are overly expensive, but considering that they are the only “all aluminum” case manufacture, and they have arguably the best design, they can get away with it. The main issues with an “all aluminum” case is that because aluminum is light then steal and yet does not have the absorbing capacity of plastic, aluminum as rule of thumb tends to be louder. However there are three things you can do o improve the noise ratio of the system. First is to install sound absorbing foam in the case. This will cut down on high pitched noise. Next is to install quieter fans. The Lian Li fans are good, but they are only about average in the noise to air ratio. Finally and this is the biggest thing. In order to cut down on the “wan wan” resonance sound coming form the case you need to suspend the drive is a sling and not it the mounting bays. This by far reduces the most noise.