Building a new computer

[Guest]

I'm going to be building my first computer very soon. I have worked on computers for a while and now I want to make one myself. I plan on using the Abit KG7-RAID mobo, 1 gig of Corsair DDR PC2100 ram, 4 x 20.4GB Maxtor UATA100 7200RPM Hard Drives, and all the rest of the normal stuff (ie CD-Roms, CD-RW..... you get the picture). I am wondering if there are any good cases out there that will hold 4 HDD, a FDD, and 2 CD-Roms (one being a writer). Also what power supply will I need to run this monster? I will also be putting in an AMD Athlon 1.4GHz CPU. I think I covered everything... um.... oh yeah, if the case is a tower I would prefer it since this will be my workstation.

Thanks in advance,
Astro

 

[Mavicator]

There are a ton of cases out there that will do the job. If you want a really nice case, check out the Lian-Li PC-70. It's all aluminum and the quality is incredible. Also, it's extra deep (24 inches!) so working in it is simple and allows plenty of room for air flow around all those cables and components.

Check out a review <A HREF="http://www.dansdata.com/pc70.htm" target="_new">HERE</A>
Also visit the Lian-Li homepage <A HREF="http://www.lian-li.com/" target="_new">HERE</A>

-- Ah sh*t! sys64738 --

 

[upec]

Lian-Li makes good case. I have a PC-60. It is great. You also need to buy a PSU for the case since Lian-Li case usually come without a PSU. I brought the Turbo-Cool 425 ATX from PC Power and Cooling. I think PC Power and Cooling is one of the best PSU manufacturer.

 

[Mavicator]

I use Enermax EG465P-VE (FCA) PSUs in two of my machines and I'm very happy with them. Very quiet and cooler than my others since the Enermax has two fans, one of which is thermo-controlled to save power and noise when not needed. <A HREF="http://www.enermax.com.tw/products/switch-main.htm" target="_new">LINK</A>

-- Ah sh*t! sys64738 --

 

[Guest]

I checked out that site, but I can't find a way to order the case. I also checked on Pricewatch.com and they don't even show them there. Any suggestions?

POA = Planet of the Apes
When walking around Planet Ape don't step in the ape sh*t!

 

[Mavicator]

Try these suppliers:

<A HREF="http://www.directron.com" target="_new">Directron.com</A>
<A HREF="http://www.r2d2electronics.com/lianli_pc60.htm" target="_new">R2D2.com</A>
<A HREF="http://www.tweakbox.com" target="_new">Tweakbox.com</A>
<A HREF="http://www.canada-shops.com/Stores/tweakbox/c24021.2.html" target="_new">Canada Shops</A>

You can gauge the site's prices based on what I just bought a pc-60 for, which was $165.00. There are more site out there also, so search around. Try searching for PC-60 cases since they are advertised more than the less popular PC-70. The PC-60 is just smaller.

-- Ah sh*t! sys64738 --

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the help, I'm thinking about getting the PC-12 case (I like the black color). Plus its a little cheaper. I'd rather spend less on a case and more on the components going into it! Thanks everyone, and if there are any other good cases with 2 x 5.25" bays, and 5 x 3.5" bays please pass the word.

POA = Planet of the Apes
When walking around Planet Ape don't step in the ape sh*t!

 

[Mavicator]

Beware, the PC-12 is very small and while it's designed well for cooling, it may not be able to handle that much hotware (4 hard drives!). The biggest problem will be all the ribbon cable in there. It blocks the airflow tremendously. I would recommend the PC-60 at the smallest, but whether you go with that or the PC-12 you should look into round IDE cables to minimize air flow blockage. Also consider upgrading to more powerful fans if you can stand the noise.

-- Ah sh*t! sys64738 --

 

[Guest]

Noise doesn't scare me! I plan on putting a few extra fans in, and upgraded ones. The PC-12 says it will hold 6 3.5" drives. I planned on spacing the drives out as much as possible, and using the round IDE for better air flow. If you think this still won't be enough air flow for the heat please let me know so that I don't wake up one fine morning to a $1500+ investment baking in my room. Also does a roasting computer smell like burnt toast? or charred flesh?

POA = Planet of the Apes
When walking around Planet Ape don't step in the ape sh*t!

 

[Mavicator]

Smells more like burned paper. Kinda like when you light dollar bills on fire. :} In my opinion, 4 hard drives, 2 CD drives, a floppy, and full set of cards including a 3d video card would put out more heat than a PC-12 would be able to manage. It may run but it wouldn't be healthy. If you MUST use a micro case liek the PC-12 I'd suggest looking into modifying the case. Install a HD cooler (Lian-Li makes them but there are much cheaper ones) and a side fan over the CPU. Also be sure to run the dual-fan PSU and put a powerful rear exhaust fan in the case. I may be wrong but that's my opinion.

-- Ah sh*t! sys64738 --

 

[Guest]

Thanks Mavicator! I appreciate the time you have put into helping me. Send me an email sometime and I will let you know how it all turns out once I get it all put together and running.

POA = Planet of the Apes
When walking around Planet Ape don't step in the ape sh*t!

 

[Guest]

I recently purchased a Full tower Antec SX840 that I've been very happy with. It comes with a 400W SmartPower PSU with 2 fans for better cooling, one of which is thermal-controlled, 2 4x80mm case fans mounted and 2 more snap-in fan mounts, one of which sits directly in front of your hard drives, the other is down lower on the front to draw air in to slope up across your MB to the rear fans. 8 bays, 5 are 3.5", swing-out side panel with latch, and quick-release drive bays. It's pretty heavy as cases go (very solid) and isn't as deep as the LL PC-70 (18.6") but it's a very well-built case, has great cooling, the heavy walls stifle most of the fan noise, and the PSU will easily handle all your fans, HD's and 1.4GHz CPU. You can see it at:
http://www.antec-inc.com/product/cases/wkstion.htm
and thenerds.net has it for 115.00
If you're going to spend allot of your hard-earned cash on a great system, you should have a great case and PSU to bring it all together.
BTW, I don't work for either of those companies! Really.

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