System Setup and Thermal Performance:

• CPU: Intel C2D E6400 (stock cooler)
• Motherboard: Asus P5K3-Deluxe
• RAM: SuperTalent DDR3 1333MHz
• HDD: Seagate ST3320620AS
• VGA: Nvidia 7950GT

In order to test the thermal performance of the case, we took temperature measurements while the system was powered and working placed on a motherboard box beside the desktop and then we compared them with the readings we got when the system was installed inside the case, fully assembled. We used two external thermal sensors to take readings from the video card (back of the chipset) and ambient temperature (motherboard area). The chipset and CPU temperature readings are taken from the motherboard sensors. Finally, the hard disk drive temperature reading is taken from the internal HDD sensor, via the speedfan utility. Idle readings were taken after the system was left at the windows desktop for 10 minutes.  Load readings were taken after running PcMark05 concurrently for one hour.

	CPU		Chipset		Video card		Hard disk		Ambient
	Idle	Load	Idle	Load	Idle	Load	Idle	Load	Idle	Load
No case	40	56	43	52	50	63	46	55	28	28
Antec P190 (fans @ low)	44	59	42	52	53	64	43	52	32	34
Antec P190 (fans @ medium)	42	56	40	49	52	61	42	50	32	32
Antec P190 (fans @ high)	41	52	39	46	49	58	42	49	30	31

Clearly, the thermal performance of the Antec P190 is exceptional, beyond doubt. During a considerably hot evening it faced no problems keeping our configuration cool. Matter of fact, the massive 200mm fan blowing air on the components and the 120mm fan in front of the drive cage seems to help lowering the temperatures even if you are running the system without a case at all. Unfortunately running the fans at high speed is not a very good option, as the noise is nearly intolerable. At low speed, it is not entirely silent but all that can be heard is a small whine. Of course you can adjust each of the fans speed according to your needs.