| Acousti Products AcoustiCase 340 Quiet Computer Case
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Conclusion:
Given the refined styling and minimal noise generated by the test system, the Acousti Products AcoustiCase 340 Quiet Computer Case is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to appreciate what a computer system can do for them, without being particularly aware of the computer itself. The style makes it appropriate for use in an office or a living room, as it doesn't cry out for attention with bold colors, bright lights, or other gadgets that might distract from its use. Couple this with the extremely low noise operation and the entire system could become virtually invisible.
The bulk of the items used inside of this case could be purchased separately from Quiet PC to allow anyone to try their hand at silencing their own case. But, this case seems to have been well chosen to allow its existing features to work with those added from Acousti Products to create an extremely low noise system that requires minimal effort on the end user's behalf. Selecting low noise components to go inside this case would be a great idea, but even louder components will be hushed by all of the attention paid to dampening vibration and noise.
When building a low noise system, one side effect is that cooling performance can be slightly impacted. While you could take things to the extreme and spend an exorbitant amount of money avoiding this, the budget sensitive user may have to accept a slight rise in temperature. With the AcoustiCase 340, the temperature monitored on the CPU did rise, but it was only a few degrees. A different configuration of case fans or a higher performance CPU cooler could improve on this, and it quite possible that certain builds may experience even better results.
Installing a system in this case presented a few other points worth mentioning, but nothing major. There weren't many tool-less features in this case, and in this day that seems to be rare. I had a bit of difficulty getting the power in position to allow the screws to be threaded in, but with some pushing I got in there. And finally, this isn't the biggest mid-tower case I have used, and using an ATX motherboard could make it a bit cramped along the front edge between all the connections and the drive bays / cages.
The AcoustiCase 340 and 360 Quiet Computer Cases are available from Quiet PC USA for $155.95 (US). The price makes it competitive with other 'premium' cases out there, but it just offers different features from the typical higher end case. Instead of all tool-less features, a removable motherboard tray, or a slick aluminum shell, the extra money spent on an AcoustiCase covers the cost of all the material and labor that goes into making this case capable of silencing your system.
Given the styling, quality, and extremely low noise operation, I award the Acousti Products AcoustiCase 340 Quiet Computer Case the awards of "Recommended" and "Whisper Quiet".
 
Pros:
» Capable of extremely low noise operation with respectable cooling performance
» Custom installed acoustic dampening material pre-installed throughout
» Includes a variety of Acousti Products items to eliminate even more vibration and noise
» Refined and attractive appearance
» Gap between top of motherboard and PSU will allow installation of a big CPU cooler
» Strong magnets hold front door shut tightly
Cons:
» Not many tool-less features
» Extreme low noise operation was accompanied by a slight rise in CPU temperature
» Power supply installation required some muscle
Special thanks to Quiet PC USA for providing the Acousti Products AcoustiCase 340 Quiet Computer Case to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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