Metallic Gear Neo V2: Higher quality for a fair price

Testing methodology

Did you know that under the auspices of Phanteks cheaper PC cases are also made? You can find them under the less resounding brand Metallic Gear. We have received a case for testing labeled Neo V2. It’s been on the market for about a year, but it still hasn’t lost its charm and still looks like a good buy. Although there are always some imperfections, that’s why we’re bringing you this review.

Testing methodology

With the two fans supplied, you can’t expect much, especially if the top is closed. For more variety and an idea of where it is better to have fans located, I will test two versions of the layout. First one factory-supplied, 2× for suction in the front of the case. The second option is to move the lower fan to the back of the case for exhaustion. I moved the bottom one to this place. This adjustment is also suitable when you need to install a graphics card longer than 320 mm.

Testing runs at home environment, where I try to get the most accurate results. During the testing, the air temperature in front of the case is 23 degrees Celsius and the minimum noise that I can measure with the Voltcraft SL-100 sound level meter is 32.8 dBA. The sound level meter sensor is aligned to the center of the top of the case at a distance of 15 cm, for the best possible measurement of the difference in fan speed, which I adjust using the motherboard. For easy comparison to other cases, they are always regulated to fixed noise levels.

The individual components are heated for 10 minutes in FurMark synthetic load tests and in parallel with Prime95 (custom settings). This time is long enough for all components to heat up sufficiently. Between the tests, there are then 15-minute cooling breaks, during which the temperatures of the components (and also the temperature of the air in the case) return to the initial level.

Noise level modes:

• 36 dBA
• 38 dBA
• 39 dBA

• Contents
• Packaging and exterior
• When thicker cables are omitted
• Testing methodology
• Tests of CPU and GPU cooling
• Tests of motherboard cooling
• Tests of SSD cooling and heating under the top wall
• Conclusion