Question About Quiet Cases

[Overkiller]

Hello All,

I am in the market for a new computer and i am as always doing research research research!

I would like to have a quiet case for my next system because my compute ris on 24/7 running distributed computing clients and it is quite loud. This will only be more true for the 2.8ghz P4 , slk-900U + x Fan on it.

I will probably get one of the *quiet* PSU's from enermax (450+ watt output range) as well.

i wanted to get this: Lian LI pc-6070 b/c i have heard that it is very sturdy and absolutely silent. The only problem it seems is cooling, especially in an overclocked system.

What would be the alternatives? I do not need a PSu bundled w/ it.

-Antec sonata w/ a 120mm panaflo L1A fan in the front/back?..etc etc.

Cooling is a must but i want it quiet

thank u

 

[mrzed]

You are on the right track doing the research ahead of time there.

Best to stay away from the Enermax PSU's though. They are nowhere near whisper quiet. I speak form experience here. Check out the recommnded list at silentpcreview.com for a good primer, and try browsing the forums there too.

As far as cases go, I have the Antec SLK3700AMB and I'm very happy with it. It comes with a 350 watt Antec PSU of similar quality and noise to the Enermax units. If you can get it without the PSU, then you can grab a 120mm Fan PSU like the Seasonic Super Tornado.

My case was a bunch cheaper than the Sonata, and has better cooling potential. The Lian Li silent cases are OK, but seriously overpriced. Better go with a good quality steel case with room for 120mm fans unless you are worried about weight.

 

[jv]

What kinds of full tower cases have you seen that are designed for 120mm cooling fans.
No power supply necessary.

Enough room for water cooling would be a plus.

thanks,

jv

 

[hytek369]

Originally posted by: jv
What kinds of full tower cases have you seen that are designed for 120mm cooling fans.
No power supply necessary.

Enough room for water cooling would be a plus.

thanks,

jv

Antec Sonata - 2 120mm fans

 

[whovous]

The Sonata is not a full tower, it is barely a mid tower. Neither is it all that roomy. I wouldn't sell mine, but it is not as big as the guy asked for. Not even close.

 

[Blooz1]

The Compucase LX-6A19, also sold by Coolcases as the D8000.

This is the same chassis as the SLK-3700 with a different front bezel that doesn't use a door. It's a big, sturdy steel case that has plenty of room and is very well made for a good price. It's also sold by Directron. LINK

I have one of these cases, and I consider it a great investment that will last me through numerous upgrades!

 

[jv]

Thanks for the feedback. I am contacting Jim at Coolcases to see if he knows
of a bit larger tower w/120mm fans to take care of my issues i.e. noise and temp

any other ideas are appreciated.

Has anyone seen 3R systems cases (ahanix) ?

jv

 

[hmsrolst]

Another vote for the Compucase LX-6A19. Cut out the fan grills and mount two 120mm Panaflo L1A's (or Papst's) on elastomer mounts, use a nice quiet PSU and fan on the HS, and you'll have good ventilation and a quiet setup.

 

[lchyi]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Fortron Source's power supplies. I have a 550w and that thing is by far the quietest thing out of my 4 H1A fans and Tornado. It's a nice piece of equipment.

 

[lazybum131]

by far the quietest thing out of my 4 H1A fans and Tornado.

lol, i think you shouldn't have mentioned this part...hate to think about a PSU that isn't more quiet then your fans!!!

but yah, the fortrons are suppose to be quiet. You can get the one with 120mm exhaust.

 

[Tullphan]

I'm thinking about selling my Lian Li PC61 w/350w Enermax PS & getting the D8000, but then I read an article where the author claimed that two 120mm fans (the way the D8000 is set up) is no more quiet than a case with an 80mm intake & exhaust. This may or may not be true, depending on the fans.
My question is, to have both quiet and cool, is the D8000 the way to go or should I look for a case set up for 80mm fans? I know that the PS also plays a part & I was thinking of the Fortron w/the 120mm fan. As far as cooling goes, I presently have an AX-478 coupled with a variable speed fan. It's fine as long as I don't turn it all the way up, though i'm not 100% sure of my temps. The case also has a blow-hole, though with the other fans, I really don't know if it's necessary or not.
I honestly think the best case i've personally owned as far as cooling goes would have to be a Fong Kai FK603. Although it was steel, it performed better than my Lian Li I have now, though it wasn't much to look at.
Comments? Suggestions?

 

[Tullphan]

Appearing as if i'm stealing your thread bump...hehehe