SLK-3700BQE HDD Cage?

[Mr. Fri]

I'm thinking of getting this case but the one concern I have is the HDD cage. They turned it sideways (unlike the 3700AMB version) so there's no room to mount a 120mm fan inside the case. This link shows that the fan needs to go on the outside. Also, it looks like the cage blocks the airflow.

For those of you who have the case:
- Can the cage be modified to mount a fan inside the box?
- If I do put a 120mm fan outside the case, does the stock filter (I'm told one comes with the case) still fit under the bezel?
- If I don't use a front fan, will the back fan pull enough air flow through the filtered front?
- Have you hade any problems with the Antec SmartPower 350 PSU?

*edit* (One more question)
Would there be any problems if I removed the HDD cage and placed my hard drive under the floppy or with an adaptor in one of the 5.25 bays?

Mr. Fri

 

[Nero]

Actually, having air forced in the case of the BQE works better. The air flow is fine. The 120mm fan fits between the actual case and the front bezel. Because of this it can be no deeper than 25MM (no 38mm Panas or Deltas). Even still, the stock filter fits.

I don't remember whether or not the cage can be modded to fit a 120mm fan internally.

Surprisingly, the BQE has decent airflow without the use of a front 120MM fan. It's highly advisable to use a 2nd fan, but I ran a 2500+ @ 200x11x1.70v for testing purposes rock solid @ 42C load using only the single 120mm outtake fan and a SLK-900A w/ 92 Panaflo M1A.

No problems with the PSU. It runs quite cool, however neither of the 2 systems I built in BQE cases were anything special (Nforce 2 mobos, 2500+ @ 3200+ speeds, 9800s, 1 DVD/CDRW drive, 1 HDD, 2 fans)

I can't say enough about the 3700BQE, they're not the best looking cases, but they're not ugly, and they're highly practical and very affordable.

 

[sentry]

with regards to the slk3700amb model --one with the psu. is the psu of resonalb e quality.. or would getting the plusview1000amg w/o psu and just purchase it individualy...thx

also, what would be a resonabley decent psu for under 40.
--no ocing will be done on rig--
--nothing less than 280w ,however--

 

[Oklahoma Wolf]

The PSU won't handle a serious P4 overclock but it's good quality and will power most non-oc'd systems fine. I have the AMB version - it's a great case.

 

[Mr. Fri]

Thanks for the input. Does the HDD cage being close to the front fan intake restrict the flow much?

 

[Deathknight]

If you like the slk-3700amb and don't want the PSU consider getting a Compucase LX-6A19. This is the case that Antec bases its SLK-3700amb on, and its nearly identically internally(same 120mm fan mounts, same HD mounting grommets etc), but you can buy it without a PSU for $49. Main difference is in appearance, since it has a different front bezel and no door over the drive bays.

IMHO the BQE model of the slk-3700 is a step backwards from the amb. Airflow in the amb model is less restricted, especially if you don't have a full load of HDs. The only plus is the quieter PSU on the BQE model.

 

[Mr. Fri]

Deathnight, I know you're a big fan of the LX-6A19 and I've seriously considered it also. The advantage of the BQE is that it has a PSU that's reliable (acording to other posts) and quiet (acording to SilentPCreview.com). It's a great combo. To get a similar PSU for the LX-6A19 would cost about $40-50 (unless someone has a cheaper suggestion).

(BTW, Directron has an option to buy the BQE without the PSU. It's $77 with; and $45 without PSU.)

Like the post says, I like the BQE except for the HD cage. So, what if I just removed the cage? Would there be any problems if I removed the HDD cage and placed my hard drive in the 3.5 bay under the floppy or with an adaptor in one of the 5.25 bays? Would I be shortening the drive life by not keeping it cool enough?

 

[Ralf Hutter]

Like the post says, I like the BQE except for the HD cage. So, what if I just removed the cage? Would there be any problems if I removed the HDD cage and placed my hard drive in the 3.5 bay under the floppy or with an adaptor in one of the 5.25 bays? Would I be shortening the drive life by not keeping it cool enough?

Go ahead an remove the cage, then you can suspension-mount your HDD underneath the floppy bay right in front of a cooling fan to keep the drive cool. This would be a wonderful way to do it and the drive runs much quieter when it is mounted decoupled from the case so you even get another side benefit out of it.

 

[Mr. Fri]

Thanks, Ralf. That's the best idea yet. Suspending the HD looks to be straight forward and I'll be able to keep a good (filtered) air flow into the case.

BTW, your review of the BQE was very helpful. Looks like I'll go with the BQE- it will be quiet, has good cooling, and comes with a decent PSU.