**ITX Case Testing: The Silverstone SG13**
The ITX case market has become increasingly crowded in recent years, with many manufacturers offering their own unique take on this compact form factor. In our ongoing efforts to test and review these cases, we recently had the opportunity to put the Silverstone SG13 through its paces.
**Testing Conditions**
To begin testing the SG13, we set up our ITX test bench in a room with an average temperature of 34°C (DT) under load and VSOC (Vcore Supply On Charge) averaging 34 degrees. This is even lower than the open-air test we conducted with cryo eggs, demonstrating the case's ability to cool components effectively. A k-type thermocouple was placed on the hottest mosfet VRM temperatures, and we monitored the average temperature of these components.
We also measured ERM (Electronic Radiated Noise) temperatures as a way to compare cases, but there's little chance of these temperatures ever reaching dangerous levels with the components we're using. These components are well below the spec limits for safe operation. Instead, we're primarily interested in airflow patterns within the case, which is essential for effective cooling.
**Case Features and Build**
The Silverstone SG13 is a tiny case that punches above its weight when it comes to cooling performance. Despite its compact size, this case supports larger devices like SFX power supplies, making cable management easier. The tolerances are tight, so if you're buying something like this, make sure to check the measurements and dimensions multiple times to ensure they fit technically.
The case is designed with a unique compartmentalization system that effectively allocates space for both the GPU and CPU. This design makes it easy to build a system without hindering performance or creating unnecessary complexity. While the build process itself isn't significantly more difficult than normal, cable management becomes a major advantage.
**Limitations and Potential Downside**
While the SG13 is an excellent case overall, there are some limitations to consider. The drive support is limited, with neither 3.5-inch nor optical drives being supported. This may be a downside for those who want to use this case as an HTPC (Home Theater PC) or for media storage purposes. However, it's likely that users will still find the SG13 suitable for their needs.
**Conclusion and Recommendation**
The Silverstone SG13 is one of the better cases we've worked with, offering excellent cooling performance at its price point. While it may not be the cheapest option available, it's worth considering if you want a high-quality case that's well-designed and effective.
If you're looking for a cheap alternative, the Thermaltake Core V1 or the Silverstone SG13 are great options, but they come with their own set of trade-offs. The SG13 is more expensive than these alternatives, but it also offers better cooling performance. This is because of its smaller size, which allows for more effective airflow and heat dissipation.
**Future Plans and ITX Case Testing**
As we continue to test and review ITX cases, we're considering a few changes to our methodology. One idea is to split off this test bench to focus on cases of this size, while building a separate test bench for larger cases that can accommodate 92mm coolers.
We also want to explore the use of more compact cases with better airflow and cooling performance. Our ITX test bench is designed to be efficient in terms of airflow and cooling, but we're open to exploring new designs and components that might improve our results.
If you have any suggestions or ideas for future ITX case testing, please let us know by posting them in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you and explore new possibilities for building and testing compact cases.
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