Which one of these cases is a better choice?

kktk · Post by **kktk** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 3:20 pm

I am planning to build a P4 3.0 system with a
ASUS 875P Chipset Motherboard for Intel Socket 478 CPU.

The qualities I am looking for in the case are in this order:
1. LOW Noise.
2. Cool and ventilated.
3. Front end USB.
4. Built in temp display.

As long as my case is REALLY quiet, and cool, I will be more than happy.
The rest are just added bonuses. Mid size would do. If buying a tower helps keeping it cooler...that;s fine too. I dont mind getting a seperate power supply if the case does not have one.

From what I have found, these are the ones that I like.

So which one is the best buy for MY needs?

1. Thermaltake Highest Xaser III Super Tower Case, Model "V2000A"
2. ANTEC Life Style Series Black Case With 380W Power Supply, Model "SONATA"
3. ANTEC Performance Plus Case with 430W Power Supply, Model "PLUS1080AMG"
4. Cooler Master Wave Master Case without Power Supply, Model "TAC-T01-E1C"
5. ANTEC Silver Aluminum Performance 1 Series ATX Mid-Tower Case with Side Window Panel, Model "P-160WF"
6. Some LIAN-LI case not listed here??

Thanks for the replies.
K

loren_brothers · Post by **loren_brothers** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 3:37 pm

I did #5 (without the side window, shag that). I had a few gripes with it, but you can't beat the sharp looks, excellent ventilation (lousy fans tho), great interior lay-out with lots of working room, and overall 'quiet'-ness design. Not to forget to mention the front USB2/firewire and temp monitors and 'purdy blue lites" to boot!

Everyone who has seen my case has just oooowed and aaaaawed over it.
Of course that ain't saying much since I live on an island where sheep out-number the people!

Post by **NeilBlanchard** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 3:40 pm

Hello:

It's #4 that may throw you. I'm not too sure that any of the cases meet your #1 & #2 requirements! How about the Ahanix "Black Knight"?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe ... 126&depa=1

You'll have to choose a quiet PS with an 80mm rear fan, but it comes with two Yate Loon 120mm fans, front USB, front temp readout, and also a built in fan controller.

kktk · Post by **kktk** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 5:06 pm

Neil, what about #4 do u think will throw me? or throw me off??

Never saw the BLack Knight case...will check it out.

No one going for the Lian Li ones?

K

PiSan · Post by **PiSan** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 5:32 pm

Lian Li are nice, but I still haven't seen a reason to justify their costs.

I personally have the Black Knight and I'm happy with it. Since I've never used your other considerations I can't make a comparison, but dual 120s and a awesome drive cover make it very appealing.

sthayashi · Post by **sthayashi** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 8:07 pm

People have complained that aluminum cases transmit hard drive vibrations better than steel cases. Hence the lack of Lian-Li recommended cases.

That said, NONE of the cases provide the best hard drive mounting solutions for quiet PCs. Some form of suspension is the best way to go in that regard. Ultimately, the components you put inside the case will have a bigger impact on noise than the case itself, so SPCR users usually strive for cases with excellent airflow over cases that are slightly quieter overall.

In that regard, I would give some consideration to the Antec SLK-3700AMB or BQE. Though if costs are not an issue, you may wish to give the Zalman TNN-500A some thought.

EDIT: I agree with NeilBlanchard. Requiring #4 will severely limit your case options. I would look into an aftermarket temperature monitoring solution, or consider using a software option like Motherboard Monitor 5.

Post by **Ralf Hutter** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 8:47 am

With this:

kktk wrote:
4. Built in temp display.

as a requirement, only one of your 5 choices is suitable:

kktk wrote: 5. ANTEC Silver Aluminum Performance 1 Series ATX Mid-Tower Case withOUT Side Window Panel, Model "P-160WF"

because it's the only one with a built-in temp display.

If you can forego the temp display requirement, I'd go with the Sonata of all the ones you listed, or the 3700AMB/BQE-6A19-D8000 series if you want to include somthing that wasn't on your initial list.

kktk · Post by **kktk** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 11:19 am

ok folks, what If I were to forego the #4 requirement....I will use a software solution to display the temp.....

so I only care of the first 3 req. Price upto 150 bucks or around there is ok with me.

Bluefront · Post by **Bluefront** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 12:39 pm

Ok....so I'm biased. That Black Knight case is what you're looking for. It meets all your requirements, and has some unique features.

Steel case
Two Yate Loon 120mm fans
Ahanix fan controller/temp display
Removable right panel with space to hide wires
Cheap price...add your own quiet PSU
Best door in the industry
Space on the bottom for a big vent/intake
Tight construction...no rattles
Classy looking
Case fans can run at 2.8v (slow and quiet)
Etc.

Cons....Have to de-couple the hard drives by yourself
Have to read the directions for the fan controller
Need to perform some mods for maximum intake airflow
Few people around here own one.

I like mine very much....never saw anything better.

Bluefront's Black Knight

Which one of these cases is a better choice?

Which one of these cases is a better choice?

Ahanix "Black Knight"

Re: Which one of these cases is a better choice?