What is the best "quiet" computer case 2012?

Best "quiet" case 2012?

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    20
sheroo

sheroo

New member
Hi guys, I’ve been thinking for a while about purchasing a “quiet” case. With a lot of manufacturers now getting on the bandwagon there seems to be more choice than ever.

Now I realise that buying a “quiet” case does not a quiet system make, it’s all to do with the components and fans… So buying a shed load of high end components and then trying to make them quiet is not the route that I would go down.

Instead what I want you to assume is that the system is mainly for browsing, productivity and the very occasional game. It will be sitting on the desk…

· GPU – passive HD 7750 (want to run 3 screens in eyefinity).
· PSU – fanless or Corsair AX or equivalent.
· CPU – 2500K or even 2100 with NH-D14.
· HDD – all ssd based, no mechanical drives.

I have deliberately left the form factor out; so given the above…

1. What do you think is the current best “quiet” case?
2. What type of fans would you use?
3. How would you have the fans configured (location & speed)?

I have put the main cases that I have looked at in the pole; however I haven’t included the Bitfenix Ghost, as this has an open vented area at the top, where too much noise can leak out. I have included the Antec P183 for the sake of completeness. If there are any I’ve missed, let me know and I’ll add them.
 
case is located how far from ear-shot?

one thing ive seen on the door case factor is interior heat. not able to exhaust it
without a fan of some capibility and noise..

airdeano
 
airdeano said:
case is located how far from ear-shot?

one thing ive seen on the door case factor is interior heat. not able to exhaust it
without a fan of some capibility and noise..

airdeano
Click to expand...
On the desk 75cm away.

I'm prepared to run the case a little hotter if that means it'll be quieter.
 
Fractal R4 for sure. That case is awesome. Also look at the Bitfenix Ghost, that looks promising too (no idea how good it is though)
 
Saltire35 said:
I'd say the Fractal R4 too... in white ofcourse ;)
Click to expand...
I'm afraid I'd have to get the boring black, otherwise I would feel compelled to go out and buy white screens to match.
sheroo said:
I had a look at the Bitfenix Ghost, but it is totally open at the top, meaning that all the noise can leak out.
Click to expand...
I had a look at the Bitfenix Ghost, but it is totally open at the top, meaning that all the noise can leak out.
 
Last edited:
It's far more down to your fans than it is the case. I'm using a Fractal R3 right now, and even with all fans running at 7v or less I can still hear the damn things. I don't know if I have really good hearing, or if I've been super-duper unlucky with my fans (they're all Noctua bar a single Fractal one).

My advice is not to limit your choices to 'silent' cases. Spend more money on better/quieter fans.
 
Josh Weston said:
It's far more down to your fans than it is the case. I'm using a Fractal R3 right now, and even with all fans running at 7v or less I can still hear the damn things. I don't know if I have really good hearing, or if I've been super-duper unlucky with my fans (they're all Noctua bar a single Fractal one).

My advice is not to limit your choices to 'silent' cases. Spend more money on better/quieter fans.
Click to expand...

Out of interest, how many fans have you got in there? I would be contemplating only running 2 fans, a front intake and a rear exhaust (plus heatsink fans).

I hear what you are saying about not wanting to limit case choice, but the main thing about these cases is supposidly their ability to limit the sound paths directly to your ears - that's the theory anyway...
 
+1 for the Josh..

like in the OP, its understood about the factors.. but limiting the choices to "silent"
styling cases.. some are just as noisey as non-doored cases because of the parts
used..

my midi with 2 intake fans, four SP120 roof fans (H100), noisey-assed
silverstone PSU is quite peaceful. moving to the fan regged PSU would be the
icer.

if id attempted a quiet build, FD R4 (white-windowed) and corsair quiets.

airdeano
 
Wow I would of thought that would be about as quiet as its gets...

Do you think the removable drive bays in the R4 would make any significant difference - less resistance for the intake fans?
 
Personally i love the look of the 550D. its also quiet with the right fans as said earler. i have 2 120mm Corsair AF silent fans in the front, and a quiet 140mm AF in the back. noise is minimal, cooling is still working, folding my 2500k and gtx 560ti in it with no issues
 
Hi Sheroo

i have just got a Cooler Master Silencio 650 case and its very quiet only way i know its on is looking at the lights (or after a good game when the gpu fan starts to spin up) i would definitely recommend this if you are after good looks and silent, if you need pics or any info on the case just ask
 
RWitts said:
Hi Sheroo

i have just got a Cooler Master Silencio 650 case and its very quiet only way i know its on is looking at the lights (or after a good game when the gpu fan starts to spin up) i would definitely recommend this if you are after good looks and silent, if you need pics or any info on the case just ask
Click to expand...

The only real bad point that I've read about the 650 is the cable management i.e. the grommets not in the best of places and there isn't much room behind the motherboard tray (taking into account the foam on the side panel) - how did you find it? What fan config/system setup are you using? Any piccies are more than welcome - thanks.

I've also just ordered some Corsair SP120 & AF120 quiet edition fans to try them out, as they seem to be the fan of choice atm.
 
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The build was just spare parts for office computer



Cabling was fine would be great if the PSU i had was modular but i'm not to fussed about it in this case as once the side is on it stays on and no windows ect so the internals wont be seen

The case has 3 stock coolermaster fans on a speed control slider,but even on high is very quiet

I have heard good things about the Corsair fans i guess you will use the SP for a Radiator and the AF for case fans

Pics are old case and new,Parts,Cable view and finished
the last pic is me just seeing if old 580 will fit
 

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Looks nice and tidy. I do like the features of the Silencio 650, but I've read some rather rave reviews about the Corsair 550D. There is only £10 difference in the price, and that all aluminium front is kinda winning me over atm.
 
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