The Best Hardware of 2010

The Best Hardware of 2010 - Cases

SilverStone Raven RV02

We originally reviewed SilverStone's re-orientated RV02 back in November 2009, but following issues with our test equipment at the time, we decided to re-test the RV02 this summer, and we're certainly happy we did. Improvements in design and build quality have made this a superb choice, and re-orientated hardware, allowing heat to rise off your GPU and CPU and out the roof of the case, produces great thermal performance from the three floor mounted 180mm fans. These have even improved from our original review thanks to SilverStone swapping them out for its awesome Air Penetrator fans, making the RV02 our air cooled case of choice.

Fractal Design Define R3/R2

We love it when new companies arrive on the scene with a great, innovative product, which is exactly what Fractal Design managed with it's Define R2. With it's sleek, clean, 'looks-like-a-fridge' looks and focus on low noise computing cooling performance it was quick to gain a following in the forums, and the follow-up Define R3 was even better, improving on the original's lacklustre cooling while tweaking some design and build quality aspects. The result is an extremely flexible, quiet and well made case.

Xigmatek Utgard

Case's are often a part of PC hardware where prices can seem unreasonable for what you get but the Xigmatek Utgard showed otherwise. Distinctive orange and black styling and tons of features such as radiator mounts, tool-less fittings, great cable routeing and integrated fan controllers belied the affordable £70 price tag. Build quality was excellent too, making the Utgard a fantastic all-rounder case, without the high price tag of some of its competitors.