For the test setup we have to thank first of all Tones for supplying us with the Intel i7-4770K CPU and the ASUS Z97 mITX Impact motherboard. The installed hardware for the temperature tests comprised of following parts:
Since we had one of Thermalright's low profile coolers in the lab we installed it for the photo shoot. Sadly for the temperature tests we had to replace it again with the boxed Intel cooler. The Thermalright NH-L9X65 was just a tad too high to perfectly blend in within the Node 202 case. A shame really as this cooler is designed to operate at lower temperatures while remaining way more silent than the boxed Intel solution.
The biggest issue with all these cramped enclosures is to find a decent way of tucking away the cables. One advantage of the included Integra PSU is that the cables are perfectly matching the layout of the Node 202. Sadly the Fractal engineers overlooked to shorten the USB 3.0 and audio connector cable: these seem to come straight from a normal midi case and thus increase the cable management workload big time.
Let us start off with the processor temperatures: in comparison with the other cases in the lineup the idle temperatures are quite okay. However once the CPU got stressed it easily generated up to 10°C more than the other mITX compatible enclosures. It has to be mentioned that the competition here has superior and active airflow provided by the included fans. The Fractal Node 202 has none of that and relies completely on the vents and cut-outs foreseen. Maybe a Intel Core i5 would be a more practical choice, especially regarding generated heat.
When we move onto the graphics card we spot a similar behavior, idle temps are acceptable, but the load temps are way higher than the rest plus the GPU fan runs at a higher rpm rate to keep things within safe limits. Looking at both temperature results we really feel this case needs a little airflow to really show its "gaming" potential. Due to its slim design one can hardly install a normal sized 25mm below the GPU, unless the latter is a single slot version.
Noise wise, the most disturbing noise came definitely from either the boxed Intel fan or from the high rpm spinning GPU fan. The PSU fan of the Integra 450W remained well at acceptable noise levels. Now to be honest if the budget permits an aftermarket low profile CPU cooler would be advisable. Also the choice of the graphics card requires some research. The Fractal Node 202 in combination with a high end & high wattage GPU is just looking for trouble.
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