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Maximum thermal performance – noise-normalized to 38.9 dBA
This set of tests is designed to appeal to those who love quiet PCs, with both system fans and the CPU fan noise normalized to 38.9 dBA. Consider this a measure of the case’s thermal efficiency when noise levels are set to run quietly. This first set of benchmarks examines CPU performance.
With our first noise-normalized test, which stresses only the CPU, the performance was basically “average,” cooling 267.4W compared to an average of 268.8 across the 11 cases we’ve tested this way.
Our second test stresses both the CPU and GPU, to make the case as warm as possible. The added heat of the GPU reduces CPU performance slightly, from 267.4W down to 259.7W.
But let’s not forget: one of the distinguishing features of the BF360 Flow is its air scoop, which directs airflow directly to the GPU.
This engineering design isn’t just for looks – it performs especially well, with the case turning in the second-lowest GPU temperatures we’ve seen in this noise-normalized test. Of course, the large, thick intake fans themselves certainly help thermals all on their own.
Maximum Noise Levels
I measured the noise levels with my sound meter from one meter away from the computer case, with the pre-installed fans running at their maximum RPM speeds, recording a measurement of 46.6 dBA. Personally, I think that’s too loud. But in contrast to other cases on the market, the noise level is about average.
Maximum thermal performance – fans at full speed
Our noise-normalized results are designed for folks who prefer silence, but what if you don’t mind additional noise and just care about maximum performance?
Allowing the fans to run at full speed increases CPU performance from 267W to 288W, an increase of about 8%. In contrast to the competition, the BF360 performed a little worse than others, but is only about 10W behind our best result.
Things look better, however, when we add the heat of a GPU to the test. Whereas many cases lose CPU cooling efficiency when the GPU’s heat is added, the impact on the BF360 Flow is almost non-existent. We measured 287.9W, with the HAVN case taking third place in this test.
And when it comes to GPU temperatures, the BF360 Flow shines. With a measurement of only 61.5C, HAVN’s case delivered the best graphics card temperatures we’ve seen in this test yet!
The temperature recorded was 61.8C, which is technically the best we’ve seen, though it is effectively tied (within margin of error) with Montech’s HS02 Pro case here.
One more thing
When HAVN sent along the BF360 Flow for testing, the company also included extra H18 fans. We wanted to see how much (or little) an additional fan might improve performance, and added an H18 exhaust fan above the CPU cooler. For the first test, we set a power limit of 150W for the CPU and also stressed the GPU (consuming 295W).
This test showed a three-degree improvement to CPU temperatures with the addition of an extra fan. GPU temperatures were technically 0.5C higher, but this is a “margin of error” difference, and both results are essentially on par with each other.
For the second test, we removed the power limits from the CPU. The same pattern emerged: slightly better CPU performance, with GPU temperatures essentially the same.
Conclusion
HAVN’s BF360 Flow delivers a highly effective approach to GPU cooling, made possible with its air-scoop intake design and massive 180mm fans. The case consistently produced some of the lowest GPU temperatures we’ve recorded, even outperforming many competitors built for high airflow.
Not everything is perfect with this case, though. The one-year warranty feels underwhelming for a case that’s priced above $150. And the lack of ARGB may limit its appeal to some gamers. But where it counts most, the BF360 Flow excels. Its subdued aesthetic, smart airflow engineering, and chart-topping GPU performance make it a compelling option for users prioritizing cool and consistent graphics card temperatures. If GPU thermals are a top priority, HAVN’s BF360 Flow stands out as one of the strongest options available today.
