Suggestions for my new case and fans...

I'm on an Athlon 64 / XFX 6800GT (oc'ed to Ultra) / Asus A8V Deluxe / 2Gb 4x512 PC3200 value RAM modules

Overclocking is set to Auto and because the Ram is running at 333, it's a newcastle core, my processor is getting to 2.44Ghz from the default 2.2Ghz for a 3500+.

Asus Probe informs me my CPU is idling at 62C! and that ingame I'm reaching 72C (the warning threshold).

As such I'm wanting to improve the situation and have put together a new case, fans and heatsink.

I'm not wanting to spend big bucks but I'd like a reasonably quiet PC (28db seems about right) with more reasonable temperatures.

My current case is a Centurion with 80mm fan front and rear, stock amd cooler and stock cooler of the xfx. I've got used to the noise but I'd like it to be quieter and cooler.

I want a plain black matte case, nothing fancy, preferably without front door (I like to be able to see my drives), no side window something very boring indeed but with a decent build quality.

As such I've put together this set, but I'm open to opinions especially advice on the best fans and heatsink (not an XP-120 - too expensive, unless you can show me where to get it for less than £20)

Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 CPU Cooler
Antec SLK3000B Midi Tower Case - No PSU
2 x Vantec SF12025L Stealth 120mm fan

£80.55 including VAT and delivery


any thoughts or suggestions much appreciated.

I would highly recommend the Nexus 120mm case fan.

Yeah i got 2 of those vantec fans and they aren't very quiet tbh even when on a fan controller, put my mates akasa 120mm quiet fans in and they wud be btter, but there are better ones avaliable! :D

And the freezer is v.good but some have problems either arriving doa or working for a day then the next day the fan doesn't spin unless i nudged it with a pen, and once is got to speed it would make a clicking noise! :( I bought a evo 33 to replace that, but i'm not totally happy with it, tis very noisy even on low.

Also if you're recommending something can you show me where I can buy them! :D

Good point, http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_2578.html

If you want a good heatsink then you have to be prepared to pay for it. An XP90 may be a good choice if you can find one cheap but may be just above your budget...

I have coolermaster silent fans, nice and cheap, and very quiet too.

Need to get some to replace a couple of louder ones soon.

I recommend the case you've suggested, it's got great airflow capabilities. It can be had for £33 on ebuyer. It has a front door but should be removeable. The stock Antec fan is reasonably quiet at low voltages (it has a switch on it to change speed). But as noise is subjective (personally it's too loud for me ;)) I suggest you try the stock one first and if it's too loud then go for a nice Nexus (kustompcs.co.uk) or Yate Loon (ebay).

Read the case review on SCPR and browse the forums - it generally regarded as the best case for the money in terms of cooling and noise.

Edit: as for CPU heatsinks, get one that takes at least a 90mm (preferably 120mm) fan, then use one of the fans I suggested above.

Any thoughts on this

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_2591.html

Compared to the nexus fan, it's rated a higher air flow and lower noise level?? Can i trust the figures?

Centurian 530 User Thread
Review Cooler Master Centurion 530

Available from Scan Computers - Centurion 530 Black Aluminium
Sadly it's gone up since i bought mine think it's a new verion now completely tooless.

Quote:

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Invoice E531944
Invoice E531944
Date 23/06/2005 06:50:38

Product Quantity Price
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Centurion 530 Black Aluminium Case 1 £31.99

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by cptwhite_uk

Any thoughts on this

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_2591.html

Compared to the nexus fan, it's rated a higher air flow and lower noise level?? Can i trust the figures?

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Nope don't trust the figures. It spins faster than the nexus so the cfm could indeed be correct but I don't see how it could be quieter if it spins faster.

Visit SCPR - there's loads of articles on fans and a dedicated forum just for them :)

I just had a thought, because of the mounting position of the Arctic Freezer 64's fan - would this limit it's ability to suck in cool air from the side vent on the case? Would I be better going for a standard set-up heatsink?

I setup a system for somone with the Arctic Freezer 7 and Jeantech Phong caes and the side duct couldn't be used due to the height of the freezer. So in answer to your question - I don't think the duct will work.

But the Antec case is a very good case so I would still go for that. I had an oem version of the case (Compucase).