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MicroATX Case - Quiet and 2x5.25 bays - recommendations?

J

Jotho

Senior member
Hi folks

I'll be putting together a computer to do audio recording/transcoding, PPT/video presentations, and CD burning at a local church. I have a spare Gigabyte 780G MicroATX motherboard that I would like to use. I've never built a computer targeting a MicroATX case before so would really, really appreciate any recommendations.

I'd like to try to go with dual DVD-RW burners to help speed up the audio CD burning part so two bays would be nice. Beyond that, the computer will not be too beefy, but I would love to have it as quiet as at all possible.

Thanks in advance,

Jonathan
 
Antec NSK3480

It comes with an EarthWatts 380W which is reasonably quiet, sufficient amount of power and decent quality. It has two 5¼" bays. The HDD mount has soft silicone grommets. The steel is thicker than most other mATX cases which helps dampen noise. Airflow is also pretty decent.
 
I hadn't really considered that one so I appreciate the responses. It looks like the 5.25 bays in this case don't have much room in front of the PSU. Has anyone used this case and can recommened a specific model for the DVD-RW drives so that they will fit comfortably?

Thanks
 
Jotho said:
I hadn't really considered that one so I appreciate the responses. It looks like the 5.25 bays in this case don't have much room in front of the PSU. Has anyone used this case and can recommened a specific model for the DVD-RW drives so that they will fit comfortably?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I've built many systems with the NSK3480 & while it's a somewhat tight fit, all modern (<5 years old) optical drives I've put in them fit fine.
 
Jotho said:
That Define Mini looks amazing - when/where is it available?

Also, I did check Newegg and noticed the <$50 ones that looked OK, but I didn't really
want to cheap out on this. It would be nice for it to be quiet as possible. Does anyone have experience with HEC cases such as this one?

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16811121003
Click to expand...

I have that case housing my desktop. I have a Phenom II X4 and a GTX460 inside, and I can hear all the fans. It's got good build quality for a budget case. But there's no dust filters or sound dampening layers.

I would recommend you go with the Antec if you want quiet.
 
Jotho said:
That Define Mini looks amazing - when/where is it available?

Also, I did check Newegg and noticed the <$50 ones that looked OK, but I didn't really
want to cheap out on this. It would be nice for it to be quiet as possible. Does anyone have experience with HEC cases such as this one?

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16811121003
Click to expand...

Supposedly late spring early summer. New egg is the us distributor. Wasn't sure on your time frame. New egg has the regular refine and xl now.
 
Jotho said:
I hadn't really considered that one so I appreciate the responses. It looks like the 5.25 bays in this case don't have much room in front of the PSU. Has anyone used this case and can recommened a specific model for the DVD-RW drives so that they will fit comfortably?
Click to expand...

Most new optical drives are really short so they should all pretty much fit. The "problem" is that you can't go any deeper with the power supply. You are limited to around 5.5" deep or else you won't have room for the cables.
 
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