Cases

Ultra Aluminus Case Review

For testing the case, I subjected it to the hottest-running system I have.

Processor: Athlon XPM 1800+ @ 2.3GHz with Arctic Cooling Copper Silent 2M
Motherboard: Abit AN7 with Nvidia nForce2 400
Memory: 2 x 512MB Corsair PC3200
Storage: 2 x 120GB Seagate Barracuda 9 series, 1 160GB Samsung Spinpoint
Video card: ATI 9700Pro with Zalman VF700-AlCu

Running the system in its old case at idle yielded the following results:

Old Case Ultra Aluminus
CPU idle 65 degrees C
Northbridge idle 52 degrees C
Ambient system idle 36 degrees C
CPU load 80 degrees C (*youch*)
Northbridge load 63 degrees C
Ambient system 42 degrees C
CPU idle 59 degrees C
Northbridge idle 49 degrees C
Ambient system 32 degrees C
CPU load 68 degrees C
Northbridge 54 degrees C
Ambient system 38 degrees C

All other internal components like hard disk, video card, and optical drives were noticeably cooler to the touch in the Aluminus case. I expected the case itself to feel warmer than the old case, but it was also cooler, probably because the whole thing had more cool air coming into the case, and the hot air was more easily expelled through the large rear exhaust port.

In conclusion, the Aluminus is a great testimonial to what superior cooling management, functional design, and aesthetic beauty can accomplish when well blended. And it is so easy to carry around. I would highly recommend it to anybody who wants a sleek, roomy case with good airflow, and a snazzy built-in window

REPORT CARD : Ultra Aluminus Tower Case
category rating comments
Quality 5 Extremely lightweight and finely crafted.
Innovation 4 Uses the tried-and-true Chenming design, but Ultra enhances the design with extra features.
Aesthetics 4 The finish is excellent, although the Chenming design looks common by today’s standards.
Installation 5 Lots of room to work in. Removable motherboard tray and rotated hard drive bays make installation very easy.
Value 5 You get one of the lightest aluminum cases available for $60-$100.
FINAL VERDICT: 5 out of 5 stars
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