[Dell_Axim]

I'm planning to build a new PC.
So far, the hardware is:
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3000+
Motherboard: ECS 755-A2
CPU Heatsink: Cooler Master CK8-8JD2B-0L
Optical: 16x DL DVD+-RW
HDD: Not sure yet, planning a RAID array.
RAM: 2x Mushkin 512MB PC3200
Video card: GeForce 4 MX 420 (This machine currently won't be used for CAD. I can upgrade when I do use it for CAD.)
OS: Either Redhat Enterprise Linux for AMD64 or Fedora 3 for AMD64

Now, I just need a case and PSU for this machine. What would you suggest?
The case needs to:
1. Look good.
2. Have a solid construction.
3. Be large enough to ensure good cooling and easy upgrading, but not so large that it takes up too much room.

The PSU must be good quality and at least 300w (prefer 350w or up). While it needn't be able to power an 8 way Britney-based SQL server stuffed full with 15K RPM SCSI hard drives, I'm building a computer, not a time bomb. I have taken a look at the Antec Truepowers, but the fans run so slow that I'm concerned about other parts overheating. The idea of replacing the fans should work, except that I don't want to trash the warranty on the first day.

Any suggestions? I prefer real life stores as opposed to online shops so I can actually look at the case and PSU before buying. BTW, there is a Fry's within my area.

[Da Whip]

What price range is cheap?

[Dell_Axim]

What price range is cheap?

I'd say under $200 combined, prefer under $150. Of course, cheaper is better, but I still want quality.

[BrutalDrew]

Look at some Antec bundles.

[squasher]

Why not go for a ~100 lian li and a nice powersupply?
Cheapo supplies make me worried

[9mmCensor]

The "look good" criteria is something that is objective, and something that only you can judge. Pick a powersupply, and that take the left over money, and find the nicest case you can for that money.

Antec bundles are often a good deal, and the PSUs they come with aren't exactly the greatest but they are pretty good.

[Da Whip]

Get one of these Fortron 500Watt Blue Storms.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104934

Then go locally to get that hands on look at a Case.

[RangerXLT8]

I haven't seen any of Antecs new Case\PSU combos but I'd get one with a True Power 2.0 PSU, my TP430 is a great PSU, and all I've used is Antec cases, had nothing but good experiences with them. Just my 02.

[Dell_Axim]

Cheapo supplies make me worried

I'm very aware about those cheap PSUs. Not reliable at all and not worth it.
Antec owners, any problems with overheating? I still have no idea why the fans in Antecs are less powerful than the ones in cheap and low quality PSUs.
Is Cooler Master any good for cases and PSUs?

[RangerXLT8]

Originally Posted by Dell_Axim

I'm very aware about those cheap PSUs. Not reliable at all and not worth it.
Antec owners, any problems with overheating? I still have no idea why the fans in Antecs are less powerful than the ones in cheap and low quality PSUs.
Is Cooler Master any good for cases and PSUs?

My TP430 fans where controlled by the PSU load. It ran a little warm I guess, not a problem though, it was very quiet, system ran perfect. I sense modded my 12v,5v, &3.3v rails so I could fine tune them to the nearest hundreth of a Volt. I then replaced the fans Antec used(which where Top Motor fans) with Panaflo Low speeds and the PSU is still going strong in my Socket-478 system(overclocked Prescott) for the last year.

You def. want to get a good PSU, it's critical for system stability.

[Dell_Axim]

I just got the machine built.

I settled with a 200GB Seagate for storage because there was a good deal.
I also got the Antec SLK1650B. The PSU fans are running kinda slow (Antec, if you ask anyone who has worked with electronics for a few years, you'll find that good cooling leads to higher reliability), but after running the system for a while, I'll bypass the speed control and connect the fans directly to the 12v line. Voltages are all very close to their correct values, and the system has passed a set of tests from a CD.

Oh, I just tested the RC5-72 speeds and they were at a blazing 7.3Mkeys/s! That's more than twice as fast as my 2.4GHz P4 (which gets 3Mkeys/s)! Those extra bits sure did something.
AMD, you take my breath away!

[RangerXLT8]

IMOP Atec makes the best PSU\Case combo hands down.