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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geniekid - Tuesday, July 26, 2011 - link
I like the aesthetic and the design. If it were under $200, I'd seriously consider it for my next build.That said, I eagerly await your review of the SilverStone FT02 and the Fractal Design R2, both of which I think are strong contenders in the quiet and cool arena, and both of which I think are good looking.
HeroicTofu - Tuesday, July 26, 2011 - link
As an owner of the SilverStone FT02, I will say that I'm very impressed with the case. It has a very professional and sleek look to it which I so very much prefer to cases such as the CoolerMaster HAF 922 (to each their own right?). It's cooling efficiency is nuts as well. Compared to my previous case, the temps are a good 15-20 degrees cooler at full loads. Motherboard would get up to 60 degrees celsius where as in the FT02, it's rare when I see it exceed 40. It idles just 8 degrees above room temperature.geniekid - Tuesday, July 26, 2011 - link
Yes, I've read good things about the FT02 and it's my favorite in terms of looks. Unfortunately, the +$200 price tag forces me to consider the cheaper Fractal Design R3 case for my next build.SunLord - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
I love my FT02B the only thing remotely lacking on it is USB3.0 but since it predates the USB3 spec it's easy to forgive. I've got it running 5 2tb drive with the hot swap brackets and a new 128g ssd it's pure awesome and mostly silent. I wish it came with a 3.5" external bay adapter given it's price so I could of mounted my card reader right when I got it but that is a minor annoyance at best.Dustin Sklavos - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
Actually, SilverStone offers a USB 3.0 bracket to swap into the FT02. They sent me one along with the review unit.ggathagan - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
Dustin,Did Silverstone provide a part number for that bracket?
No mention of it on their website.
Kisakuku - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
Email Joel at usasales@silverstonetek.com. The replacement cable is $12 + $6 shipping. Silverstone isn't advertising this part, but they will sell it to you.IAMTHEPROCESSOR - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
Ok I emailed him and I am awaiting a reply but might you tell me whats the link to your review please so I can see the usb 3.0 cable swap? Thank you!Dustin Sklavos - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
The FT02 cable swap is SUPER simple. My review isn't written up yet (I literally JUST finished doing assembly and photography), but the housing is held on by two screws. You remove the housing, and then two more screws hold the USB/audio jack board in place. Remove those, slide the board out, slide the new board in, presto change-o.iamafish - Tuesday, July 26, 2011 - link
I own the FT02B, and in my long experience with cases it is by far and away the best I have opened up and played with. Sleek looks, lots of space, well designed, great fans, cooling is brilliant. The whole thing oozes quality, it's worth the asking price.This Thermaltake however is ugly as hell, I wouldn't pay bargain basement prices for something that looks like it had an accident at the car crusher.