Silverstone Sugo SG04-H

Item: Silverstone Sugo SG04-H
Author: Mark Mackay

Written by Mark Mackay

March 30, 2009 | 09:13

Companies: #silverstone

Performance Analysis

As you can see from the graphs the performance of this tiny case is pretty pants is comparison with a full sized midi-tower. With its obstructed airflow from the aluminium fascia panel the results were often a one or two degrees centigrade above those seen in the SG03, which is surprisingly little difference. The normal 65nm dual core CPU idles at a whopping 79°C but when under full load the temperature didn’t go too much higher than this at 83°C, using a Zalman CNPS8000 cooler.

Even though temps get considerably more fiery than we'd like, we have to appreciate they are within the "operational limits" of the hardware. If you build a system inside this case with a GeForce GTX 280 and Core 2 Duo CPU it should survive any serious problems, especially if you installed a second fan into the fascia, however we can't recommend quad cores or attempting to squeeze multi-GPU setups into it.

However when the GTX 280 hits 80°C the fan kicks up a notch to try and keep the temperatures down. This coupled with the fact that the CPU cooler is at full speed trying to keep the Core 2 E6700 test CPU temps within check means the whole thing is far from silent. Again though, opting for a case like this for use such as a portable gaming rig isn’t about keeping the noise to a minimum, and in a room full of other guys with Antec 900s, it certainly won't be the loudest there.

Click to enlarge

Final Thoughts

With its unyielding aluminium carrying handle, the Sugo SG04-H is practically an out-of-the box portable PC chassis, making it ideal for a LAN rig or generally something meatier than a notebook that needs to go places. Like the SG03, it struggles somewhat in the performance department, but unlike the SG03 it would be tricky to mod some more ventilation in the roof of the case because the massive handle is in the way. If you’re the type of enthusiast with an inclination for using a Dremel then the SG03 would be the clear choice.

If, however, you fancy something that looks a bit more streamlined and is far easier to carry, the SG04-H is certainly the way to go. That is of course, if you’re into the decidedly Scandinavian design qualities, which might be a bit cutsie to bring to a Counter Strike and beer night. Ignore the inevitable willy waving contest about whose case is larger or heaviest, and you've got a back-pack ready rig that's more customisable than a Shuttle XPC and offers far more variety (not to mention less cost) than a "gaming notebook".

We do feel that the bubbly exterior of SG04-H also could effect it’s versatility, as it would stand out of like a swollen thumb amongst the sleek, sharp angles of the vast majority modern HTPC equipment, whereas the SG03 would be much better suited for such a role. Then again, this is the "-H" model that specifically includes the handle, and while there is obviously a clear choice between 03 and 04: you'll still be buying the same case underneath at the end of the day.

Something else to take into consideration is that you don't have to use a GTX 280 like we did, so you could use a smaller PSU and fit a lesser graphics card, which would reduce the amount of heat produced and give the CPU cooler some needed breathing space to do it's job better. You can't get that in a Shuttle XPC though!

Both the 03 and 04 offer something to a niche market of small cases, and it's very hard to find a pretty good one. The build quality is as solid as any other aluminium Silverstone chassis, and due to its clever engineering you can fit a considerable amount of kit inside the Sugo SG04-H for such a little tyke of case. The Sugo SG03 on the other hand features both these two characteristics but is slicker, cheaper and boasts marginally better cooling. The question is: do you really need a handle and a flashy fascia for £30?