Best Silent Case for around $100 to $150

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
P

Personal User

Reputable
Jan 9, 2015
26
0
4,540
I am looking for the best possible silent chassis for holding my components. It can't sacrifice cooling, sound, build quality, or any other aspect of a case.

To put things into reference, I was looking at the NZXT H440, Fractal Design Define R5, and the Define S. The prices are great for what they offer, I just need guidance on choosing the best possible case for what I'm asking for. They can, of course, be these, but if there's another chassis I should be aware of, then please let me know!

Thanks in advance for any answers!
 
Solution
SinxarKnights
I have the R5 and found it is acceptable. The temps are good and it is quiet (I purchased an extra GP-14 fan to put in the front slot). The problem for me with the Define S was the lack of HDD mounting spots. Since I don't have a custom water cooling setup, the case would be a waste.

I was a very slightly disappointed with the R5 though. It does its job nicely and looks good. It just feels so flimsy when building in it. It flexes without much effort. Once the side panels are in place it is fine though. I guess it really needs the support from the panels. I think this is due to how the HDDs racks are mounted. I was using an Antec 300 before the R5 and it was solid with both panels off. The HDD rack was riveted directly to the chassis...
Sort by date Sort by votes
SinxarKnights

SinxarKnights

Distinguished
Jan 3, 2007
2,333
3
20,960
I have the R5 and found it is acceptable. The temps are good and it is quiet (I purchased an extra GP-14 fan to put in the front slot). The problem for me with the Define S was the lack of HDD mounting spots. Since I don't have a custom water cooling setup, the case would be a waste.

I was a very slightly disappointed with the R5 though. It does its job nicely and looks good. It just feels so flimsy when building in it. It flexes without much effort. Once the side panels are in place it is fine though. I guess it really needs the support from the panels. I think this is due to how the HDDs racks are mounted. I was using an Antec 300 before the R5 and it was solid with both panels off. The HDD rack was riveted directly to the chassis from top to bottom. While I do like the removable racks, you lose some structural integrity. So if you constantly have the side panels off screwing around with your PC's insides, this could be an issue. Otherwise it is fairly solid when the panels are attached with screws.

Other options are the CoolerMaster Silencio, and the BeQuiet Silent base 800.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
P

Personal User

Reputable
Jan 9, 2015
26
0
4,540


Thanks for your input! I was looking at the Define S as being ready for watercooling in the future, but you know what, I don't think I will need the features that it offers. I was also not aware of the structural integrity issues with the R5 (and likely S). I won't let it affect my decision too much, but I guess it's a good slap in the face for me. I thought of it as being a godly silent case before, but not anymore. It is great, but I guess it isn't THAT amazing.

On a side note, I wonder if the R4 has the same build quality issues. And thanks for your recommendations! I will look at benchmarks between them and the ones I have listed. I want the best compromise between sound-deadening properties, as well as cooling and everything else. It's just really difficult...
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom