SLK3700BQE Questions

Coolin · Post by **Coolin** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 2:41 pm

Hi, I'm new to SPCR, and I'm looking to buy a new system soon. Gotta replace this Pentium 3 733MHz...

My local computer dealer (OEMExpress) has a SLK3700BQE available for $99.99 Canadian.

I'm trying to decide between this case or a 3000B/Seasonic SuperTornado 300W combo.

My primary goal here is to save money. So if I can pay a little to get a lot more quiet I'll do it, but I won't pay a lot to get a little bit more quiet. From NCIX, the 3000B is $69.45 and the SuperTornado is $64.50. That's $133.95, only 33.95 more I guess, but NCIX charges far too much for shipping. I can get the 3700BQE locally, thus saving on shipping.

I was wondering about a few things about the 3700BQE.

1. Does the case come with an extra set of rubber thingies for the front fans? Are the rubber grommets for the hard drives any good?

2. How's the power supply? I've heard mixed reviews of it being quiet and not so quiet. How does it compare to the SuperTornado? I'm looking to power a Athlon 64 3000+ Winchester with dual hard drives and a decent video card, will either PSU handle this fine? Will the SmartPower's extra 50W help any?

3. Is the included fan loud? If I get a fanmate and undervolt it a little bit, would it be manageable? I read the review, and it said that at 8V, it becomes quieter than the PSU. How does this fan compare to the TriCool in the 3000B?

4. Overall, how would this compare to my alternative, yet more expensive, purchase? From the view that price is a major concern.

5. Any place to get this stuff cheaper in Canada?

Thanks.

acaurora · Post by **acaurora** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 5:22 pm

1. No
2. It isn't too great. Runs kinda hot, somewhat quiet. Any seasonic would beat it very badly in terms of thermals as well as performance. I am not sure about the whole "Is 300 W enough?" detail, but I believe the ST 300 can handle it, given it's great efficiency. Don't forget to get an A3 revision.
3. It's quiet. Very quiet, similar to a Nexus, I would have to say. TriCool vs the Antec Stock, both are pretty much the same, but teh tricool give syou the option for if you need extra airflow, it can do it.
4. Personally I think you should go for your 3000B. It has a somewhat better design for the HDD cage, and gives you a choice for a better, more efficient PSU (ST300), as well as a better fan that can handle going @ highe rspeeds, when teh need arises.
5. I don't know.

I really like my 3700BQE, but the 3000B is much more flexible and has more options. If the side vents do bother you, you can always cover them up, although the CAG is something I think would help with cooling.

Gorsnak · Post by **Gorsnak** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 5:27 pm

It may be worth asking your local shop if they can order the 3000B. They obviously have a supplier who carries Antec, so it probably wouldn't be a problem.

acaurora · Post by **acaurora** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 5:36 pm

Most Best Buys carry them, although they probably aren't the cheapest place to buy them.

How do I know Best Buy carries them?

*hides his Best Buy shirt/uniform/nametag*

Coolin · Post by **Coolin** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 6:35 pm

Thanks for the responses.

I'm thinking of buying a Samsung JVC 200GB (can't find Nidecs) or a Seagate 7200.7 200GB. Would these be the louder/equal volume/quieter than the power supply and the stock fan on the 3700BQE? (At idle)

Devonavar · Post by **Devonavar** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 6:36 pm

Trouble is, Best Buys are hard to come by in Canada. They own Future Shop, but I doubt anybody reading these forums is buying their parts from Future Shop.

Coolin · Post by **Coolin** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 6:46 pm

I live in Edmonton, and there are at least 3 Best Buys here.
However, I'm looking at their site, and the Canadian Best Buys do not seem to carry any cases.

I'm also wondering... Assuming I keep my computer on for 12 hours a day, will I see significant electricity savings using the Super Tornado over the stock Antec PSU? This might be a way of justifying my way into a more expensive purchase (good for the conscience).

acaurora · Post by **acaurora** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 6:50 pm

I would think so.

Both HDDs are very quiet, much quieter than the stock PSU for the 3700BQE.

Pauli · Post by **Pauli** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 7:18 pm

The stock 3700 PS is not at all quiet when it ramps up under load. I replaced mine with a Super Tornado 300 and couldn't be happier. The stock 120mm fan is not bad at all, but you can't use a Fanmate with it since it only has a 4-pin molex connector.

acaurora · Post by **acaurora** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 7:37 pm

You could just get a 4 pin to 3 pin connector and THEN fan mate it.