It's official...

[Bona Fide]

Here are the scenarios:

1. Buying from techonweb.com (Antec P180 + PSU)
The Antec P180 is priced lowest at techonweb, at a modest $127. The PSU (Truepower II 480W) is also nicely priced at $85. But the kicker is $22 for shipping, bringing the total to $234. It's not just about price, being that this is one of the best cases currently available. But price does matter.

2. Buying from Monarch Computer (Temjin 05 + PSU)
The Temjin 05 has performed quite well in most reviews, and seems like a nice case. The price is alright at $139. The PSU I'm getting with it, the OCZ Modstream 450W, is also alright at $75. But this is the model without the fan controller/temp monitor on the front, and I've heard that the wires can become overwhelming for first-time or new builders. Total here is $215.

3. Buying from Newegg (Tsunami Dream + PSU)
The Tsunami has also performed well in terms of heat disappation. It's rather loud though, measuring 52dB in Anandtech's review. It's got a window (always a plus) and top-mounted I/O ports. But they had to remove that top pod because the wires interfered with internal components, due to lack of space. Also the OCZ 450W Modstream here. Tight quarters could present a problem. Total here - $182.

Which one should I go with? Or if you can recommend a different case/PSU/both, please do.

Here are my requirements for the PSU:
- 24-pin native ATX connector (LANParty NF4 Ultra-D)
- PCI-Express power connector (Radeon X850 XT)

Here are preferences for the Case:
- Side-panel window (not necessary...would be nice)
- Room to work (doesn't need to be a server case...just not too small)
- Front I/O ports

 

[Mrvile]

I'd say first one.

If you absolutely cannot do that, second one.

 

[Bona Fide]

60 views and 1 reply...thanks Mrvile 🙂

I'm hoping to be able to get the P180...but might have to fall back on the Temjin. The Temjin isn't bad, per se, but I hope I can get the P180.

 

[Mrvile]

Originally posted by: Bona Fide
60 views and 1 reply...thanks Mrvile 🙂

I'm hoping to be able to get the P180...but might have to fall back on the Temjin. The Temjin isn't bad, per se, but I hope I can get the P180.

It's not a bad case, but it's OOLD and the P180 outperforms it by a lot. But I like the look of the Temjin a lot better...something about the P180's look bothers me. I wish it came all black or something.

 

[BillyBobJoel71]

i have a temjin tj06, and i couldn't be happier. add another case fan above the pci slots and your are set to jet.

 

[Dynamix3D]

I'd say go with the Antec P180 definately, and try to get either a Antec Phantom series power supply or the Seasonic S-12 series... Both are great and quiet power supplies.

I just ordered a Antec Phantom 500 yesterday to throw into my P180, I cannot wait till it arrives 🙂

 

[Mrvile]

Originally posted by: Dynamix3D
I'd say go with the Antec P180 definately, and try to get either a Antec Phantom series power supply or the Seasonic S-12 series... Both are great and quiet power supplies.

I just ordered a Antec Phantom 500 yesterday to throw into my P180, I cannot wait till it arrives 🙂

:Q I haven't seen anything on these forums about passive PSU's, let us know how it works when you get it!

 

[Bona Fide]

Originally posted by: Mrvile

Originally posted by: Dynamix3D
I'd say go with the Antec P180 definately, and try to get either a Antec Phantom series power supply or the Seasonic S-12 series... Both are great and quiet power supplies.

I just ordered a Antec Phantom 500 yesterday to throw into my P180, I cannot wait till it arrives 🙂

:Q I haven't seen anything on these forums about passive PSU's, let us know how it works when you get it!

I don't particularly like the idea of passive-cooled PSU's...they're too important to not cool actively. I'm getting an Antec Truepower II 550W 🙂

 

[The Pentium Guy]

Cross of #3 from the list. What you've got is:
1) A quiet, cool case with a lot of emphasis placed on quiet
2) A cool (quiet, but not as quiet as 1) with a cool loooking PSU, a case that looks awesome
3) A loud, obviously cool, case.

I'd stay away from 3 though. 2 quiet, quality cases are in different leagues from the 3rd case.

 

[Dynamix3D]

Originally posted by: Bona Fide

Originally posted by: Mrvile

Originally posted by: Dynamix3D
I'd say go with the Antec P180 definately, and try to get either a Antec Phantom series power supply or the Seasonic S-12 series... Both are great and quiet power supplies.

I just ordered a Antec Phantom 500 yesterday to throw into my P180, I cannot wait till it arrives 🙂

:Q I haven't seen anything on these forums about passive PSU's, let us know how it works when you get it!

I don't particularly like the idea of passive-cooled PSU's...they're too important to not cool actively. I'm getting an Antec Truepower II 550W 🙂

The Antec Phantom 500 I bought has a fan, but it only comes on when the PSU reaches a certaun temp. 🙂 The Phantom 350, is the only one that doesn't have a fan at all.

 

[Dynamix3D]

Originally posted by: Mrvile

Originally posted by: Dynamix3D
I'd say go with the Antec P180 definately, and try to get either a Antec Phantom series power supply or the Seasonic S-12 series... Both are great and quiet power supplies.

I just ordered a Antec Phantom 500 yesterday to throw into my P180, I cannot wait till it arrives 🙂

:Q I haven't seen anything on these forums about passive PSU's, let us know how it works when you get it!

Here read this...
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article241-page1.html

 

[frank84]

check my sig for list of items to sell..

case and psu included.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Bona Fide--- All nice cases....
The Antec looks sweet along with the PSU.....I just visited several sites that see that particular case....
I had to go to 4 different sites before I found a site where the case was not sold out!!
Thats a real good sign that case is top notch and in Demand!!

I am presently using an Aspire X-Dreamer case air cooled with 7 fans running not including the CPU and VGA fan!!

Had I looked a little harder I would have probably went with the Antec case myself!!🙂