SilverStone FT02R-W Review

Performance Analysis

The FT02R-W put in an epic performance in our tests, recording the lowest CPU delta T of any case we've tested so far of just 42°C. There isn't a lot more to it really. It wasn't quite top of the table for cooling our graphics card, managing a delta T of 37°C but this was just one degree below the Cooler Master HAF X which managed the lowest temperature. Better still, the CPU temperature only rose by 2°C and the GPU temperature actually stayed the same when we set the fans to minimum speed - a hint that the FT02R-W simply isn't harassed by our high-end test kit at all and has some cooling in reserve.

The FT02R-W is a fantastic case for an air-cooled PC. It might not have the water-cooling potential of the TJ07, but then again, this design has been optimised for air cooling. As an added bonus, even if you miss out on one of the limited-editions versions hitting UK and US shores, the cheaper standard FT02 is due to be upgraded with Air Penetrator fans very soon although you'll be lacking the cable braiding and red interior of the limited edition.


Despite all the hype that usually surrounds new products, SilverStone's Air Penetrator fans are a force to be reckoned with, simply blasting the air through the chassis from bottom to top. In addition, the mesh panel and vented expansion port covers, combined with the 120mm roof fan, appear to be enough to get this air out of the case again.


Working with the 90 degree rotation is a little weird at first but you soon get used to it. Despite all the cables at the top bending through a right angle and out the rear of the case, things actually ended up a lot neater than they do normally.

Conclusion

Whether you opt for the pimped-out limited edition, or wait for the standard FT02 to be upgraded, though, is probably going to be down to the size of your wallet. All we can say is that this is one of the best-looking cases we've seen and we don't think these results will be bettered for quite a while. If you want great cooling but don't want to spend upwards of £150 for a decent water cooling kit, this is the case to get.

• Cooling
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• 10/10

• Features
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• 9/10

• Design
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• 9/10

• Value
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• 8/10

• Overall
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• 9/10

Score Guide