looking for a mid tower...

[Renegade_09]

I'm going to building a new computer soon and I'm looking for a case that has a large fan to keep noise level down. I read somewhere that cases without filters have less noise. Filters make you fans run at a higher rpm and higher rpm creates more noise.

I'm just going to run a single GPU so I don't need the extra space for two GPU but I would like to have a lot of HD space. I already have four HD that I want to transfer over and I'm planning to get a SSD so I'm going to need lots of slots.

Budget is around $50 - $120

 

[Zap]

That is somewhat true, except that without filters your system gets dirty and temperatures go up, and automatic fan controls (GPU defaults to automatic) will ramp up fan speeds, thus ending up with higher temperatures as well as noise.

Best bet for a quiet computer is to get a case that caters towards quiet computing and get components that do not run hot and are not noisy.

Look into cases like the Antec Solo II, Antec P280, Fractal Design R3.

 

[Renegade_09]

I'm not looking for a silent system. Just don't want it too loud. I'm going to try and piece my components known to create less noise. I'm looking for a mid tower and not a SFF case.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Antec 300 has been on sale lately....something like $35.- shipped? I don't have one but it seems like a reasonable inexpensive choice that can handle several 140 and 120 fans.

I did just purchase a HAF 912 for around $50.- and it definately has capacity for several 120mm or some 200mm fans. Sturdy, capacious, wonderful cable management, and acommodates large video cards and big heatsinks. It's for my son....not really my taste as it looks like a transformer to me.

Came very close to buying a Fractal R3 when they were on sale for $80 shipped even though I don't need a new case...... but would really like that one! Mix of 120/140mm fan options there plus some sound deadening and, what I consider, a sleek design.

 

[Renegade_09]

After reading some reviews I'm still struggling to pick a case. I want something with good airflow and quiet.

Which one would you guys pick? These prices are CAD. I'm leaning towards the Corsair 500R though.

Antec Solo II $110
Antec P280 $112
Fractal Design Arc MIDI $100
Fractal Design Define R3 $110
NZXT H2 White $85
Corsair Carbide Series 500R $90

 

[Charlie98]

I've got a CM HAF 922 setting up on the bench right now... I'm pretty enthused with it... it has 2 200mm fans (front and top) plus room for 2 more (side and bottom.)

That is somewhat true, except that without filters your system gets dirty and temperatures go up, and automatic fan controls (GPU defaults to automatic) will ramp up fan speeds, thus ending up with higher temperatures as well as noise.

Do they make reliable aftermarket fan filters for cases without filtration?

 

[Euchrestalin]

I just swapped out my Antec 300 Illusion for a Fractal Design R3. The difference is huge. The steel is noticeably sturdier and the accoustic padding significantly reduces the noise output. I cannot hear the R3 at all when standing 3 feet between my torrentbox and the R3. It is currently holding an Intel i3-2100, HD 6870, 2HDDs + 1 SSD cache. In summary, I highly recommend the Fractal Design R3.

 

[Subyman]

After reading some reviews I'm still struggling to pick a case. I want something with good airflow and quiet.

Which one would you guys pick? These prices are CAD. I'm leaning towards the Corsair 500R though.

Antec Solo II $110
Antec P280 $112
Fractal Design Arc MIDI $100
Fractal Design Define R3 $110
NZXT H2 White $85
Corsair Carbide Series 500R $90

The Antec P280 is going to be really quiet, but not be the best performer. Its really all about what you prefer more. Use the old test: Pick Two: quiet, excellent cooling, cost.

Personally, I like the 500R for its space, cable management, performance, price point, and decent looks.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I've got a four-disk RAID5 array in my Rosewill Blackhawk, and I can't really even hear the HDs. I don't even have the side-panels on, but the computer is in a cubby-hole in a desk.

 

[stuup1dmofo]

Do they make reliable aftermarket fan filters for cases without filtration?

Frozencpu actually sells demciflex filters that are magnetic. I have two for my corsair 500r side and radiator intake fans. Really helps a lot.