SilverStone TJ08-E Review

Performance Analysis

With our micro-ATX test kit fitted in the TJ08-E, we soon found that the combination of the inverted ATX layout and nearby 180mm Air Penetrator fan made for some great cooling. At its full speed, the fan was a little noisy, but it pushed the CPU delta T down to just 40˚C, while the GPU delta T peaked at 44˚C. Both results are excellent, and represent the best cooling we’ve seen from a micro-ATX chassis.


Switching the fan to its lower speed made the noise level much more pleasant, although cooling suffered a little. The CPU delta T rose by 5˚C and the GPU delta T by 1˚C. However, these results still see the TJ08-E coming out on top compared with the other micro-ATX cases we’ve tested, and prove the cooling ability of the 180mm Air Penetrator fan.

Conclusion

While we were initially puzzled by the SilverStone TJ08-E’s odd layout, we’re thoroughly convinced of its effectiveness after spending some time with it. Thanks to the removable exterior panels and motherboard tray, fitting hardware inside the small confines of the case is also an easy job, with few of the compromises that are often necessary in micro-ATX cases.

Cooling was exemplary too. With the option to install even the longest graphics cards and large CPU coolers, it’s an outstanding choice for a powerful micro-ATX PC. Our only quibble is that the TJ08-E costs £20 more than the Fractal Design Arc Mini; another excellent micro-ATX case. The latter is also quiet, if not as good at cooling. If performance and cooling are key to your build, buy the TJ08-E.