Testing Methodology  

We have a brand new test bench that we assembled for the 2013-2014 period! Having moved away from our trusty i7-930 and GTX 580, the new bench includes the below components: 

All of our testing is conducted in a temperature-controlled environment. Ambient is between 21C and 22C for all case airflow tests. The graphs measure temperature in Delta T over Ambient (C) - so the ambient temperature is subtracted from the component temperature.

Each test is initiated with a cold boot, where the system will sit idle for 15 minutes and collect thermal data. We use CPUID's HWMonitorPro for thermal logging and tracking. After this idle time, the system will launch a Prime95 instance running four torture threads on Large FFTs for maximum heat generation and power utilization. This is run for 15 minutes, throughout which the logging utility will collect the data we used in the below charts. Another 15 minute cool-down time (idle) is allowed after the Prime95 instance is completed, at which time an instance of FurMark launches and tortures the GPU with its 15-minute burn-in test (1080p). A final round of idle time is allowed to ensure data consistency.

All CPU thermal results are computed using Core 1 (not Core 0) due to its higher thermal reliability on our IB chip. 

Antec GX700 Optimal Case Fan Configuration Guide & Benchmark 

Before jumping to the benchmark against other cases, we'll turn toward the GX700's performance with various fan configurations.

I tested the following fan configurations for both CPU and GPU thermals (all tests were done on the 'high' setting):

• Stock: 2x140mm top (exhaust), 1x120mm rear (exhaust), 0 front, 0 side.
• Aftermarket 1: 1x120mm front (intake), 2x140mm top (exhaust), 0 rear, 0 side.
• Aftermarket 2: 1x120mm front (intake), 1x120mm side (intake), 1x140mm top (exhaust), 0 rear.
• Aftermarket 3: 1x120mm front (intake), 1x120mm side (intake), 2x140mm top (exhaust), 0 rear.

Expectations: I went into these tests expecting the stock configuration to be the worst, but also knew that the deltas between each configuration would be largely unnoticeable (and often within margin of error). To prove a point, I decided to remove one of the more expensive 140mm top exhaust fans and replace it with a 120mm side intake fan (equivalent to the stock one); this was in an effort to highlight my belief that dual intake (even with two cheaper, smaller 120mm fans) + single exhaust would outperform triple exhaust.

Results:

After running the tests, I found that there was a maximum delta of ~2C between the stock config and AFTMKT 3 (which uses 4 total fans, so more than what ships with the case). I saw a 1.5C delta between stock and my favored AFTMKT 2 configuration, which used dual 120mm intake fans and a single 140mm exhaust fan.

The lesson here? If you buy this case and care about a 1-2C swing in CPU thermals, move the stock exhaust fan to the front and set it up as intake, then consider buying / re-using a 120mm fan for the side vent.

I think the triple exhaust configuration would probably be most immediately beneficial when benchmarking with the stock AMD or Intel CPU cooler. Both CPU manufacturers' stock coolers intake in a vertical column (down onto the CPU) rather than horizontally (out the back of the case). For this reason, it might make sense to use rear exhaust to optimize the airstream for the stock cooling fan.

As for the GPU, the stock configuration is actually the best (short of adding another fan). If you've got a reliable CPU cooler and are having trouble keeping the video card cooled, stick with the stock config.

Antec GX700 vs. Rosewill R5, RAIDMAX Cobra, SilverStone KL-04, etc. 

Let's cut right to the charts:

The GX700 falls between Rosewill's R5 and RAIDMAX's Cobra when tested on high settings. This is about what we'd expect, so nothing stellar nor disappointing. If Antec were to follow my example and modify their stock fan array to utilize 2x120mm intake and 1x140mm exhaust, they'd find the GX700 resting between the Phantom 820 and Rosewill R5.

Again, we find the R5 at the top between our three budget competitors. It's important to note that our video card thermal bench only has a 5C total swing, so the differences are honestly insignificant.

Final Thoughts 

The GX700 is largely evaluated as an "above average" case. It's not something that should send you flying to Newegg's doors come Black Friday, but it's not bad, either. Realistically, the thermal differences between these cases is so minimal that decision making will primarily rest upon aesthetic preferences. If you're doing budget overclocking with a hot processor, then the thermals should be more seriously considered; if you're building a basic budget gaming PC and don't really plan to put the CPU through much abuse, then any of the cases on our bench will perform just fine.

I maintain that the build quality of the GX700—like the R5/200R—is pretty remarkable given its relative affordability. When matched against the more expensive Armor Evo? It looks like a damn masterpiece. Cable management is pretty excellent, installation is standard and easy, cooling is average to above average (depending), and the full unit is compact and tidy.

We can resolutely recommend the GX700 for anyone building a budget gaming PC.

I'd suggest looking into Corsair's 200R and Rosewill's R5 for other excellent budget options. Between these two cases and the GX700, your choice will come down to appearances.

- Steve "Lelldorianx" Burke.