Fractal R4 or other cases?

[majax]

Hello,

I’m working on my 1st PC build, with very limited technical knowledge.
The case that I’m strongly considering buying is the Fractal R4. The minimalistic look of the case really appealed to me. However, I want to make sure that I don’t overlook a case that may fit my needs. Noise, Cooling, and functionality are important to me. Also, it must have USB 3.0 ports in front. I am not looking for a case with a glass panel or a lot of lights.

1) Is there a case that has a better internal configuration than the Fractal R4?

2) Regarding the Fractal R4, does the side acrylic window panel add to the noise level?

3) OT: Any recommendation on which Noctua fans to purchase, if I do decide on the R4?

Below is my current configuration (all products have been purchased):

HARDWARE

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

Motherboard: ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131821

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 FTW 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card 02G-P4-2678-KR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130787

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB SATA III 7200 RPM 64 MB Cache Internal Desktop Hard Drive Bulk/OEM - WD1002FAEX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 Continuous Direct Contact 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Compatible with latest Intel 2011/1366/1155 and AMD FM1/AM3+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

SSD Hard Drive: Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=20-148-442

Memory: CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Profile Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186

Optical Drive: Lite-On LightScribe 24X SATA DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive IHAS424-98 - Retail (Black)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106335

Monitor: Dell UltraSharp U2412M Black IPS Panel 24" 8ms Pivot, Swivel & Height Adjustable LED Backlight Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DC 2,000,000:1 (1000:1) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824260047

Speaker: DELL UltraSharp and Professional Series 468-7412 10 W 2.0 AX510 Flat Panel Stereo SoundBar http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836260002&Tpk=Dell AX510

Power Supply: ?

Case: ?

SOFTWARE

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium
Productivity Suite: Office 2010 Home & Student Edition

 

[ElricM]

Just did a build (sig not updated) this weekend with a Nanoxia Deep Silence 1 (from Newegg). Went together very straight forwardly, cable routing was easy, the system (still stock) of 3770K with 212+ (waiting for an h220) and the fans that came with the case is running dead silent, and cool. No regrets.

 

[-RYknow]

Go with the R4!! I built a new server just recently with the r4 and it came out awesome! The case houses a full atx motherboard, a ssd, and 6 3tb hard drives in a raid configuration. The case is amazing and I highly recommend it!

I've been a diehard Lian-li user for the last 10 years (currently have 5). After getting the r4, I'll be sticking with fractal! I've already built an htpc using their node 605, and I have the node 304 in the mail to me as I type. They give you top notch quality, fantastic features, and all for a great price!!

-RYknow

Edit: I just noticed you were questioning a PSU. Go Corsair! Their great!! I have two hx750's and a hx620. Their quiet, cool, and reliable!

 

[TiZakit]

I also vote for the R4. They have versions with and with out the side window. It has your USB 3.0 ports.

It has awesome build quality and after years of doing this, it is the best case I've been able to build in.

 

[Efonzerellie]

Just ordered my R4 yesterday. NCIX has em on sale for $99 The white one with window is free shipping.

 

[ElricM]

I also came from Lian-Li's. They've lasted me for a long time, but I don't think they have kept up with the competition. I notice the R4 has dropped in price quite a bit, but I'm still happy with choosing the DS1.

Hadn't noticed the question of power supplies. I'm a huge fan of Seasonic (who make the Corsairs). Debugging power supply problems is a big pain, and I've never had to deal with that since starting to use Seasonics. They just work...

 

[gotech]

I think you should go with a corsair carbide series chassis, like the 400r. They offer good air cooling, and are quiet, with a minimalistic look and front USB 3.0. They are very easy to work in as well, with lot's of good cable management options. The vengeance c70 is step up, but it is more gaming oriented so you may not like it. The r4 is a great case, but I have always preferred corsair. Fractal's cases are of equal build quality, though, if not better.

I agree with ElricM, go with a seasonic power supply. They're awesome, and very reliable.

 

[majax]

Thanks for all the recommendations. I went with the black pearl windowless version. I'm very happy with the purchase. Just learning what goes where now, lol.