Computer case for Scope Pros?

kaju · Post by **kaju** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:51 am

What case would take two full length Pro cards? Could you recommend any ? Preferably around/under 100$ ?

The retailers here stock just popular home/game models. Everything else has to be back-ordered. So I must know beforehand if I want something special.

So far I have managed to google two/three possible candidates:
- Chieftec Dragon DG-01BD-U
- Codegen 4U-500
- Antec 1088AMG (still available in some shops)

Yet I don't really know if they have enough room to take two (or three) full-size pci-cards.
Could anybody help me, please?

Post by **garyb** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 3:05 am

i vote for the antec...
if not the TX1088AMG then the TX1050B(newer).

i've used those cases. they have good powersupplies and are very well made and sturdy(except for the door covering the dvd drives). it's a case that can travel without falling apart.

kaju · Post by **kaju** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 3:49 am

Thank you gary! You're as fast as usually

I know the TX-1050 but it's no more available anywhere here. So I thought the older model could do. Some shops still have them.

Still I'm interested in the Codegen rack model as it's quite affordable and *seems* to have enough room inside.
But it's just manufacturer's - often vague - info and small pics on internet. Doesn't help much.
It's sad our shops usually don't stock these less popular items.

kaju · Post by **kaju** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:13 am

I found a German test on the Codegen rack case and although I'm not fully fluent on the German language I think I understood most of what was written there.

http://www.cooling-station.net/index.ph ... sts&id=120

Just in case, would some of you nice and friendly German speaking people translate this:
"Es ist zwar möglich PCI Karten der vollen Baulänge zu montieren, jedoch gibt es keine End-Fixierung. Hier hätte man optional montierbare PCI Slotkartenhalter für die Montage im 7x 3,5" Laufwerkskäfig mit entwickeln können."

I'm quite sure I got it but I want to be sure before making a decision.
(I think I can construct an endsupport for those full-size cards though. If it's needed)

kylie · Post by **kylie** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:31 am

kaju wrote: Just in case, would some of you nice and friendly German speaking people translate this:
"Es ist zwar möglich PCI Karten der vollen Baulänge zu montieren, jedoch gibt es keine End-Fixierung. Hier hätte man optional montierbare PCI Slotkartenhalter für die Montage im 7x 3,5" Laufwerkskäfig mit entwickeln können."

"though it is possible to mount full length pci cards, there is no fixation available for the cards end. an optional installable pci slot card fixation for mounting to the 7x3,5" drive cage better could/should have been developed here.."

-greetings, markus-

kaju · Post by **kaju** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:27 am

Thank you, Markus

That was as I thought. With your kind help I know it exactly now.
This Codegen 4U-500 costs here only around 80 EUR.

Now if someone knew anything about the Chieftec Dragon DG-01BD-U...
It's even cheaper. Just 77 EUR

dawman · Post by **dawman** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:43 am

The Codegen looks just like one of my ATX 4U's.

Keep in mind that this is the best cooling solution for HDD's, and you don't need to use RAID. Buy extra HDD's for hot spares to plug and in case of a HDD failure.

Also, if you plan on using full length cards, you will need an external DVD, or CD.

http://www.satagear.com/SATA-SRT43K_SAT ... _Rack.html

SKB Shock Rack in case you are doing gigs with your DAW is advised as well.

http://www.rackmounts.com/SKB-Cases-1SK ... K1116.html

kaju · Post by **kaju** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 1:00 pm

Thanks scope for your good advice

I don't think I'll do any gigs with my DAW but it's good to know, in case...
What I'm doing now is collecting info on available options.

And yes, I'm planning on using full length pci cards. And that seems to be my problem just now.

kaju · Post by **kaju** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 1:48 pm

Chieftec DG-01B-U inside:

http://www.chieftec.eu/images/highlights/bg/bg5.jpg

What do you think? Is there enough room for full length pci cards?
I think the combined fan cage-card holder may be removable. Not sure though.
Anyway, this is a simple and affordable box. Just for Scope and nothing else.

Post by **garyb** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:09 pm

i think it will work.

i'd still go for the antec box...

kaju · Post by **kaju** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:48 pm

Yes, I'm beginning to think that way too. Antec is a better one without doubt.
This Chieftec is a quite modest box, and doesn't come even with a rear fan. So with a better psu and better specs overall I think this older model of Antec's is the winner here.
Problem resolved

Thanks guys. .

nightscope · Post by **nightscope** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 3:53 pm

k,

I'm using Antec P180 http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=81800

All fits OK.

ns

kaju · Post by **kaju** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:11 pm

nightscope,

I've been using Antec Sonata (vers.1) for years but there's not enough room for a second full length scope pro card.
I'd want to put up a system just for scope only. Sonata is too small for it.

I'll build a second system for everything else in an Antec Titan 650 case. I have all the parts waiting and I'll start building once I get all my other work done.

I know Antec pretty well. Quality products.

erminardi · Post by **erminardi** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 12:32 am

I saw once a beautiful case with handle... from Cooler Master.

Here the link: http://www.newgroove.it/images/big/music_party.jpg

dawman · Post by **dawman** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 4:10 am

What a great case !!

Rack mounted is somewhat impracticall if you are not travelling. But this one is a great idea. Afterall when your cards cost a grand apiece, a handle sure looks like a way to carry w/ safety.

next to nothing · Post by **next to nothing** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:43 am

trust me that cabinet aint THAT solid. its all thin plastic covers on a regular frame.

kaju · Post by **kaju** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 1:16 pm

Here's another Antec case:
NSK 6500 (New Solution Series).

It's somewhat smaller and just a little lighter than TX 1088AMG, 0,8mm steelplate instead of 1,0mm.
But the depth in both boxes is the same 47,2 cm. And both have a removable HDD cage, in the TX 1088 it's a two part and in the NSK6500 it's a one part construction. (I hope I got it right as I have only seen pictures of the cases not the real ones)
NSK6500 has also a 5,25" to 3,5" adapter in the upper 5,25" drive cage.

PSU in TX is TruPower 480W, in NSK it's 430W.
They both cost about the same, price difference is just 2 or 3 euros.
NSK6500 will be available in my retailer later this month.

Here's a link to Antec's picture of the inside of NSK6500:
http://www.antec.com/images/400/NSK6500_i.jpg

erminardi · Post by **erminardi** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 2:19 pm

This one is new, with handle, specific for silence with acoustic foam and aluminium, HD internal cases.

COOLER MASTER RC-1000

Post by **garyb** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 6:48 pm

nice, but it won't take a full length card without mods.

btw-the trupower 480w supply is much better than the 430 smart power....

kaju · Post by **kaju** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 11:58 pm

Thanks, gary