New PC case

[Smooth Groove]

I had to get a new PC case because 2 8800 GTX and a 1k W power supply were too much for my poor Coolermaster Wavemaster during the warmer days of So Cal. 

I decided to get an Antec P182 SE because it's supposedly very quiet even while maintaining fairly cool temps. 

It took me about 5 hrs to install everything because my PS was a little too big for the case.  Also the case's unconventional design makes it hard for all the cable to be hooked up. 

After finishing the installation, my back was hurting like hell but I was able to test it out a bit.  My videocards' temp dropped by a whopping 15-20 degrees celsius even without having the fans at maximum speed.

Noise was barely noticeable.  It's definitely the quietest case I've ever used. 

My main niggle with this case is that the design is a bit plain despite the shiny exterior.  It's why I'm having some regrets about not getting a Coolermaster Cosmos-S instead. 

So what do you guys think?  Should I stick with the P182SE or exchange it for a Cosmos-S (bottom PIC)? 


 




 

[HotByCold]

I don't know much about PC thingamajigs but the first one looks pretty.

[Vizzys]

I have heard a lot of good about the first case. I like the idea of having the power supply at the bottom.

I would need to see more pics to decide about that other case

[Smooth Groove]

I don't know much about PC thingamajigs but the first one looks pretty.

It's just a rectangle though.  The only aesthetic thing that sticks out is the shiny reflective surface. 

I have heard a lot of good about the first case. I like the idea of having the power supply at the bottom.

I would need to see more pics to decide about that other case

The Cosmos has a similar design.  Judging from pics, it seems easier to work with than the P182.

The P182 was a chore to work with because of the tiny holes that you have to put your cables through. 

They design it that way to keep the cables nice and tidy but it's tedious for someone working with lots of peripherals like me. 

[Raban]

Antec one, fool, or I'm coming to your house to kill you

[TVC15]

If this is all about looks, stick to the top one.  It looks better.  It looks distinctive.  The bottom one just looks like Generic PC Case, This Year's Model.

[Smooth Groove]

If this is all about looks, stick to the top one.  It looks better.  It looks distinctive.  The bottom one just looks like Generic PC Case, This Year's Model.

Yeah, it's all about looks.  Coolermaster cases perform well in terms of cooling but are usually quite noisy. 

The Antec 182SE offers a great balance between noise and performance.  I was really surprised at how much cooler the temps got despite the P182 being much quieter than my previous case. 

I like how the Cosmos-S looks like an automobile "sports package" with the carbon fiber-like front and sides. 

I feel much better about my choice though if that's what you'd prefer, since I know you've got good taste. 

Here's a few pics of the one I got a few months ago:


 

How do you like it so far?  Is it quiet?  I heard that the Cosmos-S performs a little better in terms of cooling but otherwise it's mostly the same as your case.   

[trh]

If I were you I'd stick with the Antec case, the better look, cheaper price point and it being quieter goes above cooling for me. I prefer the standard black finish though - which is what I have atm.

[MrAngryFace]

Where's the Crisper?

[Beezy]

Where's the Crisper?

[Smooth Groove]

MAF, so you like the 2nd case better? 

[MrAngryFace]

yeah

[Smooth Groove]

yeah

I like the look of the Cosmos more too.  My main concern is that the side panels would cause too much noise to leak out since they are designed for air to pass through. 

[Howard Alan Treesong]

Lian Li > Antec

[Smooth Groove]

I had a Lian Li a few years ago.  It looked pretty cool since there weren't many aluminum cases yet.  It was kinda noisy though. 

[Tauntaun]

If I were you I'd stick with the Antec case, the better look, cheaper price point and it being quieter goes above cooling for me. I prefer the standard black finish though - which is what I have atm.

That looks sex. 

[Smooth Groove]

Chiq. Very nice. Very nice indeed. Stick to it.

How much it weights?

It's heavy 'cause it's not 100% aluminum.  It's probably also why the case is so quiet. 

I've used a few aluminum cases before and they were all quite noisy.