Search found 58 matches

by alexo
Mon Jun 04, 2012 11:21 am
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: Please recommend HDD
Replies: 13
Views: 6691

Re: Please recommend HDD

m0002a wrote:If you are worried about speed and transfer rate of large files, there are some SATA 6.0 Gb/s Green Drives available.
Please correct me if I'm wrong but I don't believe that a "Green" drive can come close to saturating a 3GB/s connection so having a faster interface shouldn't improve the speed much.
by alexo
Tue May 29, 2012 12:22 pm
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: Please recommend HDD
Replies: 13
Views: 6691

Re: Please recommend HDD

Are the 7200RPM drives significantly louder than the 5900RPM ones?
by alexo
Thu May 24, 2012 9:13 am
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: Please recommend HDD
Replies: 13
Views: 6691

Re: Please recommend HDD

What you describe is not a storage drive imo. It's definitely not a system drive. What will you call it? My general recommendation is an SSD for data that's accessed often and a large "green" drive for storage, like the WD GP. If an SSD is too small or too expensive and a large "green" HDD is to sl...
by alexo
Thu May 24, 2012 7:44 am
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: Please recommend HDD
Replies: 13
Views: 6691

Please recommend HDD

Hello people, My current "storage" HDD is getting old, full and flaky (bad blocks reported in Windows logs even after chkdsk /R) so I am looking for a replacement. Unfortunately, the guide at SPCR was last updated in 2010 and I'd like more current advice. I need something that is: - Reliable (statis...
by alexo
Sat Jul 16, 2011 8:00 am
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Case recommendation with height constraint
Replies: 18
Views: 8132

Antec 300

I went to an NCIX store today to look at the cases on display. They had a sale on Antec 300 cases, $40+tax until the 20th. They didn't have an open box but I decided to get one anyway. Now I have 2 weeks to return it (unopened) if I don't like it. Question #1: Are there good reasons to get another c...
by alexo
Fri Jul 15, 2011 9:45 am
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Case recommendation with height constraint
Replies: 18
Views: 8132

Re: Case recommendation with height constraint

You need to say the size and number of hard drives you intend to use and what, if any video card you intend to use.... otherwise you are going to continue getting advice all across the board. Hmmm... Not sure yet. CPU: i5-2500 or i7-2600 (possibly the K version), depends on other tradeoffs. Storage...
by alexo
Fri Jul 15, 2011 6:58 am
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Case recommendation with height constraint
Replies: 18
Views: 8132

Re: Case recommendation with height constraint

SebRad wrote:Hi, I think the Antec Solo / P150 will fit your space.
Thanks for the suggestion!

I googled for the Solo and it seems to be too high (19.2" = 48.7cm).
The P150 looks intriguing except for the included PSU and the fact that it no longer seems to be available in Canada (checked NCIX and newegg.ca).
by alexo
Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:52 pm
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Case recommendation with height constraint
Replies: 18
Views: 8132

Re: Case recommendation with height constraint

Re: Antec 300

This thread makes the R3 look better. Same here. And here.
NCIX sells the 300 for CAD$70 vs. CAD$115 for the R3. Not a big difference in absolute figures but still...

Yes, I've been known to suffer from terminal indecision :)
by alexo
Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:19 pm
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Case recommendation with height constraint
Replies: 18
Views: 8132

Re: Case recommendation with height constraint

Huh, I think 46.5cm converts to 18.3 inches, and newegg lists the antec 300 height as 18 inches. You are correct. I was mistaken. As far as the top vent goes, you can block it, and probably block the side fan too. My real point is, a cheap case with some fans in front might be a good way to go. Of ...
by alexo
Wed Jul 13, 2011 2:57 pm
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Case recommendation with height constraint
Replies: 18
Views: 8132

Re: Case recommendation with height constraint

Take a look at micro ATX cases and mini ITX cases. I would start with the Lian Li line of cases. Won't those limit my choice of motherboards? Look at the Lian Li PC-V354. Hmmm... Looks like the reviewer wasn't enthusiastic about it. For instance, there's the antec 300, I think it may just barely me...
by alexo
Tue Jul 12, 2011 12:17 pm
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Case recommendation with height constraint
Replies: 18
Views: 8132

Re: Case recommendation with height constraint

Is it in something like a pillar? I have something like that, but I'm more constrained by width that height. Is your space wide enough for most cases? If you're looking for more suggestions, all 3 dimension limits would be useful. Not exactly a pillar, it's wider (at work, don't have the exact meas...
by alexo
Tue Jul 12, 2011 10:53 am
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Case recommendation with height constraint
Replies: 18
Views: 8132

Case recommendation with height constraint

EDIT : Antec 300, unless something changes. See post #p545115 Hello, Currently, I have an old-ish machine sitting in a compartment that is a part of my desk. The compartment's height is approximately 46.5cm and the Antec SLK3000B case fits snugly after I removed the rubber feet (I can slide it in a...
by alexo
Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:25 pm
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Alternative for Antec NSK 3480/ 4482 ?
Replies: 4
Views: 3690

Re: Alternative for Antec NSK 3480/ 4482 ?

I reconsidered the Cooler Master Sileo 500 and saw it has dropped in price since the introduction of the Silencio 550. The Sileo can be bought for 60 euro and the PSU (a be Quiet 300w) for 35 euro. Looking at the review on this site, I think the Sileo 500 is the best buy for this budget. Don't you ...
by alexo
Sun Jun 04, 2006 2:07 pm
Forum: Video Cards & Monitors
Topic: VF700 on an ATI X800-XL
Replies: 13
Views: 9533

Help needed

I connected the VF700 to an ATI X800-XL. The fan header is different so I made an adaptor connecting the fan's red, black and white wires to the corresponding ones on the card. Red and Black wires' positions on the headers are crossed. However, when I connect them that way and power the computer on,...
by alexo
Wed Dec 28, 2005 5:25 pm
Forum: Fans and Control
Topic: Calling All Good Fans!
Replies: 143
Views: 311878

<Elvis> MikeC has left the building </Elvis>
by alexo
Tue Nov 29, 2005 7:20 am
Forum: Power Supplies
Topic: How quiet is the Silverstone ST60F 600w
Replies: 15
Views: 7669

Also, I'm getting a reading of 0V on the LDT Bus, and the DRAM, making me think that this motherboard's sensors may be less reliable than those on the DFI, but the bootup problem with the DFI (which was apparently fixed) and the single failed boot with the Asus has got me slightly concerned. People...
by alexo
Tue Nov 29, 2005 7:01 am
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Upcoming Reviews & Articles
Replies: 193
Views: 440709

IMO the DFI debacle wasn't entirely seasonic's fault (issue arised from seasonic's sensitive protection circuits being tripped by surges), but rather mainly DFI's fault for designing a motherboard that surges the 5VSB rail at startup (also affected early revisions of zippy 700w / pcp@c 850w). So as...
by alexo
Mon Oct 24, 2005 10:54 am
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Seasonic S12-430: Beyond the Super Tornado
Replies: 200
Views: 232166

Hi Mike, i want to buy the S12-330 in Canada. What does HB mean? Is this the newer version? S12-330HB http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14475&vpn=S12-330HB-F3SLR&manufacture=Seasonic%20Electronics Seems like it is just the standard model designating. The last "version" I've heard about is t...
by alexo
Wed Sep 21, 2005 12:33 pm
Forum: The Silent Front
Topic: Successes with Elastomer Grommets? (especially McMaster)
Replies: 15
Views: 36457

Who carries grommets in the Toronto area?
by alexo
Tue Sep 13, 2005 10:28 pm
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Seasonic S12-430: Beyond the Super Tornado
Replies: 200
Views: 232166

Dm0Nx wrote:Does anyone know how "Q-Technology 400W 120MM Fan Gold Series" or "ElanVital PowerSupply (PSU) 400W Greenerger EVP-4007" holds up in comparison of the "Seasonic S12-430 (SS-430HB Active PFC)"?

/Dm0Nx
yes
by alexo
Tue Sep 13, 2005 6:02 pm
Forum: Power Supplies
Topic: high-power PSU tested by C't
Replies: 3
Views: 5502

Re: high-power PSU tested by C't

Hi jojo4u, The C't is a first of all printed magazine but you are able to buy the articles online. Since I don't read German anyway, I'll pass. There are no additional figures about efficiency or power distribution. But i scanned the noise figures available here . The noise level is in sone, the tra...
by alexo
Tue Sep 13, 2005 11:40 am
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: Suspension question
Replies: 8
Views: 4014

hofffam wrote:One of the challenges with springs is to prevent the suspended hard drive from rocking side to side if the hard drive is on top of a spring. A better choice might be to hang the hard drive instead. That is an inherently stable position.
Yes, hanged from 4 springs.
by alexo
Tue Sep 13, 2005 5:59 am
Forum: Power Supplies
Topic: high-power PSU tested by C't
Replies: 3
Views: 5502

Re: high-power PSU tested by C't

The german magazine C't tested high-power supplies in the issue 17/05. I'd like to present you the PSU which scored over 75% efficiency at 20% load and over 80% efficiency at 50% load at 240V AC. Acbel ATX-550CA-AB8FM Amacrox AX500-60LN Chieftex CFT500W Elanvital EVP-5007-00 Enermax EG495AX-VE(W)(2...
by alexo
Tue Sep 13, 2005 5:35 am
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Seasonic S12-500 & 600
Replies: 99
Views: 96696

Was the "Be-Quiet" :roll: included on that comparative? Sorry for the late reply. Yes, the be quiet! BQT P5-470W S1.3 2 fan version was tested as well. It scored an unimpressive 71% at full power. The noise at 20% and 50% load was among the second best. Full power is double as noisy as the Seasonic...
by alexo
Tue Sep 13, 2005 5:25 am
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: Suspension question
Replies: 8
Views: 4014

vertigo wrote:I think it's easier to buy elastic than metal springs. You can buy elastic in any sewing shop. Where would you buy springs?
I got some from Home Depot.

Assuming the availability issue is solved, are there any drawbacks?
by alexo
Mon Sep 12, 2005 8:41 pm
Forum: Silent Storage
Topic: Suspension question
Replies: 8
Views: 4014

Suspension question

I noticed that most suspension jobs are dune using elastic cords.

Did anyone try metal springs?
by alexo
Fri Sep 09, 2005 2:00 pm
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Antec SLK3000B: Minimalist Midtower for Quiet PC
Replies: 233
Views: 229075

Hello Mike, I have some questions about the TriCool fan that comes with this case. 1) The review measured the fan as: 35CFM/21dBA(L), 57CFM/28dBA(M),78CFM/37dBA(H) but the P180 review measured 28CFM/20dBA(L), 47CFM/31dBA(M), 75CFM/39dBA(H). Why the discrepancy? 2) Is it possible to control the Trico...
by alexo
Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:45 am
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Antec SLK3000B: Minimalist Midtower for Quiet PC
Replies: 233
Views: 229075

I have some questions about the TriCool fan that comes with this case. 1) The review measured the fan as: 35CFM/21dBA(L), 57CFM/28dBA(M),78CFM/37dBA(H) but the P180 review measured 28CFM/20dBA(L), 47CFM/31dBA(M), 75CFM/39dBA(H). Why the discrepancy? 2) Is it possible to control the Tricool speed via...
by alexo
Wed Sep 07, 2005 12:10 pm
Forum: Power Supplies
Topic: Alternatives to Seasonic
Replies: 12
Views: 5477

nici wrote:If i understood correctly people who ran their memory voltage jumper in the normal position had no problems with the S12, those who used the 5V option had problems.
Unfortunately, some people had problems with DFI and Seasonic with the jumper at normal voltage as well.
by alexo
Wed Sep 07, 2005 12:07 pm
Forum: Power Supplies
Topic: Alternatives to Seasonic
Replies: 12
Views: 5477

Sounds like it's DFI's fault, if the Seasonic conforms to the Intel spec. Why did you get that board anyway? Because it allows me to overvolt the memory (OCZ VX), mod it to SLI with a pencil, etc. Because it got rave reviews and numerous "Editor choice" awards on several well-regarded sites. Why do...