SPCR

I've got a p180 that I'm ready to retire for my next build. I'm tired of the wire routing problems, hassle with hard drives and struggle for cool temps with my overclocked setup ... & just ready for something new.

From the reviews it seems the P280 is a quality case, but they skimped some on the soundproofing. Any suggested improvements like better fans, fan controller, sound dampening material or blocking the top ports?

Sound damping is really not a necessity for a quiet PC. Save that for last, the only panels that might give you lowered noise are the left side, top and maybe front. This is assuming you use a high quality mass damoing + foam type of product (acoustipack, for ex.)

If it is not used for a fan (or needed as a vent), blocking one or both top vents will definitely help if you sit line-of-sight (ear) to it. Use almost any material; I've even used cardboard for this purpose! The middle fan position (farther from the back) makes more noise because that part of the panel is farther from supports.

The fans themselves are smooth and quiet. The 2-speed switch is OK, too, just the position is a bit awkward.

MikeC wrote:
The fans themselves are smooth and quiet. The 2-speed switch is OK, too, just the position is a bit awkward.

Is that true for the high speed as well? I suspect I'll need more airflow than I'll get with the low speed.

walkman wrote:

MikeC wrote:
The fans themselves are smooth and quiet. The 2-speed switch is OK, too, just the position is a bit awkward.

Is that true for the high speed as well? I suspect I'll need more airflow than I'll get with the low speed.

If you need more airflow than low can provide, you'll never get anywhere near quiet. One 120 mm fan is enough for most users, two exhaust fans are enough even at low voltage.

A review over at Anandtech claims there is barely any difference between the Low and High settings for the Antec TwoCool fans that come stock with the P280. They recommend using Low all the time.