Need new, quiet case

R

Ricedaddy

[H]ard|Gawd
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Feb 19, 2003
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I'm looking for a new case. I want something that is going to be quiet and nice looking without being ostentatious. I'm currently using a Cooler Master 590, which I hacked apart in a botched case mod that never ended up getting fixed. It's a great case, but just not what I'm looking for anymore.

ANYWAY, I want something a little more quiet and nice looking. I was looking at the Corsair 600T because I like the grommets and finish of the inside. Also taking a look at some of the Silverstone cases, but can't make a decision. I'm entertaining the notion of setting up a full water loop, but that is not on the bench right now so it's not a big consideration. Right now I'm using a Corsair H50 for cooling and a couple of random fans, which are going to be replaced with some Gentle Typhoons. I'm not too concerned with price as long as it's not a bozillion dollars. Under $200 would be nice.

Thanks for the input.
 
The Antec P183 is a pretty quiet case. Very simple looks, nice clean lines. I have a Silverstone FT01 and absolutely love it, but wouldn't consider it an overly quiet case.
 
These are the current recommended quiet cases for gaming PCs:
$105 - Fractal Design Define R3 Black ATX Case (Fill in the ++++ with "N C I X" without the spaces)
$105 - Fractal Design Define R3 Titanium ATX Case (Fill in the ++++ with "N C I X" without the spaces)
$105 - Fractal Design Define R3 Silver ATX Case (Fill in the ++++ with "N C I X" without the spaces)
$160 - Silverstone RV02B-W ATX case
 
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I'm glad you suggested that Fractal Design Define R3. That looks like it might be exactly what I am looking for, and it's rather inexpensive.
 
Ricedaddy said:
I'm glad you suggested that Fractal Design Define R3. That looks like it might be exactly what I am looking for, and it's rather inexpensive.
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It's a good case IMO. Definitely would be my pick as well.
 
I really like the look and design of the Fractal cases, but have no first hand knowledge of them. Aside from that, Antec make the most sound proof cases, I have used many different models to build sound proof pc's and the have yet to let me down.
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=11-129-062&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2

About a year ago, I got fed up with fan noise, vibration, ridiculous LEDs, flashy/cheap cases, so I bought this baby and I've never regretted it. The sound dampending materials are awesome, and the quality of this thing was just a dream; I've never had such an easy build having never spent more that $70 on a case. Oh, and it was also my intro into routing cables behind the mobo, and it couldn't have been easier. If you want a quality, quiet, clean build with some really good airflow, I recommend the ANTEC P-193 for sure. And holy cow, with all the fan noise gone, I discovered sounds in some of my games that I'd never even heard before, LOL.
 
Yeah, the R3 is a nice case, pretty close to the Antec designs. Last time I knew, they weren't sold in the US though :(
 
quanta15 said:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=11-129-062&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2

About a year ago, I got fed up with fan noise, vibration, ridiculous LEDs, flashy/cheap cases, so I bought this baby and I've never regretted it. The sound dampending materials are awesome, and the quality of this thing was just a dream; I've never had such an easy build having never spent more that $70 on a case. Oh, and it was also my intro into routing cables behind the mobo, and it couldn't have been easier. If you want a quality, quiet, clean build with some really good airflow, I recommend the ANTEC P-193 for sure. And holy cow, with all the fan noise gone, I discovered sounds in some of my games that I'd never even heard before, LOL.
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As a warning, the P193 is HUGE for a 'mid-tower' as well as extremely heavy.
 
The R3 is looking like the winner so far...though I am curious about the door on the front interfering with the intake fan on the front. Does anyone have first hand experience with the R3?

Edit: I see after looking a little more closely that there is a door behind the main door that seems to be able to be removed that will give a bit more room for the air to come in. Too bad the white one isn't available, but I think I'm going to pull the trigger on one of these.
 
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I've been pretty interested in an R3 myself recently. I'm in no rush and not about to pay over $50 for shipping though. Anyways I e-mailed Fractal and asked about their plans for actual US sales and this is what I got in return.

We anticipate having product available at the major in about a month as we just established the US company in September and it take a while to get the resellers established, orders placed, product built and shipped from China, etc... as you can imagine. We are getting many requests just like yours so rest assured we are going as fast as we can to satisfy US demand. I hope you will wait for us to get the case available in the US but I know how it is once you decide to build. ;-)

Anyway, I hope you can hold on as we are getting really great feedback on our cases from the samples we have sent our soon to be partners and I know you will really like these cases.

Thanks for your interest in Fractal Design products.

Best regards,

Paul
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I can't wait untill I can pick one up at Amazon at a good price.
 
Yeah, I took at look at the shipping from the linked place, and it looks like I am waiting for fractal to get the us suppliers set up.
 
My thoughts exactly. Lowest at ++++US was $60 dollars. Ouch!! I'll pay the extra for the Lian Li PC-B25F. I have always been happy with my Lian Li cases.
 
I have the Define R2 (previous model, very minor differences). I also have a P182 to compare with.

The front door does not really interfere with the fans. Compared to the Antec P18x the fans are recessed and will draw air through the side vents no matter what you do to the door or the front vents behind it. Do note that the door closes up very near to the front vents, so you won't be able to fit any 5.25" devices that have protrusions on the front (fan controllers etc.).

The Antec does have a more solid feel and better build quality, but is also more expensive. The Define has more and better cooling, and in my opinion a better inside layout. The fans that come with the Define are prone to clicking, though, and might need replacing.
 
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