Silverstone SG07 SUGO Series Mini-ITX Computer Enclosure Review

Silverstone SG-07 Thermal Testing

First, I let the system settle at desktop while rummaging through some files like regular folks do when checking pictures and email. Not to taxing, but it gives us a good baseline temperature average of the system. Next, both FurMark and OCCT were executed to completely load up the system to get the CPU and VGA really hot.

What we see here is that the SG07’s large 180mm cooling fan kicks thermal butt. That single cooling fan directs very large amounts of cool air on to the motherboard and throughout the rest of components. Unfortunately for the GTX480 video card, the reference heat sink doesn’t benefit from any of that air flow.

Silverstone SG07 Noise Measurements

The ambient room noise was about 12dB with other time sensitive projects going on in their prospective area. It’s obviously not complete lab perfect environment, but we’re educated enough to do the math and still give you respectable results. Noise was measure from 12 inches away from target.

The SG07 by itself actually produces only about 17dB on low and 28dB of noise on high. So, the case actually blocks a bit more noise than expected. This is a good thing given that the GTX480 can be a near 50dB monster under the poorest conditions. However, the SG07 does keep air moving efficiently enough that this system didn’t top 43dB. With the right components, the SG07 will be nearly silent.

Testing the SST-ST60F-SG Power Supply

Since the PSU carries an 80Plus Bronze efficiency, the PSU was put through the standard paces keeping an eye on noise, ripple, and output efficiency. Results were tabulated and monitored at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% load. Obviously, this isn’t an ideal scientific lab setting with the best equipment, but it will more than suffice. Here is what the PSU did for us.

The PSU’s single 12V rail design does have its benefits. The PSU held its 80Plus Bronze efficiency and maintained voltages easily enough. A low ripple smaller than many average “good” power supplies was detected mostly towards the limit which isn’t enough to cause worry. In fact, even if you added a component to every available cable plug, the PSU would keep up. This is really all that matters right?

Final Thoughts

Overall, I like the presentation of the SG07 much more than the original SG05 which we reviewed months ago. While the SG05 is great in its own right, offering a 400 watt PSU along with a slightly more compact design, the SG07 reveals that Silverstone really listens to its users. The SG07 delivers more space, more refinements, and plenty of cooling. It definitely helps keep the components cooler more efficiently than before.

Unlike the SG05, users are no longer limited to certain video cards due to power constraints. With reliable power on hand at all times, the 600 watt PSU removes any system limitations and gives users the tools need to create a powerful little gaming system with confidence. There are some bragging rights to having a nice mini-ITX system that will play every video game, stream every HD movie, and format your favorite media. Now if only the SG07 came in white, silver, or red for that $209.99 US price tag!

Pros