Need some input from the SFF crowd

[Raz1r]

Hey guys, I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do here.

Ok, so I finally decided to go full ATX for my main rig, but I plan on giving the computer I'm using now to my Dad. He's using a single-core AMD 2ghz machine with DDR Ram and some crappy ATI X1300 in AGP, and his rig is starting to choke on his 3D programs (VUE Inifinite and shit like that.)

I'm not entirely happy with the current setup I have, the cables in my LBL look like a rat's nest, and I've spent a few hours just trying to clean them up. There are just too many extra wires. The cooling is also lacking a bit, these dual 60s on the back just aren't cutting it, even with my fan controller setting them to high.

I'm looking at two options here:

1) Buy a Cooler Master 340, 2 x Scythe Ultra Kaze 120mm x 38mm fans.

I wouldn't have to worry about cooling, and it would be much easier to hide the wires for better airflow. I wouldn't know what to do with my LBL though.

Total: $75, $60 if I can find it at CompUSA

2) Buy a Modular PSU

Total: $80-ish

What do you guys think I should do?

 

[lowteckh]

You should maybe learn how to clean up your cables >.>"... The Lbox has been the easiest to set up and cable manage out of the Q and SG01, post-installation maintenance/work is what prompted me to ditch it. Modular won't help if the rest of your stuff is a mess.

THe box looked much better than the pic below, that was taken right before I swapped it to the Q.

And temps w/ an Enoztech Ultra w/ a P12 blowing down. Not that bad.

 

[Skott]

A modular psu is always a help but like LT said you still need to do wire maintenance no matter what psu you use. A bigger case with more inner room and better/more/bigger fans is always helpful as well but if you arent overclocking or using huge quad heating CPUs you can get away with smaller cases with smaller fans. There are tradeoffs that have to be made with SFF rigs and you have to decide what they must be.