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In English
SuomeksiTemperatures
As always with cases featuring fan controllers, we ran the temperature tests with the controller at both high and low settings. The CPU-cooler fan was running at full speed all the time, while the GPU was using its own fan controller. In practice this meant that under load the GPU-fan was running at 2750- or 3000 RPM depending on the case fan setting.
With just a single stock fan the Solo II is clearly aimed at silence rather than best possible cooling performance, and that also shows on the temperature tests. Despite the enormous Noctua NH-D14 cooler, the CPU hit almost 60 C on stock clock speed, and the GPU fan was running faster than in most case reviews. Also the around 40 C HDD-temperature is rather high. For cool and quiet operation it's important to choose the right components and one or two intake fans would have a huge impact on especially the HDD-temperature.
Noise
In most of the Antec cases we've reviewed along the years we've seen Antec Tri-Cool fans, and while those sure are versatile; they were never been quiet enough for really demanding use. Finally Antec has launched some new fan models, and the Solo II comes with this 120 mm True Quiet model, which has a two-speed fan controller. The speed settings are 500 and 1000 RPM, and on both settings the fan proved to be very, very quiet.
Conclusion
As I've said in many previous reviews, silence is very close to my heart, so it's always interesting to see and hear the new "quiet" cases. Antec also has a long history on this area with their Performance One- and Sonata-series of cases, and the Solo II sure keeps up their reputation. The case combines stylish looks with clever layout, easy installation and of course quiet operation. Real enthusiasts might want to add some more noise dampening foam around the case, but the dual-layer side panels and roof with the very good hard drive cage sure are a good place to start. Really the only downsides about the case are the lack of dust filter for the PSU-intake and, to some degree, the cooling. Sure, the case is aimed at silence, but throwing in a second True Quiet-fan wouldn't make it much noisier, but would help make it more versatile for all sorts of setups. Current price for the Solo II system enclosure is around $120 (~95 euros). |
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