The Case Dilemma

[Cistron]

Well, well, well, haven't we all had that problem?

I'm currently unsure whether I want to stay absolute budget - NSK4480 - or throw out an additional 70 quid for a p182 with an Earthwatts380. I rather save money, since the build is going to be a value for money rig - E2160 (and after market cooler), HD3870, 2GB PC6400, 320GB single platter HDD, Abit Dark raider/MSI Neo2, Samsung S203. So quite the minimum to have nice performance.

I cannot find pictures of the NSK4400 interior and apparently there's only one 80mm fan-mount in the front. Now, how difficult is it to slightly modify the case and install a 120mm fan instead? I have reasonable DIY experience, powerdrill and everything at hand.

[vaio]

There are a gazillion cheap cases with 120mm in and out.....why so set on Antec?

[Cistron]

There are a gazillion cheap cases with 120mm in and out.....why so set on Antec?

Because it comes with a good PSU and looks acceptable. To be honest most of the cases you get for scrap look horrible. And I'm not even talking about all the bling-bling gamer cases.

[vaio]

The 6580 is only slightly dearer and has a 430 Earthwatts supply and dual 92mm intakes?

[schmunk]

Why do you feel you need a fan at the front of the case?

Generally they serve only to make your PC more noisy, and your build is unlikely to be hot or cramped (where a bit of extra forced air would greatly help with cooling).

[vaio]

Coolermaster Elite 340 MATX Case With CM eXtreme Power 460W PSU........under £45.
120mm in and out.

Hmm, the write up I read says it takes ATX....yet product description says matx.

[Cistron]

Coolermaster Elite 340 MATX Case With CM eXtreme Power 460W PSU........under £45.
120mm in and out.

Hmm, the write up I read says it takes ATX....yet product description says matx.

Do you have a link to that offer?

[DDY]

Used Google yet?

NSK 4400 - Google Image Search

Anyway, I have a similar case, it's beige and has a different front panel but the metal chassis is identical.

There isn't much space around the front fan area, you'd have to remove the HDD/Floppy cage for a 120mm fan to fit. Unless you're able to fit everything in the 5 1/4" bays you're stuck with 80mm.

BTW, I think that bundle is on eBuyer.

[vaio]

Do you have a link to that offer?

The 330 offer
Case Info
PSU Info

[Cistron]

Rubbish, I think I've been running in circles... no clue which case I want now. The NSK 4400 sure seems tiny.

[vaio]

If it were me I would get a Coolermaster 690 and a Corsair HX PSU.

[Cistron]

If it were me I would get a Coolermaster 690 and a Corsair HX PSU.

Worth a thought. But probably with a cheapish Earthwatts Antec PSU. My prediction is that power-consumption of new systems is not going to rise any more and I have no intentions for SLI or Crossfire.

Has anyone experience with the Sharkoon Rebel 9?

[-iceblade^]

what is with Antec PSUs i'm pretty sure an HX520 will be more efficient than an Earthwatts 500, provide more power, and also last longer, not to mention it's modular and you'll have more headroom for future upgrades, ie a new HDD or a TV tuner or something

[Behemoth]

Having built a mates PC into the Antec case I can say they are very good cases for the money. Great build quality, and with all his gear inside it pretty silent too For the money you can't fault it.

[Pob255]

what is with Antec PSUs i'm pretty sure an HX520 will be more efficient than an Earthwatts 500, provide more power, and also last longer, not to mention it's modular and you'll have more headroom for future upgrades, ie a new HDD or a TV tuner or something

You do realise they are both made by Seasonic and both carry the 80PLUS® certificate

The main advantage of the corsair HX is that it's modular, has a larger fan and sleved cables(it also looks more pritty)
I'd definately not go below a decent 400w with a HD3870 in there but a decent 400w is all you should need for that spec.

For a cheap case you could look at the Akasa Zen, it's another good budegt case, comes with 2x120mm fans.
It's not the greatest of cases or the largest but it is cheap, fuctional and one of the best budget cases. (although no PSU)

Chieftec also do some nice budget cases but they are no easy to find outside of OEM builds.

I can also recogmend a Coolermaster 690 for a low cost gaming case it's very nice and has a good amount of space inside

the Antec NSK6580 + 430W EarthWatts would be a good case & PSU
Antec NSK6580 Mid Tower ATX/MATX Case - With 430W EarthWatts PSU ATX12V 2.0 USB/FireWire/Audio - Ebuyer

However that offer on ebuyer for the coolermaster Case&PSU looks hard to beat for the price.
I'd rate the Earthwatts slightly over the eXtreme Power Plus 460W simpley for aPCF and slightly better effecenty. But that's not to say the CM one is no good, it should power your specs fine.

[Cistron]

Thanks for all the info. I'm actually playing with the thought of modifying my old case (noname budget, beige). If I do that, I'll definitely post pictures about the abomination that is going to be born, hehe.