Ultra Grid Mid-Tower Case w/ 700W XVS PSU Conclusion

Test Setup

The installation of the Grid case and XVS power supply included the following components:

• Motherboard: ECS KN1 SLI Lite
• CPU: AMD Athlon X2 3800+ Dual-Core
• Memory: 2GB Corsair TWINX (2x1GB) DDR RAM
• CPU Heatsink: Spire VertiCool IV
• Video card: EVGA 7900GT with 93.71 driver version
• Hard drive: Western Digital 250GB SATA2 16MB cache
• Optical drive: NEC 8X DVD-R DVD burner
• Power supply: Ultra XVS 700W
• Case: Ultra Grid with clear side window

To test the Grid case and the power supply, three aspects were evaluated. The first is the temperature readings of the CPU, hard disk drives and video cards under full load conditions. The second is the amount of noise from the case fans and other internal components in the case. Finally, a digital multimeter was used to measure the fluctuations in power of the 3.3V, 5V and 12V rails of the power supply. Test readings were taken directly from a MOLEX connector during idle and load conditions. Measurements were taken at idle and load for the 3.3V, 5V and 12V rails. The idle measurements were taken when the computer had booted to the BIOS screen only, and load measurements were taken after running Folding@Home and a game (Quake IV or F.E.A.R.) simultaneously for 1 hour. All temperature readings are reported in celsius.

Running the case and power supply through this barrage of tests will give you a good idea as to whether or not this should be the case / power supply combo for your next PC build.

Performance

Throughout the testing and evaluation process the 700 watt XVS power supply performed well and was 100% reliable. During the 4 weeks of testing, I did not experience any problems at all and my system was completely stable. As you can see from the test results below, the voltage supplied was well within tolerance limits. The highest difference in terms of percentage change between idle and load was the 5V rail, but .11 volt difference is not especially concerning.

In the noise department, the 120mm fans were just too loud for my tastes. Running each fan at full speed produced an audible whine that added to the noise from the internal case components. The CPU air duct and the other air vent do provide extra air to the CPU and the video card, and the FlexForce cables do make it easier to clean up the internal power cable routing, but the extra air did not do a whole lot to reduce CPU or hard drive temperatures. The test results show a minimal bonus versus the competition in the form of slightly lower video card temperatures, but it comes at the expense of additional noise allowed to escape from the side case openings. I had to reduce the fan speed of the VertiCool IV to the lowest setting before the noise from the other fans drowned out the CPU fan noise. This may be an acceptable trade-off for some people - higher noise for better temperatures - but the ideal case and power supply should be able to deliver both.

I do not have the necessary equipment to test efficiency ratings, but the XVS power supply is rated at 78% efficiency. This is a reasonable rating given the price tag and the performance of the XVS series of power supplies. You can certainly find other power supplies that are more efficient, but you should expect to pay a higher price tag for it.

Motherboard installed	All components installed	Side window

Final Thoughts

At a retail price of $179 and an approximate street price of $150, the Ultra Grid case with 700W XVS modular PSU does provide a good value case / power supply combo package, although not an outstanding value. A separately purchased case and power supply of equally high-quality can be found for the same or less money, although you will have to install the power supply yourself. In terms of functionality and expandability, the Grid does an admirable job with a well laid out case design, easy access to internal drive bays and external 5.25" drives and an easy to open front bezel. However, a motherboard tray would have rounded out the case design very nicely.

The Grid has good cooling capabilities with the two 120mm fans that move a lot of air through the case. However, the noise from these fans, as well as the noise from other components that leaks out from the CPU duct and the air vent, are a big minus in the functionality department. Finally, the high-gloss finish and clear acrylic window give the case a very sleek look and a great opportunity to showcase your internal lighting and wiring within your PC.

Ultra Grid Mid-Tower Case w/700W XVS Power Supply

Pros: Expandability and power for the price, nice styling, lifetime warranty, attention to detail with the internal layout.

Cons: Noise easily escapes the case, prone to fingerprints, tool-less drive latches are a bit flimsy, no Firewire port.

The Verdict: The Grid does deserve praise for its value price of $180, nice looks, solid build and attention to internal layout details - but its other shortfalls, particularly in the noise department, limit it from receiving a higher rating or any Top Review Shop award.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

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