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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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To fully understand how the drive rail system works, you must attach the appropriate rail to the
designated component. The rails fit into the default mounting holes on floppy, optical and hard
drives. This type of tool-less configuration is very easy to use and simplifies the process of
installation. For this review, I assembled a series of spare components which included an Micron PIII
Motherboard (PC133/ATA 100), Intel P3-1.13Ghz CPU w/Stock CPU Cooler, 2 x 128 MB PC100 RAM, 2 x Maxtor
15GB DiamondMax ATA 100 Hard Drives, SMC 1211TX NIC, Panasonic Floppy and a 40X CDROM.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Testing:
I will be running a series of tests using the same methodology used in our heatsink testing where the
system will be run in normal and load modes. The "Burn-In Wizard" from SiSoft Sandra 2004 is used to
put the CPU under concentrated load for a pre-determined amount of time. The options selected in
"Burn-In Wizard" run the CPU and CPU Multimedia benchmarks for approximately 15 minutes. The system is
left alone for approximate 15 minutes before the burn-in test is performed. Maximum temperatures are
measured in degree Celsius and recorded for idle and full load. The emphasis for monitoring will also
be placed on the +5 and +12V lines to determine how much of a load these lines can handle since they
are responsible for the most crucial voltages when it comes to overall system stability. Here are some
of the results recorded with Motherboard Monitor 5.3.7.0:
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Silentium T2 Motherboard Monitor results
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In testing this unit for approximately 24 hours, I did note fluctuations on the 5-/5+ and 12-/12+ volt
lines when the system was run in idle and load modes. For the most part the +3.3 volt lines were steady
at 3.30 volts. There were noticeable voltage differences on the 5-/5+ and 12-/12+ rails. The 5+ rail
averaged between 5.03 and -5.14 while the 12-/12+ rails averaged between 11.80 and -11.45 respectively
which is slightly above the 5% tolerance level. Overall system temperatures were recorded at 32°C Idle
and 39°C Load, while the 350W Seasonic performed as expected with continuous stability. I was extremely
impressed with the silent performance of this case; the Silentium T2 is one of the quietest cases
evaluated in the MTB Labs this year.
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Conclusion:
The Arctic Cooling Silentium T2 Case can be classified as a unique chassis that has been specifically
designed for consumers looking manage performance cooling and noise reduction. The overall construction
of Silentium T2 is well done using a combination of 0.8mm SECC steel with hard formed plastic parts. In
terms of appearance, the silver and black combination looks great and gives the product a very modern appearance
that would suit any desk. Add in great features such as the bundled quiet Arctic Cooling ACF3 fans, tool-less
drive rail system, aluminum HD enclosure and front mounted USB and Audio ports and have a solid case
that would be suitable as a mini server or LAN style case. While the Arctic Cooling Silentium T2 Case
does have some positive attributes it equally has negative points as well. The biggest problem is the
cramped interior and non-removable motherboard tray option which makes building a system using a full
sized motherboard difficult. Consumers should also be also concerned with the limitation on expansion
options as well as the custom 350W Seasonic PSU which is pre-wired into the case chassis. If the 350W
PSU were to die for unexpected reasons there is no convenient way of replacing it with an off the shelf
unit. As previously stated, the noise reduction design of this case is fantastic and is one of the
quietest cases that I have had a chance to evaluate in the MTB Labs this year. Aside from a few
minor issues, I'm rating the Arctic Cooling Silentium T2 Case a final rating of
8 out of 10. If you have any questions
regarding this review be sure to visit the Scythe USA
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- 350 watt power supply included
- Tool-less rail system for component installation
- Very quiet ACF3 fans included
- Aluminum HD enclosure included
- Excellent air circulation
- Dual front USB 2.0 and Audio ports
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Cons:
- Cramped interior for full sized ATX motherboards
- Custom installed PSU cannot be easily replaced
- Right side panel is not accessible
- Plastic clip on aluminum HD enclosure is fragile
- No removeable motherboard tray
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