Swiftech Quiet Power P180 Case Review :: Conclusion

There are many good things about this cooling system and case combination that will make it great for many different users and applications. For the overclocker this solution is not the best you can get system for keeping your CPU at its lowest potential temperature. You can get decent results depending on the CPU you are using, for instance if you are running a very hot running Prescott the system will be taxed just to keep it cool, on the other hand if you are running a cooler by nature CPU your results may prove very adequate. We tried four different CPUs in our test setup and we were satisfied with the efficiency of the unit. Our main task was to use the new Core2 X6800 Extreme CPU in a closed case running in silent mode, it handled this task impeccably. The CPU runs at a very cool 18 degrees Celsius at Idle and 23 degrees Celsius under a full load with the CPU clocked at stock settings.

Is the Q-Power P180 system perfect, no what is and here are the flaws we encountered during our week of testing and swapping out of CPUs. The first thing we had a problem with was getting those pesky side panels on and off of the case, the second was how much room was available inside the case once the system was totally put together, and lastly the neoprene tubing had to be custom cut so it would stop getting a kink in the line and blocking the flow of liquid. That being said, the most important one to me is the lack of available space inside the case once everything is installed.

Why? Well the CPU may be liquid cooled but the motherboard its chipsets and the other parts in the system all create heat, hence the need for airflow throughout the case, airflow was definitely not at its best here, especially around the VGA card. This is a deterrent to overall overclocking as heat is by far the biggest enemy in an overclocked situation. The VGA card ran especially hot in this setup and failed at even moderate overclocking due to overheating problems. Moderate overclocking of the CPU itself was not really an issue in any instance, but the rest of the system was not as well cooled and that is a factor in the overall success of system overclocking.

Here is the thing though, this case was not designed or intended for extreme overclocking, period. I only write these things as many users will still ask the questions of how well it works regardless of design intent, and so these answers are for you. In the end the bottom line is this: The Swiftech Quiet Power P180 is silent running, it keeps your CPU running very cool in most instances and is ergonomic to the end user installing his/her system. Overall the systems few flaws do not deter the functionality or performance of the P180 in any large sense. I was very happy with the P180 and it's now the case I use for my business and development system. For what the unit is interned for, the Swiftech Quiet Power P180 covers its bases and runs silent like a deep sea nuclear submarine. I give this product an Editors Choice Award due to the fact that after a few weeks of having a silent PC, my other systems sound like a noise pollution dump in comparison, silence is golden once you get used to it trust me. Good job Swiftech!

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