Quiet Case

[Silent Shark]

Hi

I'm currently using a X-Clio Jr case that I've had for about a year. Great case, but it's SO LOUD!!

The thing sounds like a vacuum cleaner, and I've tried unplugging the case fans, changing the CPU fan, the PSU, even the chipset fan, and it's not getting any quieter. I blame the side panel mesh grill, which means that the side is basically open, letting noise escape.

I've concluded i need a new case. I need some recommendations:

I'd like a fairly simple looking case, preferably with a door. The colour should suit black DVD drives (as that is what I have) and obviously the priority is that it should be quiet! I'd also like a desktop case, but there are few that take ATX boards, and Silverstone's are too expensive. Midi tower otherwise.

Budget is around £40-50, Which I know is low, but I will stretch up higher if you really think it's worth it.

Current cases on the shortlist are Coolermaster Cavalier 3/4 and the Thermaltake Tenor/Soprano, but I've held back on the Cavalier because of suspect cooling (i've got a A64 3200 and a GF6800GT to keep cool), and I've held back on the Thermaltakes because of the price of them.

I'd really appreciate any recommendations anyone can give.

Thanks.

[Dougal]

The Lian-Li P-V1100 are very quiet, but a bit expensive.

They have the sound insulation inside and a sealed front door. Bit expensive though, but Lian Li are good quality, with the front USB annb audio belowe the door at teh front.

[Hottentot]

Why dont you stick a peice of sound absorbent foam over the side panel and put an Arctic cooler VGA silencer (which also helps with case cooling) on your GF6800GT.

[ed^chigliak]

No problems with a a64 3200 & x800xl overclocked at 2.4 in a Coolermaster Cavalier 3. The more openings and fans you have the greater the noise. The fact that the front air intake is on the underside is a plus for reducing the noise. Cooling is adequate IMO. I much prefer this case to the Antec Sonata.

[jimborae]

If you want a simple, cheap, black, quiet case with a door, look no further than the Antec SLK 3000. They're about £34 & no psu is included but they are great cases with good cooling properties.