Silent Full Case for upcoming build? Any suggestions for a replacement of a HAF 932? - Hardware & Software

I currently have a HAF 932, and while it's very quiet, I feel that it could be quieter if it wasn't so open. So I've been looking for large enclosed cases with solid closed joints to either keep noise in or absorb any vibration and noise. Obviously the HAF 932 has some good airflow, but how does it compare to most cases? If I move to a more closed case with less open vents will I lose a lot of my airflow. I like the look of the Fractal Define XL, Silverstone RV02 series, and the look of Lian Li's cases. Steel is preferred. Though my HAF is almost unable to be lifted by myself which is a downside but I love the sturdy feel and the really dense feel of my HAF. How do those cases compare to the HAF 932 in relation to airflow and noise for those who have one. If there isn't one really that would suite me then I'll go ahead and use my current case, if there is one, I can handle up to about 300 bucks probably and not get a second 6970. For reference my planned system is: 2600k with a TRUE assuming it fits. Or whatever silent CPU cooler I can run. Gigabyte Z68 UD4 4x4gb G.skill sniper 1600mhz 2xMSI 6970 Lightning Coolermaster 1000watt SilentPro Gold series I may get a new 1tb drive or SSD for my OS but anyways. [url]http://bit.ly/mTebZz[/url] Otherparts consist of: Seagate 7200.11 500GB 2x WD 640gb Blue 2x WD 2TB Green (These are pretty much silent, I ran one up to my ear and it's dead silent so I'm not worried about these.) so 5 harddrives total I'll record a sample of the noise of my current case and maybe you guys can get a better Idea. Currently I have all case fans running, they are 230mm I believe, my 4870 fan, and then the PSU fan. Mobo and Cpu are fanless. Edit: I've been watching some reviews of the Raven RV02 and they all love it. I would like someone who has reviewed both it and the HAF 932 or something similar to compare cooling and noise performance. I see that it only has three 3.5" slots, which would be ok if I could mount them in the 5.25 bays, since I only have one 5.25 drive currently. Edit2: oops, the one reviewed only had 3, but the one I'm looking at has 5, so that's no issue.

Also in the RV02 how much clearance is there for a videocard? I now found out the 6970 lightning is 12.2" which is actually larger than a 6990.

The fractal design r3 and its xl counterpart are quiet, but the 932 is an excellent case, I wouldn't get rid of it if you've got one already.

I saw a review where they used a RV02 for the test case and put in a GTX580 Lightning and the 6970 Lightning in it. [QUOTE=BrainDeath;30001852]The fractal design r3 and its xl counterpart are quiet, but the 932 is an excellent case, I wouldn't get rid of it if you've got one already.[/QUOTE] Yes, it's a nice case, but so much of it is open. I'll hold off on it for now, and perhaps I should consider it later depending how it handles the extra fans inside it.

I'd say get noise dampening materials and some quieter fans rather than getting a new case.

I have the Fractal Design r2 case, it's pretty good. But r3 is just better. [editline]23rd May 2011[/editline] But HAF 932 is still the best case, because it can airflow a lot much (while mine is quieter but I have to deal with a little more C* inside).

You should definitely look into quieter fans before a new case. The only time I hear anything coming from my 932 is when I'm playing games or running Folding@Home, and that's only because of my 2 graphics cards being close together. That and the occasional watching of a DVD, but what the hell are you gonna do about a DVD drive.

I don't know much about fans, besides the silverstone penetrators. I currently have the stock 230mm fans on the case with the 140 in the back. Is there a crash course guide on quiet fan models and technology? I'm extremely interested in learning about all this.

I know noctua fans, although pricey, are quiet. I think Scythe Gentle Typhoons are also. Those 230mm fans are pretty silent, as most others that large. Generally, the larger the fan, the lower RPM it needs for the same airflow, and as a result the quieter it is. Small, high RPM fans are annoying as shit. Basically, if it were bothering you that much, replace the 140 on the back, and your CPU heat sink fans. I have the 2 230mm fans(one that I accidentally broke a fan blade off of, turns out the fan did nothing useful) the stock 140mm, and then a Noctua NH-D14 as my heatsink. A 120mm Noctua and a 140mm Noctua are the heatsink fans. Pretty quiet.

Currently the only fans are the video card, case fans, and the PSU. Cpu/Mobo are fanless. I eventually was going to passively cool everything in my system in the next couple months, but when I saw how well the Lightnings did I decided to simply pad/upgrade the cooling on my case for quieter operation. The fans on the case sound like they have some rattle like they aren't balanced. So i was hoping to replace them with much nicer well designed fans from Scythe or Noctua, I just don't know what I'm mainly looking for. I know larger fans are able to produce less noise at the same airflow from a lower RPM, but I've had some shitty big fans in my experience.

I'd check and see if they're screwed in tightly, the only rattling I've ever had from a fan is due to the aforementioned fan blade that broke off unbalancing the fan. At low RPM it's not noticeable though, so I don't care. I know Noctua's largest fan is the 140mm, and I feel like Scythe's will be also. Unfortunately most 200mm fans or larger are going to be stock ones, and/or pretty shitty. Definitely check if the fans are mounted properly, if you still hear a rattle, try some sound dampening material first imo.

I've already tightened them a couple weeks ago as I figured that might be it. But I think the fan blades might be warped slightly and is making them shake. I wish there was a giant case fan review page where I could find all the info in one spot. Then find out my options then. I've been looking around for PC oriented sound matting, but I might have to get the same stuff I'm using for my room. I appreciate the replies.