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Moving towards the rear of the case, the next new "feature" is the lack of a PSU. Why do we consider the absence of a PSU a "feature"? The PSUs included in the 3700 models, while quieter
than average, are not quiet enough for the more
noise-obsessed among us. By not including a PSU, Antec reduces the price
and the shipping weight (22 lbs for the 3000B versus 30 lbs for the 3700BQE),
and gives end-users greater freedom to choose any PSU based
on their own needs, whims and budget.
A few inches below the PSU area lies another of the revisions that Antec applied
to the 3000B, the adjustable speed 120mm TriCool fan. This is
a fairly standard 120 x 25mm fan with a small three-position (low, medium and
high) switch wired into the fan hub. Will
this user-adjustble case fan be an improvement of the previous fans included
in the SLK3700 series? Can we believe Antec's published specs for this new fan?
We'll put it to the test in a bit and find out.
New TriCool three speed fan with pass-through Molex connector.
"Action shot" of fan at low speed. Note 3-position selector switch
for fan speed.
The rear view of the SLK3000B will look very familiar to SLK3700BQE owners.
The 3000B uses the same low restriction fan grill as the BQE, and of course
there is the empty PSU bay.
Rear of SLK3000B showing BQE-style fan grills .
The right side of the 3000B has the exact same removable door
as the earlier versions. This is convenient for getting to the drive bays,
as well as providing easy access to the PSU wiring for cable management.
Additional CAG and system vent make up the new TAC side
panel of the 3000B.
The left side door shows off Antec's implementation of Intel's
"Thermally
Advantaged Chassis". Introduced
when Intel released the P4 3.06GHz CPU, the TAC
provides additional cooling air to the processor by using a plastic duct,
or "Chassis Air Guide"
to allow additional cool room ambient air to reach the CPU. It is a completely
passive solution, relying on the system fans to guide air to the processor and
other components. The rectangular lower vent is also a part of the TAC spec.
It is designed to provide additional cooling air to add-in cards such as
a hot video card. The CAG follows Intel specifications closely. It's
a manually adjustable, telescoping plastic duct. It enables the
system builder to position the intake duct at the correct position in relation
to the processor heatsink.
CAG duct retracted.
CAG duct extended.
The 3000B includes the standard accessory package provided with
the earlier cases. Included are a complete set of snap-in drive mounting brackets;
special shoulder bolts for the HDD mounting grommets; a large set of brass motherboard
standoffs; mounting screws and insulating washers; and a set of replacement
EMI covers for the 5.25" bay. No manual was provided with our sample but
a parts diagram was included.
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