Antec vs Knockoff?

[BosHaus]

is there any benefit to getting a real antec case over a knockoff? I was looking around and saw this one for $55 and its painted blue already.
Blue Case
I could probably find it cheaper too if I looked, I'm just too lazy right now

 

[bozo1]

They are made by the same manufacturer. The only differences are the fans and powersupply (if any) installed.

 

[mechBgon]

Antec has a three-year warranty too, although that would mainly be relevant to the power supply.

 

[amdskip]

Maybe the AntecCsr will pop into this thread.

 

[Confused]

All these cases are made by Chieftec (or Chemming, i can't remember which exactly).

Antec were the first company to rebrand these cases, and get them mainstream, which is why they are all called "Antec Clones/Knockoffs"

I believe the differences between resellers is PSU, case fans, warranty etc.

This is no way fact, just thew knowledge i've gained from the past 18 months on these and other forums.


Confused

 

[AntecCSR]

Chenming makes them, there is a relationship of some sort between Chenming and Chieftec, but I don't know any details.

PSU's, #installed fans, and 3 year Warranty.

However our Plus and II versions have 2 Front USB ports, 1 front FireWire port (although it won't work with PCI Firewire cards, and I'm still waiting on us to get a different connector for the port), and a washable air filter.

AntecCSR

 

[bizmark]

I just bought that same blue case with a side window and front USB from BuyXtremeGear for $50 + $17 shipping.

Hot Deals thread... the deal is essentially dead now, but the options were Black (real black, not gray/charcoal) and White for $35, Silver for $44 (I think) and Blue for $50. The deal didn't state front USB, and a side window was supposed to be a $15 option, and a cold cathode was only $10 more, I think. I ordered mine plain (no side window) and I wasn't expecting front USB, but I got one with a window and front USB. Hey, I can't complain

Anyway, getting to your question, 1) it's not like you can't just buy better fans if you're really concerned about it, 2) you should probably buy a better power supply anyway (I already had a pretty nice one) and 3) who needs a warranty on a case? It's a piece of metal... it's not like it will just break on you.

 

[sechs]

Originally posted by: AntecCSR
Chenming makes them, there is a relationship of some sort between Chenming and Chieftec, but I don't know any details.

I hate to disagree with the AntecCSR, but they're made by Chieftec. I have the Enermax version (FS-710BB) of the case, and my drive rails say Chieftec.

It's a great case with tons of room. Mine came with three fans, which keep my 2200+ around 42C under load.

The only advantage of which I can think for the Antec version (unless you want the front connectors) is the warranty. You can buy your own fans and PS.

 

[mechBgon]

One curiosity is the SX12-- case, where the Antec-branded one sensibly has a 92mm exhaust fan above the PSU, which is 2/3 of the way up the rear of the case. On the Chieftech equivalent, there's no fan up there and the PSU is rotated 90 degrees for some reason. Given the likelihood that the case might get used for a burly SCSI RAID system in 5.25" hot-swap trays, I would definitely want the 92mm exhaust fan up there to keep the upper deck cooled off.

 

[Realguns]

The difference is that the Antec Power supply is One of the best there is. The case whether Antec Branded (Mine) or not Branded is nothing at all. Ok Alienwares has their Logo embeded in the case. When I bought the case I was sent thumb screws and was treated very well. I really didn't pay that much more and I did get the Antec Outside Badge.

If I had to do it over again I would buy the Aluminum (Yellow and Window) with no power supply and get an Antec true power power supply.

If you cant beat them, they can take it I know, join them.

I was reading MaximumPC and 8 of the 10 cases of the systems reviewed were the Antec 1040 type. Hows that for popular.

And BTW where the heck is my magazine?

 

[SWScorch]

Originally posted by: sechs

Originally posted by: AntecCSR
Chenming makes them, there is a relationship of some sort between Chenming and Chieftec, but I don't know any details.

I hate to disagree with the AntecCSR, but they're made by Chieftec. I have the Enermax version (FS-710BB) of the case, and my drive rails say Chieftec.

It's a great case with tons of room. Mine came with three fans, which keep my 2200+ around 42C under load.

The only advantage of which I can think for the Antec version (unless you want the front connectors) is the warranty. You can buy your own fans and PS.

I hate to disagree with sechs, but you do realize that AntecCSr works for Antec, right? And if you do some searching, it is apparent that Chenming makes the cases- you can buy cases in bulk from them and specify your own bezel design. Also, there is another compnay that "owns" Chenming... Chenming is like their computer case division... I cant recall the name right now though.

But as you and everyone has said, they are terrific cases, and all are the same, save wee details and fans/power supplies, etc.

 

[sechs]

Of course I know he works for Antec. That doesn't make him right (he's just a person!).

You can buy the cases in bulk from Chieftec in a pretty wide array of colours and bezel styles.

I don't think that we're going to settle this, and it really doesn' t matter.

I think that we all agree, it's a great case style. Pick the options that you want, and go with the cheapest route.

 

[deerslayer]

Great case

I have the chieftec version. Lots of room, great cooling.
Whatever way you go it makes no difference, unless you get one with a power supply.

 

[John]

You can buy the cases in bulk from Chieftec in a pretty wide array of colours and bezel styles.

Is that you reasoning for Chieftech mfg'ing the cases for Antec? SWScorch speaks the truth.

 

[sechs]

Originally posted by: John

You can buy the cases in bulk from Chieftec in a pretty wide array of colours and bezel styles.

Is that you reasoning for Chieftech mfg'ing the cases for Antec? SWScorch speaks the truth.

Actually I was refering to the Chieftec markings on my case.

 

[Nerdwannabe]

Chenming makes case for Antec and Chieftec.