What case/powersupply would be sufficient for my hardware?

[Comp625]

Going to upgrade to:
Epox 8KHA+ KT266A
AMD 1600+ XP
512mb Crucial PC2100 DDR

I am going to use all the extra components from my current system (listed below in my sig) such as the HDD, Graphics Card, etc.

What power supply unit and case would suit my needs? I'm currently looking at... (prices are courtesy of newegg.com)
ENLIGHT EN-72370X3C4 MEDIUM ATX TOWER CASE with 1 Internal CaseFan - OEM $47
ENLIGHT EN-7237AZ MEDIUM TOWER P4 CASE - OEM $60
Enermax, CS-A1QX-06, 2-Tone, 9-Bay, 300W PS, P4, MID Tower Case $55

Also, if I am in need of more power, can I take my current power supply unit, plut it into an outlet and put it on the base of the case and let extra components connect to it? I know I would probably have to carve a hole in my case so that the PS's exhaust fan can blow all the air out somewhere (instead of ventalating my case with hot air). Just a thought...

 

[JohnnyPC]

Looks like any of those you listed will more than adequately acommodate your HW...shop your budget and the one that looks best to you...

 

[Comp625]

Well alot of AT forumers have said (to different people wanting to build similar setups to mine) that they should get a 350W PS unit. I am trying to stay under a budget of $400 (before S&H) and if I get the first Enlight case w/ 300W PS for $47...The total comes out to be $435 (after S&H). The price raise in the Crucial RAM really killed my total since I was at about $405 before the price jump.

 

[VBboy]

Enlight cases are generally very small and uncomfortable inside. Air circulation is pretty poor, too.

I would get a larger, cooler-looking case.. LiteOn FS-020 is awesome. Much more expensive, though. But I would never get an Enlight again.

 

[VBboy]

Comp625,

The Epox motherboard you want to buy is not the best one, either. I would do some more research if I were you Soltek sold on NewEgg (KT266-A chipset) is a lot better in terms of stability and overclocking (www.TomsHardware.com for review and benchmarks)

 

[Comp625]

I have heard many good things about the Epox (especially on these AT forums). Plus the Epox is about $20 cheaper than the Soltek. I'm not an overclocker. I overclock my GeForce2 (210/375) and with my current SDRam, I've set the CAS latency to 2 instead of the default 3. That's pretty much the most overclocking I do.

Which one consumes less power? Hehe I really don't want to shell extra money for a higher rated PS unit.

With the Enlight case being small and tight, are you talking about the Enlight case models listed above or just Enlight cases in general? I have 2 friends who bought it (computer junkies) and they say the case is roomy, air circulation is good and the rails on the bays really help alot. They were the ones who recommended it to me.

The Enermax case that I listed above looks REALLY nice on the exterior. I don't know much information about it's interior though since no one that I know of, has bought that case.

 

[Comp625]

Well?

 

[Quad]

maybe you should check out the inwin cases on newegg

i own the inwin s500 and it's wonderful. very sturdy and spacious, and very easy to mod. they're look nice and simple...
comes with a 300w powerman psu

 

[Jen]

how about a ANTEC case...........and for powersupply ANTEC maybe or Sparkle. if you need more power get a 400 watter


just a thought or 2


Jen

 

[Comp625]

Nah Antec is too expensive for my blood. I like my case/PS combo to be around $40 - $60. $75 at most.

Hrmm what to do...what to do.

The Enermax case is really nice on the outside...maybe I should get that? Friend has an Enermax PS unit and he says it works like a charm on his latest new system.

 

[MWink]

I really like the Enermax case. I have used 3 of them and they are pretty nice. The InWin S500 is a little easier to work in but not as pretty. I LOVE the PS that comes in the Enermax case. Frankly I think it is the best PS I have seen. It runs cooler than any other PS I have tried, including a Sparkle 300W, and an Enermax 430W (!!!). It should be more than enough power for you. I have yet to see any system that won't run on a 300W. My father has an XP 1700+, 512MB Crucial, Shuttle AK31A, CD-RW, DVD, 2 7200RPM HDs (in RAID config) all running on a 300W without a problem.

 

[Comp625]

Woot MWink. You've just raised my confidence about the Enermax case/PS

Right now I'm more prone to go for the Enermax case just because it looks so damn nice and alot of people have been complimenting it's power supply unit.

The Enlight's case does have that railing thing. What does it exactly do? I heard it's quite useful.

 

[Comp625]

^

 

[palominon00b]

I heard the 8kha+ needs a lot of power, thats why I orded and 465w enermax with mine .. both should be here monday

 

[Comp625]

I'm now looking at a SOLTEK SL-75DR2 (KT266A). It's about $5 cheaper than the Epox. TomsHardware and my friends all say that board is very stable and great for overclocking. Performance is on par with the Epox.

Would the Soltek also eat up alot of power?

 

[hkctr]

Another vote for the Inwin S500. Easiest and fastest build I ever did. Sturdy, spacious and looks like a PC should, i.e. beige and square

 

[Comp625]

Gotta have that external look to "WOW" my friends

Hmmm I think I may choose either the Enermax or Inwin. They both sound good...but I'm leaning towards Enermax for it's quality in the PS.

As for the Soltek SL-75DR2, I may go with that over the Epox. Soltek being that they have more stability when overclocking and it's cheaper too.

 

[MWink]

<< but I'm leaning towards Enermax for it's quality in the PS. >>



I forgot to mention that the Inwin has a Powerman (relabeled Sparkle) 300W in it. It may actually be bettery quality wise. I like the Enermax that comes with the Enermax case but it has yet to prove itself to me. I have used Sparkle power supplies for years without the slightest problem. Overall I would say you can't go wrong with either.