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Pre-installed Fan Tests
Maximum Noise Levels
In terms of maximum volume, the noise levels of Montech’s XR Wood can reach up to 46.6 dBA. However, as our first set of thermal results will show, you don’t need to let the fans run loudly for good performance! This chart below includes results from our previous testing methodology; however, they are comparable as we are only looking at the maximum noise levels of the case and its fans.
Maximum thermal performance – pre-installed fans noise-normalized to 38.9 dBA
This setof tests is designed to appeal to those who love quietly running 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 set to low noise levels using the pre-installed fans.
As we’ve just updated our testing methodology, our first comparisons only feature three cases in total – but this will grow as we have time to test additional products. The section featuring standardized fan testing features four cases, also including Corsair’s recently released 4000D Frame case.
Montech’s XR Wood cooled 280W in our first test, which stresses only the CPU, the best of the three cases we’ve tested here today.
Our next charts examine a more stressful scenario, with a full load being run on both the CPU and GPU. When the heat of a GPU is added to the case, the results between competitors slim considerably – but Montech still takes the lead with 267.8 watts cooled on average.
To evaluate how efficiently the case dissipates heat from the GPU, we’ve decided to compare the RPM speeds of the GPU’s fans instead of trying to control the fan speeds and measuring temperature. With this test, Montech’s XR Wood sits between the results off MSI’s MAG Pano 100R PZ and APNX’s C1.
Maximum thermal performance – pre-installed fans at full speed
Taking a look at how well the case expels heat with a CPU-only workload and the fans at full speed, there’s also a small range of results – all products shown here performing similarly.
Adding the heat of a GPU to this test changes scaling a bit, with the XR Wood slipping to second place, cooling 286.4 Watts. As with our previous 38.9 dBA tests, we’ll look at the speed of the GPU’s fans to determine how efficiently the case expels heat from the GPU with other fans at full speed. At 1467 RPM, Montech’s XR Wood again lands in the middle.
Standardized fan tests
Maximum Thermal Performance – 30% fan speeds
This set of tests, now using the third-party fans shown above, are designed to appeal to those who love silently running systems. With both system fans and the CPU fan limited to 30%, using Ocypus Gamma F12 BK ARGB fans for intake and exhaust, Montech’s XR Wood cooled 208.4 W while testing the CPU using Cinebench R23 multi-core benchmark.
You can consider this a measure of the case’s efficiency when set to low noise levels. Finally, remember that size matters: a smaller case like Montech’s Air 903 Max might have better results due to better airflow efficiency.
But CPU-only loads are just one way to examine thermal efficiency. How do things change when, like during gaming, you run a CPU and GPU at the same time? We’ll look at both CPU package power and GPU results to answer that question.
Looking at the CPU’s performance here, you’ll see there’s a small variance in results. At 188.9 Watts, Montech’s XR Wood is technically the worst performer, but not by much. And again, with this test, the CPU’s performance is only part of the equation.
To evaluate how efficiently the case dissipates heat from the GPU, we’ve decided to compare the RPM speeds of the GPU’s fans instead of trying to control the fan speeds and measuring temperature. Unfortunately, the XR Wood didn’t win any records here either – running at 1678RPM.
Maximum thermal load – full fan speeds
For this next test, the fans are allowed to operate at their fastest (and loudest) speeds for those who want the best thermal performance without regard to noise levels. As with before, the first test only stresses the CPU.
The results here have a small range of results, Montech’s XR Wood cooling 287W on average.
How does that change when a GPU load is added to the equation? Let’s take a look.
With 266 Watts cooled here, Montech’s offering isn’t beating the competition,but it offers comparable performance to the APNX C1 and MSI cases.
How about the GPU’s noise levels, though?
In this standardized configuration, the XR Wood runs behind the competition. But it’s also worth pointing out that all of the competing cases here are more expensive.
A reminder about how to improve performance
Just as a reminder: If you’re looking for stronger thermal performance than shown in the benchmarks above, the XR Wood supports additional fans at the top, side, and bottom of the case for those who want the best possible temperatures.
Conclusion
Montech’s XR Wood is a mid-tower with a reasonable price of only $79.99 US. It performs reasonably well considering its low price, and it has wood accents lining the top and bottom of the front panel – if you’re into that sort of thing. Personally, I would have liked the look of this case a little better if it had a few more wood accents.
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