P183 vs P193

[fullvietFX]

I'm having an extremely hard time deciding between the two. I currently have a P182 and the HDDs run way too hot because there's no fan at the bottom of the case. I'm going to be building a new rig and I can't decide which case to get. What do you guys think? Add the Cooler Master ATCS 840 into there too actually, which do you think is most quiet?

 

[E.T]

P183 adds front intake fan for lower chamber increasing cooling there. (door is just lot uglier than in P182)

Otherwise similar P193 has more space for graphics cards with E-ATX depth:
http://www.overclockersonline.net/images/articles/antec/p193/large/an35.jpg
http://www.overclockersonline.net/?page=articles&num=2831&pnum=3
But that side fan will surely conflict easily at least with squarish tower heatsinks and od course compromises side panel's noise containing ability. (and is next to often not so quiet GPU cooler)


ATCS 840 would be definitely my choise from CM cases (if those would be only ones available) but still has less than optimal design choises like plasticky wrap around tray for HDDs and top being in practise fully open. (also non-standard fan size doesn't allow looking for quieter fans)

 

[EndersShadow]

also non-standard fan size doesn't allow looking for quieter fans

That is only partially correct. The case comes with a mounting bracket for the top fans that allow you to take the 2 240mm fans and put 3 120mm fans (or a triple rad) in there instead. I wouldnt do it as the 240's move more than enough air and are inaudible at full rpm's (though you can connect them to a fan controller if needed). The Front intake fan however cannot be changed with anything other than another 240mm fan unfortunately.

I own both the P182 (server) and the ATCS 840 (main rig). I love the 840. It keeps my 4870x2 at around 55 degrees! This is huge because I have the GPU fan set to only go to 35-40% (making it darn near inaudible), and also have a 4550 in that same case.

Overall temps are great even with my overclocked CPU, 2 GPU's (one passively cooled) and 3 HDD's.

I have a full build log here that goes into much more detail, but I really do like the 840 much better for cable routing and space for installing parts.

The 182 works for my server build, but as you mentioned the airflow is less than ideal but since HDD's dont put out too much heat, and I plan on replacing the Antec fans with S-Flex 1600 rpm models that shouldnt be a big deal.

 

[fullvietFX]

That is only partially correct. The case comes with a mounting bracket for the top fans that allow you to take the 2 240mm fans and put 3 120mm fans (or a triple rad) in there instead. I wouldnt do it as the 240's move more than enough air and are inaudible at full rpm's (though you can connect them to a fan controller if needed). The Front intake fan however cannot be changed with anything other than another 240mm fan unfortunately.

I own both the P182 (server) and the ATCS 840 (main rig). I love the 840. It keeps my 4870x2 at around 55 degrees! This is huge because I have the GPU fan set to only go to 35-40% (making it darn near inaudible), and also have a 4550 in that same case.

Overall temps are great even with my overclocked CPU, 2 GPU's (one passively cooled) and 3 HDD's.

I have a full build log here that goes into much more detail, but I really do like the 840 much better for cable routing and space for installing parts.

The 182 works for my server build, but as you mentioned the airflow is less than ideal but since HDD's dont put out too much heat, and I plan on replacing the Antec fans with S-Flex 1600 rpm models that shouldnt be a big deal.

The only problem is the P182 has nothing blowing onto the HDDs, my HDDs are running around 60C.

 

[Dangman]

The only problem is the P182 has nothing blowing onto the HDDs, my HDDs are running around 60C.

Have you ever thought about just modding a 120mm fan to fit into that small space in front of the lower hard drive bay? That's what I did to cool my hard drives. Might as well save some money that way/

 

[fullvietFX]

Have you ever thought about just modding a 120mm fan to fit into that small space in front of the lower hard drive bay? That's what I did to cool my hard drives. Might as well save some money that way/

I really don't trust myself with a dremel. My hard-drive's are starting to make the grinding noise and I've come to believe it's because of the constant head.

 

[Dangman]

I really don't trust myself with a dremel. My hard-drive's are starting to make the grinding noise and I've come to believe it's because of the constant head.

You could use a compound action snip. It's cheap, easy, relatively safe but not really that clean of a cut:

 

[fullvietFX]

You could use a compound action snip. It's cheap, easy, relatively safe but not really that clean of a cut:

That looks plausible, I might look into that. How is the fan secured to the case though?

 

[nsx241]

I really don't trust myself with a dremel. My hard-drive's are starting to make the grinding noise and I've come to believe it's because of the constant head.

Was about to make a dirty joke, but I'll let someone else do it

 

[Hypernova]

There is no need to do such a mod for the HDDs. You just need to make sure the fan works to its full potential at the middle bracket.

My VR is at 29 and my WD 2TB 33C. Room temp 21C. S-Flex in front of the middle bracket 660rpm. All that with the air filter in place.
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1415697

Little critique on the grill mod: it's pointless with out doing the cover mod.

 

[Dangman]

That looks plausible, I might look into that. How is the fan secured to the case though?

Pressure pretty much. There's just enough room to fit the fan have it kept propped up and in place by the lower HDD bay.

@ Hypernova
I still noticed a 2-3C drop in temps by doing the grill mod alone. And yes I did do the cover mod although the pics do not show it. That did drop my temps as well.

Either of our methods will work. I personally wanted the extra cable management room anyway without that middle fan bracket. Also, I liked

 

[Hypernova]

Pressure pretty much. There's just enough room to fit the fan have it kept propped up and in place by the lower HDD bay.

@ Hypernova
I still noticed a 2-3C drop in temps by doing the grill mod alone. And yes I did do the cover mod although the pics do not show it. That did drop my temps as well.

Either of our methods will work. I personally wanted the extra cable management room anyway without that middle fan bracket. Also, I liked

Cables are ok if you use angled cables, although I did have to re-do the power cables for the HDD to match the gaps between drives.