THE best case and cooling

[Stiganator]

I was wondering if you guys could help me out with a case for my new system:
I need 3 5.25 bays exposed(exactly no more unless they are hidden) and 1 or 2, 3.25 bays(more if they are hidden). I need superb air flow since I am running dual athlons, also a cool color wouldn't hurt, but not real important. It must be ATX compliant. I would like it to be good sized, but under three feet in height. Does this ring anybells? One more thing, which are the quietest yet best cooling fans?

 

[FlowerMan]

Why do you have to have a maximum number of exposed 5.25" bays? Most cases will either have 1, 2, 4, or more drive bays. I have not seen any with only 3. I recommend the Lian Li PC60/PC30, the Antec SX6X0 series, or the Addtronics 6890A/6896A.

Edit: lol, the Antec SX6X0 series DOES have 3 5.25" bays http://www.antec-inc.com/product/cases/minitower.html

I'd use Panaflo H1 80mm fans hooked up to a 12/7/off bay bus so I could control the voltage of the fans so I could have performance when I needed it and low noise when needed as well. If you want to compromise performance for low noise, I'd get the Panaflo L1's. The SX6X0 series can utilize 3 80mm fans. I'd use an H1 for the rear and 2 L1's in the front to even out airflow.

 

[Lizardman]

enermax FS-710B

good air flow plus looks cool.

 

[J3anyus]

Check out the Chenbro Junior. I run my main rig in it, and it's an excellent case to work with. It has 3 5.25" bays, 2 exposed 3.5" bays, and 3 hidden 3.5" bays. It also offers excellent cooling, as it has a 120mm intake and a 120mm exhaust, along with an 80mm fan mount right over the hard drive rack.

 

[FlowerMan]

<< enermax FS-710B >>



AKA the Antec SX1030, only its black, has an Enermax 330W PS, and 3 Enermax ball bearing fans. I have used the beige version of this case from Newegg for the last 4 workstations that I have built at work. Only thing is, the SX630 or SX635 wouldu suit your needs much better.

 

[vsfoxe]

Stiganator: With consideration for your requirement(s), I would suggest you consider an Inwin S500 ($57 + $19 at Newegg.com as IW-S500P.300F). I've used one of these for about 3 years with an added optional rear fan. It is easy to work in if necessary, and seems to cool well. Very high quality steel with rounded smooth edges. 3 5-1/4 bays, 2 3-1/2 exposed bays, 2 3-1/2 hidden bays. No screws needed to attach rails to CD-ROM etc. (the rails snap into unit, then unit slides in - works great). We have two in family and appreciate the quality.

The Antex SX-1000 series (also sold by Enermax, Chieftec, and ChenMing) are too large for your requirements (have 4 5-1/4 bays, 3 3-1/2 exposed bays, 3 3-1/2 hidden bays). I have one of these, and their quality is the same as the S500 - very high. Perhaps a smaller Antec might meet your needs (SX-600 series?)

Panaflo L1A fans are pretty quiet with reasonable airflow, and "Silencer" is about the same, perhaps a little better.

My 2 cents worth.

 

[Woody419]

This DX-01W case by Chieftec looks like what you need. Newegghas them, they are the same as Antec, but they have one more hdd cage that is fan cooled, you supply the fans, which is good, the Antec fans are kind of loud, power supplies up to 400W too.

 

[JK16]

Addtronics W8500. It's both ATX AND WTX complaint, and it will cool off ANY processor. It has 3 92mm intakes (one bows through the HD cage, cooling them) and 2 80mm fans (one blows on all you 5.25 inch drives. Then since it is a WTX converted case (but let me stress that it is fully complaint with ATX, since I currently have an ATX board in mine) your mobo will mount "upside down", which is PERFECTLY safe, and your processors will not only get the blast of air from the intake fans, they will be about 4 inches away from an outboard array of 4 80mm fans! This case even comes with a grill for the front fans to keep out dust, plus, in 2+ years, when boards are made for WTX, you'll already be ready with an exellent case. It does cost ~$225, but it's worth it. Get it at Coolcases.com, and have Jim Hanson outfit it with panaflo m1a's for a silent, and cool PC.
With this case my temps are:
Mobo(asus A7V266-E:28C
CPU(non oced XP1700, but w/ swiftech mcx462) and panaflo h1a fan on it: 35C
Ambient temps are 26C

 

[JK16]

Forgot to mention some things:
Here's how drive mounts break down for the W8500
5 5.25 exposed bays
1 3.5 exposed bay
5 3.5 hidden bays

Currently it only comes in generic eggshell white. but believe me, this is no generic case!
With the casters (use them to move this behemouth) in is 25" high, 14" wide at the base (12" at the top), and about 2 feet deep.
Also, USE the panaflos, as your computer will actually run quietly, while still have good airflow.

 

[dejo]

Here's the link to the case I have. People sell them on ebay (which is where I got mine without all the expensive stuff inside) for much cheaper than the alienware website.


alienware area 51 case


The case I own has three 5.25 bays all exposed and four 3.25 bays (2 hidden). Has very good airflow with a side blowhole, front lower intake, and rear upper exhaust. Throw in about 4 more fans like I did and it will run cold as ice. Hope this helped.



dejo

 

[S0me1X]

The Enermax Aluminum Cases are sweet... but they are even more expensive than Lian-Li and Coolmaster's.