Cases with big fans

[sundev]

Hi,

So I'll be getting a computer in the next 6 weeks or so, I've more or less picked the parts but am having problems with the case.

My problem is this - my current setup sounds like a lawnmower, and I don't want this to happen again. The noisiest parts are the three fans (side, front, back), which are high RPM 80mm ones. I want my new computer case to have big, slow 120mm fans to cut down on the noise, and have sound dampening features (not sure if this even exists for cheaper cases).

I don't really have a budget per se, but I have typically spend around $100 (~$80 CAD) or less in the past. I would be willing to go higher if I was convinced it was that much better. btw I'm in Canada and have been browsing newegg.ca.

My setup will be something along the lines of an E8500 with a GTX260 if that matters at all.

Any help/advice would be appreciated, thank you.

 

[I4AT]

Antec SOLO maybe? I think it uses 92mm intake fans, but from what I've read there's space for 2 of em. It's also got their layered side panels they introduced with the Aria, so it's probably a pretty quiet case.

 

[Zepper]

Might look at the Rosewill Conqueror (aka Silverstone PS01 and basically the same chassis as the Kublai KL01/02) - the black one has been on a nice special for a good while on the US site. The Rosewill R-5600 series are also high value cases. I did a review on them, but TechIMO screwed up some of their sections during a recent maintenance, so I can't do a direct link. But you can do a Google search on- Rosewill R-5604 zepper -the review should be one of the top hits and click on the link near the bottom of the hit where it says "Cached". Voila. I currently rank them 5605 best, 5604 second, 5601 third (unless you're fine with the floppy-specific external 3.5" bay which could be remedied by cutting the plastic bezel- then the 5601 would be second or maybe first due to the 270 degree door and lower front vent louvers).

.bh.

 

[WannaFly]

I just did a new build with an Antec NSK2480 and a ninja scynthe mini heatskink. Because the case has 2 120mm fans RIGHT next to the HS, i dont need one on it - my CPU (E7300) runs about 47c at full load. It's so quiet, I bought greenpower HD's also. I didnt connect the HD or power LED (its a HTPC) and I cant even tell it's on.

Edit: and the best part, the case was only $91 with free shipping at buy.com and it came with a 380w earthwatts PS.

 

[sundev]

Wow the Rosewill Conqueror seems just about perfect, thanks for the tip Zepper. Looks like the HD cage is a pain but I think I would be able to live with it.

Any others people like? I appreciate the responses so far, thanks.

 

[Tullphan]

I'm quite content with the used, slightly modified Lian Li I bought in the FS/FT forums here last year.
Excellent build quality.
I'm running an overclocked Q6700, Radeon HD4850, Samsung DVD-R/Wx2, WD 640GB hddx2, and a front panel MMC reader.
It's fairly quiet, considering i've got a 120mm intake & 3x120mm exhausts (top, rear & side above the 4850) as well as my cooler i've been beta-testing which has dual 120mm fans in a push-pull format.
If you're lucky, you can find one of these cases for the price you stated was in your budget. Perhaps you'll find someone who is disgusted with theirs & are willing to sell it for a song...that's how I got mine!

 

[Zepper]

Originally posted by: sundev
Wow the Rosewill Conqueror seems just about perfect, thanks for the tip Zepper. Looks like the HD cage is a pain but I think I would be able to live with it.

Any others people like? I appreciate the responses so far, thanks.

Yeah, the PS01 does have low-tech cages (two of them) like the Tt iCage - you can replace them with the Kublai Kage (CFP52B) but it will require a bit of modding to hold the fan mount/bezel in place as it's designed to work with the aluminum bezels of the Kublai series - costs less than $30. when you can find them (and you can make them hot plug/swap if you want. Or the latest, aluminum Cooler Master cage (also under $30.).

.bh.

 

[sundev]

I was just browsing around and found out about the Antec 900 - Looks like a great case, any thoughts on it? I can get it from a local retailer for $100 CAD.
Antec 900

 

[I4AT]

I like the 300 better personally, but it lacks the slide out drive cages. It's about half the price of the 900, but these open front cases tend to let noise out easily which is why I didn't recommend them before.

 

[Zepper]

Not much diff. between the Conqueror and the N-H.

.bh.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: sundev
I was just browsing around and found out about the Antec 900 - Looks like a great case, any thoughts on it? I can get it from a local retailer for $100 CAD.
Antec 900

I have the 900. It cools very well and you can make it quiet by putting every fan on low. I have 4x120 fans in it with the large beast up top. This is by far the quietest machine I have ever had since I just recently upgraded and my loudest parts before were my psu and videocard which I got rid of. The interior is kind of small to me, especially when you get something with long cables like the Corsair 650TX which I have. Also it's not screwless which isn't a major pain until you get to the harddrives which really suck taking out cus you have to unscrew the cages off first THEN you have to unscrew the harddrives with those crappy little holes it has. If you want cooling, the 900 does it very well.

 

[sundev]

Ended up getting the Antec 900, mostly due to the price (got it for $60 USD).

Thanks again everyone for your advice & insight.

 

[deathstorm78]

Originally posted by: sundev
Ended up getting the Antec 900, mostly due to the price (got it for $60 USD).

Thanks again everyone for your advice & insight.

Where did you get it for $60?

 

[smackababy]

Please do tell. I am looking for a new case myself. I was leaning towards the 1200 but if I can get a 900 for $60 I will grab it right away.

 

[sundev]

Just bought it from someone on redflagdeals.com, he said he got it from a sale or something, not sure. It was in an unopened box too - guess I got lucky!

To clarify it was $80 CAD =~ $60 USD

 

[TidusZ]

antec cases were crazy cheap on cyber monday at ncix (canada site)

 

[Elcs]

Wheres the love for the Coolermaster CM590?

4 spots for 120/140mm fans, rear 120mm fan spot and open front.

 

[Zepper]

Isn't the 590 even flimsier than the 690?

.bh.

 

[roid450]

Antec 1200. 6 quiet fans FTW

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Originally posted by: Zepper
Isn't the 590 even flimsier than the 690?

.bh.

CM 690 holding up fine, 590 seems to be crap though.