Performance & Measurements:

Here are a few pointers to explain some of the testing procedures and chain of events. I did not realize I was taking a more measurements than I originally planned for. Although all measurements were done within a 24-hour time frame as noted on the MBM5 screen shots, the sequence of events were changed, or shall I say edited to make the presentation a bit meaningful, I hope.

Since the number one feature of Sonata II is silence, it is only right for me to take the sound level measurements first using CEM DT-8850 digital meter with the microphone placed ~45 cm (18") away from the front of the case.



There are many more combinations of which I could present the sound level. However, the above measurement should give you a rough idea. The Air Duct is loaded with 1x92 and 1x80mm - the 92mm came from Chenbro original equipment and the 80mm is a silent low rpm from Sunbeam Tech. The rear Antec exhaust 120mm fan is set to medium speed with the front Speeze 120mm using SF-609 controller set to 1,600 RPM (lowest setting).

Having an identical reading with the exhaust fan set to high (46.6 dBA), you could imagine the sound level will go only one direction should the use of loaded air duct + high exhaust fan setting.

Chenbro setup was 1x120 mm at 12 volt and the 92 mm came from LSCool X-500 (~2,000 rpm), while Chill Vent is loaded with an 80mm at ~3,000 rpm and 2x40mm.

At the lowest sound level, the meter was overcome by the clicking sound of the Western Digital hard drive activity. Otherwise, I presume the sound level reading may get lower yet. For my own preference, I could tolerate the constant sound level from the fans rather than the clicking HDD.


CPU temperature readings using different settings and comparison to Chenbro case setup.



Prime95 failure tests were repeated 3 times and others repeated twice to ensure sustainable occurrence. Using 2x120 mm fans has no apparent benefit with exception of a bit lower HDD temp which is in a very safe temp with a single exhaust fan. With the much higher noise level, I decided not to use the front intake fan at all.

Below are screen shot links in supporting the data for the curious minds.

Chenbro Xpider without Chill Vent, Prime95 failed

Sonata II + loaded Air Duct, Prime95 failed

Chenbro Xpider with Chill Vent @27°C ambient

Sonata II 1x120 exhaust medium speed; 1 x120 intake @1,600 RPM

Sonata II 1x120 exhaust medium speed, Air Duct with only 92mm fan

Sonata II Air Duct without any fan

Sonata II with 1x120 exhaust at medium speed

Sonata II with Chill Vent II


Next, we will look at the effectiveness of the graphic card cooling area. Temp stressed by playing Battlefield 2 until victory is achieved using ATI 9600XT stock cooling at 351 core/ 600 memory overclocked settings.



Supporting screen shots data below-

Sonata II without any Air Ducting

Sonata II with Air Duct 80mm fanned

Sonata II with Chill Vent II graphic card area cooling


At this point, I am about to discard the Antec air duct.

The best is to get a P4 Northwood or AMD A64 recent processor. The temperature will at least be 5-10°C cooler, hence lower sound level from lower fan speed. Just for fun, I switch the Prescott with a P4 2.6C from the IS-7 board.



Again, screen shots data below –

Sonata II with Chill Vent no fan installed

Sonata II with 1x120mm exhaust fan

Sonata II with Air Duct no fan installed

Sonata II with 2x120 mm fans

With this kind of temperature, I could further lower the fan speed in both CPU and exhaust. Again, using both intake and exhaust does not necessary mean better air flow; it proves the old finding that negative pressure yields more effective cooling to components inside the case.

The Power Supply - SmartPower 2.0



As noted, Sonata II 450 Watts Power Supply provides decent voltages to all three rails using the overclocked Prescott system while they are even better using Northwood processor. As for the two 80mm fans, the second fan sits towards the back of the PSU and is only tuning at ~1,400 during Prime95 run. The second fan will only operate when certain temperature is reached. In the case of this Prescott setup, the second fan turns soon after the system starts up.

Time for a 3rd test setup ->