Bitfenix/Corsair/CM

[pranavsg07]

I am looking to upgrade my rig. The budget for the cabinet is about $100.The PSU I am going for is a Seasonic S12II 520 W.
I have shortlisted these cabinets.
1. Corsair 300R
2. Bitfenix Outlaw APAC
4. CM HAF 912 Combat

I need more efficient cooling with less noise. What do you guys suggest?

 

[lehtv]

Out of those three I'd probably get 300R, add two more fans and a fan controller to quiet them down. But if you want a properly quiet case, take a look at Fractal Design Define R4 and Bitfenix Ghost, if available where you are. They're a bit more expensive than the ones you listed and cooling performance will not be quite as good but can be improved with additional fans (which will not noticeably add to noise levels given low enough RPM).

 

[kleinkinstein]

I'm not a Corsair fan (odd punn), but the 550D is also a fine choice for quiet.

 

[lehtv]

It's more expensive than R4 or Ghost but not really any better. Newegg prices:

R4 $125 shipped
Ghost $115 shipped
550D $163 shipped, -$10 rebate

 

[pranavsg07]

fractal design is not available in my country(India). i checked the availability of the bitfenix ghost and it's not available too. i can compromise somewhat on the acoustics performance.

 

[lehtv]

Alright, I'd just get the 300R then. Even if it's not designed for quiet operation per se, it can always be customized to that end by choosing the right fans and controlling their RPM.

 

[dkm777]

I rebuilt one system in a 300R recently and I must say it's a mixed bag. I feel I overpaid for the Corsair badge here - the sheetmetal is thin and the sidepanel with the mesh for fans flexes like there's no tomorrow. I always have difficulties putting it back on. Other than that it's a nice case - very good to work in, decent cable management and good cooling performance because all the hot air rises through the mesh ceiling. I have two Noctua NF-P12s for intake and a Noctua NF-S12 for exhaust controlled by my motherboard. Under idle the old hard drive that I'm using at the moment is the loudest thing in the box. Thankfully the Corsair drive sleds dampen the vibrations better than Fractal Design ones so all I head is the hum of the motor. I did power it on without the hard drive and it was reasonably quiet. Not as quiet as my old Define R3 but usable still - no resonance, no rattles or anything. So I second the idea of a fan controller.