Light cases vs heavy cases

[Neo]

I need some input on heavy cases (stronger metal) vs light one. I was told heavy cases are quieter because they don't tend to "rattle" (comparing to light one) by moving components like PSU fan. Is it true? Is there any significant advantages on heavy cases over the light one? Assume the rest (like prices, manufactures) are similar.

 

[Crashman]

Heavier cases tend to have a lower resonant frequency, usually well below that at which any of the moving parts oscilates (such as and imperfectly balanced fan). Yep, thicker cases isolate noise. Other advantage? You're less likely to damage them. Often you can use them as a stepping stool in a pinch, or at least a chair.

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[CaptainNemo]

I agree - I built a system for someone using a fancy aluminium case (they insisted on it), but I prefer steel cases.

The panels on aluminium cases flex too much, and you have to be so precious with the pretty ones. I would rather have a cheap but solid case (AOpen H600 is a good one) which I can take lots of punishment without me caring.

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[pIII_Man]

a heavier case yeilds a more stable system (terrible pun intended).


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[Crashman]

I also forgot to add that heavier panels also tend to not only have a lower resonant frequency, but disapate resonant energy better (due to decreased flexability).

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[ImpPatience]

So then would a thick aluminum case stop noise better than a thin steel? I guess what I'm asking is that is it the material that case is made out of that matters or is it just the thickness of the material that makes a difference?

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[Crashman]

Both matter. Aluminum has to be (experienced guess) around 50% thicker to offer similar resistance to harmonic vibration to steel.

Of course they could just make the panels curved...but the tension could cause them to "ring" at certain frequencies anyway.

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[HardWareBoss]

Chair why would you want to sit on your case?

 

[Crashman]

When I run out of chairs in my office, people sit on tower cases!

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