Quiet Biz Desktop Case: P280, R3, or ?

[Van G]

Changing a few components in my desktop to get things quiet and mid atx case is on the list.

At around the $120 price point or lower I've come up with either the Antec P280 or Fractal Define R3.

I'm looking for quiet, simple clean design.

Asus M4A88TD-V EVO mobo and I currently only have 2 cards installed.

Bays Needed:
3+ x 3.25"
1+ x 2.5"
2 x 5.25"

Once I get things setup I don't tend to open the case much other than a quick clean up.

Suggestions?

 

[GoStumpy]

I can't think of or find anything better than the R3 for your requirements

 

[gramboh]

I've looked at the P280 in person at a local retailer, it looks ok, but I'm not totally blown away by it. The R3 is good too but the build quality seems a bit low to me.

I'm waiting for the Corsair 550D personally. Supposed to be launching later this month in North America.

 

[lsv]

R3 is great if you don't mind the build quality stuff. I have some thoughts on build quality in this post. I prefer the R3 over the P280 for silence because the top exhaust ports can be blocked by the modu-vents. I have them blocked in my R3 right now for uber silence.

 

[Van G]

Thanks for the replies. R3 seems like the right choice. I'm not to concerned about build quality or tightness because once I get it setup it will basically sit and do it's job, hopefully, without being heard.

So you suggest replacing the two stock fans with 3 of the NF-S12B (front and side in, back out) and blocking off the top openings (with what)?

 

[lehtv]

I would suggest against replacing the fans. Quietness is achieved mostly by downvolting fans for lower RPM, not by using higher quality or more expensive fans. I would add another 120mm front intake, leave all the moduvents in place, and downvolt the three fans with the included fan controller (it can connect up to three fans without fan splitters). This setup should remain free from dust (filters + positive pressure + closed top slots). Just remember to vacuum the front filters occasionally.

Installing a fan on the side will make the case noticeably more noisy. It'll also need a new fan filter. Just use the front slots for intake because the front door absorbs noise.

If your PSU is audible, install it facing up to muffle the fan noise.

 

[Van G]

Just to confirm, the included fan control would handle the voltage decrease for all 3 fans?

What fan should I buy as the third?

 

[lehtv]

The included fan controller is a simple expansion slot controller. One knob, three connectors, so no independent fan control. But that won't be a problem as long as the third party fan has a similar RPM as the included fractal design fans (~1350RPM).

Alternatively, just stick with the included two fans. Monitor your temperatures and if you're not satisfied, then buy another fan.

EDIT: Can't you use any fans from your current case? If not, here's a decent 120mm 1200RPM fan by Scythe: http://ncix.ca/products/?sku=26747&vpn=SY1225SL12M&manufacture=Scythe and another by Silverstone: http://ncix.ca/products/?sku=19677&vpn=RL-FN121&manufacture=Silverstone Technology (comes with a fan grille)

 

[Van G]

Went on vacation before I could order this case. The egg had the NXZT H2 on sale last night. Got one order for $70. How does it compare to the R3 case? Keep the H2 or cancel the order and stick with the R3?

 

[Zap]

Quietness is achieved mostly by downvolting fans for lower RPM, not by using higher quality or more expensive fans.

:thumbsup:

Yes, there are variances in noise and airflow characteristics of different fans, but they are slight. Fundamentally, noise and airflow are linked with RPM.

 

[lehtv]

Went on vacation before I could order this case. The egg had the NXZT H2 on sale last night. Got one order for $70. How does it compare to the R3 case? Keep the H2 or cancel the order and stick with the R3?

Very nice. It's a great price for that case. Based on this review I'd actually rank it better than Fractal R3. It has a similar design: front door, noise dampened side panels, dust filters, fan controller, cable management... Everything really. But the fan controller is top mounted, and it has three fans by default, and a HDD hot swap bay. Sick case for $70, it should be perfect for you.

I remember this case vaguely from when it came out but had forgotten it completely since.

 

[Van G]

Perfect. Should be able to check it out in a few days.