Weekly Buyer's Guide: Cutting Edge System - March 2004

Cutting Edge System (continued)

Computer Case

Recommendation: Kingwin K11 Aluminum ATX case
Price: $70 shipped

We suggested Kingwin last week as the runner-up, but will place it as our recommendation this week because of how much we enjoy building systems with this case. Kingwin makes great aluminum computer cases; this particular one is dubbed the K11 series. Even with all your components installed, the case is still relatively light, even light enough to carry to a LAN party or to bring over to your friend's or family's house. It comes with four 5.25" Bays, two external 3.5" Bays and five internal 3.5" bays, four USB 2.0 ports, and one Audio, Mic, FireWire port. There are one top, one rear, and two front fans included as well. The case construction and quality is quite good; the material isn't cheap or flimsy by any means.

For a power supply, we suggest Antec's 400W PSU (SL400) for $55 shipped. It provides stable voltages, a good warranty, fairly quiet operation, low operating temperature, and in general is reliable and trusted among enthusiasts. Truth be told, a quality 350W or even 300W power supply may do the job just as well, but since the price difference is minimal at best and because this system draws a large amount of power anyway (3400+, 9800XT, etc.), you might as well not leave anything to chance.