Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH

Zardon · Sep 6, 2009, 04:21 PM

Read The Review Here
_________________
SilverStone are well known in enthusiast circles as being one of the most exquisite designers of modern day computer chassis. Today we are taking a look at their Raven RV02 Chassis - the followup to the RV01 - which we reviewed way back in April of this year.

Silverstone have taken onboard specific criticisms of the original case, such as the front door mechanism and the top panel design and have opted for something quite different, yet equally as radical.

Neshi · Sep 6, 2009, 04:54 PM

that's a nice review, and what a nice case!

Another approach and it's an effective one. When you think about it it's pretty obvious... With all those card mounted horizontally in the normal cases, air get's trapped and so does warmth.. With a vertical mount all the air has a means to escape, especially when blown upwards

Very clever and definitely a case I will be looking at when I buy a computer once I am in New Zealand..

Nice review Z!

DJ BIG T · Sep 6, 2009, 06:08 PM

im digging that case... good review..

clanman · Sep 6, 2009, 06:49 PM

I want ! not in stock yet, will keep my eye out.

Love the idea, can't believe it took this long for someone to figure it out !

humonous · Sep 6, 2009, 07:41 PM

Extremely sexy case indeed - it is on my shortlist now as my aging thermaltake is becoming a little louder than it used to be. Silverstone really deserve a pat on the back for this because Z is right, the age old saying of "heat rises" really is spot on - always amazed me that traditional cases had cool air in front, then out back inside of originating at bottom then heading naturally upwards and out. I bet we see a bunch of makers copying this now.

**kris23** · Sep 6, 2009, 07:59 PM

too beautiful for words...... if that retails around $150, i know what to recommend from now on

macbiter · Sep 6, 2009, 10:10 PM

will a 285/295 GTX fit in this ok ?

Zardon · Sep 6, 2009, 10:25 PM

yes, fits fine

Cougar_47 · Sep 7, 2009, 09:25 PM

Great review of the RV02. This case good temperature control and is quite. One question, why is the power supply drawing warmer air from inside the case as shown in you build. Shouldn't it be taking cooler air from the back of the case. Glad to see the Corsair H50 works well in this case. We will be purchasing the Silverstone Fortress FT02 for the hot swappable drives and the sound damping.

Zardon · Sep 7, 2009, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cougar_47

One question, why is the power supply drawing warmer air from inside the case as shown in you build. Shouldn't it be taking cooler air from the back of the case.

There are a few theories on this and it is the same idea with the Corsair H50. The default position on the H50 is to suck cool air from the outside and push air into the chassis. I moved the fan to the opposite polarity so it was sucking air from the chassis, then upwards and out. Otherwise the cooler on the CPU would be reverse to the chassis air flow.

The PSU I rotated so it sucked in the slightly warmer air and expelled it outwards and upwards with the rest of the flow. this is in theory the best principle for this case although Silverstone have a filter on the rear grill if you wanted the PSU to work the other way. The chassis air in the case is so cool anyway it does not heat up the PSU so it makes more sense to me to have the upwards and out flow maximised. Perhaps if you were using a lesser PSU which was nearer the 80%+ limit it might be wiser to keep it cooler and slightly sacrifice internal flow.

The Captain · Sep 8, 2009, 11:41 PM

Man that is one slick case. Given the performance, it makes me want to ditch my Cooler Master Cosmos S. Unfortunately, I would have to also ditch my water cooling setup. Hmmm. I might just have to replace it with one of the Corsair H50s.

The Captain · Sep 8, 2009, 11:53 PM

Sorry for the double post, but I just thought of something. Did you have any clearance issues with connectors and cables on the top with the cover on? I'm specifically worried about using the DVI to HDMI connector supplied with newer ATI cards.

Zardon · Sep 9, 2009, 12:09 AM

Hi there. No I didn't have a problem fitting any connectors and I use a belkin digital switch which has a dual link DVI, USB2 connector and audio lead to run the same 30 inch screen between 2 systems. I am not sure the exact length of the converter you have but I wouldn't see an issue.

As for the watercooling kit, you can remove the bottom fans and put in a radiator if you wanted, I didn't really cover it as I didn't have a full kit handy at the time of the review. That said, I think the Corsair H50 is a mega bit of kit for the size...

choklate · Oct 5, 2009, 07:46 PM

This is the coolest chassis i ever seen.........

Zardon · Oct 5, 2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choklate

This is the coolest chassis i ever seen.........

I still rate this as one of the best cases out there. been using it in a few system builds for a while now and I love the concept. temperatures are always very low and its just so well put together. I have issues building in another case now as this has spoilt me as an 'overall' product.

**temeteus82** · Oct 5, 2009, 09:50 PM

I now pondering to get this case as replacement for my P180....

Neshi · Oct 5, 2009, 10:01 PM

I know this will be the case I build my new PC in once I move to New Zealand.. that would be in January..

KabusSenja · Oct 17, 2009, 10:05 PM

from this pages, which are superior, both got gold awards one is "heavenly" & the other plain...

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews....d=530&pageid=7
http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews....d=835&pageid=6

SeraphicSorcerer · Oct 18, 2009, 12:10 AM

The more I see this case, the more I want it.....

Why isn't it available yet!!!

Zardon · Oct 21, 2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeraphicSorcerer

The more I see this case, the more I want it.....

Why isn't it available yet!!!

Newegg have it in your area, did you find it ok?

Zardon · Oct 21, 2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KabusSenja

from this pages, which are superior, both got gold awards one is "heavenly" & the other plain...

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews....d=530&pageid=7
http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews....d=835&pageid=6

Actually the gold award is the same in both reviews - it has just been changed visually - we revised our awards system this year. Both of those cases got the gold (top award). The Raven 2 has better air flow, although it is a much newer development when compared to the older coolermaster chassis. This is why the Raven 2 also got the performance award - it has the best airflow of any chassis we have tested on the market to this date.

Here is the new award system http://www.hardwareheaven.com/articles.php?articleid=133

DoctoPuss · Dec 10, 2009, 02:02 AM

First of all, great review, thanks for that.
I've got a question whether or not a 5870 or 5970 will fit. Did you try it or can you guess it?
The 5870 is half an inch longer and the 5970 is ~1.6 inches longer than the GTX 295.
It's hard to judge by pictures but seems like the 5970 won't fit.

SeraphicSorcerer · Dec 10, 2009, 03:22 AM

Zardon says the 5970/5870 do fit "just" because the power plugs are off to the side, but they do come close to the fans, I asked him

DoctoPuss · Dec 11, 2009, 12:41 PM

Good to hear, thanks a lot.

H82LUZ · Dec 30, 2009, 07:34 PM

will the gpu not come unseated like that ? Just a worried it will pop out. other then that awesome case and review

~~RE III - Frankie~~ · Jan 9, 2010, 03:36 PM

I was going to get this case, but the RV01 took over instead.

Sep 6, 2009, 04:21 PM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,481 Rep Power: 162	Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH Read The Review Here _________________ SilverStone are well known in enthusiast circles as being one of the most exquisite designers of modern day computer chassis. Today we are taking a look at their Raven RV02 Chassis - the followup to the RV01 - which we reviewed way back in April of this year. Silverstone have taken onboard specific criticisms of the original case, such as the front door mechanism and the top panel design and have opted for something quite different, yet equally as radical.

Sep 6, 2009, 04:54 PM	#2
Neshi S.N.A.F.U. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wellington, NZ Posts: 2,056 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH that's a nice review, and what a nice case! Another approach and it's an effective one. When you think about it it's pretty obvious... With all those card mounted horizontally in the normal cases, air get's trapped and so does warmth.. With a vertical mount all the air has a means to escape, especially when blown upwards Very clever and definitely a case I will be looking at when I buy a computer once I am in New Zealand.. Nice review Z! __________________ If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live? The only guarantee in life is failure, to achieve success you have to take risks.

Sep 6, 2009, 06:08 PM	#3
DJ BIG T DH FaN BoY Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: ORLANDO,FL Posts: 901 Rep Power: 55 System Specs	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH im digging that case... good review.. __________________

Sep 6, 2009, 06:49 PM	#4
clanman DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 152 Rep Power: 20	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH I want ! not in stock yet, will keep my eye out. Love the idea, can't believe it took this long for someone to figure it out !

Sep 6, 2009, 07:41 PM	#5
humonous DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 164 Rep Power: 31	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH Extremely sexy case indeed - it is on my shortlist now as my aging thermaltake is becoming a little louder than it used to be. Silverstone really deserve a pat on the back for this because Z is right, the age old saying of "heat rises" really is spot on - always amazed me that traditional cases had cool air in front, then out back inside of originating at bottom then heading naturally upwards and out. I bet we see a bunch of makers copying this now.

Sep 6, 2009, 07:59 PM	#6
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5,374 Rep Power: 75 System Specs	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH too beautiful for words...... if that retails around $150, i know what to recommend from now on __________________ Driverheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (9/4/09) New i5 systems with more to come! Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Sep 6, 2009, 10:10 PM	#7
macbiter DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 81 Rep Power: 36	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH will a 285/295 GTX fit in this ok ?

Sep 6, 2009, 10:25 PM	#8
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,481 Rep Power: 162	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH yes, fits fine

Sep 7, 2009, 09:25 PM	#9
Cougar_47 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH Great review of the RV02. This case good temperature control and is quite. One question, why is the power supply drawing warmer air from inside the case as shown in you build. Shouldn't it be taking cooler air from the back of the case. Glad to see the Corsair H50 works well in this case. We will be purchasing the Silverstone Fortress FT02 for the hot swappable drives and the sound damping.

Sep 8, 2009, 11:41 PM	#11
The Captain HardwareHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 92 Rep Power: 38	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH Man that is one slick case. Given the performance, it makes me want to ditch my Cooler Master Cosmos S. Unfortunately, I would have to also ditch my water cooling setup. Hmmm. I might just have to replace it with one of the Corsair H50s.

Sep 8, 2009, 11:53 PM	#12
The Captain HardwareHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 92 Rep Power: 38	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH Sorry for the double post, but I just thought of something. Did you have any clearance issues with connectors and cables on the top with the cover on? I'm specifically worried about using the DVI to HDMI connector supplied with newer ATI cards.

Sep 9, 2009, 12:09 AM	#13
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,481 Rep Power: 162	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH Hi there. No I didn't have a problem fitting any connectors and I use a belkin digital switch which has a dual link DVI, USB2 connector and audio lead to run the same 30 inch screen between 2 systems. I am not sure the exact length of the converter you have but I wouldn't see an issue. As for the watercooling kit, you can remove the bottom fans and put in a radiator if you wanted, I didn't really cover it as I didn't have a full kit handy at the time of the review. That said, I think the Corsair H50 is a mega bit of kit for the size...

Oct 5, 2009, 07:46 PM	#14
choklate DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH This is the coolest chassis i ever seen.........

Oct 5, 2009, 10:01 PM	#17
Neshi S.N.A.F.U. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wellington, NZ Posts: 2,056 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH I know this will be the case I build my new PC in once I move to New Zealand.. that would be in January.. __________________ If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live? The only guarantee in life is failure, to achieve success you have to take risks.

Oct 17, 2009, 10:05 PM	#18
KabusSenja DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH from this pages, which are superior, both got gold awards one is "heavenly" & the other plain... http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews....d=530&pageid=7 http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews....d=835&pageid=6

Oct 18, 2009, 12:10 AM	#19
SeraphicSorcerer HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,172 Rep Power: 134 System Specs	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH The more I see this case, the more I want it..... Why isn't it available yet!!! __________________

Dec 10, 2009, 02:02 AM	#22
DoctoPuss HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH First of all, great review, thanks for that. I've got a question whether or not a 5870 or 5970 will fit. Did you try it or can you guess it? The 5870 is half an inch longer and the 5970 is ~1.6 inches longer than the GTX 295. It's hard to judge by pictures but seems like the 5970 won't fit.

Dec 10, 2009, 03:22 AM	#23
SeraphicSorcerer HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 2,172 Rep Power: 134 System Specs	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH Zardon says the 5970/5870 do fit "just" because the power plugs are off to the side, but they do come close to the fans, I asked him __________________

Dec 11, 2009, 12:41 PM	#24
DoctoPuss HardwareHeaven Newbie Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH Good to hear, thanks a lot.

Dec 30, 2009, 07:34 PM	#25
H82LUZ HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Cobourg ,Ontario ,Canada Posts: 111 Rep Power: 41 System Specs	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH will the gpu not come unseated like that ? Just a worried it will pop out. other then that awesome case and review __________________

Jan 9, 2010, 03:36 PM	#26
~~RE III - Frankie~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,754 Rep Power: 0	Re: Silverstone Raven 2 (RV02) Chassis Review @ DH I was going to get this case, but the RV01 took over instead.