Photos Part Three: Hardware Installation and Testing
Now for the important stuff:
- ASRock z77 Pro 3
- Intel i7 3770k
- Phanteks PH-TC12DX Cooler (review pending)
- Patriot Viper 2x4GB 1600mhz memory
- Visiontek Radeon 7950
- Silverstone 700w modular power supply
- Seagate 500gb hard drive
- Thermaltake Armor Revo Gene
Really, there isn’t a massive amount more to say that I didn’t already in the Soprano review, but let’s dive in. Like most cases these days, you have the luxury of a bottom-mounted PSU for better airflow and easier management. Bottom stands for better airflow as well as a dust tray for keeping the case clean, which is vital for maintaining good temps. Like the Soprano, the Armor Revo also comes with a top-mounted HDD slot for quick and easy file transfer. And, as you can probably see, it has that same extra panel for the card bezels.
HDD and DVD/Blu-Ray drive installation is still as simple as finding a slot that you like and pushing it in until you hear the click. Tool-less installation really is a great feature as it cuts down on all the hassle of screws missing or lining it up with the holes, it saves space, and it’s safer. If you remember the earlier cases, some were easy to cut yourself on. Case manufacturers really have gone all out on improving ease of installation.
As far as overall temperature goes, it holds its own. During normal operation, the case is quite cool and maintains a steady breeze even during an hour’s worth of resource-heavy gaming, so you gaming enthusiasts can be rest assured.
