Enclosure Raijintek Ophion Evo with aluminium side panel - better than glass?

neepheid

Efficiency Noob
Original poster
May 31, 2020
7
1
Hi folks

I'm beginning the research stage for my first SFF build and I'm coming to the end of my enclosure research. I've taken quite a liking to the Raijintek Ophion Evo case - I know it barely qualifies as SFF but I'm attracted to it because it has room for water cooling, it's got the back to back layout, still looks nice/well made and it doesn't cost £200.

A question arises - I note that you can get replacement aluminium side panels which are ventilated in the traditional way (ie. with holes) and I was wondering if anyone had any experience with using them instead of the standard glass. How does it affect cooling (particularly GPU side)? How does it affect acoustics? I'm guessing you'd mount these flush with the case instead of standing them off a few mms like the glass ones are.

Grateful for any input.

Matt