Antec SLK3000-B

[Ardan]

I'm curious about this new case. I've read the SilentPC review of it and I like what I see a LOT (I have an SLK3700AMB and need better cooling---probably because of the PowerStream's fan setup), especially for the price. What do you guys think about that case? I now it is fairly new, and I can't seem to find any other review of the case. I searched for it on the forums and didn't come up with anything either.

 

[Tiamat]

Yeah,ive been mentioning it to a few people that want quiet cases. This case is probably not gonna do it for you if you already have teh 3700AMB or BLK since it is very similar. For instance, if you have already gone ahead and openned up the grille work behind the fans, that is 1/3 of the difference. If you have already bought your own very quiet psu, thats another 1/3 of the difference.

If you are coming from a generic/loud computer case and "it is time to get some quiet going" then this is certainly a case to consider.

 

[Zucarita9000]

I too have an SLK3700AMB (Antec Metallic Bronze). The 3700BQE (Black Quiet Edition)is very similar, although it comes with a slighlty quieter PSU and a rotated drive cage.

The 3000B seems to be identical to the BQE, but comes without a PSU.

 

[richham3]

I have this case: http://directron.com/cslx6a19bl.html
It is the same case internally as the Antec SLK3000 but doesn't have the drive door or air duct. Added another 120mm to the front and case is cool and quiet.

 

[Ardan]

Well I may or may not get a new case, and let me mention why. If I get a new one, I know a sibling that could really use a case like the 3700AMB. I really enjoy the non-rotated drive cage because, as SilentPC points out, that really isn't wise from an airflow point of view. My CPU's temp was usually around 47-48C under load (2500+ Barton @ 2.2Ghz) and the sound was always great. However, I bought a new PSU because I was needing some more wattage (and it was a little unstable) and so I bought the PowerStream PSU. It fits just fine, but I noticed that the CPU temp is around 54 C idle now and I have no explanation for it.

So my guess is, over course, that the PowerStream's fan location is a detriment for the CPU. I took out my lower 5.25" cover so more air could go in and indeed air goes through there. If you stick even some really stiff, hard paper over the opening, it nearly gets sucked into the PC. I can see a clear path over the CPU fan and out the rear 120mm fan too, so my only thinking can be that it really enjoyed the regular non BTX-like fan placement on the PSU, but i'll have to see. I use an SLK-800A on an 80mm Smart Fan II that I have set at 3200rpm, and both weren't really incompetent when it comes to cooling either.

I liked the thermally-advantaged chassis with the adjustible duct and the grille near where the 6600GT AGP is and I think my system could really benefit from that. Unless anyone knows of a case better suited for a PowerStream . Well, the video card probably doesn't need additional cooling. Anyone aware of Leadtek's 6600GT AGP? Under load and overclocked, it is a max of 38 C...fantastic cooling on that card . The PowerStream's temperature isn't high either, and I've swapped the parts around on 4 different motherboards (including an NF7-S Rev 2) and I get the same temperature in this case with that PSU. So I'm pretty sure I don't need to get a new heatsink (like maybe that SI-90 or whatever it is called for the XP), so i'm thinking either I get a new case more suited to the PowerStream or I replace the PowerStream and sell it. That is why i'm curious about getting a case I normally wouldn't need.