discussion Thermaltake Spedo Advance Package Case Review

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Testing Methodology

Testing Methodology

System Used:

Processor: AMD Phenom X3 8750 @ Default Frequency of 2.4Ghz (Vcore increased to 1.4V to increase thermal output)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 2x 1GB PC2-8500 (Single sided models @ 2.0V and 5-5-5-15-2T timings)
Motherboard: ASUS M3A78-T (790GX/SB750 Chipset)
Video Cards: 2x ATI Radeon 3850s in Crossfire (Reference Design @ Default 668/828MHz)
Optical Disk Drive: Pioneer DVD Writer
Hard Drive: Seagate 80GB 7200RPM SATA
Heatsink: Noctua NH-C12P with NF-P12 1300RPM fan
Power Supply: Antec Signature Series 650W​

• All testing was conducted with an ambient temperature of 21°C and not permitted to deviate beyond +/- 0.5°C.
• Full system load was achieved using a combination of Prime95 v25 and Furmark for 100% CPU and GPU load. Temperature readings were taken after about 30 minutes of full-load testing and stabilization of temperatures. Idle temperature readings were taken after about 30 minutes of inactivity at the Windows desktop.
• AMD Cool’N’Quiet technology was disabled in the BIOS.
• GPU fan speed was fixed at 75% using RivaTuner on both cards for testing to ensure that fan profiling does not throw off results. CPU fan speed was also fixed at 1300RPM.
• CPU, Motherboard and HDD temperature readings were taken from Speedfan 4.37 as it provided the most realistic values compared to what is being reported by CoreTemp, AOD and PC Probe II with this particular board/CPU combination.
• GPU Temperature readings were taken from each individual GPU core using RivaTuner.
• PSU Exhaust temperature was measured using an external probe attached to the PSU exhaust fan grille.

To provide some comparison, we conducted testing in accordance with the above methodology on the recently reviewed Cooler Master Storm Sniper, as well as a case-less configuration on a “High Speed Tech Station”. The fans were left in their default configuration on the Storm Sniper, but the 120mm fan was disconnected from the Tech Station to show a truly ambient environment where only the CPU fan, PSU fan and GPU fans are providing cooling to the system.

As you’ll see shortly, we conducted several tests with the Spedo to see how it performs with and without the ATC system, as well as with and without the rear motherboard fan in place. We also conducted a GPU test without a fan connected to the “fan bar” to show you just how crucial this fan is for optimal case cooling.

 

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Cooling Performance

Cooling Performance

As you can see, the Spedo performs quite well, besting the open bench configuration, but falling short of the Storm Sniper by about three degrees. Interestingly, the ATC system seemed to do little for the Spedo when it comes to CPU cooling.

The motherboard sensor in the Asus M3A78-T is located between the two PCI-Express 16x slots, so lower temperatures read by this sensor usually equate to lower GPU temperatures. As you can see, a combination of the side-panel fan and the “fan bar” allowed the Spedo to shave a full 10°C off of our recording with the Storm Sniper. Interestingly, all of that ATC plastic really does seem to make a difference. The GPU thermal chamber clearly helped to direct air from the front to back of the case.

Since our two HD 3850s are not identical, GPU1 is always a few degrees toastier than GPU2. Please note that this has more to do with the cards themselves than their relative positioning in the case.

Although the motherboard sensor told us that the Spedo reduced the temperature between the GPUs, the GPU cores themselves were not cooled as effectively as they were in the Storm Sniper. In fact, even the open bench test, with no case fans whatsoever did better. This was a bit surprising as the massive 230mm fan, and the 120mm fan on the “fan bar” seemed like overkill when compared to the relatively simple cooling configuration employed by the Storm Sniper. Clearly more, louder fans does not always equate to better overall cooling performance as we’ve proven in this test.

On a positive note, the GPU thermal chamber certainly did improve our GPU temperatures. As air flows from the “fan bar” fan, it is forced to follow a path across both GPUs and out the rear of the case. Without the chamber, this fan’s output is simply not as “directed”. This is pretty significant, as the massive side panel fan isn’t nearly as effective with the ATC cover in place.

With the GPUs at idle, there is very little difference between all four configurations. Once again, we see that the Spedo doesn’t cool the GPUs as well without the ATC system.

 

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Cooling Performance pg.2

Cooling Performance cont.

Hard drive cooling is an often overlooked aspect of case cooling, but it is perhaps one of the most important. It is a fact that hard drives kept cool outlive hard drives that run at higher temperatures. This becomes even more important with high-RPM drives like the Western Digital Raptor series. As you can see, the drive in the open bench configuration received no active cooling, and quickly exceeded 40°C. The Thermaltake Spedo and Cooler Master Sniper have actively cooled hard drive cages that are very effective at keeping the drive temperature down.

In this particular test, the Thermaltake ATC system didn’t benefit the hard drive. This is expected, as the drive cages sit in front of the plastic dividers.

When it comes to PSU temperature, both the Sniper and Spedo perform very similarly. Once again, we’re pleasantly surprised by the ATC system, as it was able to shave off a full degree from the load and idle temperature of the PSU exhaust. This may not seem too significant, but it was definitely measurable.

As we mentioned earlier, we removed the fan from the “fan bar” and installed it behind the motherboard tray to see how actively cooling the rear of the motherboard would impact CPU temperature. To our genuine surprise, it made a very significant improvement. Idle temperature dropped three degrees, and a full five degrees was shaved at load. We’d whole-heartedly recommend that this feature be taken advantage of. Just about any 120mm fan in this location would make a worthwhile addition.

To show just how crucial that “fan bar” fan is, we ran a quick CPU/GPU load test without it. As you can see, load temperatures really shot up beyond acceptable levels. Thermaltake really doesn’t do a very good job explaining where and why to mount the fan, but as you can see from our testing, its location is essential when used in conjunction with the ATC system.

 

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Conclusion

Conclusion

It has been a fun journey tearing this case down and putting it back together, so let’s recap.

When it comes to aesthetics, beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder. With that said, we think that the Spedo strikes a nice balance when it comes to styling and that it will likely appeal to most buyers. Those interested in an aggressive looking case certainly won’t be disappointed, but those interested in simplistic styling will also appreciate the subtleties like the clean looking front panel and the painted black interior.

Perhaps some of the best aspects of the Thermaltake Spedo are in the cable management department. We love the pin-contact power connector for the removable side panel. Anyone who has used another case with a side panel fan knows how frustrating it can be to connect and disconnect the fan. Another great feature is Thermaltake’s CRM system. Although it’s nothing more than some plastic shields and intelligently placed zip-ties, it made routing cables behind the motherboard tray simple while keeping things clean. The Spedo’s sheer size also makes it a pleasure to work with in this regard.

From a performance perspective, we were pleasantly surprised by Thermaltake’s ATC system. At first, we were very sceptical as it is little more than some plastic dividers and a movable fan. Clearly our scepticism was misplaced, as it provided some measurable improvement in both GPU and PSU temperatures. Even more impressive than the ATC system is the rear motherboard tray fan, which shaved a full five degrees off of our Phenom processor at load. Now that is definitely a feature for Thermaltake to boast about.

Although there is no denying that the Spedo and its ATC system are very capable performers when it comes to keeping a higher end system cool, we couldn’t help but feel that Thermaltake should have taken a more graceful approach to cooling in the Spedo. Considering the fact that five fans are crammed into the Spedo, – not even considering optional fans - it really didn’t do much better than the Cooler Master Storm Sniper that employs a much more simplified cooling approach. Another big issue with the Spedo’s cooling system is noise. One would definitely expect a case with more fans to be a bit louder, but the Spedo is very loud in comparison to the Storm Sniper and even the SilverStone Fortress FT01. The side panel fan was especially loud for some reason. Buyers looking for a quiet case will not be pleased with the Thermaltake Spedo.

Noise issues aside, the biggest problem with the Spedo Advance is its build quality. To be perfectly honest, we expected a lot better in a $250 case. This case had quite a few parts that simply made it feel “cheap”. From the plastic door handle, to the hard drive cadies, to the punch-out slot covers, to the ATC components, to the 230mm fans—and the list goes on. Other premium case manufacturers have set the bar pretty high in this regard, and Thermaltake will definitely have to improve things if they want to stay competitive in the premium enclosure market. It is either that, or they’ll have to greatly reduce the cost of their enclosures. It just seems really unfortunate because the overall structure of the case, and the exterior plastic panels are really quite sturdy. We only wish they continued this level of quality in all aspects of the case.

Overall we think that Thermaltake is on to something good with the Spedo Advance Package, but it really needs to be refined. We’re afraid that there are similar performing cases out there that offer better quality and lower noise at the ~$250 price point.


Pros:

- Very spacious interior
- Excellent cable management features
- Rear socket fan very functional and can lower CPU temperature significantly
- ATC cooling system is functional and helps to lower GPU and PSU temperatures
- Good overall cooling performance


Cons:

- Build quality of plastic components and fans
- Side panel fan is way too loud
- Drive caddy clips don’t work very well
- Punch-out slot covers a real disappointment
- Too expensive

Thanks to Thermaltake for sending us this case​