[tycho4511]

I am slowly gathering knowledge about the various components I want to put in my computer. I have never built a computer nor have I done any overclocking. I have already decided on a 1700+ DLT3C, NF7-S 2.0, SLK-900 and a 9500 np. I obviously want to overclock. After reading up I am still a bit baffled on cases and airflow. Here is what I am looking for;

Price: hopefully between $50-$100.

Looks: Probably least important, would be nice to look cool though.

Airflow: I really don't know yet. If I understand right some cases come with spots to mount fans and some are able to be modded to mount fans in the right spot. I am not against modifying my case. Since I don't have any experience I would appreciate some comments on the difficulty and practicality of modifying cases to allow better airflow.

Power: From what I have read it seems to be better to buy this separately to get exactly what you need. It seems like I won't need more than 350w if I get a quality PSU.

Other important factors:????

I really am not looking for a direct recommendation, I just would like to hear different opinions and ideas. Just trying to gain more knowledge so I can get the best for my money. I will probably not be buying for another 4 weeks or so unless a good deal comes up. Thanks guys.

[Mico]

Check out www.directron.com
I got my case and several other components from them, and they shipped it quickly, and it all was there in perfect condition. Make sure you get an ATX case (I believe that the NF7-S is ATX, right?)

For power, I would get a sparkle, or fortron (same company, different name). My 350w had a max output of 345w. Not bad considering some 350w have a max of about 175w...

[fiji]

chieftec / antec cases are good

[dustybyrd]

My 350w had a max output of 345w. Not bad considering some 350w have a max of about 175w...

i agree in directron on the cases...

but i think your 350 watt fortron might have a max output of "4"45 watts...not "3"45

[Lord_Zoltan]

thermaltake xaser III cases are sweet, i wanan pick one up

www.thermaltake.com

[Lord_Zoltan]

thermaltake xaser III cases are sweet, i wanan pick one up

www.thermaltake.com

[Hookem]

The Antec Sonata is a really nice case...Good power supply...Provisions for two 120m/m fans...Washable filter...Front USB, IEEE1394 and audio ports...Seems alot more up to date than most of the cases out there right now http://www.directron.com/sonata.html

[Giblet Plus!]

Anything Antec is good, and they come with good power supplies. Also check out the Chieftec/Chenming "Dragon" style cases, the Lite-On FS-020 and Chenbro cases in general.

I do not recommend getting the Thermaltake xaser III. It is heavy, has poor airflow despite having 9 fans, and looks, in my opinion, fugly. Thermaltake actually copied the design from Enermax - look on newegg and you'll find the Enermax version for $70.

[torchedlh]

Originally posted by Giblet Plus!
Anything Antec is good, and they come with good power supplies. Also check out the Chieftec/Chenming "Dragon" style cases, the Lite-On FS-020 and Chenbro cases in general.

I do not recommend getting the Thermaltake xaser III. It is heavy, has poor airflow despite having 9 fans, and looks, in my opinion, fugly. Thermaltake actually copied the design from Enermax - look on newegg and you'll find the Enermax version for $70.

that makes no sense whatsoever. all antec/cheiftec/enermax/thermaltake get their cases from the same manufacturer. they're merely modified. so i don't understand how the TT could have poor airflow and other Antecs have good airflow. the Xasers are basically plusview1000.

anyway, all of those antec style cases are great. i'd suggest a plusview1000 (comes with a window) and a fortron/sparkle 350 watt psu. it's about $120 for those two thigns. or for $120, you could also get a antec 1080AMG (same as the plusview, no window) which comes with a 380w Antec TRUE power PSU.

[Giblet Plus!]

Originally posted by torchedlh


that makes no sense whatsoever. all antec/cheiftec/enermax/thermaltake get their cases from the same manufacturer. they're merely modified. so i don't understand how the TT could have poor airflow and other Antecs have good airflow. the Xasers are basically plusview1000.

No. The Xaser is not a Chenming style case like the antec is. It is like this enermax:



http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...82E16811124033

The Xaser III (which is completely different from the Xaser II) has fans that hardly move any air. They're slow to start with, and then they're placed behind a filter and sheet metal with tiny holes in it.

[torchedlh]

oops. you're right. didnt' realize the new Xaser was that much different.

[sandman001]

yea, those fans in the xaser cases only move like 20cfm in free space, once they are behind all that crap they would move like maybe 10cfm.......I like my cheiftec dragon case.

[obliv]

id suggest the antec slk 3700amb.. solid build, GREAT paint job

[Giblet Plus!]

Originally posted by obliv
id suggest the antec slk 3700amb.. solid build, GREAT paint job

Plus great hard drive mounting, great fan spots (2 x 120) and a great power supply (350W antec smartpower).

[obliv]

i swapped the PSU out for the sparkle 350w 120mm fan version... now i have 2 power supplys to sell, yeehaw

[CGR]

Originally posted by Lord_Zoltan
thermaltake xaser III cases are sweet, i wanan pick one up

www.thermaltake.com

Dam, if only it had 4 external 5.25 bays

[Lensman]

I got this case- http://www.directron.com/blacmidatxca.html for a good price and it is actually well designed and looks good. I added a 60mm Y.S. to the back and an 80mm to the front, which gives a nice cool case. You do have to sand down the rough edges however, but is well worth the effort.

[Hookem]

Here is a link from Katana Man that has links to cases with 120m/m fans...More up to date case IMHO...Check em out... http://forums.silentpcreview.com//viewtopic.php?t=3606 Just click on the case names and it will link you to the case...

[fernis]

I have had great success with Antec cases. You get a solid case that looks good and comes with a good power supply right out of the box.

[Lord_Zoltan]

So the Xaser III is really horrible airflow?
Crap i better go with a different case for my new system then.

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