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, Overclocked
Nobody's going to buy a case like this just to run everything at stock. The Thermaltake Level 10 GT is made for high performance and thankfully our test bed is able to deliver. I'd like to add here, as well, that the Level 10 GT proved to be capable of handling an even greater load than this when we tested the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme FTW. This is a large case with plenty of fans, designed to handle the highest-end components around.
Again, the Thermaltake Level 10 GT's thermal performance isn't perfect but it's awfully close. The clumping in the CPU temperatures suggest the processor thermals are probably limited by the CPU cooler we use for our testbed. Overall the Level 10 GT's temperatures aren't the best but they're excellent across the board, but we also need to check noise levels.
The Level 10 GT also benefits by being among the quietest cases we've tested despite handling a substantial thermal load with aplomb. You're definitely paying for the privilege, but at least we know it's not dragging its heels. Once again, though, the benefit of running the fans at high speed is minimal at best while the increase in noise is substantial. At low, the GT delivers the quietest load noise of our test group, just edging out the NZXT X2.
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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.