Hi, there are many factors to determine yr choice of drop-in vs standalone. Also, there are many factors to determine yr heat load and chiller requirement. For drop-in, in general the compressor is near 1hp and depending on the distance of yr compressor and tank, you may need more than 1hp. If u want to find out from those who did study, contact chill down for advice. For me, I don't want the heat to affect my house and just nice I was renovating my hse, I proceed with drop-in coil. For yt info, I used to own a 1/5 artica to cool my 2ft cube with a 1ft cube sump and with 3 pumps, it takes ard 25 to 30 min to cool down one degree and it will last ard 2 hrs. For the drop in, as there is no noise when it kicks in, I don't really monitor and I don have prior experience in keeping 4th using standalone bs drop in. However, I do have friends who had experience and given positive feedback. Try doing a search as this was discussed before. All the best.