SPCR

Hey all...

So awhile back I built my OrigenAE-cased HTPC, and am pretty happy with it (it's not silent, but with the specs I wanted it to have, it is just gonna be a little bit noisy, unfortunately).

Now, I want to replace my aging desktop machine and old laptop (I split multimedia and engineering work between them, but want to combine them) with a single, pretty quiet, yet powerful computer. I don't game, just need something powerful for multimedia transcoding, ripping/burning, and heavy-duty software engineering projects (eg. running database, a couple of servers, etc. on one machine). It also should be roomy enough to take a lot of add-on boards, drives, etc.

I don't want to shop around too much, just want something that's generally good; it doesn't have to be the Rolls Royce of cases, but something that's quieter than average.

Looking at what they have at http://www.endpcnoise.com , I'm thinking of the well-known Antec P182. Seems to fit the bill, generally good, vetted by folks here, etc.

Does that seem like a good choice? Any suggestions for something that fits the bill? Again, no need for "EXTREME GAMING RIG, WOOHOO!" kind of stuff, just a good, basic but well-built case.

- Tim

Hi,

you could also consider the Antec P150/Solo/Sonata Plus. Compared to the P182 both cases have their pro's and con's, there are a few threads on that on here though so I won't bother going into detail (a search through the forums should find a few good threads comparing the two).

Perhaps the biggest relevant difference between the two might be the space for drives, the P182 has 11 drive bays versus the Solo's 8 (7 if using the suspension method of mounting the HD's). On the other hand, suspending the hard drives will reduce HD noise nicely.

tuz wrote:Hi,

you could also consider the Antec P150/Solo/Sonata Plus. Compared to the P182 both cases have their pro's and con's, there are a few threads on that on here though so I won't bother going into detail (a search through the forums should find a few good threads comparing the two).

Perhaps the biggest relevant difference between the two might be the space for drives, the P182 has 11 drive bays versus the Solo's 8 (7 if using the suspension method of mounting the HD's). On the other hand, suspending the hard drives will reduce HD noise nicely.

Thanks for your suggestions; I guess I was also wondering if I should choose a major, mainstream manufacturer like Antec, or something more high-end, like Silverstone, Lian Li, etc. Those high-end one certainly look nice, but I wonder if their construction are in general better than ones like Antec produces. When I built my HTPC, I wanted something very finished-looking and well designed internally, which I got with my OrigenAE case; I just wonder if I should be looking at that level of case for my next tower build.

- Tim

I certainly prefer to work on Lian-Li cases compared to Antec. Much nicer in every way, but then you do pay more for it. If i was in the market for a tower case right now i would probably go with the Lian-Li PC-B25B. Nice, simple door, Two 120mm intake fans a and one 120mm exhaust. You can choose the orientation of the HDD cage also, or remove it completely. The intake restriction should be comparable to the P180, judging from pictures.

As for Silverstone, i have a rather high-end Silverstone TJ-07, and the build quality on that is not as nice as my much cheaper Lian-Li 6077.

Chenbro SR11169 or SR209.

Simple looks, but built like a tank.

You can get either for under US$100

aztec wrote:Chenbro SR11169 or SR209.

Simple looks, but built like a tank.

You can get either for under US$100

If this suits, also check out the CoolerMaster Centurion 5
Tested here by SPCR

I can only say good things about my new A20, but damn did I have to pay for it. My A16 is great, as well, but is taking more work to silence. I've just started with the A20, but with careful consideration going in, it doesn't take much more than a normal build.