TPU CASE airflow/thermals testing method?

[wheresmycar]

Is every case reviewed on TPU tested using the case's stock fans?

If yes, although it might be exhaustive, any chance future reviews can use both the stock fans and then a second set of performance charts with better quality fans - that too with all fan mounts occupied?

 

[claes]

I would not like that personally. Using every fan mount is almost always a poor choice for good airflow. Wouldn’t mind a standard fan set though, like GN uses.

 

[ir_cow]

I'm not the case reviewer, but many moons ago when I did those reviews, adding more case fans and retesting everything really adds up. The extra fans alone can be double the price of the product, which begs the question; why not just buy a case with better or more fans?

 

[wheresmycar]

I'm not the case reviewer, but many moons ago when I did those reviews, adding more case fans and retesting everything really adds up. The extra fans alone can be double the price of the product, which begs the question; why not just buy a case with better or more fans?

The problem is, the "preferred" case options may not have all fan mounts used up or in my experience the stock fans tend to be a little on the crappy side. Buying fans isn't a problem, i've got a bunch of quality ones on hand (noctuas, BQSWs and a bunch of other half decent affordable ones).

I guess what im getting at is, we are seeing performance charts with stock fan configurations but some of us (most likely the minority) are most likely to rip them out with better quality replacements. It would be nice to see how each case performs with superior performing airflow configurations (thermally, acoustically, etc).

Anyway, just a thought!

 

[joemama]

Then there will be too many configurations to test. First you have to decide how to mount each fan (intake/outake), then you have to consider if installing at all positions is the best option, third you have to decide what fan model to use. Unless all combinations are tested there will always be someone argueing about airflow optimization, thus it would be easier to just test without any customization.

 

[wheresmycar]

Then there will be too many configurations to test. First you have to decide how to mount each fan (intake/outake), then you have to consider if installing at all positions is the best option, third you have to decide what fan model to use. Unless all combinations are tested there will always be someone argueing about airflow optimization, thus it would be easier to just test without any customization.

fair point!

 

[Kapone33]

My favourite case is the Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 and that comes with no fans. What is more important is what the user wants in terms of function. Mesh front panels are for airflow but not all dust panels are made the same, but will all accumulate dust to varying degrees of speed and frequency. What you are putting in the case is the next function as rad support and location matter. Ease of build is the other thing to look for as the more exotic the more involved the process the Silverstone Raven B2 comes to mind. The next caveat is the fans themselves as there is a myriad of fans and performance that are part of the equation. I have a MSI X570S Ace Max board and have the 3rd PCIe slot running a M2 adapter. I also have a huge SSD and a 4TB RAID array. The reason I mention those is that all of those run through the chipset and it has no fan. Even though I had a 140MM fan from Phanteks pulling air across that area I was still seeing mid to high 80s when Gaming on those drives for the chipset. I bought a 3000 RPM Noctua and placed it in the middle of the front of the case. It is loud but dropped temps on the chipset by 20 degrees so the noise is bearable. It actually gives me a reason to use my Headphones while Gaming which is very immersive with ATMOS.

 

[ir_cow]

Then there will be too many configurations to test. First you have to decide how to mount each fan (intake/outake), then you have to consider if installing at all positions is the best option, third you have to decide what fan model to use. Unless all combinations are tested there will always be someone argueing about airflow optimization, thus it would be easier to just test without any customization.

Yep, this is exactly why I never did it. Of course I would do some observations with extra fans just to see. First and foremost the case reviews should be "as-is" shipped. I will say adding one test with a "optimal" configuration would be nice. Take it or leave it type deal. The reviewer does it as a bonus. it has no bearing on the review and is whatever he or she thinks is best. Maybe all a case really needs is a single rear fan, or a second one on top. That is up to the reviewer to decided per case.

The fan configurations are endless and the results change with different hardware as well. One case could easily have 50 different tests.

 

[dgianstefani]

Perhaps one test with stock fans, and one test with upgraded fans, e.g. phanteks T30 or Noctua NF12x25, in the same configuration.

E.g. if case comes with 3 stock fans, they are tested, then replaced one for one, and retested.

Could help to indicate to potential buyers whether a case performs well stock, or if it's required/desirable to do a fan replacement, adding cost.

Would also differentiate good/bad cases (regardless of fans installed), or cases that are average, but have better/worse fans stock.

This seems like it could satisfy most people.

 

[ir_cow]

My favourite case is the Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2

I had the phanteks enthoo 719 (basically same case). 3000 RPM Noctua in the rear and 4 fans in the front for a 480mm RAD. worked perfectly. However, $150 fans and I could have bought a nicer case...

 

[Kapone33]

I had the phanteks enthoo 719 (basically same case). 3000 RPM Noctua in the rear and 4 fans in the front for a 480mm RAD. worked perfectly. However, $150 fans and I could have bought a nicer case...

I really like the look of the 7000D from Corsair. I just don't want to deal with the wires on those ARGB fans. It is $45 more than the Enthoo 2 but comes with 3 fans and they are all 140mm that I like.

 

[wheresmycar]

I will say adding one test with a "optimal" configuration would be nice. Take it or leave it type deal.

This!

Definitely gets my vote

Its either that or latch onto optimism for case manufacturers to do a better job with fan provisions, quality and performance so we get a better picture of how things pan out in reviews. Some years ago i went off a review and picked up a Meshify C... great temps with the stock fans. Dropped in 7 silent wings and those great temps got greatly better, that too with the fan curve dropped for whisper quiet performance (well almost, the PSU was a light buzz). Yep optimism costs money - before anyone points it out.

 

[claes]

I like the GN method — same two intakes and one exhaust on all chassis that support such a configuration. Especially helpful for cases that don’t come with fans.

 

[wheresmycar]

I like the GN method — same two intakes and one exhaust on all chassis that support such a configuration. Especially helpful for cases that don’t come with fans.

Yep thats definitely a useful strategy. There's a whole bunch of x1 fan budget case's floating about which pretty much make for a lacklustre performance review.