Ennermax Uber Chakra...And Other Cases! Confused!

[[Dr. V]]

Canada Computers - Cases > Full/Server Towers : Enermax Chakra ECA5001BS Black ATX Big Tower Case with 25cm Fan

^New link, the last one was the version with NO 25mm fan...how dare I?!^
First of all, there is a link...IT'S SO FRIGGIN CHEAP!!!

HL gave this case a 92. Now, a 92 from HL is definitely an extremely high score, given that we don't give scores like that very often unless the product is extremely deserving. So this case has to be good.

The most debate that's going on for me is between this case, the Antec P182, and the Antec Sonata III. The Thermaltake Armor Jr. and NCIX Hush Quiet cases are also very intriguing.

Which would be the best compromise for quiet and functionality? I wouldn't post any of these cases unless I liked their look, so either case is gonna look good to me.

[garetjax]

I think I can help here. The Enermax case that was reviewed this month is an extremely competent, feature rich enclosure that does a lot of things very well. So well, that it earned a 92 for its verdict. However, the main difference that this box has among the others you linked is that this case is big. Very big. It is a full size ATX, whereas the others are mid-ATX. Not knowing your preference between full size and mid size ATX enclosures, this could be a deal breaker for you.

I have always enjoyed full size cases, mainly because they are easier to work in. Which is why I would reccomend the Enermax out of everything you linked. The main features you are looking for in a case, quiet and functionality, are both evident in the Uber Chakra with one caveat: there is no FireWire 1394 port on the I/O panel at the front of the case. Other than that, you can't get much quieter than using a 250mm fan that blows 90CFU at 17dB. When I reviewed the case and had that monster fan turned on, I couldn't hear it unless my head was very close to the side panel.

If you have a specific preference between mid tower or full tower, let us know so we can help you further. If you don't, then I'd go for the Enermax. Using mid-tower enclosures just seem way too restrictive for my tastes.

[[Dr. V]]

I can't stand using mid-towers, especially when there is a good amount of hardware to put into the case.

I love the size of the P182 as well, even though it's a mid-tower, technically. Everything about the Uber Chakra just caught my eye. It's quiet as ever, spacious, and looks awesome, I just think it's the ideal case. AND, it's so cheap!!! I was flabbergasted when I saw the $114.99 CAD price tag...I honestly thought it was a misprint, but it isn't.

I think I wanna go for it now. The P182 also looks very nice and performs very quiet, and its cable routing is intriguing, but it's a bit pricey for one thing, and also, the Chakra is so large that there is MORE than ample room for cabling.

ADD:

Firewire doesn't even begin to think of bothering me one bit...AT ALL. It's simple: I don't use it.

I don't see a point when USB has been more than fast enough until now, and eSATA is so much faster. The panel of the Chakra is perfect for what I'd use it for.

[garetjax]

Sounds as though you have your mind made up. Once you buy and build your system in the Uber Chakra, post back here and let us know what you think of it. =)

[[Dr. V]]

Definitely will.

Depending on when I get it (if it hasn't already happened yet) I'll be snapping some pictures and posting a review/guide on building a system in the beast.

Upcoming purchases:

Canada Computers - Cases > Full/Server Towers : Enermax Chakra ECA5001BS Black ATX Big Tower Case with 25cm Fan .

Canada Computers - Cooling : Cooler Master GeminII (RR-CCH-ANU2-GP) for Socket AM2/754/939/940/LGA775.

Canada Computers - Cooling > Case Fan : Arctic Cooling 120MM (Arctic Fan 12) Silent Cooling Fan.

^times 2

I've now officially made myself more impatient than I already am - THAT'S dangerous. Now I'm so eager I want to get it now...but I don't have the funds yet

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by garetjax

The main features you are looking for in a case, quiet and functionality, are both evident in the Uber Chakra with one caveat: there is no FireWire 1394 port on the I/O panel at the front of the case.

I'll take an eSATA port over Firewire any day, and I'm a stickler for easily accessible top mounted I/O ports, both of which are traits not found on the P182.

[[Dr. V]]

Originally Posted by One4yu2c

I'll take an eSATA port over Firewire any day, and I'm a stickler for easily accessible top mounted I/O ports, both of which are traits not found on the P182.

Said like a champ.

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by One4yu2c

I'll take an eSATA port over Firewire any day, and I'm a stickler for easily accessible top mounted I/O ports, both of which are traits not found on the P182.

I agree, eSATA over FireWire? You bet! However, as eSATA is a relatively new feature in today's enclosures, many products still use the venerable 1394 technology for file transferring duties. That said, since the Uber Chakra does not offer a FireWire port on their I/O header, some potential buyers will be dissapointed since their older products do not support eSATA, and will be inconvenienced by having to reach around their box every time they want to make or terminate a 1394 connection.

[[Dr. V]]

Anything and everything I use will be with USB, or eSATA. I've completely skipped FireWire - not worth it for me. A FireWire port is absolutely useless, so I couldn't care less. I'm damn happy Enermax put an eSATA port along with the USBs. I can't wait for this thing dammit it's bothering me now I want it...

Even if I can't get the CM GeminII with the two fans at the same time, I'm getting that case ASAP!

I'm using some crappy generic ATX case now. Just good that it has a port for two 120mm fans (intake/exhaust) and 2x80mm side fans for exhaust. And a dust protector on the front one. Aside from that it's crap.

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by ST!X

Anything and everything I use will be with USB, or eSATA. I've completely skipped FireWire - not worth it for me. A FireWire port is absolutely useless, so I couldn't care less.

Well, I own a Nomad Jukebox 3, and while admittedly a bit dated, it uses FireWire nonetheless for data transfer. Since I am not the only person who needs or uses FireWire, this is why I made mention of the fact of the lack of FireWire on the Uber Chakra being important to some consumers.