Is this a good case?

[PainhammeR]

Hi guys. Looking for a new case and I am wondering if the Icute 301BB is a good case. It can sport 6 fans, so airflow should be ok, and I can run the fans slower and cut down on the noise.

Here is the link

http://www.toplogix.com/Products/details.asp?Number=Case:Case-iCute-301-BLK

I can't buy one and have it shipped because the shipping would cost close to $50 and I am on a tight budget.

 

[Zepper]

From the list at that store, I'd buy the Antec 3000-B. It's a much better case where it counts, but you would have to buy a separate PSU. OTOH, the PSU that comes with that Icute probably isn't any great shakes - so if you want a reliable system, you would end up replacing it anyway - sooner or later...

.bh.

 

[PainhammeR]

I am getting an Antec SP500 right now, and grabbing a GPU PSU 6 months to a year from now when I go X-fire, so the PSU is non-factor.

Is the airflow on the 3000B better than the Icute? WHat about that little rectangular grill on the side? I am thinking it is for the Video card, but it wouldn't have a fan would it? Seems kinda old school to have a passive vent when a mounted fan would be much better.

I also found this bundle

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/...item-details.asp?EdpNo=1575562&CatId=0

Is it a good deal? For $50 plus shipping&tax you do get a bit. What about those weird slot fans? They seem a good idea, but not sure how good they actually are. Biggest thing would be they could cool the backside of a video card. Air is exhuasted outside the case too, which is nice.

 

[Howard]

Is your heart set on the SP (2?) 500?

The SLK3000B has sufficient airflow for basically any system. The telescoping duct over the CPU can decrease CPU temps if happens to be over the fan on the heatsink. A lot of people close off the bottom vent, over the video card.

 

[nullpointerus]

The SLK3000-B is a good case. I've got two here myself. It's relatively basic but well-made. Here are the reasons why I bought it:

1) It's got a reusable dust filter over the front intake to keep my system clean.
2) The hard drive cage has vibration-absorbing grommets to cut down on the noise.
3) The case has space for two 120mm fans to move more air with less noise.

There are quiet 80mm and 92mm fans, but the size is working against them, so generally speaking 120mm is optimal. The single included 120mm is a tri-cool model, which means that it has a little switch to see the fan speed; just buy another tri-cool fan, and you have good fan control throughout the case.

There aren't any toolless features on this case unless you count the side panel. Note that you can attach an 80mm fan to the side panel if you require more airflow to the CPU area, but I doubt it's necessary.

 

[PainhammeR]

Thanks for the advice.

I will be getting the SP500 because it is Modular, meaning I can yank out the PCI cable when I get the GPU PCU, and it is only $84 cdn plus shipping. Well within my budget.

Toolless is not an issue, I know to work a screwdriver. I want as much airflow as I can get because I will try lower the voltage on the fans if I can. Thanks for the tips, maybe I'll get lucky with a Canada day sale and see a good case for cheap.

 

[wakkoguy]

How is the sp500 compared to the sonata II?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129155

I know there is a $50 price difference but it includes the 450w antec psu. Is it worth it?