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Product:
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Sunbeam Silent Storm Mid-Tower Case |
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Price:
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$89 (CDN) / $79 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Sunbeam Technology
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Author:
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clsGrinder
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Date:
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March 6th, 2006
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Testing:
The Silent Storm will be pitted against a very popular Antec SOHO style case. The Gigabyte G-Force PRO HSF has had
its RPM locked at 2860 RPM for this test. Motherboard Monitor 5 was used to record CPU, Case and Northbridge
temperatures. CPU load was accomplished using Folding @ Home, and ambient temperatures have been solid at 21
degrees Celsius for the course of this test.
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Silent Storm vs. Antec SOHO
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| Antec SOHO | Silent Storm (CoreFan On) | Silent Storm (CoreFan Off) |
| CPU Load | 42°C | 39°C | 42°C |
| CPU Idle | 46°C | 42°C | 46°C |
| Case Idle | 20°C | 15°C | 17°C |
| Case Load | 34°C | 28°C | 31°C |
| Chipset Idle | 34°C | 28°C | 30°C |
| Chipset Load | 42°C | 34°C | 36°C |
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Click image for larger view
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The Core-Fan technology really pays off, forcing a 4 degree drop in CPU temperature vs. the same case without a
Core-Fan. It’s a convincing turnout for something that adds very little noise (if any) to the inside of your case.
The whisper quiet 1000 RPM fan does and excellent job of cooling not only the CPU, but the Northbridge chipset, as well
as the keeping the case temperature down.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The inside of the Silent Storm is well finished with no sharp edges found anywhere in the case. Tool-less fastening of
the 5.25" drive bays is smooth as butter, but the external 3.5" slots need some refinement. Hard drives were an
absolute pain to install into these locations. The pins missed the holes on the hard drives every time, and the drives
had to be forced into place as they would not slide in smoothly.
The material used to make this case measures at 1mm in thickness, but is extremely soft and malleable. It is a far cry
from the rigidity you find with higher end cases and has the feeling of a RaidMax value box.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Core-Fan is able to prove itself as a worth while cooler, but this in combination with a side window quickly loses
its luster as a source of "bling". The huge 120mm side fan and perforations completely mess up any view you might have
of your components. If you try to angle your view like I have in the above illustration, you now see the Core-Fan
blocking your view. All the side window is able to accomplish is a nice view of the beige sliders used to secure your
external drive bay components.
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Conclusion:
I confess that had finally thought that I had seen it all when it comes to air cooling. Sunbeam Technology found
another practical location for a fan in a PC case, and it turns out to be a winner. The Core-Fan shaves real heat off
critical system components, while maintaining a noise comparable to that of an Antec Sonata. Exterior looks earn big
points, but the side window contradicts itself with the loud perforations. I have no interest in seeing the beige
tool-less drive bay sliders, as they are the only thing viewable when looking in from the outside. Some vibration
dampening material could be used to mount the hard drives, as that would certainly add to the Silent Storm name. The
soft metal used to fabricate this case speaks volumes when you are holding it in your hand; it simply lacks that
rigid quality feel you find when working with other chassis. There is no removable motherboard tray option but I guess
that is too much to ask of a mid sized tower case. For the user looking for superior cooling on a limited number of
internal components, this case is highly recommended. Power users with an armada of extras and peripherals may need
something a bit bigger, especially if an internal water cooling kit is in your inventory of items. Overall I was pleased
with the Sunbeam Silent Storm Mid-Tower Case and award a final rating of
7.5 out of 10. If you have any questions regarding this
review, be sure to visit the Sunbeam Technology website for
more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Great exterior look
- Tool-less design
- Core-Fan works wonders
- Price
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Cons:
- Soft steel
- Cramped case interior
- Non-removable motherboard tray
- Obstructed view of PC components through side panel window
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