Testing

The system was stressed by running Real-Time HDR (VGA) and 2*Prime95 (CPU) test for at least 30min or until temperatures stabilized. Speedfan was used to log maximum obtained temperatures from VGA, Chipset(Motherboard) and CPU.

I tested the Silent Storm with the three fans that are included with this case.

1) Only used a single 120mm out take fan
2) Used the Center “core” (in) and out take fan
3) All three fans: out take, center (in) and the one in the side panel


Room temp 22°C


The side panel fan helps keep the CPU temperature down, but other than that results are on par with the system only using 2x120mm fans. The center fan helps to drop the overall case temperature a lot: -13°C!

Next test I put the Silent Storm head to head with the Coolermaster AMMO. I added a sensor to the side of the HDD to measure temperatures and started the first stress test without any active case fans.


Room temp 20°C


Since both cases use the same internal structure it seems the grill installed at the top of the AMMO is making quite a difference…

Next I configured 1x120mm as in-take fan (standard configuration for the AMMO). (in all the tests that follow I used 120mm fans which came with the Silent Storm).


Room temp 20°C


There’s no spectacular difference, the AMMO 533 has only a small lead. Last test I used 2x120mm fans, in and out take:


Room temp 20°C


Mixed results here, CPU temperature is slightly better in the Silent Storm, but the HDD and VGA temperatures are up – results are close enough to call it a draw.


Conclusion

Overall I’m quite pleased with this case, it has an original approach to case cooling with the center « core » fan in the middle, if you want to go all out you can even install multiple fans there. The case has some good tool free features which really add to the value and it comes with 3 case fans included. If you like modded PC Sunbeamtech has also though of you with the LED enabled side panel fan.

While the « core » fan is a nifty idea, it does neglect hard drive cooling, it would have been more efficient to not have a side panel fan and have one in the front. The bar holding the fan also has to be removed during installation if you have a larger motherboard so it does take a step away from the Tool Less installation.


PRO
Good airflow
Tool-free features = very handy
Stylish design for a "pre-modded" case
Quiet 120mm fans included.


CON
Plexi window very fragile in transport
No intake fan in the front
« core » fan mounting system not quite tool free.

I’d like to thank Sunbeamtech for giving the opportunity to test drive the Silent Storm.

Questions/Comments: forum thread