• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Antec Aria + Shuttle MN31N + SLK-800U = SUCCESS!!!

GuyHersh

Senior member
Yup,

I didn't think it would work either, but I basically ported my system from my cheiftec server case to the new Antec Aria, and my SLK-800U fits beneath the PSU, albeit i have to move the 80mm fan a little off-center, but it still covers the entire heatsink!

Right now I have a dialup modem (yah i still use dialup back home), 9800 pro, 2 HD's (WD 180gig and WD 120gig 8mb) and the good ol 1700+. And with the 300w PSU, according to the BIOS and MBM, all of my rails are right on the money (3.3v,+5, +12, etc.) So that makes me quite a happy person!

Well with the Shuttle MN31N, I was able to raise the FSB. However, there were no multiplyer or voltage adjustments, but what do you expect with a mATX board. Anyway, I got my 1700+ up to 182fsb (2ghz), and it's idleing at 49C. I can't really hear the fan that I have on the heatsink at all either. So all in all, I'm not complaining one bit!

I would highly reccommend this case to anyone, and if your looking into it, but have questions, feel free to PM me, or msg me on AIM at: GuyHersh . You'll probably catch me faster on AIM, as I am always online.


Guy

Oh by the way, this case is much much quieter than my Chieftec server case, plus I can boast saying "look at my computer!"
 
Someone PM'd me, and i typed alot, so i figured I shouldn't let it go to waste, so heres the info:

Take your time with replying if your busy, I am in no hurry, but I have a couple questions regarding your antec aria post.


1. Reviews for this seem mixed, most people say they like it, but that it isn't as nice inside as a shuttle(for obvious reasons). So basically what I am hearing is, if its your first SFF, your most likely like it, but if your coming from a shuttle you might not be so happy. Is this your first SFF, or have you done others?

2. How easy/hard was it to route cables in the system to get better airflow?

3.I have also heard that Antecs quality hasn't been up to par with its other stuff. Hvae you had any stripped screws, or missing pieces or anything like that?

4. How much time did it take you to install your whole system, how hard/easy was it?


Thanks

Hey..

I hope I can answer your questions pretty well.

1. I have 2 friends that purchased the Shuttle SN41GV2 and I helped them both put their sytems together. The best thing about the shuttles is the cpu cooling system saves ALOT of space (compared to putting my honkin slk-800U in there). So in comparison, I still love both of the SFF cases, albeit the shuttles have a more space effecient cooling system. However, they only come with 200w PSU, compared to 300w, which made a HUGE difference in my buying decision.

2. The power cables in the system are pretty short, and they pretty much go straight to the HD's and optical drive without much extra cable. However, the main motherboard power cable and the extra quare 4 pin cable to the mobo was much longer, so those had a double over (especially because my 4 pin plug was right underneath the psu. all of the cables come out of the center rear of the case, so they seem to route between the video card and CPU (above the northbridge), and thats about all you can do for cable management is cram them all in that space.

3. I was really impressed with antecs quality, the box, and everything that came with it. Also, the panels seem really rugged and block out alot of sound compared to when they aren't on the case. I didn't strip any of the screws (and I had to take the PSU off twice), and the box actually contained a buch of screw and metal pieces that i didn't know what they were for. So based on content and accessories that came with the case, I couldn't ask for more.

4. Umm, I was watching TV at the same time, and went to supper and all that. I had to take my whole system out of my server tower case and put it into this one. Assemly seemd pretty fast, but I spent alot of time mounting my heatsink (cuz it uses the holes in the motherboard instead of the clips) and trying to get the fan secure on the heatsink (because it was off center, i ended up using a rubber band that went from below the metal plate and around the top of the plate just for extra security. I started around 4 PM, went to supper from 6 to 7, then worked from about 7-8. So 3 hours total, and that include taking it out of my other case and all that.

I'm going to take pictures soon of how I have everything set up and whatever. I also believe that cyclone slot blower that comes with it is a lifesaver, because its blowing out alot of hot air from in front of the video card. All in all, its pretty crammed in there, but I feel like i'd much rather prefer this over a shuttle because of its expandability, and how you can choose your own motherboard, and upgrade at anytime (to A64 for example), unlike the XPC's.

Also on another note, when I crack open the side of the case that the CPU is on, my temps dropped from 51C to 42C in about 30 minutes. So apparently there is alot of heat build up and not enough ventallation. But it has been hot today, and i have the CPU OC'd 500mhz, so take that with a grain of salt. It's really easy to open the side of the case too, only takes a couple seconds, so I'll do it from time to time. And my thermal paste still has a couple days to cure yet.

Welp, I think this is all the information I have for ya right now, feel free to ask more more questions and I'd love to help, because I was looking for information when looking to buy this case and couldn't find anything because its so new.

Guy
 
Blue case front LEDs.

Guy,
Are you running dual monitors on that MN31N? Can only get mine to both display same thing.
 
No i'm not running dual monitors.

But make sure you install the latest forcewares from nvidia, then go to the nvidia control panal and mess with the nView options.

Besides, i'm not using the onboard video, 9800pro all the way!

Guy
 
umm okay?? whats your point? I never said the Aria was better than Shuttles, I'm just say I like it and its 300w PSU.

I'd like to have a shuttle too but they're so expensive..

Guy
 
Dual monitors up and runnig. My bad, I dint understand setup as pictures in Manual dont match on screen. My first GeForce, Radeon all the way in my other systems.
 
Hey,

Wow that review at techreport is disturbing. However, my CPU like never goes over 55C, even at full load so I'm alright. However, I might but a blowhole on the side of the case, because pretty much all cases need an intake fan, and if I put and intake fan on the side, it'd do wonders to the temperatures...

Guy
 
Hey all,

Well just a little update, I decided that I'm probably going to cut a hole in the cpu (right) side of the case, because when I take the side off, my temps drop a good 10C, so if i were to cut an 80mm hole, and put a low RPM 80mm fan in with a mesh over it, the case would still look nice, and probably run much cooler. If anyone in interested with me taking pictures of the whole modding process of it, let me know.

Also, if anyone knows anyone else who as an Aria, reply back ASAP!


Guy
 
My ARIA is running fully buttoned up with a 1700XP+ , fsb @ 166, a Vantec Aeroflow cooler and giving consistant temps of 40.5C CPU and 37C case in a room at 79+F.

No add in cards though, maybe that is what is making the heat low at this point.
 
I would love some pics, for I was looking at getting this case but was concerned with the lack of airflow. Alos why did you choose the Shuttle board if you don't mind.
 
I chose the MN31N Shuttle because:

Some overclocking via FSB
Chipset
On Board dual monitor video, can upgrade later.
Soundstorm audio, good from my Epox board.
on board LAN.
BIOS adjustments
Lots of room around proc socket so most any HSF will fit. (height limited only)

Good bang for buck.
 
And I got it mainly because it has onboard firewire headers so you can hook up the firewire that is on the front of the case.

I have an iPod, and didn't want to buy a USB cable for it, so i figured why not.

The onboard SPDIF headers is a plus too, because I'm gonna buy a bracket from newegg and hook the optical from my computer up to my reciever, like i did with my NF7-S v2.


The MN31N has alot of good reviews too. If the Biostar M7NCG 400 had firewrie and soundstorm, i'd get it in a heartbeat..

Guy

EDIT: OH OH.. and the biggest reason of course. It has the 4 holes around the CPU socket, so I could use my SLK-800U that I already had (it screws into the motherboard instead of clips)
 
Guy, where do you plan to mount the 80MM fan, inside the case? I would assume so, to keep it looking nice, but is there enough roomto fit one in there beside the CPU?
 
yah i can fit it next to the cpu, towards the front of the case, pretty much above the ram. I figure its the best and pretty much only place in the case. And AN intake fan is better than none.


Guy
 
Originally posted by: thebestMAX
I chose the MN31N Shuttle because:

Some overclocking via FSB
Chipset
On Board dual monitor video, can upgrade later.
Soundstorm audio, good from my Epox board.
on board LAN.
BIOS adjustments
Lots of room around proc socket so most any HSF will fit. (height limited only)

Good bang for buck.
Thanks! confirmation that most coolers will work is just what I wanted to hear 🙂
 
You are welcome!

The Vantec Aeroflow fit easily and my My Volcano12 fit also except for height. No mounting holes on board for heavier HSF either (you probably knew that) but board lies flat in the ARIA case not vertical so NP.
 
I've used the AeroFlow for AMD and P4 and it's my favorite cooler for price/performance/ease of installation for both :beer: I used the MN31N for some builds, 2 when it first hit, got 'em for $60 a piece shipped from Directron on a Hot Deal! Great little boards, I did the same thing with using the 1700+ and setting the fsb to 166mhz. 🙂 Thanks for all the info, I'll probably use the ARIA for my next SFF build.
 
lol... seems like u jacked my thread for your own thebestMAX..

Keep in mind I have an Aria and a MN31N too....


Guy
 
Originally posted by: GuyHersh
lol... seems like u jacked my thread for your own thebestMAX..

Keep in mind I have an Aria and a MN31N too....


Guy
Sorry about that, that was my bad 😱 I know him from around the forums so I was bending his ear for some advice 🙂 Hey, look at the bright side, it bumps your thread! :light:
 
Back
Top