Testing:

• Hardware

• AMD 64 3500

• 2 GB Corsair XMS4000 (2X 1GB)

• EVGA 6600GT 128MB

• EVGA 7800GT 256MB

• 2 X 200GB 7200.8 Seagate barracuda

   To get the highest temperatures of both the CPU and video cards, I ran a combination of software. For the GPU’s, Quake 4, Battlefield 2 and then a looping 3dMark 2005 was run, each for about an hour. The primary Monitor setting was then changed, and all 3 tests run again. For the CPU, Max CPU was run for 3 hours.

All setup, side panel ajar a bit.

Results:

3500, Stock Speeds

Stock

Idle temperatures were down quite a bit, which is nice to see. Not near as much of a change under load, but down there as well.

3500, Over-clocked 2550Mhz

Over-clocked

   Some relatively impressive scores. Nothing to write home about, but when the CPU is already running so cool with stock cooling, there is only so much anything else can do. I didn't notice any difference in the maximum speeds I could over-clock to from the stock cooling.

GPU’s

   Initial testing was done with only a 6600GT installed in the system, as there was a delay in shipping with the 7800GT. I did the tests again once the 7800GT was in the cooling loop, but because the 7800GT is the last device in the loop, it did not affect the temperatures of anything else to a degree that I could measure. I also did not bother with the "ram sinks" on the cards. The tubing would have been in the way of at least 2 of the ramsinks, and secondly, I did not recieve enough of them for 2 Cards.

6600GT

6600GT, 128MB

   I’ve always been worried about the relatively high temperatures my video cards get to when compared to my processors. And as you can see, it’s mostly because of the limited performance of the stock coolers. A 13 Degree drop under load is a large one in my opinion. The 6600GT however, doesn’t have near as much power as the 7800GT though, so I wasn’t expecting the Titan to handle the extra wattage as well.

7800GT

7800GT, 256MB. Nice!

   So I was wrong, 29C difference. This is right from the Nvidia control panel, however reliable/unreliable you might think it is, it is the best way for someone to compare to my results. I had the temperature window open on my second monitor while I played Battlefield 2 and Quake 4. I couldn’t believe the difference at first. While the single slot cooling does keep the card from frying itself, it leaves a LOT to be desired.

   The Titan really impressed me at this point, having such small tubing along with an anemic looking pump. I can only think that the radiator and water-block probably take all the credit.

Conclusion:

   All put together, I think the case looks really nice, it fits in well with the rest of my setup. The door can also swing far enough to block the other blue lights that unfortunately reside on my desk. While I am very impressed with the cooling it is capable of with my AMD64 3500, 6600GT/7800GT, I do feel a bit remiss in not testing the case with a well known *hot* processor. The 7800GT does makeup for this a bit though, so I won’t lose any sleep over it. Small ¼ inch internal diameter fittings and tubing didn’t seem to hamper anything with my setup, and they are quite flexible.

   The front door lock is a minor issue, but should probably be looked at by quality control.

   I’m more ticked off at how difficult it is to put the side panel on after doing some work inside the case. It also likes to unplug my SATA hard drives, because the radiator catches the cords. 90 degree SATA connecters would be recommended. It is a little easier to get on with the case on it’s side, but I have to remove the case from my desk to accomplish that feat.

   That of course brings me back to the single biggest problem with the case; heft. Aluminum cases are the norm for enthusiast cases for a reason, and this is definitely aimed at the enthusiast price range.

   The only 2 things that are preventing me from using this case permanently as my main system are,  I like to go to LAN parties, and I have 6 hard drives.

Pros:

• Excellent cooling

• Looks good

• Useful display

• Quiet

• “Tool-less” that works

Cons:

• Tonnage

• Front panel door lock didn’t work

• Side panel difficult to put on

• Pricy for not being aluminum

Thanks to Titan for sending their Water case for this review.