Performance
Test System Configuration |
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|---|---|---|
| Motherboard | ASUS Sabertooth Z77 | |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-3570K @ 4.4GHz | |
| CPU Cooler | Arctic Cooling Freezer 13 | |
| Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws-X 8GB (F3-12800CL7D-8GBXH) | |
| Memory Speed and Timings | 1,600MHz, 7-8-7-24-2N | |
| Graphics Cards | 2x Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 OC in CrossFireX | |
| Storage | 120GB SanDisk Extreme SSD | |
| Optical Drive | Pioneer DVR-S19LBK DVD Writer | |
| Power Supply | Corsair HX1050W | |
Our Z77 test platform consists of an ASUS Sabertooth motherboard, an Intel Core i5-3570K processor overclocked to a modest 4.4GHz, an Arctic Cooling Freezer 13 cooler, 8GB of high-performance G.Skill Ripjaws-X memory and two factory-overclocked Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 OC graphics cards in a CrossFireX configuration.
To find out how well the chassis can cool this particular setup, we record the CPU temperature after a 15-minute stint of the intensive Prime95 stress test is applied to all cores. To get an idea of GPU cooling performance, we record GPU temperature after 15 minutes of running Aliens vs. Predator. Last but not least, we also record chassis noise by using a PCE-318 noise meter to take readings when idle and while running Aliens vs. Predator.
All chassis are tested only with the standard manufacturer-supplied fans (any/all of which are set to 'silent' in the ASUS BIOS or low-speed using a fan controller if present), and to take into account the fluctuating ambient temperature, our graphs depict both actual and delta temperature - the latter is the actual CPU/GPU temperature minus the ambient. For the record, room temperature while testing the Phantom 630 was recorded as 20.7ºC.
We had a feeling four 200mm fans would bode well for cooling performance, and the Phantom 630 doesn't disappoint. The chassis has absolutely no problem in keeping our Core i5-3570K processor cool under extreme load (Prime95).
A 200mm side intake and an unobstructed 200mm front intake is a useful combination. Gaming with a pair of overclocked Radeon HD 7950 graphics cards in a CrossFire configuration can be a toasty pastime, but again, the Phantom 630 provides ample airflow and excellent under-load temperatures.
The Phantom range is developing a knack of delivering excellent cooling performance alongside low-noise operation. Continuing that trend, the Phantom 630 keeps nice and quiet when idle and it doesn't get too obtrusive under load, either. Note that the latter reading was taken with the fan controller set to high, so it's quite easy to further reduce noise at the expense of overall performance.
