I'm using an original Antec Sonata with an old Zalman 9000 CPU cooler and a cheap ThermalTake replacement PSU after the original Antec died. The most annoying source of noise is HD seeking amplified by the case, followed by a low, constant fan whoosh (mostly from the aging case fan, I think). Unfortunately, it sits in a doorless wooden cabinet, which I think amplifies the noise.
Prospective build:
Most demanding uses: Light gaming (1680x1050 Source games), HD movies, large Outlook folders, frequent user switching.
- Intel i5-2500K (not for OCing, just for HD 3000 graphics)
- Intel DH67BL (mATX)
- Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333
- DVD burner that fits
- Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
- Reused Western Digital WD3200AAKS (320 GB boot) + Reused Samsung SP0812C (80 GB backup)
- New Sandforce 1200 SSD (120 GB boot) + Reused Western Digital WD3200AAKS (320 GB backup)
Some combination of Case + PSU + HSF, for which my current frontrunners are:
- Antec NSK-3480
- Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B
It's got to fit my stuff (including mATX MB), it's got to cost less than $200 altogether ($150 is better), it's got to be quieter than what I have now, and it's got to be shorter and shallower than my Sonata (17"x17", so ideally 14"x14" or less). I am having a devil of a time finding something appropriate.
There's slim cases like the Antec Minuet and similar, but they would be very cramped with two HDDs, they usually don't have good isolation, and I'm scared of TFX PSUs. I like the looks of Fractal Design, but they don't have anything small enough. Lian Li PC-V354 is too big. Lian Li PC-V351A is on the big side, and is a bit of an odd duck. Antec NSK-1380 might be a possibility. Win IW-BK623 is a possibility, except no HDD damping and a cheap PSU. Silverstone SG01, SG02, SG03, and SG04 are possibilities, but appear to lack any kind of damping.
So at this point, I'm looking at an Antec NSK-3480, with stock case fan (lowest speed, or possibly removed) and stock PSU (SPCR said the included Earthwatts 380 won't ramp up the fan until abou 200W). Then replace the stock HSF with a Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B, which is probably overkill. Together, that comes to about $140 shipped. Then put one HDD on the bottom of the case, and another below the optical drive. Possible variations of this plan include: cheap case damping material, alternative HDD mounting, replacement PSU, replacement case fan, or different HSF.
Any thoughts on what my priorities should be?