Antec Solution SLK3700-BQE ATX Mid-Tower Case

After moving my main computer from one case to the next, from the poor RaidMax A268 (used only for a week when I first built my computer) to the good Antec SX630II (now used for my other computer), I finally found the one that I am quite content with.

The Antec SLK3700-BQE is a Mid Tower computer case, suitable for micro-ATX or full ATX form factor motherboard (12x9.6 inches).

Built, Features, Design

Weighing almost 27 pounds, the Antec SLK3700-BQE is solidly built. Only the front face (bezel) is made of plastic. The case is painted in black with crinkle matte finish.

The main side-panel (open side) has two latches that need to be unlocked to open it. There are also two thumbscrews at the rear. Hence, the main panel can be opened without the need of a screwdriver.

The front side has six (6) removable openings for drive bays: four for CD/DVD-ROM drives (ATAPI devices) and two for small 3.5-inch floppy drives. There are four internal drive bays for HD drives.

Inside the case, I am struck by its hard drive placement. The drive bays are uniquely arranged. Instead of the regular placement of the drive along the direction of the computer case (in longitudinal), it is arranged in perpendicular, with its 40-pin and power cables accessed from the other side of the case with the panel open. This in turn leaves a lot of space and clearance on the wiring on the main motherboard. I like that very much!

There are two USB ports, power-on and reset buttons, hard drive LED (three of them) and power-on LED at the front panel.

For power cables, Antec supplies seven (7) large 4-pin connectors (for hard drives and ATAPI devices), two (2) small 4-pin connectors for 3.5-inch floppy drives, one 6-pin for AUX power connector and a 3-pin fan signal connector. In compliant with the ATX form factor, there are two power supply cables to the motherboard: a 20-pin main power and a 4-pin for CPU power.

At the rear panel, there are seven (7) removable expansion slots for PCI and AGP cards, and an I/O rear panel for the motherboard.

The Antec SLK3700-BQE features quite a unique design. When the removable side-panels are put back in place, the case is sealed in such a way that air circulates in one direction. Even the removable bezel is sealed, with its door closed, with only the openings with a removable air filter at the lower half to allow air to move inside the case. The door is designed to protect CD/DVD-ROM and floppy drives from dust. It also makes the whole appearance looks nicer, too.

Cool air from outside flows into the lower front of the bezel, through a filter; it passes through all the components then out through the back, guided by the 120mm low-speed and low-noise fan. To reduce vibration and noise, the fan is mounted using rubber grommets.

With the case virtually sealed on both sides, the air filter keeps all vital components free from harmful dust. In addition to a one directional airflow for efficient cooling system, the 120mm fan operates at low speed thereby keep the noise to a minimum.

The cooling system, too, is very efficient. The hard drives are placed right in the airflow passage. This in turn helps control the dissipation of heat produced by the hard drives, since airflow passes through them is always fresh and cool.

There is an optional front fan mount for enhanced cooling. The fan, which is also 120mm in size, is to be mounted directly behind the air filter. Antec recommends installing the second fan only if the system necessarily needs extra cooling, because an additional noise will be created.

The design of Antec SLK3700-BQE is well thought out. Even the power-on and reset buttons are deeply recessed to help protect or prevent inadvertent push on them. When the front door is closed, only the power-on LED, HD LED and two USB ports are visible. Though I would prefer the USB ports hidden.

In the Box

The retail package contains:

- SLK3700-BQE case
- 350-Watt power supply, pre-installed
- one 120mm fan
- power cord
- Sets of various screws, standoffs, and drive rails
- multi-language instruction manual

The chassis comes with a three-year warranty.

INSTALLATION

For installation, it ultimately depends on how many HD, CD/DVD-ROM, floppy drives or other peripherals you have for your system. In most cases, the provided manual is quite helpful, which explains in complete detail. Only the connections for the front panel (such as the power switch, HD LED, USB, etc) may require consulting the motherboard user's manual.

Motherboard: Mounting the motherboard onto the case is straightforward. For this computer, I simply move the assembled motherboard into this case. Therefore, the CPU and RAM cards are intact except I had to remove the PCI and AGP cards in order to make the rear I/O assembly easier.

For my computer, I install two CD/DVD-ROM drives, one floppy and two hard drives. I just recently added a third hard drive, making a total of three. The internal bays support up to four hard drives.

The 120mm fan: The case comes with only the power supply installed. We need to install the 120mm fan at the inside rear. This can be done fairly easily, by pushing the four soft rubber grommets into the four holes at the rear panel. The fan faces outward so that it can suck out the inside air, and thus create a constant airflow.

HD drive: For hard disk drive(s), each drive can be mounted onto a tray, then slide it into the tray holder and lock in place. The tray uses rubber grommets to support/mount the drive from the bottom (in contrast to the sides) with the long custom screws provided by Antec. No need to use the screws that come with the hard drive. These rubber grommets act as a resinater to absorb noise or vibration from the hard drive. It is recommended that the screws should not be over-tightened, or they may reduce the damping effect.

Optical Devices: For the ATAPI devices, two rails must be mounted on the sides of a CD/DVD-ROM drive. The finished assembly can slide into the drive bay, and locks itself with a click sound. There are a total of eight (8) rails to accommodate four optical devices. In fact, Antec has provided plenty of screws for all mounting needs, including drive covers, rubber grommets, etc.

Removing the hard drive or ATAPI devices is very simple. Once the 40-pin and power cables are disconnected, simply squeeze the two rails or tray handles to unlock and pull out the device.

Floppy Drive: For a 3.5-inch floppy drive, there is a drive cage that must be taken out to mount the drive; then slide it back in. There is a lock lever that holds it in place. The drive cage must be taken out along the direction toward the rear panel. I would recommend installing the floppy drive first before mounting the motherboard or completing the wiring, to avoid any accidental hit on the chips or the cables that may be in the way when pulling out the cage.

Cable Wiring: The rest of the installation involves the usual electronic cable connections, such as the power supply, 40-pin ATA cables, etc. For my computer, I connect the two main power supply cables (20-pin and 4-pin) to the motherboard, power cables to all the EIDE devices and floppy drive, and the corresponding 40-pin ribbon cables. I also connect the fan speed signal cable to the motherboard to monitor its RPM. I connect the two USB cables to the front panel, power-on and reset switch, power-on and HD LED, and the speaker, as well as the necessary I/O ports at the rear panel.

PERFORMANCE

My desk has a computer cabinet. But I don't use it to store the computer, due to its poor design for ventilation. Instead, I place my computer on the floor next to the desk.

When I work on my computer, I often listen to classical music or soft rock in moderate volume. Therefore, if a computer were loud, its noise would basically decimate the whole atmosphere.

Low Noise: The Antec SLK3700-BQE is extremely quiet. Even if I don't listen to music, I can barely hear the low noise produced by the case. The large 120mm fan produces a very low but detectable noise. Antec claims that sound intensity is under 25dB. I don't have a sound meter to confirm that figure. However, I can confirm that it is much quiet than all the computer cases I currently have, and very comfortable to work in a quiet environment. The rubber grommets that support the fan definitely help reduce (or almost completely eliminate) noise and vibration. Mostly, the low noise I hear is air being rushed out the rear holes. The power supply fan is also very quiet.

The rubber grommets that support the internal hard drives also prove very effective at reducing or eliminating vibration and noise. I remember one of my 120GB Western Digital hard drives, used on my old computer, is loud. But in the Antec SLK3700-BQE, that drive is almost silent, at least much quiet than when it was in the old computer case.

Thermal Management: Computer components (such as CPU, hard drives or graphics card) are vulnerable to heat. A good computer case should be able to help alleviate this stress. Even with one fan, the Antec SLK3700-BQE is excellent at maintaining cool temperature. This big fan helps circulate the airflow very effectively and efficiently inside the chassis. The fan will increase in speed (RPM) according to the temperature monitored by the system.

I often monitor the temperature of the CPU and the motherboard after 4-6 hours of continuous use. I was surprised to find that the temperature was kept very cool.

CPU temp: 36-38 degrees C
CPU fan speed: 2200-2800 RPM
Motherboard temp: 33-35 degrees C
120mm fan speed: 1500-1900 RPM

Of course, these numbers also depend on the outside environment, as well as how the computer is being used--gaming, heavy programming or multi-tasking (how much or how hard the CPU is at work). As for the outside environment, my room is kept reasonably cool; and this has a certain effect on the temperature inside the case.

I often perform multi-tasking and heavy computations. In other words, this computer is heavily used. But the Antec SLK3700-BQE keeps the temperature in a very good working condition.

Internal Maintenance: To maintain efficiency in the cooling system, the air filter should be cleaned regularly. For the past three months, I have removed the filter to clean once. The filter is washable.

Complaint

It would be nice to have an IEEE-1394 port on the front for easy access, since I now regularly use this port. Second, the rear I/O panel provided by Antec is claimed to be universal. It didn't work on my ASUS P4P800-Deluxe rear I/O panel. Therefore, it is not truly universal. It is of old type that still supports two serial ports, two USB, etc, which may work with older motherboards. My ASUS motherboard came with its own rear I/O panel; and I use that instead.

Conclusion

In short, the Antec SLK3700-BQE is a high quality computer case. With its efficient cooling system, extremely quiet operation with a single low-speed fan and a 350-Watt power supply (Antec SmartPower ATX 12Volts), it is well equipped to accommodate a regular or a super desktop computer.

A better way to secure my investment--my valuable computer system--is to get a good case to protect it and keep all components clean and in good operating temperature, especially the hard drives that store my important data. I have found the Antec SLK3700-BQE to perform simply that; and I like everything about it.

I can think of only one reason not to get the Antec SLK3700-BQE. It is too expensive for a computer case, $100 (+ tax) at my local Circuit City or Best Buy.

However, I can think of many reasons why the Antec SLK3700-BQE is an excellent choice:

- Efficient cooling system; superb design
- Extremely quiet operation, both noise and vibration
- Sufficient power connecting cables for internal expansion
- Very well crafted, inside and out; attractive outward appearance

All of these, I think, are worth that $100. You can get one from Newegg.com for about $90, or maybe cheaper at other places on the web.

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Specifications: Antec SLK3700-BQE / Quiet Black Super Mid Tower
Net Weight: 26.7 pounds
Dimensions (HxWxD): 18.3 x 8.25 x 18.6 inches