Ok, I've been reading up on this great looking case (D8000) and am now seriously considering it. I have one question though about the Coolcases website. Why is the stock version that comes with the PSU so much cheaper than the ones that come without the PSU. I'd rather buy one without a power supply, but if I'm going to save 20+ dollars, I'll do all the modding myself and just chuck the power supply that comes with it. I have all the grommets and sound damping material to do it. So why such a big price difference between them? Are you paying for the labor cost to mod the case?

Yep. It takes time to cut out the holes and do the mods that he offers. Jim is extremely reasonable, and will work with you to get the exact setup you want. Having him do some of the mods is still a bargain in my opinion.

For example, on a recent case, I just spent a few hours measuring, cutting some holes, drilling, dremmeling, etc.. He'll only charge $20-30 to do all that.

Thanks for the reply, Katana.

I figured as much. I just wasn't sure whether there were better quality parts used for the modded versions of the case, and if that may be upping the price as well. I'm sure this Jim guy does an excellent job. I hear you SPCR regulars raving about his stuff all the time.

I think I'll drop Jim a line and see what I can find out. I really like the look of that case, and it seems like it's just what I'm after in terms of features.

Don't let him try to convince you to put in any side panel fans or blow holes. The dual 120mm's are plenty.

Oh, absolutely. I wouldn't want them anyhow. Just an unnecessary source of noise.

Vector,

Totally agree with Katana. Jim will do anything for a reasonable price, just have to ask. Here is what Jim is finishing up for me right now.

CASE: D8000BLK-MO2: (black, with mods and quiet fan setup)
PS: SPI350/120 (SPI 350w PS with 120mm side fan, auto fan control)

This is just the case modded with the 2x 120 JMC fans. Front intake to cool the hard drives and one rear exhaust. (No side or blow holes) Added the PSU, (he talked me into it) it has the vent in rear with the 120 intake internal with a wire grill. Wish it had active PFC, but it is not an expensive PSU. Sounds like it should be quiet without modding. We will see.

I do not have this case yet, so cannot tell you much else other than I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

Oh goodness, repying to my own post.

I may have spoke to soon on that PSU. http://forums.silentpcreview.com/viewto ... highlight=

I think you are OK. I don't think Jim is selling the PF version.

Picked up my new D8000 case from Jim today at his house(it helps when I only live 25 miles away), and he gave me a quick tour of his workshop and a tour of my new case. The workmanship is great and dealing with him was a pleasure. I will post later when I'm done transfering my old parts to the new case.

Thanks,
Dave

Dave:

I'll be interested in hearing what you think of it. Also, would you mind sharing all of the features you got with your D8000?

I got the D8000 Mods Pkg 2, which has punched grills, JMC fans, and I also ordered it with the SPI350-120 power supply. The workmanship is excellent. I haven't finished transfering my XP2400 on an Abit NF7-S yet. I will keep you informed of the results.

Thanks,
Dave

Am I crazy or something, what happened to the posts about the PS, I thought they were in this thread?

Actualy we are having some topic overlap going on in the threads, but I think you are looking for the one over in Power Supplies titled

AOpen FSP300-60PN(PF) 120mm fan PSU - major disappointment

or there is also Katana Man's review of his Mean Machine

and I would swear there is another, but right now that the old Search cannot find it