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We tested the Silverstone PS14-E with our Intel Core i9-7900X test platform. For comparison, we brought in the Bitfenix Enso Mesh, the NZXT H500i, Corsair's Carbide 275R, and the Cooler Master MasterBox Q500L to give you an idea of where this case stacks up against competitors of similar size and feature sets.
The PS14-E's poor thermal performance can easily be remedied with the addition of an intake fan or two. That said, our CPU hit 67 degrees Celsius over ambient temperature under load, which is higher than we expected, even from a chassis equipped with only a single 120mm exhaust fan. The lack of airflow in this chassis as shipped directly affected its ability to remove the heat generated by our system components. As a result, GPU temps were high as well.
We recorded sound pressure levels with two off-the-shelf dB meters from two different angles. Obviously, with only a single 120mm exhaust fan for cooling, the PS14-E is near silent at idle. Under load, sound output increased to 30.4dBA. The acoustic performance of the Precision PS14-E was on par with the majority of cases tested against.
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 of our tests to determine a base value. This chassis is exceptionally quiet due to a lack of fans, unfortunately that is also the reason for the poor thermal results.
Bottom Line
The Silverstone PS14-E is a budget-friendly PC case that has all the benefits and drawbacks you'd expect to find in a case at this price. But if price is a deciding factor, this chassis is a good choice. The low cost also leaves room in your budget for an intake fan (or fans) and aftermarket filter as well. Those running a 240mm AIO cooler with fans included, or who have leftover fans from a previous build, will find even more value.
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