[Re-Build] RaVeN RV02

[nascasho]

^
Where've you two been? White on black is all the rage nowadays...OK maybe not, but I think it might look nice regardless.

Two suggestions:

1. Since this case provides eight expansion slots try moving the second VGA to the bottom most x16 (x8) slot and see if this does anything for the temps. With this board there shouldn't be any difference in performance since both the #2 and #4 x16 slots are hardwired for x8.

2. Get that piece of junk NB heatsink off the mobo, throw it away with the rest of the trash and get yourself one of these, the Thermalright HR-05 IFX. Try installing it at a slight angle, just enough to clear the VGA and the CPU sink, so the HS wide face catches at least some whiff from the intake fans. You can also install an 80 mm fan, if you don't mind it not being passive anymore. It should drop the NB temps significantly.

NB temps are good, plus you can't remove the signature style of the LE, just wouldn't be the "LE" anymore. As for moving the card, can't only because the jumpers would be blocked off and I wouldn't be able to turn the machine on anymore

[Xoulz]

Your pictures don't work..

I'm interested in seeing them...

I'll be building a pure gaming rig out of a RV02 & i870...

[nascasho]

Your pictures don't work..

I'm interested in seeing them...

I'll be building a pure gaming rig out of a RV02 & i870...

They should work now, ran out of GB monthly use on Photobucket.

[Frag Maniac]

Nice detailed thread Nas, even if it was pics and a summary instead of numbers. The only thing close I've seen is one review site comparing the RV02 to a Lian Li PC60B, where they say the RV02 won. All the review sites said this case cools well, but none packed it with as much gear as you. Your results being as you say makes me wonder why Silverstone didn't put something more like those high performance 180s in to begin with, though I find it odd they say they compliment a positive pressure design when their controller plates lack vents like the case's stock expansion plates. All I can say is I hope you have the option to use one plate for all 3 fans.

I'm grateful you took the time to enlighten us with this, but at the same time sad, as I was really liking the RV02. I first found out about your plan to get this case via Googling for RV02/Twelve Hundred comparison tests, whereby I got the link to the EVGA forum thread you posted, then this. It was good that I found this one in fact because after you said you were going to post results on the EVGA forum, I could not find such a thread.

I have a neighbor that bought the Twelve Hundred whom says it stayed nice and cool even in the hot temps we had this summer. However I really don't like the laborious trip the to the filter slots or the minimal width behind the MB tray. I agree with Benchmark Reviews, they should have made it 1/4" wider and put the extra width behind the MB tray. Looks like next I'll be figuring a fan speed config for the Twelve Hundred to put it slightly on the positive pressure side of airflow.

There are nit picks about most cases, but the Twelve Hundred is at least solidly built and fits even whopping GPUs. I just saw a pic of it fitting even the 13.5" 5970 prototype. Now that's future readiness. I like how your EVGA MB easily allows for a 120mm fan on the push side of a big HS, but I think I'm going to hold out for a SATA III MB (Giga EX58A-Extreme) and/or a Hydra 200 equipped X58 (Intel Smackover 2). I'm also thinking of getting the Seagate Barracuda XT 2TB SATA III HDD.

BTW, besides what else has been mentioned regarding possible ways to lower temps, have you tweaked the stock fan speeds on the GPUs? They're always too low from the factory for good cooling.

http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=20937
(Note how the 5970 makes even the HX1000 look short. LOL)