Quiet ATX Case Suggestions

[Bluuz]

I'm currently using a Corsair 600T and want to switch to something else. My main reasons for upgrading are that I want a smaller and quieter case; I have no major issues with my 600T, but I've been in the mood for change.

 

In terms of aesthetic preferences, I'm thinking of getting a smaller, "box shaped" case. I would prefer something simple, with fan voltage control and a large windowed side panel. It must:

-have at least one 5.25" bay. (my led strip controller)

-fit an atx motherboard

-be able to house my 11.2" gpu

-120mm radiator support, although I might upgrade to an h100i soon, so 2 x 120mm rad support would be great too.

-silent without compromising too much airflow. My cpu is using Asus' Direct CUII cooler and the case itself does get hot when running intensive applications.

 

I've been looking all over and the ones that have caught my interest are Silverstone's FT01 and 02, Fractal's design r4 and arc midi r2, and Cooler Master's 690 and 650. I thought about the Haf but the looks really don't appeal to me.

 

I'm open to any recommendations and testimonies from owners who own any of my listed cases.

Thanks.

[mgsstar]

I would recommend the Fractal Design R4 because it is a very nice  and quiet case. This case also has excellent airflow imo.

[XiaoPigs]

Another vote for the Define R4. Fractal practically defines(see what I did there :p) the silent factor if you ask me. I'm sure there are plenty of quiet or silent optimized cases out there but my first pick would always be Fractal if I wanted a silent case.

[Bluuz]

How much of a difference does the sound dampening foam really make?  And does the r4 have problems with cooling? That's the one thing that's making me hesitant about getting it. My 7970 reaches 70 degrees sometimes, and the thought of all that air being trapped in the case with only a single 120mm exhaust point worries me.

[Reuben]

the thought of all that air being trapped in the case with only a single 120mm exhaust point worries me.

The R4 comes with a pair of 140mm fans and has great airflow options.

[skippytheturtle]

Another vote for the Define R4. I will most likely be getting one sometime soon, (I may get the XL though as I like big/expandable cases). I have heard plenty of good things about it and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! :)

[Bluuz]

A quick question about the fan voltage controller. There are 3 settings: 5V, 7V, and 12V. Are those controls identical to using a 5 or 7V adapter on a standard fan? 

[mgsstar]

A quick question about the fan voltage controller. There are 3 settings: 5V, 7V, and 12V. Are those controls identical to using a 5 or 7V adapter on a standard fan? 

Yes It will be the same as using an adapter.

[Glenwing]

Antec P280 is also good.

[Bluuz]

ended up getting a fractal arc midi r2. The looks of the design r4 just really didn't do it for me.

[unidentical]

Silverstone Fortress FT02, with the fans on low it is dead quiet and it'll fit your card.

 

I'm sitting next to mine now and it's inaudible.

[mgsstar]

ended up getting a fractal arc midi r2. The looks of the design r4 just really didn't do it for me.

Nice choice! :)

[Reuben]

ended up getting a fractal arc midi r2. The looks of the design r4 just really didn't do it for me.

It's not as silent as the R4, but it's definitely a solid case.