Performance

For testing, I decided to use OCCT. OCCT will allow me to stress-test the CPU and graph temperatures and voltages accordingly. After the CPU had been running for about 24 hours, I started OCCT and let it run for an hour.

Over the course of an hour, the CPU never hit 60°C, but typically hovered between 55°C and 58°C, which isn't bad. However, a 30°C jump from idle to full load isn't exactly what we like to see. I'll give the Katana II credit for keeping the temperature below 60°C, but I'd like to see this gap drop much more.

To be completely honest, I never noticed a change in sound coming from this PC. Previously installed was a Xigmatek HDT-S1283, and I don't think the sound level increased or decreased when moving to the Katana II. It's quiet.