Quiet Case < $100

Pliskin · Post by **Pliskin** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 7:50 am

Hello,

I've started reading around SPCR as i am building a new pc that i want to be powerful yet quiet. I must say you guys do know your stuff. Through the reviews, I've opted to get an Enermax Modu82+, but i've also been looking at the Corsair HX620, but that is for another forum post.

I've been looking into cases now, but SPCR doesn't seem to review many cases on the cheaper end so i was wondering if any of you know of any cases that are more on the quiet end, and will allow me to fit 2 HD 4850's in CrossFire. I've been looking at the Antec 300 but i'm not sure if that will fit all those parts, or if it will be too cramped. I also want to keep good airflow so i can keep the system cool. I've also been looking at some CoolerMaster options like the 590 and 690. So any ideas?

Thanks

thejamppa · Post by **thejamppa** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 7:55 am

Antec 300 can easily fit HD 4850 CF. You just need to make some slight modifications. Adding mass ( like self adhessive bitumen mat ) on roof and sides as they're somewhat thing. Change top fan for example Yate-Loon 140mm 1000 RPM fan and undervolt it.

CM 690 is good case but has many openings. I particularly do not like 2x 120mm fan place in side panel.

antivenom · Post by **antivenom** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 8:03 am

I can assure you the Antec 300 has plenty of space for your needs. Although it's the smallest Antec gaming case, it's still very spacious and it was designed with good airflow in mind so no problem there.

I have a 300 myself and I've managed to make it quiet enough for me but many other SPCRians would disagree as it isn't designed to be a quiet case.

jhhoffma wrote up some silencing mods for the 300 recently, here:
viewtopic.php?t=51998

Aris · Post by **Aris** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 11:21 am

Long as you dont need more than 1 HDD and 1 optical drive. The NSK3480 is a great case. Good airflow, and a seperated thermal region for the PSU so the PSU fan doesnt ramp up under load.

If you need more space than that, id go with the Solo.

baconandeggs · Post by **baconandeggs** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:44 pm

the CM690 IMO has better cable management option, regarding the CM690 side panel holes. you can easily fix that by putting a window there

while the NSK3480 is an awesome case (i have one

) it is motherboard dependent and 4850s in CF would be a tight fit.

jhhoffma · Post by **jhhoffma** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 1:05 pm

Windows are counter-intuitive regarding silencing, as they are usually done with thin acrylic which can be quite transparent to sound along with being reflective as well and it's low density makes it prone to resonance.

Besides, if you have a window in the case, you can dampen the panels fully.

However, you really need to dampen the 300 (along with some other work) to get it to work properly. It's too light from the factory.

baconandeggs · Post by **baconandeggs** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 1:12 pm

silly me wasnt even thinking of acoustics. looks great though huh

jhhoffma · Post by **jhhoffma** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:37 pm

baconandeggs wrote:silly me wasnt even thinking of acoustics.

You DO know what forum you're in, don't you???

baconandeggs · Post by **baconandeggs** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 10:03 pm

just automatically thought

window when i read this

CM 690 is good case but has many openings.

lol yea recent convert

Boz · Post by **Boz** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 10:15 pm

Antec Solo

Same polycarbonate insulated side panels as the P182, HDD suspension, side vented front bezel. Best quiet case < $100.

Aris · Post by **Aris** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:03 am

baconandeggs wrote: while the NSK3480 is an awesome case (i have one ) it is motherboard dependent and 4850s in CF would be a tight fit.

Well yea, i suppose it would be a bit limiting to find a micro atx board with 2x pci-e 16x slots. But i dont think space is an issue. it has no HDD bay in front to block the length, so just as long as the second pci-e 16x slot had at least 1 other expansion slot below it, it should fit just fine.

Boz wrote:Antec Solo

Same polycarbonate insulated side panels as the P182, HDD suspension, side vented front bezel. Best quiet case < $100.

for a full atx motherboard, i concur. Your not going to find anything quieter than a Solo.