Case+PSU Question

[wviperw]

I'm either going to go the cheap route, meaning the case+PS come all-in-one:

all-in-one #1
all-in-one #2

Or I'm going to go the slightly more expensive route and buy the case and PS separately (while getting slightly better parts):

case #1
case #2
case #3
Fortron 350W

My first option (all-in-one, cheap), would cost around $40 after shipping. The second option (piecewise, $$$), would cost close to $100 after shipping. Is it really worth the extra 60 beans for "quality" parts

 

[Cerb]

Steer clear of those compgeeks one for any decent PC. If you like those alienish cases, go for the chenbro and a Fortron/Sparkle PSU.
But not that one, silly!
This one or this one.

All totaled, you should be able to get a nice case and PSU for under $100.
Also look at the ANtec SLK3700-AMB and SLK3700-BQE.

 

[firerock]

I would second on SLK3700-BQE. I built a brand new system with it and I also bought another Vantec 12mm fan put in the front. It is very quiet and functional!

 

[HardWarrior]

If you spend the money up front for better parts it usually lessens the disappointment factor later.

 

[wviperw]

Steer clear of those compgeeks one for any decent PC

Why? (yes, I know about the whole powmax == crap thing, but I also think it is a bit exaggerated)

But not that one, silly!
This one or this one.

Why not that Fortron PS? 40 bucks for a PS seems a bit overkill when it really *should* be included with the case in the first place, isn't it?

Also look at the ANtec SLK3700-AMB and SLK3700-BQE

Nice cases, but one of my prerequisites is that the case has a side window.

 

[asm0deus]

i built two powmax systems recently that were fine, i wouldn't stand up on the case or anything but i'll damn sure put a system in it and save $$$. I also built a couple chieftec based systems (you can stand up on these), got lucky and they were on special at the same price as the powmax's only without the PS. It is usually hard to find a good price on chieftec's though and I usually only want to spend $40-50 max on a case and power supply. The powmax PS (400w) works just fine with my main rig (2400+/512/radeon), I got tons of devices and fans and neons and it runs everything 24/7 no problems ever. Also recently got a $30 AVUS case+ps that seems like it can handle everything no problems. I would say go for a combo and save cash for the more performance/media enhancing components. Especially when the extra $60 could potentially double your RAM/CPU/HDD etc.

 

[Cerb]

Originally posted by: wviperw

Steer clear of those compgeeks one for any decent PC

Why? (yes, I know about the whole powmax == crap thing, but I also think it is a bit exaggerated)

But not that one, silly!
This one or this one.

Why not that Fortron PS? 40 bucks for a PS seems a bit overkill when it really *should* be included with the case in the first place, isn't it?

The FSP- ones are very good, the ATX- ones are so-so. Fortron doesn't seem to sell cases, see...
Antec, ENlight and Enermax have cases with good supplies in them for good prices. However, I consider the ones you linked to pretty ugly, so haven't really recommended any combos, as our tastes are clearly worlds apart.

Also look at the ANtec SLK3700-AMB and SLK3700-BQE

Nice cases, but one of my prerequisites is that the case has a side window.

Ah...try another Antec, or a Enermax, then. Enermax might make one styled like you have linked, as well.


Asm0deus: what kind of machines? I don't know about the ones going in Chieftecs--I'd trust them for a AXP, though, wait and see for newer stuff--but I'd say it's [retty telling that in one of the AT A64 reviews, they couldn't get one to boot w/ a Powmax 350.