Six Low-Noise, Performance-Oriented Cases, Tested

Conclusion

If you asked us which "quiet PC” case we’d buy following today’s test, our answer would technically have to be "none of them." But that’s only because the case that won this comparison is not explicitly marketed as a quiet PC component. Deliberately aimed at gamers, the SilverStone Raven RV02-E gets its noise-reducing features via alternative fan placement that coincidentally blocks-in noise at the same time. SilveStone even supplies moderately-noisy fans to bolster the case’s gaming potential, yet wisely adds a set of fan-speed selectors to reduce its noise from a dull roar to an acceptable hum. It’s this low-speed configuration that tops our charts.

Thomas Soderstrom is a Senior Staff Editor at Tom's Hardware US. He tests and reviews cases, cooling, memory and motherboards.
  • Tamz_msc
    i7 2600K at 34.5 GHz? o.O
    Reply
  • the rv03 is out at less $$$ you guys should do a rv02-E vs rv03 round in the cooling side and thats because the rv03 has more fans
    Reply
  • dragonsqrrl
    Using a SilverStone Fortress Series FT02B-W here. Basically identical interior design, except in my opinion the exterior is more aesthetically pleasing. Glad to confirm the excellent cooling characteristics.

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163161&cm_re=ft02_b-_-11-163-161-_-Product
    Another big plus with the Fortress 2 is the inclusion of sound dampening foam on every panel, but to be entirely honest with you, due to the open nature of the case, I'm really not sure how much sound it's actually dampening.
    Reply
  • henryvalz
    34.5 Ghz...

    Hell, yes! About time, pushing those extreme overclocks!
    Reply
  • Gamer-girl
    I think there needs to be info on how much space there is for graphics cards.
    Reply
  • xmaswraith
    34.5 gigahertz? 34.5 gigahertz? Great Scott!

    Marty, I'm sorry. But the only power source capable of generating 34.5 gigahertz of electricity is a bolt of lightning... (begin back to the future theme song!)
    Reply
  • JOSHSKORN
    henryvalz34.5 Ghz...Hell, yes! About time, pushing those extreme overclocks!I bet they were overclocking from Pluto.
    Reply
  • killerclick
    JOSHSKORNI bet they were overclocking from Pluto.
    Didn't you watch the news? Astronomers sent a dwarf in a rocket to remove Pluto so it doesn't exist anymore.
    Reply
  • Luay
    RV-03 pushes more air and cools better than the 02, but it's also louder.
    Reply
  • madsbs
    Yet, as a gaming case, the Raven 2 Evolution may not fulfill the aesthetic or storage needs of some computing professionals
    Reply