Upgrade to Antec P180 mini + Corsair AX750/850?

[Morten74]

Hi Guys

It's been a while, as my system has just been running nice and quiet Unfortunately my HX520 died this spring, and as I was not aware of the 5 year warrenty, I replaced it with a HX750 as I was unsure if 520W was on the weak side after upgrading CPU and GPU. BIG MISTAKE - where the HX520 was almost silent, the HX750 is certainly not!

As I now have the chance to sell my Antec Solo and the HX750, I am considering getting a P180 mini and an AX750 (assuming that the AX750 is as silent as the AX850 reviewed here on SPCR). I figured that the AX750 could really benefit from the 2-compartment design of the P180 mini, and at least when not playing games, the fan might not spin up.

Does this seem like a good idea for a silencing upgrade perspective? I need my PC case to be about this size (P183 is too big) as I sometimes drag it of to a friends house. Also, is it way overkill to get the AX850 - almost same price...

Any input is greatly appreciated - especially on the noise from the 200mm fan in the P180 mini, as well...

Morten

[walle]

Hi Morten

If you opt for the Antec Mini P180 you will need to get a new motherboard, it does not support full size ATX boards.

I would recommend you a mini ATX board from Gigabyte, one which supports up to 6GB of RAM.

Reason is I would like to see you (I view this to be sound, because your CPU is still a damn fine performer and should last you between 1 – 2 years) ditch your current XP OS and get windows 7 and an additional 4GB of RAM, thus reaching six with your current 4, and your current RAM will work fine on the Gigabyte board. (will get back to you on which board, to damn tired now)

Your system don’t need that much PSU power, a quality 650W unit would be perfect and also leave you room for overclocking should you wish to do so in the future. Your CPU should have no problems reaching up to 4.0 Ghz.

Seasonic X650W, more than adequate enough, and quiet.

Before I continue, I would like to point out (just me) that I would not be all too happy with replacing your current board, it's a good motherboard. So is the Gigabyte I had in mind, sure, still, you will have to shell out money on a new motherboard as well as a new case, not on just the case as I reckon you had counted on?

Perhaps better for you to keep the SOLO for now and wait with a new case? and spend money on more RAM instead, ditch the XP OS and get windows 7 and sell the HX750 and buy the Seasonic X650?

[Morten74]

Perhaps better for you to keep the SOLO for now and wait with a new case? and spend money on more RAM instead, ditch the XP OS and get windows 7 and sell the HX750 and buy the Seasonic X650?

Hi walle

Actually that sounds like a much better idea! I guess I could get a 2x2GB Corsair RAM kit (I have not had any problems with the Corsairs I have now) and end up with 6GB, swap my HX750 for the X650 and then do a clean Win 7 x64 install.

Thanks for your thoughts and input!

Morten

[walle]

Thanks for your thoughts and input!

Morten

You're welcome, I'm glad I could help. Good luck with your build / upgrades...and thank you.

[Morten74]

I actually ended up ordering the AX750 for 3 reasons:

1) Cheaper - though not by much
2) 7 years warrenty compared to 5 on the Seasonic
3) Only the Corsair was available from my favourite "PC pusher"

-We'll see how she goes...

[ziming]

I actually ended up ordering the AX750 for 3 reasons:

1) Cheaper - though not by much
2) 7 years warrenty compared to 5 on the Seasonic
3) Only the Corsair was available from my favourite "PC pusher"

-We'll see how she goes...

I have a similar build to your but went with a season x650. I have yet to build my case. How is the noise coming from the top fan?

[Morten74]

i decided not to cut a top vent, and just install the psu with the fan facing down. Works perfect - fan only spins up during extreme conditions (Prime95, Burntest, gaming etc.). And at those times, the HD5850 is louder anyway...

In my opinion there is no need for the top vent.

Morten