Mid-Tower Mega Roundup
by Joshua Buss on September 8, 2005 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
DynaPower F3323 (cont'd)
Installing a fan into the cage is rather easy, but squeezing the assembled unit's sides to fit back into place on the back is a lot trickier. Unfortunately, this is another example where the tool-less ideology of the case is actually a detriment to the overall usability.
The expansion cards are all held down by a tool-less clip, which is also set off by bright plastic.
Continuing the theme, even the installation of the motherboard can be done without a screwdriver, as plastic pegs are included to hold the motherboard down. They work well enough, but we'd prefer just using a screwdriver for this purpose, especially if used in any other case, the pegs have to be removed from the main board.
Perhaps the only item of "flair" on the F3323 was discovered after we put our test bed in it. Instead of the typical green and red, the front LEDs are blue and white, which actually look pretty nice in our opinion.
Installing a fan into the cage is rather easy, but squeezing the assembled unit's sides to fit back into place on the back is a lot trickier. Unfortunately, this is another example where the tool-less ideology of the case is actually a detriment to the overall usability.
The expansion cards are all held down by a tool-less clip, which is also set off by bright plastic.
Click to enlarge.
Click to enlarge.
Continuing the theme, even the installation of the motherboard can be done without a screwdriver, as plastic pegs are included to hold the motherboard down. They work well enough, but we'd prefer just using a screwdriver for this purpose, especially if used in any other case, the pegs have to be removed from the main board.
Click to enlarge.
Click to enlarge.
Perhaps the only item of "flair" on the F3323 was discovered after we put our test bed in it. Instead of the typical green and red, the front LEDs are blue and white, which actually look pretty nice in our opinion.
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RupertS - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
The power supply is a good part of the total value of the case. Also, some of the cases may work better (cooling, sound) with the power supply they come with.Hard to compare prices like this.
johnsonx - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Ditto that... this complaint has been leveled before of course:Anandtech should at least mention what power supply is (or can be) included with the case, and give some sort of subjective rating of same. For example, the Aspire case is most often available with a 420W power supply (usually a mere $15 or so more than the PS-less version), but I've heard it's crap... but maybe it isn't; I'd like Anandtech to tell me.
Likewise, the Sonata II ALWAYS (AFAIK) includes a SmartPower 2.0 450... doesn't that add significantly to the value equation? (granted, it'd be better if it were a TruePower 380 like the old Sonata, but a SmartPower 2.0 is nothing to scorn)
ElFenix - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
everyone should read the reviews on SPCR before setting up a system on this case. the reviews are very thorough and tests it in multiple configurations, and it turns out there are things you can do to improve its thermal performance by quite a bit (such as duct taping over the holes next to the power supply)flatblastard - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Duct tape on a brand new case? I don't think so..... Well, I personally wouldn't do it, but for modders/OCers I guess it might make sense.fass mut - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
what's the link to the article?ElFenix - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
all three articles, the first is over main features, the second is an absolutely silent computer, and the third is more mainstream rigshttp://www.silentpcreview.com/article249-page1.htm...">http://www.silentpcreview.com/article249-page1.htm...
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article254-page1.htm...">http://www.silentpcreview.com/article254-page1.htm...
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article255-page1.htm...">http://www.silentpcreview.com/article255-page1.htm...
jonp - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Doesn't an ATX extension cable for $4 cover the power supply to motherboard distance concern? Granted, Antec could have included it with the case; but it's NO big deal to resolve. Shouldn't be an issued when deciding.mjz - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
i hate lian li cases. I spent probably 200 dollars on their case (2 years ago) and it vibrates too much, the sound is pissing me off. I guess it can't handle my raptor or something.Tamale - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
I too agree that way too many of these cases are kinda ridiculous looking, but someone said it best when they said "the Eclipse must look better in person"... it really does. I liken it to those fancy cd players from places like brookstone and the sharper image..It's flashy, sure, but at least it's kinda 'classy flashy', if you know what I mean. If that kinda look still doesn't please you at all, there's always cases like the P-180 ;)
mkruer - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Considering that I have a PC-V2000 Plus. I am in a unique position to voice my opinion for everyone reading this thread. I will say that yes the cases Lian Li cases are overly expensive, but considering that they are the only “all aluminum” case manufacture, and they have arguably the best design, they can get away with it. The main issues with an “all aluminum” case is that because aluminum is light then steal and yet does not have the absorbing capacity of plastic, aluminum as rule of thumb tends to be louder. However there are three things you can do o improve the noise ratio of the system. First is to install sound absorbing foam in the case. This will cut down on high pitched noise. Next is to install quieter fans. The Lian Li fans are good, but they are only about average in the noise to air ratio. Finally and this is the biggest thing. In order to cut down on the “wan wan” resonance sound coming form the case you need to suspend the drive is a sling and not it the mounting bays. This by far reduces the most noise.