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Global Win YCC-S27 Mini Desktop Case Review

Cases & PSU/Cases by piotke @ 2006-02-11

With the introduction and growing popularity of Windows XP Media center edition, more and more people are putting computer in their living room. The HTPC (Home Theater PC) opened a new market for slick designed cases. Today we are testing the Global Win YCC-S27 Mini desktop case. Is it possible to bring fast desktop performance silently to your living room? Let?s take a look.

Testing and Conclusion

PSU

To avoid probable improper motherboard voltage readings, I use digital multi-meter for measurement. The PSU was tested in two different platforms: A very low power Pentium M and a normal desktop Sempron 64 processors:

Pentium M

Idle: 38 Watt

Stressed: 44 Watt

Overclocked Sempron 64:

Idle: 99 Watt

Stressed: 151 Watt

Madshrimps (c)

Using a low power setup the voltage rails remain very stable, hooking up the Sempron the power is up to four times higher while both the 3.3 an 5 volt line remain stable, the 12 volt line on the other hand drops to 11.79 V. Keep in mind that we have a load that is running 75% of the rated PSU output. At this end, this PSU is "doing very well".

Both noise and sound level tests are done using Pentium M platform.
Noise

I tested the case in two orientations; Desk Top versus Tower; With and Without the cover.

The sound meter was positioned on my desk about ~60 CM from the "TOWER"; and ~45CM from "DESKTOP" due to the limited space around my work area.

Madshrimps (c)

The assumption is a closed case would be quieter; not quite valid in this case. The 60 mm fan makes an irritating noise to my ears (higher frequency noise). The airflow through the holes makes a loud(er) noise. The best way to explain this is that it sounds like a wind turbine. There are many factors and interpretation of sound; objects around my room and how I personally preceive the sound in a particular frequency may not be received the same to another person. The digital sound meter does not reason; it just does what it is made for.

Heat

Next, I tested the case in both orientations; a desktop and a tower. Here are the results:

Madshrimps (c)

The extra noise of the 60 mm fan seems to be fruitful. This is best visible at the CPU temperature - significantly lower. On the other hand, the Pentium M runs just fine without that 60mm fan... The choice is yours.

Conclusion

I was very pleased with this case. The fact that it's a small case with two placements/ configurations makes it suitable for anywhere. Use the "stand" as a tower model comes in very handy when space is what you don't have. With a masked front cover, you don't see the DVD and floppy drives and never notice a computer is sitting there.

With the growing popularity and availability of Pentium M based platforms plus pricing being more affordable, and the performance it delivers at low power consumption makes it a perfect setup for this case.

Needless to say that a Prescott 3.4 GHz won't function decently in this case. First of all the PSU isn't powerful enough and secondly the thermal output of the Prescott could hardly be handled for a case twice the size.

Except for a little problem opening the case, I find everything can be installed fast and without much hassle, athough I must remind you the memory height clearance issue one more time. Otherwise, it's a great little case.

PRO
Stylish looks
Good finishing
Masked front panel

CON
Loud 60 mm fan
Difficult opening
No support for PCI riser

I like to thank Chung for sending in the review sample.

Question/Comments: forum thread

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