In Win 904 Review

In Win 904 Review - Performance Analysis

With such a premium case on offer and such an intriguing cooling arrangement, as the 904 isn't equipped with fans, we tested it in its out-of-the-box configuration and with Zalman ZM-F2 92mm and Noctua NF-A15 140mm fans to get some idea of what impact adding these has and to make sure that the case isn't a complete flop cooling-wise in either situation. To get results comparable with the rest in our graphs, we also had to tape the edges of the main side panel - something we've done a handful of times before - as our standard test cooler was too big for it to fit normally.

To start with, then, without fans, the 904 unsurprisingly performed pretty terribly, posting the second worse CPU delta T and the hottest GPU delta T on test, trading blows with the dismal Cooltek Antiphon for the tail end charlie crown. Top vents may have improved things here but needless to say, you'll want to avoid using the case in this configuration.

Even though our third party fans were relatively modest, the 904 rocketed up the graph, with the fans knocking 13°C off the CPU delta T and 11°C off the GPU delta T. It was still in the lower half of the performance graphs in CPU delta T terms, roughly equal to NZXT's H630 and In-Win's own G7. The GPU delta T was more competitive, managing to beat Nanoxia's Deep Silence 2 on is maximum fan speed setting and even matching NZXT's Phantom 820 and Corsair's Obsidian 900D.


Conclusion

We almost get the feeling the In-Win 904 is as exclusive as the Tou, with some odd design choices but the price especially means that is case is actually very mainstream. It does look fantastic, is supremely well-made and the extensive use of glass is a very bold but ultimately successful move. It's an innovative and courageous statement to be certain and it looks more like a well-made scratch-built PC from our modding forums than it does a mass-manufactured case.

That's likely to be enough to persuade the kinds of people the case is designed to appeal to as well, but for the rest of us, there are a few short comings. The poor CPU cooler clearance is a pretty big blow if you're looking for a unique case but trying to keep other costs to a minimum. Some people prefer air coolers too - that's a fact, but adding one in the external way In-Win suggests isn't going improve the way the case looks either. While there are plenty of good low-profile coolers out there, it does make the 904 quite restrictive compared to the competition. The 5.25in bay location is downright awkward too, the glass does have the habit of making you nervous, especially when moving it, and the power button and ports are also far from ideally-placed.

In addition, you'll also need to kit it out with fans, making the real cost more like £170 at least - more if you want premium models. Even then cooling is mediocre, although far from bad. The 904 reminds us of supercars such as Lamborghini's Countach. Fantastic-looking and you always wanted one, but they were actually terrible to drive. The 904 isn't terrible, but does have a few major flaws, but that won't stop people buying it and at least you can add a couple of fans to make things a little more pleasant for your hardware.