Gigabyte iSOLO 210 Mid-Tower

Testing a case is very subjective. Some cases are designed for pure airflow and cooling while some make huge sacrifices for quietness. All my temperatures were taken at an ambient temperature of 22°C (roughly 70°F).

Our testing machine consisted of:

• CPU: Intel Xeon X3210 2.13GHz Quad-Core (Noctua NU-9F HS w/dual 92mm Panaflo 45CFM fans)
• Motherboard: MSI P35 NEO2-FR
• Memory: OCZ Reaper HPC PC2-6400 CL3 4X1GB
• Video: Diamond HD 2900 XT 1GB
• Sound: Auzentech Prelude X-Fi
• Storage: Seagate Barracuda 120GB X 2 RAID 0
• PSU: Antec NEO Blue 650W Modular
• Etcetera: Windows Vista Premium 64-Bit

The front mounted fan was at a disadvantage with the sideways mounted hard drive cage pretty much blocking a direct intake of air into the case. Also, running a Quad-Core and HD 2900 will also add some extra heat into your PC. The side panel mesh did its job and I must say I was pleasantly surprised as to how well this case performed and I was even more surprised with how quietly it performed.

Quad-Cores are notoriously hot runners. My Quad is also the B3 stepping. One very important factor to take into consideration of my reported temperatures is that my heatsink is not the ideal model to cool an overclocked Quad, and the noise level while running this way was nearly silent. I cannot stress how impressed I was how well this case cooled my PC. Remember, this is only running a single 120MM intake and a single 120MM exhaust. I have to commend Gigabyte for their work on airflow while keeping it nearly silent.

Final Thoughts

Not all cases are created equal. So many factors need to be taken into account when building a PC and choosing the proper case. Personal taste very much comes into play. Ease of use is also a major factor in the decision. Finally, the quality of the case must be carefully checked to make sure your PC will like its new home.

Working on the Gigabyte iSOLO 210 was a fun experience. From the ease of installation of the main parts to the ease of properly running the wiring, I don’t really have anything truly bad to say about this case. It is a solid unit. I have built many PCs using many different grades of cases, and with the iSOLO 210 coming in around $100 (US), I have yet to come across another case that could touch the quality level of what I’ve seen here.

From the solid aluminum vented front panel, the strong secure case feet, to the rounded edges and stamped side panels, it just breathes quality. I give this case a solid 8 out of 10 rating. If you are looking for a new case with sound deadening features and good looks, give the iSOLO 210 a serious look. I dare anyone to show me a better built case for the money.

Pros
• Very inexpensive (approx $100 (US))
• Very stylish and well build
• All edges either rolled or dulled (No cut fingers!)
• Quality tool-less design
• Easy to work in and fits even the longest video cards with ease

Cons
• Airflow could be better
• Tool-less PCI holders less than stellar for some video cards
• Only 3 slots for internal hard drives

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