Antec SLK1650

[Zap]

I just noticed these at Newegg today. They are available in beige or black and have a SmartPower SL350 power supply and use a 120mm exhaust fan. I like this case better than the SLK2650-BQE, SLK3700-AMB, SLK3700-BQE and the Sonata. Why? Because I HATE having a door over the drive bays.

I used to have an Antec 1080AMG and the door broke (one of the pins at the hinge). I currently have an Aspire "Alien" aluminum case with a door that is pissing me off because I burn a lot of discs and I have to keep the door open, plus I've cut my knee on it before.

The Antec SLK1650 has the "quiet" features of the other Antec cases I've listed, such as rubber grommets for the hard drive mounts and 120mm exhaust fan. It has three hard drive bays, one more than the 2650 and one less than all the others except the SLK3700-AMB, which has five hard drive bays. Something else is that this case does not use any drive rails or hard drive trays - another reason to like it IMO. I think this case would be pretty good as a chassis for a quiet computer (maybe with a different fan and power supply for the fanatics you know who you are).

There are two things which would make this case better.

#1 If the case had more hard drive bays in the unused space below the existing hard drive bays.

#2 If the case was available (at a corresponding lower price) without a power supply. Though it has an Antec SmartPower SL350 power supply, the +12v rail is only 16A, a lot lower than the 22A on the SL350S power supply found on some other units. That little "S" means a heftier 12v rail. The other voltages stay the same.

Has anyone used this case? Anyone know of any reviews?

 

[mechBgon]

The 1650 also comes in black, and I agree about the door.

Are you sure you got your PSU heirarchy correct, though? The -S models are the cheapie OEM units, with a single fan that appears to be sleeve-bearing. The SL350 proper is what you get when you buy aftermarket... two ball-bearing fans.

 

[Nebor]

I have a 3700 with no front door. Only cost $200. It's also much quieter.

The main problem with the 1650 is it's build quality. You'll see when you get it. It's just not up to par with other Antec cases.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
The 1650 also comes in black, and I agree about the door.

Are you sure you got your PSU heirarchy correct, though? The -S models are the cheapie OEM units, with a single fan that appears to be sleeve-bearing. The SL350 proper is what you get when you buy aftermarket... two ball-bearing fans.

Yup, the SLK1650B is black. Adds 2% extra performance for color alone.

Yes, I'm positive about the specs on the power supply. I think I had the pictures of the power supply for the 1650 SL350 and the 3700 SL350S at Newegg in two different IE windows ALT-TAB back and forth comparing specs. All specs seem the same except the "S" model has 6 more amps on the +12v rail.

Nebor, how the heck did your 3700 cost that much? Also, did you buy it pre-modded or is it some hard-to-find option?

Build quality? Is it because of thinner metal? I think the 3700 series use 1mm thick metal, which should dampen sounds from the weight alone. I have a Chenming (I think) clone of the 3700AMB, same chassis but different face. I think I posted a mini-review of this case sometime last year.

 

[mechBgon]

I wasn't saying that your PSU specs were wrong (although the photo of the SL350S in the SLK2650 says 21A on 12V), but I still feel there's some cut-rate nature to them when you get one sleeve-bearing fan instead of two ball-bearing ones. Maybe not an issue considering how frequently this audience upgrades...

 

[Zap]

I think maybe, besides 6 more amps on the +12v, the "S" may stand for "Silent." One fan is quieter than two, and sleeve bearing is quieter than ball bearing IIRC.

 

[Nebor]

It's an Acousticase 6607, basically a modified 3700BQE, with the price jacked WAY up. No power supply included. But it did come with custom fitted acoustic dampening material to adhere to all surfaces, as well as dampening blocks to put in your unused drive cages. An extra thick front intake filter to dampen fan noise. Properly (front to back) oriented HD cages. And thumb screws holding the side panel on, as well as little handle clip things.

You can find them at quietpcusa.com. It's a good case, but it's not great. I think I'm going to go for one of those new $250 Lian Li V1000 or V1100s in black. They're really nice looking...

 

[bomberz1qr20]

Originally posted by: Nebor
It's an Acousticase 6607, basically a modified 3700BQE, with the price jacked WAY up. No power supply included. But it did come with custom fitted acoustic dampening material to adhere to all surfaces, as well as dampening blocks to put in your unused drive cages. An extra thick front intake filter to dampen fan noise. Properly (front to back) oriented HD cages. And thumb screws holding the side panel on, as well as little handle clip things.<BR><BR>You can find them at quietpcusa.com. It's a good case, but it's not great. I think I'm going to go for one of those new $250 Lian Li V1000 or V1100s in black. They're really nice looking...

I saw this post the other day, and then today while in CompUSA I see they have that EXACT case, in silver, with a window, for around $40.

It's a Cheiftec/Antec/Chenming tower with a cheaper front bezel. Not too shabby, it has the same rails and the 120mm mounts. (really, it is IDENTICAL)

You can make the same Acousticase rig with the CompUSA case and about $40 worth of Pax Mate.

That is, if you want another one.