Your Vote For Best Case + PSU Combo

[PLaYaHaTeD]

Okay guys, which Case and PSU do you think is the best combo? Catch: Has to be under $175 total price. If you vote your favorite, tell us why you like it so much!

I'll start by contradicting the thread...The WORST case is the Thermaltake Xaser III just because of the looks. Honestly, picking a transformer/x-men theme might have worked 10 years ago....

 

[JZilla]

Antec Sonata.

Bought one a couple of weeks ago, and I am very happy with it. It's a great first stop into quiet computing. It is NOT silent, but it is very very quiet. It comes with a great powersupply, 380W Truepower. Should cost around $100, which is well worth it imo.

 

[PLaYaHaTeD]

Yeah the computer im purchasing within the next week or so will be enclosed inside of a sonata. The only issue im seeing with that case is the engraved antec logo on the side. I dont think i like that, and much rather have seen them just put a sidemount fan with a filter.

 

[JZilla]

Since my system lives under the desk I really don't care about the logos. But they do have a function; when I put my hand infront of it I can feel air being sucked into the case.

Good luck with your Sonata. Don't forget to buy quiet parts for your new system.

 

[Corporate Thug]

the coolermaster case from pcclub and a 380W true power

 

[HiTek21]

ANTEC Performance PLUS Model PLUS1080AMG

Comes with a great power supply, decent air flow and looks pretty sweet.

 

[pelikan]

Compucase LX-6A19 - I like the 120mm intake and exhaust fans and the price. I've heard great things about this case. It's on my wish list.
Sparkle 350W with 120mm fan - I like the quality of Sparkle/Fortorn psu's and this one has a 120mm fan and is very quiet.

 

[PLaYaHaTeD]

I wonder when the Antec fusion will come out. Not sure if i'd get it, but it seems interesting.

 

[HeatMiser]

I'll put another vote in for the Sonata. Great power supply and the case looks great. Love the sideways mounted drives and the larger fan does move a good amount of air.

 

[Zepper]

The Antec SLK3700 or CompuCase 6A series (pretty much the same inside). Air flow can be better than the Sonata while equally quiet.
. I also like the Bow Tech 6000. Totally toolless including even mobo mount. Looks like cooling can be set up to whatever you want. I would pair it with 350W Fortron/Sparkle or Heroichi (CompuCase/HEC) PSU (maybe a bit more if you plan to fill up all those drive bays). I've heard it's actually made in Japan - rare these days.
.bh.
:sun:

 

[bootoo]

Guess it doesn't really matter too much because I just ordered the sale chieftec off newegg but - no cooling problems with the Sonata? I saw it at a b&m store in town and it was really tempting but I fight cooling problems on and off.

Hey, tell me it's too hard to cool so I'll feel better about my decision (joke). But could I safely recommend one of these say to a friend or coworker with a palamino (heat) who wouldn't overclock?

 

[Blooz1]

Bootoo, remember that the second fan location on the Sonata is actually in the <U>center</U> of the case behind the HD cage. I think your friend would have pretty high temps with a Palamino in that case!

 

[JZilla]

I'm running the this in my Sonata:

XP1800 Palomino I think. From June 2002.
768mb ram.
2 hard drives
1 dvd/cdrw
GF4 MX420 passively cooled
1 NIC
1 56k modem

Temps are fine. Not spectacular, but well within specs. I don't overlclock btw.

So if your friends are not overclocking the Sonata is fine. And as I said above, it is a great first stop into quiet computing. This is especially true for people like me that would rather not have to mod a case.

 

[bootoo]

Cool, I know just the co-worker who needs one but NOT a pally 2100+ (she can decide - form versus function!).