FreakOfNature said:What were the conditioins they put in place?
It would be interesting if someone could run a fully loaded system ( high end proc, sli, 3-4 raptors, 4gb ram, 2 roms) in all of the sff cases and see which stock case keeps the system the coolest. It seems like all the typical sff cases can hold the same gear (well except for varrying clearances on the processor fan heatsink). I'd be willing to bet the temps wouldn't very by more than a few degrees and that in the end you're paying for aesthetics.
I have already tried out this configuration successfully in my SG01-E and QMICRA. The QMICRA definitely does a better job cooling due to the front - back airflow and the fact that you can use a Zalman CNPS9500 .
After my QMICRA review is published, next up I am working on a "shootout" article using a similar setup to what you mention above: SLI, Raptors, and different CPU coolers in the QMICRA, SG01-E and Micro Fly