Cases|Damping

The Tiché PC HDD Vibration Killer is an aftermarket internal hard drive suspension system that is simple but effective and cost efficient.

The Cooler Master Silencio 450 is essentially a cut-down version of the successful Silencio 550, targeted at those seeking quiet operation on a shoestring budget.

The Cooler Master Cosmos II is marketed as an ultra high-end, extremely well-built case with an almost complete feature-set designed to house the best and most of everything a PC enthusiast would desire. For US$349, it better.

Despite being a budget tower, the Raidmax Viper has all the modern trappings one would expect in a more expensive product. On paper it looks like a great value, but in reality its ambition hampers both performance and functionality.

The Fractal Design Define Mini is a smaller version of the popular Define R3. It might just be the answer to those looking for a solid microATX tower with all the trappings and conveniences of a modern ATX case.

The P280 is a new variant of the Antec Performance One series of ATX towers. The overhauled design features USB 3.0, better ventilation, improved fans, the removal of the power supply compartment, and a host of other changes to make it competitive with modern enthusiast cases.

The Mini Letter ML-80 is a slightly larger mini-ITX case than the previous Viako model we reviewed, and the H61 variant integrates a more powerful Sandy Bridge board, with the same front display, remote, and software.

The Solo II is the long anticipated update to the Antec Solo. Are the updates of USB 3.0, long graphics card support, a top panel power supply vent, removable cross-bar, and a new TrueQuiet 120 fan enough to bring a 6-year design to modern silent PC standards?

The Temjin TJ08-E projects the look of a classic SilverStone microATX tower chassis. However, the exterior hides an upside down removable motherboard tray and a few other surprises that help make the most of this case's compact frame.

The Silencio 550 is Cooler Master's budget take on a classic silent case. It's a modestly sized sleek solid tower with a pair of low speed fans, full-size front door, acoustic foam on the side panels, and a handy hard drive docking bay.

The Dragon Rider is a full-sized tower case from In Win designed for high powered systems. It's big, bold, and sports plenty of ventilation with fans on both side panels, including a 22 cm monster. How does it fare thermally and acoustically?

As LanCool is the budget arm of Lian Li, the PC-K59 midtower lacks the stylish all-aluminum construction and finish of its more expensive cousins. It still shares many popular Lian Li features, making it potentially a good value for those on a budget.

The In Win BUC sports hot-swappable hard drives bays, almost tool-less assembly, plenty of cooling options, and USB 3.0 connectivity. With this eclectic feature list and a mere $100 price tag it might be too good to be true.

The new H3.SODD media case for mini-ITX from HDPLEX is a more compact version of the H10 we examined a couple of months ago. This low profile case with massive one-piece aluminum front panel exudes high end chic despite its modest price tag. Our sample also manages to be the very first completely silent commercial computer SPCR has encountered after nine years of continuous operation.