Sonata III vs P183 vs 300 vs Fractal Design Define R3 vs ???

Enclosures and acoustic damping to help quiet them.

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Dreamliner
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:01 pm

Sonata III vs P183 vs 300 vs Fractal Design Define R3 vs ???

Post by Dreamliner » Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:23 pm

I need some help with finding a new case. I'm condensing a RAID server and my HTPC into a single HTPC computer.

1.) My HTPC System: i5-760, ATI HD5850, Asus P7P55D-E, 8GB DDR3, 4x 2TB WD Caviar Black in RAID 5, 1x 1TB Caviar Black

2.) I have a HTPC in a Antec Sonata III Case (Likes: Sleek, Quiet | Dislike: Poor HDD cooling)

3.) I had a server holding a 4 HDD Raid 5 + System HDD in a Antec 300 Case (Likes: Sleek, phenomenal cooling | Dislike: bit too noisy for HTPC)

4.) I setup my system in a Antec P183 ...for now. (Likes: Sleek | Dislike: No exhaust for lower compartment, noisy top fan, 5850 barely fits)

Requirements:

1.) Direct fan cooling covering all 5 Hard Drives

2.) Quiet

3.) Covered Optical Bays

4.) Nothing that glows or has a window.


I've looked at the Fractal Design Define R3 but have heard mixed things....What I really want is a Antec 300 wrapped in a Antec P183 :P

Help. :?

Dreamliner
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:01 pm

Re: Sonata III vs P183 vs 300 vs Fractal Design Define R3 vs

Post by Dreamliner » Tue Jun 07, 2011 9:00 am

I think I'm going to get the Define R3...Seems to be similar to the 300 with many sound deadening features. Almost like the Sonata, 300 and P183 all ran into each other. 8)

bozar
Posts: 305
Joined: Thu Aug 14, 2008 10:49 pm
Location: Sweden

Re: Sonata III vs P183 vs 300 vs Fractal Design Define R3 vs

Post by bozar » Tue Jun 07, 2011 10:18 am

Modify a Antec 300, HDD cage can be set much wider which allows for suspension. Dampen with floor vinyl or bitumen as well. Undervolt all fans in case.

Dreamliner
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:01 pm

Re: Sonata III vs P183 vs 300 vs Fractal Design Define R3 vs

Post by Dreamliner » Tue Jun 07, 2011 11:18 am

^^Do you think that would be quieter than the Fractal Design Define R3?

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