Newbie case question!

[HokieESM]

I'm working on building a P4 1.8A (with some luck, overclocked to 2.4GHz) system, and I had a few questions about cases. I've looked at the ubiquitous Antec cases (the SX1040B, the PLUS660B), and looked around at others quite a bit. Can anyone recommend a decent case/PS combo for $150 or less? (yes, I'd love to have a $200 Lian-Li case and a 525W PS, but my budget is a bit restrained)

Also, I've heard various reports on power consumption... but is 400W necessary? Or would 330 do? The Antec mid-tower cases come with the 330W TruePower supplies... is that sufficient for O/C the P4 (I know the power consumption is much less than a AXP... believe me, my 1700+ sucks power like a monster). Anyhow, thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[jlanka]

I just got a 400W Raidmax PS and Maxtop case from newegg - together they came to $96.00

PS: <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=58&manufactory=1622&DEPA=1" target="_new">PM-S400</A>
Case: <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=7&manufactory=1524&DEPA=1" target="_new">CSX-147K2F-GF-USB-GRAY </A>

<i>It's always the one thing you never suspected.</i>

 

[jihiggs]

enermax makes a pretty good case with their base line 300 watt psu for about 70 bucks at newegg.com. there are two colors to choose from. i got the blue front color, sold the psu to my sister, and threw in a 431 watt.

how do you shoot the devil in the back? what happens if you miss? -verbal

 

[rickd59]

Take a look at the <A HREF="http://direct.mwave.com/mwave/doc2/A14287.html" target="_new">Antec 1080B</A>. Man, I love my 1030, but this one is even sweeter with more power, and extra fan on the side, and USB and Firewire ports built onto the front. I can;t believe more people haven't seen these cases. I have a lot of concern about the PSU's, but if they are bad, try to find the same case from Chieftec without the PSU and just pop in an Enermax PSU....these are pretty reasonable, and I wouldn't even worry about the Antec PSU. Good luck.

-Rick

 

[lhgpoobaa]

i really like the atlas SF-201S or B, but i dont think they are below 100 US. but the black one is really really cool

My Next Performance System!!! - P4 Celleron, 128k cache, SDRAM, Integrated graphics, 5400rpm HDD!

 

[HokieESM]

Thanks for all of the recommendations, guys. I think I'm going to go with the Antec SX1080B... but I have a couple weeks until that's set. The previous poster mentioned something being wrong with the PSU... what exactly have you heard? I've only heard good things about Antec--I'd appreciate any kind of input I can get.

Also, has anyone heard anything about Sky Hawk Aluminum cases? <A HREF="http://www.skyhawkusa.com" target="_new">Sky Hawk</A> The black one goes for $69, sans power supply (I take it the Enermax 431 would be everyone's choice?). Again, any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[jlanka]

I just found <A HREF="http://www.alltradepc.com/case_catalog/" target="_new">this place</A> that has the Atlas SF (Super Flower) series - some of them are right around $150 US. Nice case. Just to confuse you a bit more (LOL)!

<i>It's always the one thing you never suspected.</i>

 

[rickd59]

I haven't seen any articles hiliting these problems first hand, but I saw several comments throughout these boards about Antec's 400+ PSU's. I wouldn't even think twice about getting it. These cases are SWEET, and I would bet the PSU's are good quality.


-Rick

 

[rickd59]

BTW, where I said "I have a lot of concern about the PSU's....", I actually meant "I have <font color=red><b>heard </b></font color=red>a lot of concern about the PSU's....". Sorry about the type, good luck.

-Rick

 

[HokieESM]

Thanks for all of the advice... I ended up ordering the Antec 1080B today. <grin> Now the main concern is processor/motherboard..... which will be made VERY interesting by Monday's price cuts.