Thermaltake Level 10 GT: Monument to Excess
by Dustin Sklavos on July 26, 2011 11:50 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
- Thermaltake
- Full-Tower
Noise and Thermal Testing, Stock
Given the price tag of the Thermaltake Level 10 GT compared to the much less expensive enclosures we've tested so far (it's easily at least $100 more than each), it's not unreasonable to expect it to provide performance commensurate with the increase in price. It's true there's a bling factor involved with the Level 10 GT, too, but we don't want something that's just for show.
As far as temperatures go, the Level 10 GT isn't the biggest winner but it's close enough to the top that you could probably count it within the margin of error. Note that the difference in thermal performance between running the fans at low or high is minor bordering on academic. There's a second side to the thermal story of course....
The biggest difference between the two fan settings winds up being the noise. Idle noise levels are slightly higher than the BitFenix and NZXT cases, but load noise came in at the top of the charts with the fans on low. Unfortunately, the charts don't tell the whole story, as when the Level 10 GT is loud, it's an ever so slightly high-pitched sort of loud that isn't particularly pleasant to listen to. Thankfully the Level 10 GT doesn't actually need to run at high, in which case it's one of the quietest cases we've tested, although the character of the fan noise isn't quite as low as the SilverStone Raven RV03's.
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DethFiesta - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
I have an FT02 and find it to be an excellent case. Huge and heavy, yes, but highly functional and understated (except for the size). I look forward to the comparison between the Level 10 and Ft02, but even if the FT02 comes out behind, I wouldn't swap over due to the absurd look of the Level 10.Also, "duckets" are spelled "ducats."
hammer256 - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
I Recently got the FT 02 to build a machine for work, and man I am impressed. Curiously to see what the review says.A few things I really like about the FT02:
1. all the connections are on the top of the case, so much easier to access than the back.
2. The video card hangs vertically, so less bending on the motherboard.
3. Really quiet fans with lots of airflow. I only keep them at low.
4. really clean, professional looking case.
But, I wish it didn't have five 5.25 bays, and instead another 5 bay hdd cage. Also, the top cover and latch could be better. The space behind the motherboard tray could be a bit wider, for easier cable management. Finally, would be nice to actually access the dust filters without opening the case. Fairly minor gripes, all things considered.
Dustin Sklavos - Thursday, July 28, 2011 - link
I'll be doing thermal testing this weekend, but early impressions are very favorable.Our rep was hesitant to send it to us because it's (in technology years) a fairly old chassis, and I'm sure they're probably working on refining it. But it's still fantastic, and truthfully the clearance behind the motherboard tray is about on par with most other enclosures these days. It could be wider, but it's not too bad.
When I go to review it I'll have suggestions for the next revision, but my major takeaway is just...with this as a reference point, the Raven RV-03 feels like such a step back despite being newer.
rickon66 - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
My build before last was in an Antec Nine Hundred, but my last build was in an Antec Two Hundred that I got for $30 at Micro Center last fall. It does everything that this Thermaltake does -Great cooling, very roomy and it holds all of the stuff that makes up a computer togeather. What really do you need more than that? I adjusted my expectations of a case down so that I had more cash for a processor and video card that makes a real difference in performance. . Kind of like a rat rod - no show, just go. Unless you have money to burn a super fancy case is just bling.james.jwb - Thursday, July 28, 2011 - link
Apple fanboys don't have much real ammunition to throw at PC users, but when a case like this comes out i can see them all laughing their asses off, and justifiably so.It
is
hideous.
WT - Friday, August 12, 2011 - link
I love this case. Started off looking at an NZXT Phantom or a Corsair 600 SE, but after watching some vids of the Level 10 GT, I really do want it to be #1 on my list.My fave features:
SATA backplane - no more cable mess !!
Side fan features a touch contact - no more umbilical power line !!
Support for a dual radiator - was going to go H80, now I can go H100.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. One thing about this case is it is definitely a conversation piece as opposed to the average black box.