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New case recommendations

C

Calefaction

Limp Gawd
Joined
Sep 1, 2004
Messages
335
Yah, I know, another one of these threads.

Basically, when I upgraded to the GTX 260 216 Core, I realized my poor, venerable case just wasn't big enough anymore. The 8800GTS I had in it before was pushing it, and this time I had to cut a wedge out of the hard drive bays for the GTX 260 to fit. Obviously this is a temporary solution until I can get a bigger, nicer case (which I want anyway to be prepared for my eventual Core i7 upgrade).

I am looking to meet these basic requirements:

  • "Big Enough", but not so large I need an addition to my house to store it. Basically, it needs to hold a 12+ inch graphics card (as these things keep getting bigger), and do it with enough head room that I don't knock my knuckles when I work around inside of it.
  • Good build quality, no rough edges, no cutting myself.
  • Good built in cable management. I understand cutting custom holes is "better", but I don't have the time.
  • Good air filter system with washable filters. This is VERY important. I have two inside dogs, meaning there is hair and dust everywhere in my house and it can't be avoided.
  • Good airflow, but not "I want to overclock this thing like a small Sun" airflow.
  • Removable motherboard tray is a huge plus.

Those are the really important parts. If I had to choose the two most important things to me: Size and air filtering. I'd also like something that is going to last me several years, as enclosures are one of the few things I don't like to upgrade all the time. Brand name doesn't matter, Lian Li, Thermaltake, whatever, as long as it's a quality case.

I've been researching cases through reviews and various sites for a few days, but looking at a case and going "Yah, it will fit all my stuff, and it doesn't suck" is difficult. Which is why I am hoping some of you have good recommendations given my requirements. I don't really have the time or the money to go trial and error on this, so anything I purchase needs to be a "keeper" (barring some shipping accident or manufacturers defect).
 
Calefaction said:
Basically, it needs to hold a 12+ inch graphics card (as these things keep getting bigger), and do it with enough head room that I don't knock my knuckles when I work around inside of it.
Click to expand...
That means need for E-ATX motherboard support.
It also means depth of case is bigger than normal... but in the end it's really "fatness" of case (Mountain Mods ehem...) which would cause space problems much more often than depth or height.

But air filters which can be accessed easily in couple seconds without any tools are very rare.
Lian Li A70 is one of the few which has that feature. Front panel is held on by spring loaded clips so accessing filters is literally job of only couple seconds so cleaning filters as often as needed is possible without doing reservation for it to calendar.
Also long graphic cards don't look so long in it: http://www.nordichardware.com/skrivelser_img/532/A71_20.jpg
(door equipped A71 in picture has front panel attached by screws because of additional weight of heavy door)
http://www.nordichardware.com/Reviews/?skrivelse=532&page=6
 
What's the difference between the A70 and A71 other than the door? The reviews on newegg says the A71 is made of "cheap aluminum".
 
Newegg reviewers are retarded. There is no such thing as a "cheap aluminum" Lian Li.

Also check out the V1xxx (1000Z, 1010, 1000, 1100) series from Lian Li. The PC-7B Plus II is also $90 with free shipping on Newegg right now and is a great case, but you'd need to install your own filters as I don't believe it comes with them.

I personally just bought a Cooler Master ATCS RC-840 and am looking forward to its delivery. Here is a review of the RC-840 with some good pictures.

It's got filters everywhere and is extremely well laid out, including provisions for watercooling which is important to me. I also like the look of it as much as my current V2000B Plus II, which is saying a lot for me. It's very large though, possibly larger than you're looking for, but not unmanageable.

$232 shipped at Buy.com for the black version.
$199 shipped at Newegg for the silver version.
Both prices are the lowest I could find anywhere for their respective colors.
 
the e atx lian cases are awesome if u got the dough... otherwise im pretty sure theres and off brand name that makes cases identical to lian li cases. "rocketfish"
 
0mega9401 said:
the e atx lian cases are awesome if u got the dough... otherwise im pretty sure theres and off brand name that makes cases identical to lian li cases. "rocketfish"
Click to expand...

There's only one Rocketfish that's a Lian Li clone, and that's their full tower. It's also discontinued (or at least not on crazy sale anymore) making it less appealing.
 
i just got a cooler master cosmos S. best case i ever owned. e-atx capable. able to hold a 3x120 rad at the top exhaust, 120 rear exit, 120 front intake, 120 bottom intake, and 250mm side pannel. if you dont want the side fan, you can find the replacment clear window online for about $30.
this case is the best $200 i have spent on my pc. i am running air cooling setup right now. saving up for water.
i have all cooler master 120 mm fans in it and i barely can hear them. with an arctic cooling hsf on my AMD 9650, my temp is about 88-90f (idle) after a couple hours of crysis does not pass 99f (room temp of 71f)

some features i like.
cable management , top touch pannel for power button, VERRY STRONG BUILD (does not feel cheap and flimsy) PSU draws air from outside the case... not inside to keep it cooler, it has plenty of room for water cooling. true screwless design for cd drives. there are more.. that is just some.

things you are looking for:
like you want... it is big but not crazy.
i think the build is great. i did the whole install and did not get any cuts or anything like that. i was not looking for any sharp edges though.
like i stated above, good cable management.
does have 2 washable filters on the bottom fan holes (psu and 120mm intake) and the cd drive covers in front of the 120mm intake fans acts as a filter. (have 2 cats.. its doing well)
air flow is great, you wont realize how good till it is in front of you.
does not have removable MB tray... sorry. it has enough room that you can work on it without really needing one.


GL:D

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119150
 
i would say the antec 300 i have it and it fits the gtx 260 nice while only being 50 bucks or cheaper alot of times.it has 2 optional 120mm front fans with a big air filter in the front also which easily pops out and can run it under the sink if you want.the cable managment on it is decent but i like it so far since im poor :). also it comes with a top 140mm fan and a back 120mm fan that both blow out and have little speed controllers.
 
I would recommend the Antec 300 or the CoolerMaster RC-690.

I run the Antec 300. You might find it a little small on the inside for what you're describing. It is very compact but offers very good cable management to keep everything out of the way of your main components.

My girlfriend runs the RC-690. Its basically a blown up version of the 300. Very similar layout and again, very nice built in cable management features.

Both of them have lots of fans with removable washable filters. Also, both are under $100 (Antec 300 is $60, CoolerMaster RC-690 is $90)
 
I'd never pay more than $50 for a RC-690. There was a rash of sales on them for $50-60 shipped for /months/, and now I simply can't look at that as a $90+ case.
 
silent-circuit said:
Newegg reviewers are retarded. There is no such thing as a "cheap aluminum" Lian Li.

Also check out the V1xxx (1000Z, 1010, 1000, 1100) series from Lian Li. The PC-7B Plus II is also $90 with free shipping on Newegg right now and is a great case, but you'd need to install your own filters as I don't believe it comes with them.

I personally just bought a Cooler Master ATCS RC-840 and am looking forward to its delivery. Here is a review of the RC-840 with some good pictures.

It's got filters everywhere and is extremely well laid out, including provisions for watercooling which is important to me. I also like the look of it as much as my current V2000B Plus II, which is saying a lot for me. It's very large though, possibly larger than you're looking for, but not unmanageable.

$232 shipped at Buy.com for the black version.
$199 shipped at Newegg for the silver version.
Both prices are the lowest I could find anywhere for their respective colors.
Click to expand...

I've taken your word for it and ordered the A71. I hope it'll hold up.
 
Do you guys think the A71 will fit the Noctua NH-U12P? The width of the case is 220mm, the cooler is 158mm tall, that leaves about 80mm for the motherboard, is that enough?
 
christpunchersg said:
Do you guys think the A71 will fit the Noctua NH-U12P? The width of the case is 220mm, the cooler is 158mm tall, that leaves about 80mm for the motherboard, is that enough?
Click to expand...
Easily, you could add nearly 2cm (4/5") of damping material to side panel.
 
silent-circuit said:
Newegg reviewers are retarded. There is no such thing as a "cheap aluminum" Lian Li.

Also check out the V1xxx (1000Z, 1010, 1000, 1100) series from Lian Li. The PC-7B Plus II is also $90 with free shipping on Newegg right now and is a great case, but you'd need to install your own filters as I don't believe it comes with them.

I personally just bought a Cooler Master ATCS RC-840 and am looking forward to its delivery. Here is a review of the RC-840 with some good pictures.

It's got filters everywhere and is extremely well laid out, including provisions for watercooling which is important to me. I also like the look of it as much as my current V2000B Plus II, which is saying a lot for me. It's very large though, possibly larger than you're looking for, but not unmanageable.

$232 shipped at Buy.com for the black version.
$199 shipped at Newegg for the silver version.
Both prices are the lowest I could find anywhere for their respective colors.
Click to expand...

Wow I may pick up a ATCS RC-840. I have to replace my 900, it sounds like a jet with 3 hard drive cages and the Optical drive out on the desk... lol. How is the noise with this case? I know my wife will like the looks, which is important to her.
 
schizrade said:
Wow I may pick up a ATCS RC-840. I have to replace my 900, it sounds like a jet with 3 hard drive cages and the Optical drive out on the desk... lol. How is the noise with this case? I know my wife will like the looks, which is important to her.
Click to expand...

I'll let you know later today / tonight. Probably going to start my own thread with impressions and all.
 
schizrade said:
Wow I may pick up a ATCS RC-840. I have to replace my 900, it sounds like a jet with 3 hard drive cages and the Optical drive out on the desk... lol. How is the noise with this case? I know my wife will like the looks, which is important to her.
Click to expand...

I'm curious about the sound levels as well. I have an Antec 1200 right now but am considering the RC-840 if it's noticeably more quiet while offering the same level of cooling performance.
 
burningrave101 said:
I'm curious about the sound levels as well. I have an Antec 1200 right now but am considering the RC-840 if it's noticeably more quiet while offering the same level of cooling performance.
Click to expand...

For me it is down to the 1200 or this CM 840.
 
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