Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: 5x Akasa Ambers + ZM-MFC2, or just buy a new case?

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    North East
    Posts
    97
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked
    8 times in 6 posts
    • ezri's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Abit IP35 Pro
      • CPU:
      • Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
      • Memory:
      • 4x 1GB Geil ULL PC2-6400
      • Storage:
      • 2x Samsung F1 750GB
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Sapphire 512MB HD4580
      • PSU:
      • Enermax Modu82+ 625W
      • Case:
      • Silverstone LC17B
      • Monitor(s):
      • 37" Hannspree Xv-S JT02 LCD TV
      • Internet:
      • Virgin Media 4Mbit

    5x Akasa Ambers + ZM-MFC2, or just buy a new case?

    I was originally set upon buying 5x Akasa Ambers 120mm and a Zalman ZM-MFC2 to help control noise in my case. However it's coming out about £70 for those, so I'm wondering if I might as well just add another £50 and buy a brand new case that already has excellent cooling / noise reduction and doesn't really need a fan controller?

    It would actually solve some issues with my P180, which has various issues. Namely:
    • Malformed side panels, they won't go on properly due to removing/putting back on
    • It's the 180b - there's no way to route cables behind the motherboard like the P182
    • I have to remove the middle hard drive bay to get my graphics card in due to the size of it
    • I'm limited to modular only PSU's because I have to use the bottom hard drive tray due to issue above
    • Antec TriCool's are about as reliable as a chocolate fireguard, I've gone through about 10 of them

    The case issues *are* bareable however, but I'm really wondering should I just get a new case and solve all my case, noise, cooling and hard drive woes in 1 or just get the ambers and the controller?

    I was thinking maybe the Coolermaster Cosmos RC1000 v2 for this if I went with the case instead of the ambers + zm-mfc2. Is this case silent (or near enough) and great at cooling? Any noticeable flaws? I checked the Hexus review of this case but I think this was V1 of the case and Scan currently stock the V2 so I'm not sure of the differences? If not the Cosmos, anything else around the £100 - £120 mark that is superb for noise/cooling/other issues I mentioned above?

    Sorry for the questionaire, but I do like to be thorough before I turn over my hard earned case

    Thank you for the help in advance.

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Bath Uni
    Posts
    1,140
    Thanks
    169
    Thanked
    71 times in 66 posts
    • Will404's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS P5Q PRO
      • CPU:
      • Core2quad Q6600 @2.85GHz
      • Memory:
      • 4GB Corsoar Twin X XMS2 DDR2-PC2 6400 @ 900MHz, 5-5-5-18
      • Storage:
      • WD 320GB, Segate 320GB (Raid 0), 2* WD 1TB storage
      • Graphics card(s):
      • ATI Sapphire HD 4850
      • PSU:
      • Corsoar HX 520
      • Case:
      • Antec 900
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7 Pro x64
      • Monitor(s):
      • ASUS MW221u 22"

    Re: 5x Akasa Ambers + ZM-MFC2, or just buy a new case?

    New case, defo...or for a bit over you could get watercooling..?, which would cause your pc to run alot cooler and quirter

    This could be a worthwile consideration.

  3. Received thanks from:

    ezri (12-07-2008)

  4. #3
    Senior Member Ciber's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Southampton
    Posts
    1,650
    Thanks
    170
    Thanked
    78 times in 62 posts
    • Ciber's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Asus Prime X470 Pro
      • CPU:
      • Ryzen 5 3600
      • Memory:
      • 16GB Team Group
      • Storage:
      • ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB + 1TB
      • Graphics card(s):
      • GTX960 Strix
      • PSU:
      • Seasonic Prime Ultra Snow Silent 650W
      • Case:
      • Phanteks Enthoo Pro
      • Operating System:
      • W10 64
      • Monitor(s):
      • Asus PG329Q
      • Internet:
      • Vodafone Fibre

    Re: 5x Akasa Ambers + ZM-MFC2, or just buy a new case?

    Antec nine hundred or twelve hundred be any good for you?
    My blog

    I used to play BF3, Battlefield BC2, BF4 and TF2

    Do something amazing.... Give blood

  5. Received thanks from:

    ezri (12-07-2008)

  6. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Bath Uni
    Posts
    1,140
    Thanks
    169
    Thanked
    71 times in 66 posts
    • Will404's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS P5Q PRO
      • CPU:
      • Core2quad Q6600 @2.85GHz
      • Memory:
      • 4GB Corsoar Twin X XMS2 DDR2-PC2 6400 @ 900MHz, 5-5-5-18
      • Storage:
      • WD 320GB, Segate 320GB (Raid 0), 2* WD 1TB storage
      • Graphics card(s):
      • ATI Sapphire HD 4850
      • PSU:
      • Corsoar HX 520
      • Case:
      • Antec 900
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7 Pro x64
      • Monitor(s):
      • ASUS MW221u 22"

    Re: 5x Akasa Ambers + ZM-MFC2, or just buy a new case?

    I just bought a 900, have not set it up yet, but however I don't think that ezri would be too keen on an antec case:

    Quote Originally Posted by ezri View Post
    Antec TriCool's are about as reliable as a chocolate fireguard, I've gone through about 10 of them

  7. #5
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    North East
    Posts
    97
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked
    8 times in 6 posts
    • ezri's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Abit IP35 Pro
      • CPU:
      • Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
      • Memory:
      • 4x 1GB Geil ULL PC2-6400
      • Storage:
      • 2x Samsung F1 750GB
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Sapphire 512MB HD4580
      • PSU:
      • Enermax Modu82+ 625W
      • Case:
      • Silverstone LC17B
      • Monitor(s):
      • 37" Hannspree Xv-S JT02 LCD TV
      • Internet:
      • Virgin Media 4Mbit

    Re: 5x Akasa Ambers + ZM-MFC2, or just buy a new case?

    Aye the Antec 1200 looks a really nice case, but Antec TriCool's were forged in the fiery pits of hell. Which is a shame because it's putting me off Antec cases until they get better fans installed at default. Still got my eye on the Cosmos V2, can't find anything hideously wrong with it so far...

    Think I will go with the case option, now just to find a case

  8. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Bath Uni
    Posts
    1,140
    Thanks
    169
    Thanked
    71 times in 66 posts
    • Will404's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS P5Q PRO
      • CPU:
      • Core2quad Q6600 @2.85GHz
      • Memory:
      • 4GB Corsoar Twin X XMS2 DDR2-PC2 6400 @ 900MHz, 5-5-5-18
      • Storage:
      • WD 320GB, Segate 320GB (Raid 0), 2* WD 1TB storage
      • Graphics card(s):
      • ATI Sapphire HD 4850
      • PSU:
      • Corsoar HX 520
      • Case:
      • Antec 900
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7 Pro x64
      • Monitor(s):
      • ASUS MW221u 22"

    Re: 5x Akasa Ambers + ZM-MFC2, or just buy a new case?

    Lol, good luck, I don't think that there is much advice that can be given on this, its more down to personal prefrance.

    The cosmos V2 is a nice case though...


    get something nice.

    Will

  9. #7
    I R Toff Pandi! TAKTAK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Vergon6
    Posts
    7,450
    Thanks
    553
    Thanked
    1,013 times in 748 posts
    • TAKTAK's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING
      • CPU:
      • Ryzen 7 3700X
      • Memory:
      • 16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX 3200MHz
      • Storage:
      • 500GB Samsung 970 EVO
      • Graphics card(s):
      • 5700 XT 50th Anniversary
      • PSU:
      • Be Quiet SFX-L 600W
      • Case:
      • Lian Li PC-O11 Mini
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10
      • Monitor(s):
      • LG Ultrawide
      • Internet:
      • 200Mb FTTP

    Re: 5x Akasa Ambers + ZM-MFC2, or just buy a new case?

    you could do a volt mod on the fans... (i.e. the fans spin slower and are quiter)

    or fit the case out with some yate loons (which are about £4 a pop) with the addition of a fan controller... so 5 Y/L's + 5 pointiometers = ~£30

    or do the slow upgrade option of fitting a new noctua p12 every so often, i've got 3 p12's in my case plus 2 Y/L's and it's nice and quiet with the proccy and GFX being under full load for about 5days i think the loudest thing in my case is the GFX card cooler. and bareing n mind that my case is a Lian Li A05 the sides are quite thin as it is aluminium, but with noctuas its nice and quiet.

    so... if your current fans are powered straight off the PSU (i.e. molex) then you can do a volt mod to shut them up. or get some Y'L's (£4 each). or some P12's (£13 each)
    Post Counts and Other Rewards, Rules, Folding@Home, Fans: Push vs Pull vs Push-Pull, Corsair PSU OEMs.

    Quote Originally Posted by razer121 View Post
    Would you like me to enter you? it would be my pleasure
    TAKTAK.co.uk

  10. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Bath Uni
    Posts
    1,140
    Thanks
    169
    Thanked
    71 times in 66 posts
    • Will404's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS P5Q PRO
      • CPU:
      • Core2quad Q6600 @2.85GHz
      • Memory:
      • 4GB Corsoar Twin X XMS2 DDR2-PC2 6400 @ 900MHz, 5-5-5-18
      • Storage:
      • WD 320GB, Segate 320GB (Raid 0), 2* WD 1TB storage
      • Graphics card(s):
      • ATI Sapphire HD 4850
      • PSU:
      • Corsoar HX 520
      • Case:
      • Antec 900
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7 Pro x64
      • Monitor(s):
      • ASUS MW221u 22"

    Re: 5x Akasa Ambers + ZM-MFC2, or just buy a new case?

    Good point TakTak...should have thought of that.

    Here is a guide of how to volt mod:http://www.techpowerup.com/articles/other/137

    Your fans will run on 12 volts, and by volt modding them you can change this to 7 or 5 volts, meaning that they run slower, thus making less noise.

  11. #9
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    North East
    Posts
    97
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked
    8 times in 6 posts
    • ezri's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Abit IP35 Pro
      • CPU:
      • Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
      • Memory:
      • 4x 1GB Geil ULL PC2-6400
      • Storage:
      • 2x Samsung F1 750GB
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Sapphire 512MB HD4580
      • PSU:
      • Enermax Modu82+ 625W
      • Case:
      • Silverstone LC17B
      • Monitor(s):
      • 37" Hannspree Xv-S JT02 LCD TV
      • Internet:
      • Virgin Media 4Mbit

    Re: 5x Akasa Ambers + ZM-MFC2, or just buy a new case?

    I best shy away from volt modding, last thing I volt modded ended up killing my PSU when I modded it from 12v to 7v Thank you for the suggestion however.

  12. #10
    I R Toff Pandi! TAKTAK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Vergon6
    Posts
    7,450
    Thanks
    553
    Thanked
    1,013 times in 748 posts
    • TAKTAK's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING
      • CPU:
      • Ryzen 7 3700X
      • Memory:
      • 16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX 3200MHz
      • Storage:
      • 500GB Samsung 970 EVO
      • Graphics card(s):
      • 5700 XT 50th Anniversary
      • PSU:
      • Be Quiet SFX-L 600W
      • Case:
      • Lian Li PC-O11 Mini
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10
      • Monitor(s):
      • LG Ultrawide
      • Internet:
      • 200Mb FTTP

    Re: 5x Akasa Ambers + ZM-MFC2, or just buy a new case?

    well if a volt mod is out... then i reccomend a nice case such as Lian Li's or Silverstone Tiemjins
    Post Counts and Other Rewards, Rules, Folding@Home, Fans: Push vs Pull vs Push-Pull, Corsair PSU OEMs.

    Quote Originally Posted by razer121 View Post
    Would you like me to enter you? it would be my pleasure
    TAKTAK.co.uk

  13. Received thanks from:

    ezri (12-07-2008)

  14. #11
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Bath Uni
    Posts
    1,140
    Thanks
    169
    Thanked
    71 times in 66 posts
    • Will404's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS P5Q PRO
      • CPU:
      • Core2quad Q6600 @2.85GHz
      • Memory:
      • 4GB Corsoar Twin X XMS2 DDR2-PC2 6400 @ 900MHz, 5-5-5-18
      • Storage:
      • WD 320GB, Segate 320GB (Raid 0), 2* WD 1TB storage
      • Graphics card(s):
      • ATI Sapphire HD 4850
      • PSU:
      • Corsoar HX 520
      • Case:
      • Antec 900
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7 Pro x64
      • Monitor(s):
      • ASUS MW221u 22"

    Re: 5x Akasa Ambers + ZM-MFC2, or just buy a new case?

    Yer, I know what you mean about being shy about voltmodding...I decided to make a flashing light system for my pc, and when only one of the lights worked i decided to skip a section of the pcb, using a a bare wire, while the computer was on.......
    .......it shorted, but the psu cutted out luckally, as otherwise all the power could have gone through me.

    No volt modding for me either...

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Akasa Amber 120mm case fan installation
    By redsky009 in forum PC Hardware and Components
    Replies: 25
    Last Post: 02-12-2006, 09:46 PM
  2. Replies: 6
    Last Post: 29-11-2006, 05:28 PM
  3. Custom fabricated "Creature" case.
    By Leecho in forum Chassis and Mods
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 12-05-2006, 02:32 AM
  4. Custom fabricated "Creature" case.
    By Leecho in forum Chassis and Mods
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 19-04-2006, 05:05 AM
  5. Replies: 7
    Last Post: 11-09-2003, 11:53 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •