Antec P183 or Fractal Design Define R2 Silver

[wigster]

I like the look of both but sadly i can only have one

What would you go for and why?

 

[Randomface74]

given the choice of those only, prolly the p183. but neither is a bad choice.
reason: i already own a p180 and it's great. and i dont like the sideways hard drive bays at the front of the r2.

if buying now though, i'd buy the Lian Li PC-A71FB Full Tower Case - Black
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-172-LL&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=187

 

[Mean Mr Mustard]

I was torn between these 2 when I was about to invest in a new case too.

Both have good looks and have got pretty much universally good reviews. In the end I went for the Fractal because it just edged it on looks for me.

 

[EsaT]

What would you go for and why?

Neither, both too small.

But with Antec going towards cheap junk styling Fractal Design (in black) is better looking.

 

[Chicken #16]

I have the R2 scheduled for delivery today between 1:30 and 2:30!!!

I was umming and arring about the R2 or one of the Lian Li cases. I nearly went for this one:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-174-LL&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=187

I chose the R2 because it weighs over 12 kg and has tarmac in it. Alledgedly this will make it quieter.

 

[wigster]

Neither, both too small.

But with Antec going towards cheap junk styling Fractal Design (in black) is better looking.

I thought Antec was a good brand?

 

[baron02]

Antec is a good brand, But in my mind R2 is a better case as it has good cooling potential and also quiet at the same time.

 

[EsaT]

I thought Antec was a good brand?

Design of P183 is still good (must be next on their things to break list) but they just don't seem to be able to resist Thermaltrashing clean style.
Original door was lot better looking:
http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=1091

Fractal Design's weakest point is it having just two 5.25" bays but insides are again more spacious.

I chose the R2 because it weighs over 12 kg and has tarmac in it. Alledgedly this will make it quieter.

Tap side panel of you old case with finger and then do same to Fractal Design, that's what mass damping does.
But no damping can keep noise inside if there's direct noise escape path. You can simulate difference between direct noise escape path and blocknig it in R2 by having fans at such speed that you'll hear them and then just opining door and then closing it.
Or just use something which makes GPU cooler ramp up, it sounds less disturbing when direct noise escape path is blocked.

 

[wigster]

Thanks.

I like the plain looking ones with a nice finish,Ive got a xblade case and im fed up with the blue lights so this is why im afrer something that looks nice without any lights on it.

 

[EdGey]

P82 or Fractal, not the P83 as it is ugly.