Review of Montech HS02 Pro Case: Focus on GPU Thermal Performance
Montech's HS02 Pro: A Case Focused on GPU Cooling and Quiet Operation
Montech's HS02 Pro case, the successor to the HS01 Pro, is renowned for its excellent airflow, thanks to its design. However, compared to other premium cases, it tends to have weaker CPU thermals due to its bottom intake for airflow rather than a front intake.
In the updated testing methodology, only four cases were initially tested, with more to be added as time permits. The HS02 Pro took the lead for the best GPU thermals among the cases tested, maintaining this position even when compared to the APNX C1 case.
The HS02 Pro's pre-installed fans are designed for airflow and cooling, making it effective at cooling power-hungry GPUs like Nvidia’s RTX 5080. However, these fans can be noisier at full rpm compared to quieter premium cases that employ more sound-dampening features or larger, slower fans for the same airflow. For instance, the Antec Flux SE mid-tower case offers excellent noise performance due to sound-dampening foam and optimized fan placement.
Despite the higher noise levels, the HS02 Pro's GPU runs at the quietest speeds of any case tested, with a speed of 1383 RPMs. It's worth noting that most users considering the HS02 Pro are likely to be using liquid-cooled AIOs, which require less case airflow to be effective.
The HS02 Pro's design prioritizes the cooling of power-hungry GPUs, as evidenced by its bottom intake and dual exhaust fans. This focus contributes to chart-topping graphics card temperatures. However, the performance in CPU thermal tests may appear underwhelming due to the case's design focus.
For users seeking stronger CPU thermal performance with the HS02 Pro, it's advised to install an AIO instead of an air cooler. Installing an AIO can provide the best possible thermal performance for CPU temperatures.
In summary, the HS02 Pro delivers strong GPU cooling suitable for power-hungry cards like the RTX 5080, but CPU thermal performance usually lags behind top-tier cases. The case's noise levels at full fan speed tend to be higher than quieter, premium cases. Cases like the Lian Li Lancool 217 and Antec Flux SE balance thermal performance and noise better, achieving lower CPU temperatures and quieter operation at comparable GPU cooling levels. Therefore, while the HS02 Pro is ideal for maximizing GPU cooling and quiet operation, it may not achieve the best CPU thermals or offer the lowest noise levels compared to other premium cases. Users prioritizing quiet operation or balanced CPU cooling might prefer alternatives like the Lancool 217 or Antec Flux SE.
In contrast to its strong focus on cooling power-hungry GPUs, smart-home devices and other gadgets might find the technology in the HS02 Pro case less suitable, as its design prioritizes airflow and cooling for graphics cards over other components. Despite the case offering chart-topping temperatures for graphics cards, users seeking a smart-home device that can operate quietly might prefer cases like the Lian Li Lancool 217 or Antec Flux SE, both known for their balanced thermal performance and noise levels, making them more compatible with quieter operation required by such devices.
