So far we have seen that the Nitro Elite has a lot to offer aesthetically and functionality-wise. Now let's see if it can keep your system cool during this extremely hot summer.

Using MSI PC Doctor, we monitor CPU and Chassis temperature. We monitor our hard drive temperature using a Mac Power Digital Doc 5.

Test System and Conditions

Nitro Elite Case
Maxtor ATA133 HD
2 x Athlon XP 1700+ processors
Ambient room temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 26 degrees Celsius

First we will be monitoring the system, CPU and hard drive temperatures without the front and rear cooling fans running. I let the system run Sandra CPU and Hard Drive tests for ten minutes before recording the results.

The chassis and CPU temperatures are within normal operating conditions when the fans are turned off. I am, however, concerned with the hard drive temperature. When the front intake fan is not running, the hard drive overheats. Once we place one of the rear fans in the front so that it blows over the hard drive, the hard drive runs at a comfortable 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately the way that the fans are installed when they come from the factory does not promote optimal airflow. As I stated before, it would be best to position one of the rear fans as a front-intake fan. While the aluminum material that the case is made of draws heat away, intake fans are the only was to draw cool air from outside of the case.

Overall, the Nitro Elite did a decent job of cooling my system once I repositioned one of the fans to an intake position. If this were done at the factory I wouldn't have any qualms.

Conclusion

If you have yet to purchase an aluminum case for cost reasons, then this may be the perfect time. The Nitro Elite is inexpensive, offers tons of expansion, and looks great. The only problems that stick out were the stubborn hard drive cages and the fan positioning. The power supply unit wasn't the greatest, but at the price of the case, you can't really complain. The thing that really impresses me about this case was the window. I have never seen a better window installation, whether it was from a factory or custom case store. Whether you are a fan of the Antec SX1030 or if you are searching for a case that looks great while offering impressive functionality, the Nitro Elite is for you. I think it also important to note that the Nitro Elite has replaced the Antec SX1030B as my primary case.

PROS

Inexpensive
High Quality Window
Tons of expansion capability
Lockable doors
Looks great

CONS

Low quality PSU included
Fan placement not optimal
Stubborn hard drive cages

NOT THEIR FAULT

My UPS driver goes on rallies with his truck before he delivers my packages, so when they get here they are damaged. I told him to take it easy, but we all know how rallies are.

BOTTOM LINE

If you are in the market for a new case take a very close look at The Nitro Elite from Silver Bullet PC. If you decide to order it from them they will throw in a Cold Cathode for $5. Just call them up, tell them Viper's Lair sent you, and you're set.

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