best case | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Wed, 27 Dec 2023 09:57:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png best case | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Best PC Cases and AIO Coolers of 2023 https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/our-cpu-cooler-and-case-top-picks-of-2023/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/james-dawson/our-cpu-cooler-and-case-top-picks-of-2023/#respond Sun, 24 Dec 2023 09:05:56 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=641559 James goes over his picks for the best cases and coolers of the year

The post Best PC Cases and AIO Coolers of 2023 first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
2023 is almost over and it’s been an interesting year for new CPU coolers and cases. With an increase in CPU power demands it means that choosing the right case and CPU cooler is more important than ever. So to close out 2023, I am taking a look at my favourite cases and coolers from this year's reviews –  here are my best budget,  high-end and overall favourite cases and CPU coolers from 2023…

Timestamps:

00:00 Start
00:46 James reflects on 2023
01:07 Best Budget CPU cooler
04:09 Best High end CPU cooler
06:52 CPU Cooler of the year
09:55 Best Budget Case
13:05 Best High End Case
16:55 Case of the year
20:55 Closing remarks

Best Budget CPU Cooler: DeepCool LT720 –  OverclockersUK Price £129.95.

Features:

  • Built on the company’s 4th generation high-performance pump to maximise cooling performance via a powerful three-phase motor running at speeds of up to 3100RPM.
  • The CPU block is equipped with a solid copper base redesigned with an improved microchannel cold plate to ensure optimal coolant flow.
  • Powerful FK120 White high static pressure fans with a PWM operating speed range of 500-2250 RPM and low noise levels of 32.9dbA at maximum rotational speed.
  • Users can synchronise their setups with RGB lighting effects from the infinity mirror design CPU block by easily connecting to a 3-pin 5V ARGB header which can then be controlled by motherboard software.
  • Quick and simple installation process with newly designed brackets which are hidden when installed into the system.
  • Compatible with all current Intel and AMD desktop platforms including LGA1700 and AM5.

Specifications:

  • Radiator Dimensions: 402 x 120 x 27mm
  • Radiator Material: Aluminum
  • Pump Dimensions: 94 x 80 x 68mm
  • Pump Speed: 3100 RPM±10%
  • Pump Connector: 3-pin
  • Pump Power Consumption: 4.56 W
  • Tube length: 410 mm
  • Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm
  • Fan Speed: 500~2250 RPM±10%
  • Fan Airflow: 85.85 CFM
  • Fan Air Pressure: 3.27 mmAq
  • Fan Noise: ≤32.9 dB(A)
  • Fan Connector: 4-pin PWM
  • Fan Power Consumption: 2.64 W
  • LED Type: Addressable RGB LED
  • LED Connector: 3-pin(+5V-D-G)

Best High-End CPU Cooler: Lian Li GA II LCD 360 – UNIFAN SL-INF 120 Version – OverclockersUK Price £269.99.

Features:

  • Available in Black or white, 280mm and 360mm. A total of 3 versions with either 120mm / 140mm ARGB PWM fans or a 360mm version with SL-INF 120 fans and an L-Connet controller.
  • Based on the Asetek Generation 8 pump design with a low-profile CPU block which is more suitable for an LCD display.
  • 2.88” IPS LCD Screen with 480 x 480 resolution to display system info, images, gifs etc, controlled by Lian Li L-Connect 3 software (hub included).
  • 45-degree rotary fittings on the tubing at the radiator side and 90-degree rotary fittings on the CPU block.
  • 30mm thick aluminium radiator with single wave fin design.
  • 6-Year warranty.

Specification:

  • CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA1700 / LGA1200 / LGA115X, AMD AM5 / AM4
  • Radiator Dimensions (L x W x H) 360mm: 399.5 x 120 x 30mm
  • Fan Dimensions (L x W x H): 120 x 120mm x 25mm
  • Pump Speed: 3600 RPM
  • Fan Speed: 2100 RPM
  • Fan Airflow: 3 CFM Max
  • Fan Pressure: 66 mmH2O Max
  • Fan Noise Level: 29 dBA
  • Fan Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing
  • Fan Power Connector: PWM
  • LCD Screen type: IPS 480 x 480 resolution
  • Warranty: 6 Years

Best Overall CPU Cooler: EK Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB – Scan.co.uk Price £169.99.

Features:

  • Compatible with all current desktop platforms such as Intel LGA 1700 / 1200 / 115X etc and AMD AM4 and AM5.
  • Solid copper cold plate with dense microchannel fins to boost thermal transfer, 27mm thick aluminium and rotary 90-degree fittings for easy installation in the tightest space.
  • It also includes a rotatable pump top cover with addressable RGB lighting effects and EK-Loop FPT daisy chainable RGB fans for easy cable management with standard motherboard headers so no additional RGB fan controller is required.
  • The included fans have a speed range of 500 -2300 RPM, maximum airflow of 72 CF and maximum noise output of 36 decibels and are daisy-chainable to reduce clutter.
  • 5-year warranty.

Specifications:

  • CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel Sockets LGA1700, 1200, 115X, 2011, 2011-3, 2066, AMD Socket AM4, AM5
  • Radiator Dimensions: 400 x 124 x 27 mm
  • Radiator Material: Aluminum
  • Fan Compatibility: 120 mm
  • Pump Unit Dimensions :3 x 69.2 x 61.6 mm
  • Pump Unit Material: ABS housing, ABS top ring
  • Pump Speed Range: 3100 RPM ± 10%
  • Pump PWM Range: 20 – 100%
  • Pump Unit RGB Type: 5V Digital (Addressable)
  • Pinout: 5V, D, Empty, Ground Pump RGB Cable Length: 500 mm
  • Tubing Material: Ultra-Low Evaporation Rubber with Nylon Braided Sleeve
  • Tubing Length: 400 mm
  • Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25mm
  • Fan Speed Range: 550 – 2300 ± 10%
  • Fan Noise Level: 36 dB (at maximum speed)
  • Fan Air Flow: 72 CFM = 122,33 m³/h (at maximum speed)
  • Fan RGB Type: 5V Digital (Addressable) Pinout: 5V, D, Empty, Ground

Best Budget Case: Endorfy ARX 500 Air and ARGB – Amazon.de Price 117.88 (ARGB Version)

Features

  • Spacious Interior that allows for up to seven fans to be installed – 5 x 140mm Endorfy Strutus 140 PWM fans come pre-installed in the ARX 500 Air and 4 x 140mm ARGB fans in the RGB case, fans in the ARX 500 Air are regular Black fans.
  • Both cases feature a built-in 5 port PWM fan controller, a 5 port 3-pin 5v ARGB Hub is also included with the ARGB model but not in the ARX 500 Air.
  • Front and top panels are heavily ventilated with perforated steel ultrafine mesh that also acts as a single-layer dust filter, so they are less airflow restrictive compared with cases that have a secondary dust filter. Both panels are easily removable for cleaning.
  • A tempered glass panel is fitted to the left-hand side of the case for an unobstructed view inside the chassis.
  • ARX 500 is a compact ATX case measuring 486 x 228 x 429mm but still allows for the installation of 360mm and 280mm radiators, as well as graphics cards up to 350mm long and CPU coolers up to 179mm tall.
  • Front I/O Connectivity includes a single USB Type-C port, two USB Type-A ports, individual 3.5mm audio jacks for headphones and microphone, a power button and a reset button that can be repurposed as an ARGB control button.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 486×228×429mm
  • Motherboard Form Factor: ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX
  • Graphics card clearance: 350mm
  • PSU Clearance: 300mm
  • CPU Cooler Clearance: 179mm
  • Storage bays: 6 x 2.5”, 1 x combined 2.5”/3.5”
  • Max Fan Capacity: 7
  • Included Fans: 3 x Stratus 140 PWM ARGB (front), 1 x Stratus 140 PWM ARGB (rear)
  • Radiator Capacity: 1 x 120/240/280/360 (front), 1 x 120/240/280 (top), 1 x 120/140 (rear)
  • Dust filters: Front, Top, Bottom
  • Front I/O: 1 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A, 2 x 3.5mm Audio, Power, Reset/LED button

Best High-End Case: Be quiet! Dark Base Pro 901 – OverclockersUK Price £319.99.

Features

  • Interchangeable top covers and front panel can be switched out for either maximum airflow or virtually inaudible operation.
  • Front and top fan/radiator brackets feature integrated fan hubs for easy connection, quick installation and neat cable management.
  • 3 Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM fans included (2 x front and 1 x rear) for a virtually inaudible operation and optimal cooling performance.
  • Touch-sensitive I/O panel for state-of-the-art fan speed adjustment and ARGB lighting effect control as well as a front I/O Qi wireless fast charging base on top of the chassis.
  • Generous dimensions ensure support of E-ATX motherboards and multiple radiator installations up to 420mm long.
  • Dual purpose VGA holder prevents graphics card sag and conceals cables for a tidy-looking professional install.
  • A highly modular design including a flexible motherboard tray allows for inverted layouts.
  • Subtle 5v ARGB lighting is integrated into the front panel and along the PSU Shroud.

Specifications:

  • Motherboard compatibility – E-ATX / XL-ATX / ATX / M-ATX / Mini-ATX
  • Dimensions incl. stands – 604 x 275 x 569mm (L x W x H)
  • Weight (kg) – 16.3
  • PSU form factor – ATX PS/2
  • Expansion slots – 8
  • Max CPU Cooler Height – 190mm
  • Maximum Fan Installation – 3 x 120/140mm (Top), 3 x 120/140mm (Front), 3 x 120mm (Side), 1×120/140mm (rear), 1 x 120/140mm (Bottom)
  • Pre-installed Fans – 2 x Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM (Front), 1x Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM (rear)
  • Optional Radiator Installation – 120/240/360mm (Top), 120/240/280/360/420 (Front), 120/240/360mm (Side), 120/140mm (Rear)
  • Max Graphics card Length – 495mm (Side HDD Cages removed), 350mm (Side HDD Cages Installed)
  • Drive bay Capacity – 2 x 3.5” (Included) 7 x 3.5” (Max), 6 x 2.5” (Included) 16 x 2.5” (max) 1 x 5.25” (Included/Max)
  • Lighting – ARGB 5V
  • Front I/O Panel – 1 x USB 3.2 Gen.2 Type-C, 4 x USB 3.2 Type-A, 2 x 3.5mm Mic+Audio, 15W Qi Quick charger
  • Insulation and Damping – Top, Front, Side Insulation panels, Anti Vibration Decoupled HDD, Fan, PSU and Motherboard Tray
  • Removable Dust Filters – Front, Side, Bottom

Best Overall Case: Lian Li O11 Vision – OverclockersUK Price £129.99 (White).

Features:

  • Lian Li has teamed up with the PC Master Race community to design a dual chamber case that elegantly displays the system and the user's installation skills.
  • The O11 Vision features 3-piece panoramic tempered glass side panels for an unobstructed view of the system to produce the ultimate look. All support frames and columns are removed.
  • Three glass panels connect at the top corners into a magnetic mounting key hidden behind a white and grey gradient on the glass.
  • Similar to the O11 Dynamic EVO XL case, the O11 Vision motherboard tray can be removed and adjusted between high and low positions for improved cooling options.
  • The O11 Vision features a modular side panel and radiator bracket design for easy installation and quick access to the system.
  • Support for up to 2 x 360mm + 1 x 240mm radiators and up to eight fans or eleven fans in push-pull radiator configuration.

Specifications:

  • Case Type: Mid-Tower (dual chamber)
  • Dimensions: (D) 480mm x ( W ) 304mm x (H) 464.5mm
  • Material: Steel 4.0mm Tempered Glass 3.0mm Tempered Glass Aluminum
  • Motherboard Support: E-ATX (Under 280mm)/ATX/Micro-ATX/Mini-ITX
  • Expansion Slots: 6+1
  • Storage Bays: Behind MB Tray: 3 x 2.5” SSD Hard Drive Cage: 2 X 3.5′′ HDD or 2.5′′ SSD
  • Max GPU Size: 455mm (Max.)
  • Max CPU Cooler Height: 167mm (Max.)
  • Max PSU Size: ATX (Under 220mm)
  • Fan Support: (side) 3 x 120mm / 2 x 140mm (bottom) 3 x 120mm / 3 x 140mm (Rear) 1 or 2 x 120mm
  • Pre-installed fans: N/A
  • Radiator Support: (side) 360 / 240 / 280mm (bottom) 360 / 240 / 280mm (rear) 240/ 120mm
  • Dust Filters: Bottom x 1
  • Font I/O: 1 x Power Button 1 x Reset Button 2 x USB 3.0 1 x USB Type C 1 x Audio
  • LCD Screen:  N/A

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: These are our CPU cooler and case top picks from 2023, do you agree with our choices? if not, let us know your best of list for 2023.

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Phanteks Evolv X – Best ATX case of 2018 (so far!) https://www.kitguru.net/components/leo-waldock/phanteks-evolv-x-best-atx-case-of-2018-so-far/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/leo-waldock/phanteks-evolv-x-best-atx-case-of-2018-so-far/#respond Mon, 03 Sep 2018 07:40:52 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=385220 This is the best case we have seen all year - find out why.

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Phanteks has cruelly kept us waiting three months since we first saw the Evolv X at Computex 2018 and now the time has arrived for a review. It is fair to say the Evolv X was one of the stars of Computex and was certainly one of the most anticipated products that mainstream gamers might actually buy (32-core Threadripper and 28-core Intel got more attention but that's a different story).

You may wonder why the reviewers of the world were going nuts over a case that seems to be an update of the existing Evolv ATX TG that we reviewed in 2016.

Phanteks answered this point by demonstrating three different builds in Evolv X that showed off liquid cooling, dual systems and massive amounts of storage. Those three modes showed that Evolv X was highly versatile despite being fairly compact. The Evolv X is slightly taller and wider than the Evolv ATX yet it feels like it has 50 percent more space inside. We don’t want to push this point too far by suggesting that Phanteks has delivered a PC case that uses TARDIS technology however we are quite clear they have done something very clever indeed.

Note: if the above images are not displaying properly, you may need to disable Ad Block as it is known to interfere with our display code

Specification:
Motherboard support: E-ATX (up to 264mm wide), ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX.
Expansion slots: 7.
Included fans: 2x 140mm front intake, 1x 140mm rear exhaust.
Fan mounts: 3x 120mm/140mm front, 3x 120/2x 140mm roof, 1x 120mm/140mm rear.
120mm radiator mounts: 120mm/240mm/360mm front, 120mm/240mm/360mm roof, 120mm rear.
140mm radiator mounts: 140mm/280mm/420mm front, 140mm/280mm roof, 140mm rear.
5.25-inch drive bays: None.
Internal drive bays: 10x 3.5-inch (4 mounts included), 9x 2.5-inch (6 mounts included).
Dimensions: 520mm H x 510mm D x 240mm W.

We have little doubt you will come away from our video with a strong impression about Evolv X however we are prepared to wager that what you see will depend on how you want to build your next PC. Anyone who wants to populate the case with up to ten HDDs and nine SSDs (not ten as we said in the video, sorry about that) will accept they cannot pack out the case with liquid cooling, and will also be limited on graphics card length, down from 420mm to 300mm.

If you’re looking for dual system support with Mini-ITX in the roof you will also require the new Revolt X power supply that is due to launch in the near future.

And then there’s the gamer who wants to install a decent amount of cooling. You can certainly install your PC hardware along with an All In One and an air cooled graphics card and it will work well. We used the optional vertical mount for the graphics card which is very effective and the spacing strongly suggests it would also allow an air cooled graphics card to breath correctly.

The RGB lighting that is built into the case looks great and if you connect it to an Asus or MSI motherboard using the Digital 5V connection you will enhance the lighting even further. If you want to go the whole hog we suggest you use Phanteks Halos fan frames to transform the stock Phanteks fans into fully illuminated versions that look superb, just as we did in the video.

If you go down that route you will have a PC that looks good and works well however you are paying a fairly large amount of cash for a case without taking advantage of most of the features.

You will have gathered from the tone of our video that we recommend a custom loop for both CPU and graphics cooling, in which case there is plenty of space in the front for a radiator and pump/reservoir assembly. There is also plenty of space in the roof of the case to install a second radiator and, as we demonstrate, you can remove the top of the case in moments to give full access to the radiator mounts.

If you choose to mount a DDC pump on the floor of the case you will have to buy the Phanteks pump bracket as an accessory as it is not supplied with Evolv X.

Cooling Performance.

To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an Intel Core i7-8700K, EVGA GTX 1080 Ti and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the Phanteks Evolv X ‘s cooling capabilities.
For stress testing we use AIDA64 to create the maximum amount of load our CPU and GPU are ever likely to see.

Test System:
Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z370 Aorus Ultra Gaming
CPU cooling system:
CPU Block: Phanteks Glacier C350iP
Reservoir: Phanteks Glacier R220
Pump: DDC
Radiator: Alphacool 280mm NexXxos ST30
Fittings: Phanteks
Coolant: Mayhems Pastel Green UV
Memory: 16GB Team Xcalibur RGB DDR4-3600MHz
Graphics card: GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB
Power supply: Seasonic Prime Titanium 600W Fanless
Storage drives: Samsung 960 M.2 SSD
OS: Windows 10

 

Cooling Performance Overview.
The original Evolv ATX was notorious for having restricted air intakes at the front with tiny exhausts in the roof. Phanteks has spaced the front of the Evolv X 30mm from the main chassis to provide plenty of intake while the roof of the case now has extensive ventilation. No doubt Phanteks could go further by providing mesh panels for the front and roof however that would change the aesthetic dramatically. We were entirely happy with the way the cooling worked for our custom loop configuration.

Acoustics performance.
With the fans spinning at 700rpm the Evolv X is effectively silent. Turn up the speed to the maximum 1,200rpm and you can hear them clearly however they are not offensive. By that token if you add more cooling in the roof of the case and run the fans above 1,000rpm we are confident you will increase the audible noise levels with this case.

Closing Thoughts.

Phanteks Evolv X is clearly based on Evolv ATX however it has been reworked to such an extent that it counts as an entirely new enclosure. The options for installing dual systems (provided you buy the accessory kit and Revolt X power supply) or for installing 19 storage drives (again, you need to buy accessories) are clever but seem to us to be of niche interest.

The options for installing extensive liquid cooling with the minimum of hassle is what impresses us most about Evolv X. Once the hardware is installed you can simply close the cable management covers and the build is effectively finished.

The combination of the new hook and loop straps and those clever covers really speeds up the build and very likely added the bare minimum to the cost of the Evolv X. This is clever design at work and we admire it hugely.

The surprising thing about Evolv X is that it is only slightly larger than Evolv ATX, standing 520mm high (Evolv ATX 495mm) and is 240mm wide (Evolv ATX 235mm) yet the number of features that have been added are quite eye-opening. The clever vertical GPU mount is superb and we love the anti-sag GPU bracket but we especially like the new Universal Fan Hub that hides up near the top of the case almost entirely out of sight. The next time we see a traditional rectangular fan hub on another case we shall surely be disappointed.

Phanteks has wisely opened up the air intakes and exhausts to help the Evolv X breath correctly and the results are very good. No doubt a full Mesh approach would help the Evolv X to breath even better but we are confident this is a good case that works very well.

Buy from Overclockers UK for £209.99 inc vat HERE.

Pros:

  • Huge number of options for cooling, storage or dual system.
  • Excellent cable management straps
  • Cable management covers conceal all the mess.
  • New fan hub design is very compact.
  • Hard drive cages can be stacked and moved around in the bottom compartment.
  • Excellent user guide.

Cons:

  • UK price is a bit steep.
  • Build quality is marginal in places, including the power supply mount.
  • The hard drive cages also feel a bit flexible.
  • The two glass doors are handed and are not interchangeable.
  • Full sized E-ATX users must look elsewhere.

KitGuru says: Phanteks Evolv X is clever, stylish, sophisticated and a winner.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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Deepcool Dukase v2 Case Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/leo-waldock/deepcool-dukase-v2-case-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/leo-waldock/deepcool-dukase-v2-case-review/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2017 11:33:44 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=320081 A DeepCool case at only £70. No fancy bells and whistles - but is it any good?

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Deepcool has a history of producing unusual and innovative cases such as Tristellar and Genome so we had very little idea what to expect from their new Dukase v2. Our first impressions are of a case that looks quite similar to the NZXT S340, with its shiny white powder coated finish, compact form factor and windowed side panel. The window in question is acrylic, rather than glass, and the size looks fairly average with a large bezel, despite the fact that the v2 window is larger than the original Dukase.

It would be fair to say in early 2017 that Deepcool Dukase v2 has a retro feel about it that is rather familiar. The question, as ever, is whether this budget case is actually any good.

Specification:

Materials SPCC+PLASTIC (ABS) (Panel thickness: 0.7mm)
Product Dimension 483mm (L)×213mm (W)×504mm (H)
Weight Net.: 6.5kg
5.25″ Drive Bays 2
3.5″ Drive Bays 3
2.5″ Drive Bays 3
I/O Panel 1×USB3.0, 1×USB2.0, 1x Audio (HD), 1x Mic
Expansion Slots 7
Cooling Fans Pre-installed: Rear: 1×120mm fan; Optional:
Front: 2×120mm or 1×140mm
Top: 120/240/140/280mm (L×W×H not exceed 310×140×56mm)
Power Supply Type ATX PSU (Length less than 170mm)
CPU Cooler Compatibility 170mm height
VGA Compatibility 390mm
Motherboards ATX/Micro ATX/Mini-ITX

The shiny white finish has been neatly applied and it isn’t immediately clear which parts of the case are plastic and which are steel. Remove a few thumbscrews and it quickly becomes apparent the side panels are steel and the clip-on top and front panels are plastic.

There is a certain knack to releasing the front panel as it engages with the top panel and requires you pull very hard to release the panel and then pull the bottom of the panel outwards before it can be removed. You are unlikely to perform this task very often as the only cooling hardware you can install at the front is limited to 1x 140mm fan or 2x 120mm fans, so this would really be for occasional cleaning. It simply isn’t an option to squeeze in a liquid cooler at the front so if you want to go down that route the cooler will go in the roof.

Deepcool has thought about this and the roof of the case has been raised to allow increased air flow for the exhaust.

If you prefer custom loop cooling to All In One there is a fair amount of room to install your pump and reservoir. It’s not exactly the same as a dedicated pump mount but we found it easy to securely attach the hardware with nuts and bolts, without any need to drill holes.

When it comes to cable management the Deepcool Dukase makes it easy to secure the PSU cables as there are plenty of anchor points, although a few more would make things even better. It’s a bit of a struggle to keep the cables tidy as the interior of the case is heavily perforated and there are no cable management grommets. On the plus side you can hide most of the cables under the power supply cover, although the amount of space you have depends on whether you install hard drives in the two caddies.

The wiring from the rear fan that connects to the fan controller hub is messy and the wiring for the two Noctua fans on the Alphacool radiator added to the clutter.

Overall the build looked pretty good however it would help if the Deepcool Dukase was taller and provided more cable management holes. This is not a major criticism as the Deepcool Dukase is clearly aimed at the budget market and in that sense it does a very fair job.

Testing
To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an Intel Core i7-5820K, GeForce GTX 980 and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the Deepcool Dukase‘s cooling capabilities.

For stress testing we use a mixture of AIDA64 and FurMark to create the maximum heat output.

Test System:

  • Processor: 3.3GHz/3.6GHz Intel Core i7-5820K
  • Motherboard: EVGA X99 Micro 2
  • CPU cooler: Alphacool custom loop
  • Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-2800MHz RAM
  • Graphics card: GeForce GTX 980 4GB
  • Power supply: Corsair RM1000i SE 1000W
  • Storage drives: Corsair Neutron XT SSD
  • OS: Windows 10 Pro.

Cooling Performance.

The enclosed nature of the Deepcool Dukase and the minimal amount of ventilation in the slotted front panel clearly affects airflow. With our chosen Alphacool and EKWB custom loop hardware the temperatures for CPU and GPU were about five degrees warmer than the Aerocool P7-C1. There is plenty for scope for airflow at the rear of the case and in the roof so the restrictions are certainly at the front.

We cannot claim the Deepcool Dukase gave us any cause for concern. The styling of the front panel includes a stealth door and the consequence is slightly reduced air flow.

Acoustics performance.
With our chosen cooling hardware installed in the roof of the case noise levels depended on the setting of the integrated fan controller. On Low or Medium speed the noise was minimal while at High speed the fans were clearly audible. The Noctua NF-F12 PWM fans are premium pieces of hardware and we have to consider this as a best case scenario.

Then again if you use a tower air cooler where the fans are a distance from the outer edges of the case you will likely find the Deepcool Dukase is effectively silent.

This is impressive when you consider the panels of the case have no noise deadening material and rely on clever air flow management.

Closing Thoughts.

We have mixed feelings about the Deepcool Dukase v2 as it bears a strong passing resemblance to the NZXT S340. Deepcool has done thing differently so what looks like a plain front is actually a stealth door and you have the option of installing two optical drives and a 3.5-inch external device. If you prefer to use custom loop hardware then, like us, you may end up removing the drive bay hardware.

Our point is that the NZXT S340 came out in 2014 and the Deepcool Dukase v2 hasn’t really moved things on significantly. The current themes in case design include tempered glass and RGB lighting which are almost completely ignored by the Deepcool Dukase. There is a channel in the side of the power supply cover that will accommodate a lighting strip but that is as far as it goes.

If we move away from preconceptions and approach this case with fresh eyes then it looks neat and tidy and comes in at a budget price. The only noteworthy feature is the fan controller so you are buying the Dukase v2 pretty much on aesthetic grounds. Balanced against that we wish the case was slightly taller so it was easier to install liquid cooling hardware in the roof. Cable management is good but could be improved.

Cooling performance is entirely acceptable but is clearly affected by the design of the front panel.

Overall we like the Deepcool Dukase v2 but cannot claim it is either exciting or innovative.

MSRP is £69.99 inc vat in the UK. We have no available links at this price on publication day unfortunately.

Discuss on our Facebook page over HERE.

Pros:

  • Plenty of options for mounting a pump and reservoir.
  • Acrylic window shows off the interior.
  • Integrated fan controller for three fans.
  • White powder coated finish looks good.
  • Textured inserts on front and top panels.

Cons:

  • No cable management holes above the motherboard.
  • Very tight for space in the roof of the case, even with a slim radiator.
  • No option to install a radiator at the front of the case.
  • Limited cable management for the fan controller.

KitGuru says: Deepcool Dukase v2 is a tidy budget case that lacks innovation.

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