SPCR

I've gotten my PC to be pretty quiet after some work. But I'm still using an antique Chieftec Dragon case... So I would very much like to upgrade to a better silent case. So in my budget range I've found two serious contenders - Antec Solo and Fractal Designs Define R3.

What I like about the Antec is the HD mount. Is it possible to mod something similar in the Define? Besides that point I think I like the Define better overall (looks more modern, PSU at the bottom etc.). All things equal (same hardware, fans etc.), is the Define as good at silencing as the Solo?

what are the specs of your machine? or planned specs?

The Antec Solo is now to small to fit most modern video cards and heatsinks your way better off with the Define R3 for this reason.

Thanks for the replies! I'm now 99% sure I want the Define R3.

Specs are:
- Intel Q6600 @ stock speed
- Thermalright Ultima-90 cooler w/ Scythe S-Flex fan
- Nvidia 9600 GT passive
- Corsair VX450W (I also have a HX520W, but I think I damaged the fan by vacuuming it...)
- 1 tb Samsung drive (7200 rpm) + 500 gb Seagate drive (7200 rpm)
- S-Flex fan in the back

Besides: top exhaust fan, 120 mm fan compatibility throughout the case, fan controller, room behind motherboard for PSU cables (!!!), more room inside case (and graphics card)

If only it had the same hard drive mounting as the Solo.

Now I just have a luxury problem: Which color to get?! I really like the Titanium Grey, but I saw the all black one on youtube and it looks quite nice as well... so many choices, sigh.

The R3 has a space next to the PSU for a bottom fitted 140mm fan. Given your system spec I would suggest that you fill that space with the Fractal Design 140mm Silent Series fan which runs at 600 rpm, is effectively silent at that speed and pushes about as much air as a 120mm running at 1000 rpm.

I got the Define R3 and I'm very satisfied. It's possible to suspend the harddrives as well, so all in all I'm a happy camper.

I ended up getting the black version because it was the cheapest, and it looks great.

If I were to build another computer right now, I'd most likely pick the Define R3 too. Which is sad because I do love my current solo, but the deficiencies would be too much in a future build. Antec only needs to make a few major improvements to have an awesome case on their hands, but nope, nothing done. You'd figure they'd want more business from us, not ugly gamer cases like the Dark Fleet.