Case And CPU Cooling
Case: NZXT Panzerbox
The NZXT Panzerbox will probably be the most controversial component in today’s build as it’s been generating both love and hate--sometimes from the same person--over the entire World Wide Web since its release. But we didn’t choose it for controversy’s sake.
Read Customer Reviews of NZXT's Panzerbox
Instead, the Panzerbox was chosen for its ability to support a dual-fan radiator, something not typically found in an upper-mainstream case, as well as its size and weight. Other alternatives included SilverStone’s $270+ TJ09 and $320+ TJ-10, and Cooler Master’s ridiculously enormous 2’ x 2’ Cosmos and Cosmos S. The only somewhat-affordable alternative, the Cosmos S also has a big weight problem at over 37 lbs.
At 17.6” x 17.4” x 9.6”, the Panzerbox’ most notorious feature is a side-mounted power supply. Though it does make card access slightly more difficult once the system is built, we had no other problems with this feature.
CPU Cooling: Swiftech H20-220
At only $140, Swiftech’s H20-220 might be the best performance-per-dollar liquid cooling solution on the market. Its 2x120mm dual-fan radiator is certainly big enough to outperform any of our air-cooling solutions.
Read Customer Reviews of Swiftech's H20-220
Swiftech includes everything needed to mount its radiator internally or externally, enough clamps and splitters to plumb in at least two additional devices, and enough concentrated coolant additive to fill some systems twice. The H20-220’s pump-integrated water block includes bases for LGA 775 and Socket AM2 processors. Though Swiftech has not yet updated the compatibility list on its box, we know the later specification means it also supports Socket AM2+ and our own Socket AM3 platform.
Two included 25” neoprene hoses can be cut to any suitable length.
- Gaming,
- performance ,
- amd
Latest Desktops News
- 10/02 – Updated: Raspberry Pi Commercial Version in 3Q12
- 03/02 – Apple is Now World's Largest PC Company (If Tablets Are...
- 27/01 – Ex-Palm Chief Rubinstein Has Resigned From HP
- 25/01 – Apple Breaks Tech Records in Q1; 37 Million iPhones Sold
- 19/01 – Apple Recycling Programme Extended to UK, France, Germany
Latest Desktops reviews
- 10/10 – Nettop Round-Up: Four Tiny PCs, Benchmarked And Reviewed
- 05/10 – Building A Liquid-Cooled MicroATX Gaming Monster
- 27/09 – Intel vPro: Three Generations Of Remote Management
- 26/09 – System Builder Marathon, Sept. 2011: System Value Compared
- 22/09 – System Builder Marathon, Sept. 2011: $500 Gaming PC
5870s next SBM? Bring it on!
I'm aware that a comparison with the last high end SB PC would be misleading as it, basically, didn't work properly, but nonetheless it would be nice to see something to put the performance into context.
Looking at the benchmarks for fallout 3 and world in conflict, the 1300$ pc from a few days ago is not that far behind. (pretty close when o.c'ed)
what really pisses me off is that tomshardware guys always seems to try to make it exactly 2500~ and they sometimes put some things that isn't needed like Antec 0761345-75018-9 "SpotCool" LED Fan and an NZXT case for such a budget ?!!! i think they should rename the title to maybe 2000$-2500$ so that they don't put unneeded things to just make it the exact price do anyone agree?
Im really suprised that all fit i personaly wuold have opted for a better case why dident they choose something like a coolermaster sniper ..... and then they wouldent have to buy that spot cooler thingy and still have 2500 XD
I am always 'concerned' by watercooling that has no reservoir. With the Panzerbox the radiator location is in the very top of the case and would surely end up as the 'reservoir' , collecting any air that built up over time ?
Would a pump and reservoir (sealable type) fixed to the case floor work for air collection (something like the Thermaltake Prowater ones) or, would air continue to migrate to the radiator regardless ?
what really pisses me off is that tomshardware guys always seems to try to make it exactly 2500~ and they sometimes put some things that isn't needed like Antec 0761345-75018-9 "SpotCool" LED Fan and an NZXT case for such a budget ?!!! i think they should rename the title to maybe 2000$-2500$ so that they don't put unneeded things to just make it the exact price do anyone agree?
I think they should just build the performance machine for raw power. LED fans and Daft cases are a matter of taste or lack of.
So the price of these machines isn't the limit. It should be the average FPS / cost. or what ever value per cost that is the focus of the test.