How We Tested
Using a Multimeter with a Thermal Diode, I routed the cable for the diode through the back of each case and taped it to the bottom of the PSU near the center of the case.
This puts the diode at as near an exact same position for both cases. Having the diode near the top of the case also should put it in a warmer location since heat rises. Additionally, the pull of the PSU fan will be drawing the warmer air through the PSU.
Also, in order to get each system to run at its warmest, I ran Prime95 XP to force the CPU into a 100% Performance Mode. This will force the CPU to run at its warmest during the testing.
During the testing, I’m also running the latest version of PC Wizard 2007 using its Temperature detection. This program utilizes the system’s sensors to provide real-time readouts. This seems to be the best uniform method to provide an apples-to-apples comparison of temperatures since it utilizes the onboard sensors to detect temperatures.
Finally, since my Computer Studio has environmental control via an Air Conditioner/Dehumidifier, I’m able to control the surrounding temperatures so as to provide a stable atmosphere in which to test the separate systems. For these tests, the room temperature is a constant 79-80 F with a very low humidity factor.
Xion II Results
According to the DMM’s Temperature Probe, the interior temperature is 32 C. This is after the system has reached a consistent operating temperature with all other apps running constantly.
As seen in this screenshot, the CPU Processor activity is 100% and you can see the various temperature readings of the Processors, Mainboard, and Hard Drives.
XCLIO 6030 Results
Now, after moving all the exact same components from the XION II into the XCLIO 6030, and, after bringing the system to the same consistent operating temperatures, we see the results:
A whopping 9C drop in internal temperature!
What about the system components?
THE COMPARISON TEMPERATURES
| |
XCLIO |
XION II |
Processor |
41 |
46 |
Core 1 |
47 |
62 |
Core 2 |
48 |
63 |
Mainboard |
38 |
37 |
Power/Aux |
25 |
25 |
|
Hard Disk 1 |
35 |
36 |
Hard Disk 2 |
34 |
31 |
Hard Disk 3 |
35 |
23 |
Hard Disk 4 |
30 |
32 |
