My original thought on what I want from this computer was pretty simple, quiet.
OK, quiet wasn’t my only requirement, but I had to start somewhere. My original requirements included the following:
- Quiet
- Small size
- Powerful enough to run Longhorn, OS X clone, Vista.
- Quality components that will last. For some reason I hate fixing my own, imagine that.
- Flexibility for potential upgrades.
- Multiple drives for operating systems, Windows, Linux and BSD.
- Spend the minimum amount required to meet the above goals.
Of the items on the list, four stand out in regards to the case. Quiet, small size, quality and the number of drive bays.
Since the passing of the G4 PowerMac case, all Apple’s designs have been relatively quiet, if not silent. The Dual G5 in the office makes less noise than the old SE/30, and the new i(ntel)Mac that Regina uses really is silent. If I have to sit in front of it for hours on end, that is the level of noise I want from a computer.
Having previously done a few fan modifications on cases out of desperation, I’ve learned a few things, some painfully obvious. A big slow spinning fan will almost always move more air than a small fast fan, and be much quieter in the process as well. It’s easier to vent hot air up and out, rather than forcing it downward by pushing or pulling. Straight unrestricted air-flow is a must. If you have to force air in or around other components, generally it’s going to be noisy and inefficient. Unfortunately, nice unobstructed air-flows require a large surface area to hold a grille for the incoming air to pass through, and that means a larger case than I ideally would like.
Between the airflow issues and number of available drive bays, I think number 2. Small size is unrealistic. This leaves Quiet, quality and the number of drive bays.
Googling for quiet cases I ran across the Zalman TNN 500AF. I like Zalman products, they work well. So I go take a gander. It looks like… well it looks sturdy. It’s basically one giant heat-sink that costs around a thousand dollars, insane. I also ran across a few cases that are best described as things that would keep Jonathan Ive up at night.
After some research, I finally narrowed it down between two brands, Lian Li and Antec. They both seem to be well regarded by enthusiasts, and both offer “quiet cases”. Lian Li has some rather interesting designs including a G5 PowerMac rip-off, and a desk. I already have a desk.
I ended up going with an Antec P-180 for a few reasons. They seem to be more serious about their quiet case designs, including a set-up similar to the Power Mac’s cooling zones, and silicone rubber grommets for isolating hard drive noise. The reviews seemed to be consistent as well as favorable. Having four 120mm fans can move lots of air, without a lot of noise. Finally, there seem to be quite a few people who already have the P-180, they have figured out what combinations of heat-sinks and fans are best for a low noise system in that particular case. I plan on following them like a sheep, bahhhh.