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Benchmark Results and Conclusion
All comparison cases were tested using our new Intel Core i9-7900X test platform. We brought in the Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic, Lian Li Lancool One Digital, and Bitfenix Enso Mesh to give you a good idea where this case stands against other cases that are of similar size and feature sets, although the Corsair chassis is by far the most expensive of this bunch.
With fan speeds manually set at 1,400 RPM, processor temps maxed out at 59 degrees C over the ambient temperature of 25 degrees C. Although only a few degrees lower than the other cases we tested, those are still an improvement.
The triple Corsair LL120 RGB fans mounted in the front of the chassis no doubt helped the the graphics card temperatures stay lower than the rest of the pack at 48 degrees C over-ambient.
We always take sound pressure level readings with two off-the-shelf dB meters from two different angles. The tempered-glass panels on three of the chassis' six sides helped keep sound output reasonably low. At 33.9 dBA with our test system under full load and 30.7 dBA at idle, the 680X RGB generated noise levels that landed it in the middle of the pack. We attribute both the cooler temperatures and the higher sound levels to the added space between the case and the tempered glass side panel.
Cooling efficiency and noise levels are both ways to measure performance. Determining acoustic efficiency, also referred to as cooling-to-noise ratio, is a matter of averaging all five of our tests to determine a base value.
Bottom Line
Overall, Corsair's Crystal Series 680X RGB is a very nice chassis that, even given it's higher-than-average price tag, lands solidly in award territory due to its quality construction and solid feature set. Enthusiasts on a budget would be best served by Lian Li’s Lancool One Digital or the Bitfenix Enso Mesh. Those of you dead-set on the 680X RGB who aren't ready to spend $250 should wait for a sale. Unlike previous offerings, this chassis is not available in a non-RGB version, unless you count the 2016-era Carbide Air 740, which also lacks the glass, opting for an acrylic side window and dropping the price to about $150.
Image Credits: Tom's Hardware
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