Xigmatek Gigas mATX Case Review

Testing :

Testing the Xigmatek Gigas was a bit different than testing the other cases I've reviewed. It still required me pushing my hardware to heat things up and as usual, testing involved recording temperatures for the CPU, GPU, chipset, hard drives, and overall system during idle and load phases. Load was simulated by running Prime95's small FFTs and 3Dmark Vantage for one hour. The maximum temperatures were recorded using HW Monitor. Unfortunately, this motherboard does not have a chipset sensor for temperature so it is left out for this review. Also, since I haven't run this board for benchmarks before I also tossed the exact same setup in my Corsair 600T for some comparison temps so you would have some idea as how it compared to a mid-tower chassis. It is important to note that each case was tested with its factory setup, including location of fans, unless otherwise noted.

Testing Setup:

• Processor: Core i7 2600K @ Stock
• CPU Cooling: Intel Stock Cooler
• Motherboard: ECS H67H2-I
• Memory: Samsung Green DDR3L 1600 2 x 4 GB
• Video Card: XFX HD 7970
• PSU: Antec TruePower New TP-750
• Hard Drive: Corsair ForceGT 240GB
• Optical Drive: N/A
• OS: Windows 7 Pro 64-Bit SP1

Comparison Cases:

• Corsair 600T

Results:

Essentially the Gigas performed nearly identical to a mid-tower chassis with comprable temps all the way through. Surprisingly enough the little holes throughout the case seemed to do something right. The GPU temperatures were actually a couple degrees lower, but then again, the 600T is known for being a bit on the warmer side. I am happy to see the equal cooling scores for this case. Even though it's a bit smaller it can still perform pretty well; being a large heatsink itself helps a bit too, I'm sure. Overall it does all right.