antec case\psu question

[F1]

After looking around i think ive decided on a case (aiming for case\psu for under $100US). Like everything there are to many choices . Im thinking the Antec SLK3700. Before that i was thinking the Antec LANBOY. Still not 100% sure. Most SLK3700 seem to come with the Antec SL350 psu included. I can get one without the psu included. Should i just stick with the SL350 psu or go for the SL400 for the SLK3700? Whats the difference between the Antec solution series and truepower psu's? Should go for one over the other.

My new PC is for gaming and will only have n average number of power sapping devices: 1 HDD, ATI vid card, 1 usb wheel, a couple fans.....

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appeciated. Thanks.

 

[BG4533]

A quality 350W PSU will be fine for what you will have. There are a few major differences between the Truepower and Smartpower. First, the Truepower's specs say it will hold its voltages within 3% compared to the 5% of the smartpower and many other PSUs (lower is better here). Second, the Truepower has independent power rails for the 3.3, 5 and 12v lines which means the lines are isolated from spikes on the other lines. The smartpower has combined 3.3v and 5v lines as do most other PSUs. Third, the Truepower has a reasonably advanced fan controlling circuit that lowers the voltages supplied to the fans to only what is "needed", there are also fan only molex connectors that output this voltage. This makes the Truepower extremely quiet. The smartpower is not overly loud, but it is noticably louder than the Truepower. I have owned the Truepower 430 and Smartpower 350X or something. I am much more satisfied with the Truepower.

 

[F1]

Originally posted by: BG4533
A quality 350W PSU will be fine for what you will have. There are a few major differences between the Truepower and Smartpower. First, the Truepower's specs say it will hold its voltages within 3% compared to the 5% of the smartpower and many other PSUs (lower is better here). Second, the Truepower has independent power rails for the 3.3, 5 and 12v lines which means the lines are isolated from spikes on the other lines. The smartpower has combined 3.3v and 5v lines as do most other PSUs. Third, the Truepower has a reasonably advanced fan controlling circuit that lowers the voltages supplied to the fans to only what is "needed", there are also fan only molex connectors that output this voltage. This makes the Truepower extremely quiet. The smartpower is not overly loud, but it is noticably louder than the Truepower. I have owned the Truepower 430 and Smartpower 350X or something. I am much more satisfied with the Truepower.

Thanks
Sounds like the true power 380 might be the way to go for me. Have you got any opinions on the Antec SLK3700 vs Sonata

 

[BG4533]

Personally I have the Antec Plusview 1000 with a Truepower 430. This is basically the equivalent of a Antec 1080 AMG with a window. While I am very happy with this case I would probably choose either the Sonata or 3700 if purchasing right now partially because of the 120mm fan mounts. I have never used either, so someone correct me if I am off somewhere. The Sonata is nice in that it already comes with a Truepower 380 that has only 1 fan rather than 2 making it even quieter. It is designed all around to be a quiet case. The 3700 comes with the by all means reasonable smartpower 350, but the PSU in the sonata is nicer. The 3700 is also a bit bigger. While it is only 2" or so bigger, that can make a huge difference. The 3700 also has 2 extra drive bays.

Basically, if you plan on being in your case alot, the extra size of the 3700 may be nice. If you are looking for a small, nearly silent case, the Sonata may be the way to go. It is really a matter of personal aesthetic preference, especially if you can get them without the PSU.

Brian

 

[MonkeyHwk]

Have you seen the Antec SLK1600 (comes with SL300W PSU)? I got one a few months ago for $49 shipped and used it for a build I did. It's not a $100 case, but it's not a cheap POS, either. I was actually impressed for the price. Personally, I have an SX835II into which I transplanted a TruePower 430, so here's another vote for the TruePower over the Solution Series. Much quieter and I like the idea of independent power rails, especially considering the amount of equipment I have in the case.

MonkeyHwk