Case And Power
Case: SilverStone Raven RV02
The low-cost case selected for our June 2010 $2000 PC received a great deal of criticism leveled mostly at its price, as many readers felt that a more elaborate solution was mandated to showcase the machine’s high-end internal hardware. Selected for its excellent airflow, low noise, and high build quality, we had no problem defending a chassis that exemplified our high-end-value focus.
Yet as nice as that system was, a pair of extra-hot graphics cards and room for a third caused us to look for an even higher level of cooling in this month’s build.
Read Customer Reviews of SilverStone's Raven RV02
Based on the design of its Fortress 2, SilverStone’s Raven RV02 economizes slightly in both scale and materials, using medium-gauge steel rather than aluminum to reach its moderate 19.8” height. It retains the trio of 180 mm intake fans from more-expensive predecessors, while dropping to a value-oriented $160 price.
Anyone who can’t figure out why the intake fans are on the bottom and the slot covers on top need only look at our component installation details, or the previously-mentioned Fortress 2 Review, to figure out the details.
Power: Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000 W
Cooler Master makes a wide range of high-quality and mid-range products in a similarly broad price range, but sometimes the lower-cost parts undermine its reputation amongst the fussiest of enthusiasts. That’s a shame for the company, as extensive research reveals that the Silent Pro M (Modular) RSA00-AMBAJ3-US is a solid part, with good features and efficiency to back up its high amperage capabilities.
Read Customer Reviews of Cooler Master's Silent Pro 1000 W
This 80 PLUS Bronze-certified, semi-modular part comes with an enormous 80 A single 12 V rail design for only $165. Cooler Master adds two vibration-dampening rubber end caps to the modular cables of the unit’s installation kit.
