For temperatures testing the case was loaded with Phenom 975 BE running at 4 GHz
(20x200 MHz 1,425 V) and HIS HD6870 graphics card. Together these draw about 350 W under
load and 140 W when idling. During the tests the fans on the Noctua NH-D14 were running
at maximum speed, and depending on the test the case fans were either at the LOW or HIGH
setting.
Across the board the results are good, but what catches the eye are the high HDD
temperatures. Once again it's worth mentioning that the Seagate 7200.8 drive runs always
very hot, and 44 C is still fairly safe, even though I'd personally want my drives to
stay at under 40 C. Switching the fans from low to high had a two degree impact on all
temperatures, but a huge difference in the noise levels.
Talking of noise, here are the fans in a family portrait. The 120 mm exhaust fan
(S1202512SLN-3M) is a regular model specified at 12 V 0,18 A, but the 180 mm Air
Penetrators are something new, and actually quite unique. Instead of the usual frame
with four spokes, these fans have blades that direct the airflow. Silverstone has some
videos showing how this effects the airflow, so for more information check their
website. These fans also come with individual controllers, which switch the speed
between about 700 and 1200 RPM. The lower setting keeps the fans nice and quiet, while
the fast one generates some serious airflow and also makes the fans rather loud.
Conclusion
PROS
Cable management
Innovative design
Fan controllers
CONS
Complicated HDD-installation
Mains power connector location
No front panel USB 2.0
Silver Award!
First of all I have to say it's a joy to review these Silverstone cases as the
company clearly isn't afraid to try new designs. The RV03 not only uses the tilted
motherboard placement, but also hides HDD-bays behind the motherboard tray and saves in
size with bizarre power supply placement. The case also does well in the temperature
tests and offers plenty of space for cable management and even the longest of graphic
cards. Also 10 HDD-bays means the case is suited for storage server use.
Unfortunately there are also plenty of drawbacks to balance the good features. The
most annoying of these is the HDD-installation, which at the age of tool-less drive bays
is just too complicated. Another, smaller problems are the power supply mains connector
that for some reason is hidden to the bottom of the case. It is now up to you to decide
if these things matter to you all at all when shopping for a new system enclosure.
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