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Quieter Mid Tower Case Needed

B

BeauCharles

Member
I'm looking for something along the lines of the Antec P280. It doesn't have to be extremely quiet - just hushed a bit. Some humming and movement of air doesn't bother me - just don't want a cheap tin can case that resonates every vibration. Budget - less than $100. Clean, restrained looks are a plus. Extreme cooling prowess isn't a big concern - my hardware isn't that hot. Can I do better than the P280?
 
My personal choice would be Fractal Design R4 since it uses 140mm fans and has removable vent covers, removable 3.5" bays, and an integrated fan controller. P280 is a bit roomier and has a bit better build quality, but R4 is roomy enough and well enough built.
 
The P280 is open on top as was my P180. It let a lot of noise out. The R4 gives you the option to keep it closed or open. I run mine closed.
 
Wow - the Fractal weighs a ton for a mid-tower! That's fine by me - one of my favorite cases was an Antec from ten years ago that was made of really heavy steel. I'll definitely put it on my shopping list.

Question - does the sound-damping materials on the panels collect dust (on any of these "quiet" cases)?
 
Last edited:
BeauCharles said:
Question - does the sound-damping materials on the panels collect dust (on any of these "quiet" cases)?
Click to expand...

I run positive air pressure and there is a filter over the front intake fans. It also has a filter that slides out under the PSU fan. Because of the bottom filter, I took it off the carpeting and I put it on an extra shelf that I don't use from my media console. I have had it since May and it stays really clean inside. I have a cat and my home office is near my utility room and side door. I also run the fans with the 3 speed controller at 7v with the door closed for everyday use. I have noticed that what little dust there is settles on the bottom of the case.
 
BeauCharles said:
Wow - the Fractal weighs a ton for a mid-tower!
Click to expand...

I bought a Fractal Define Mini for my HTPC build... I was very surprised at the weight of the box... and the case itself when I unboxed it. Each side panel weighs almost 4 pounds because of the gauge of the steel used and the sound deadening.

In my experience, the SD material does not pick up dust, or at least nothing that will stand up to a snort of compressed air every so often.

I have the two included case fans running on high, 3 HDDs and the Intel stock CPU cooler running in my HTPC in the living room... I can't hear it setting right next to it except for a slight rear exhaust fan note... fixed easily by turning it down with the included fan control.

I'm trying to find a reason to dump my desktop's HAF922 case and rebuild it in a Define case.... it's that nice. 😀
 
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