Case Choosing

[dynamoboy]

Need a sem-budget case and can't choose between the Antec Solo, the Akasa Zen and the Coolermaster Centurion 5.

Which is the best one in terms of cooling and silence?
Which is the smallest?
Which has the best features?

The CM is totally screwless, but isn't that attractive.

The Zen is beautiful to look at, pretty much just what I was looking for - but its too cheap to be any good, right?

The Antec Solo is not beautiful really, but does sound-proof well.



= Help!

[s_kinton]

Best thing to do is specify a budget and then we can work out the best option from there.

[dynamoboy]

Well, i thoughtthat you'd be able to gauge my budget given the suggestions lol. I guess No more than £60.

[dynamoboy]

Couple others into the fray:

Lian-Li PC 60B Plus

and

Lian-Li PC 7 B Plus

Never used Lian_li before. Do they both have slideable MoBo trays?

[amjedm]

I wasn't too impressed with the Zen. Side panels were too thin IMO and the front air intake was almost non existent.

Not sure if they've improved it as there is a V2 which Scan sell.

[staffsMike]

Those xcase prices are ex vat and del.

£66 for the antec 900 on scan today only if that appeals?

Very quiet, good quality, not too big

I would probably get the antec solo from your original list.

[dynamoboy]

That Antec 900 is a bit too flashy for me. I prefer something a bit more neautral, without the lights etc.

What makes u vote the Antec Solo?

[staffsMike]

I favour silence over anything these days. I'm also a big fan of antec's offerings in this area so it's the one that makes the most sense for me.

[dodgybob]

Could go for an antec sonata as an alternative to the solo if you don't like the look of it. £73 at ebuyer but comes with a quality 500w psu. Sell the psu to recoup some cash or upgrade yours at the same time and sell the old.

[cotswoldcs]

The Solo is an excellent choice if you want a quiet system. If you read SPCR you will find it mentioned in numerous builds. I've purchased both the CM and the Zen and whilst OK for a budget case the Solo is the way to go if you want something quiet. Again the Sonata III would also be a reasonable bet if you also need/want the bundled PSU

[dynamoboy]

Antec Solo seems like a good safe bet, but if only it was a little prettier lol!? I'm being fussy, but I'd be having to look at it everyday. Wouldprefer it in all blk..

Anyone have any opinions on those Lian-Li's and the CM Centurion 5?

[aarongroves103]

buy a second hand Antec P182 from eBay...

[vaio]

Another vote for the solo.

[Mithrandir]

I'd choose the solo. I saw one in the Yoyotech store and its build is of a high quality.

You could also consider the Gigabyte Triton 180 for under £50

[Mithrandir]

In fact the Triton 180 is on Aria super special for £35.19!

Get one before they go (4 available at time of writing)
wow, I'm tempted to grab one myself

HERE

[tintax]

I've got a couple of Solos and a couple of (now discontinued) P150s (the Solo with an EarthWatts PSU) and I agree these are very good boxes and excellent value for money. I have found the reset button is prone to breaking off but that is the only complaint I have.

Depending on your feelings about power supplies, you might want to consider the Antec NSK6580. This shares most of the Solo's specification but comes with a 430W EarthWatts PSU. I guess this is the replacement option for the P150. It's available at ebuyer for £60 inc VAT and delivery.