Case for water cooling

[octopus41092]

I'm going to be using a Swiftech MCR320 and a Swiftech MCP655. What case could fit these in? I know of one at the moment, the Coolermaster HAF 932. Preferably for $150 or less and full tower, what other ones are there?

 

[PCTC2]

I remember from your other thread that you said you don't want to have to do any modifications. Most cases nowadays you will have to do a bit of modding (possibly with a dremel or grinder) to get an MCR320QP to fit internally. You can always get an MCR320 to mount externally.

More expensive cases also fit a radiator internally with little modification but they're about 80-100 out of your price range (TJ-07, Tagan Full-Tower case, etc).

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

If you just want an easy bolt on case, check Mountain Mods for great cases!

 

[garritynet]

Mountain Mods makes great cases that are both huge and over the OPs budget.

 

[octopus41092]

Where does the radiator go on the Cooler Master HAF 932? Is it mounted on top externally? Also, if I were to increase my budget say... to $200 what other cases should I look at? I just want something that can contain all my water cooling stuff with very little or no modification and looks nice.

 

[PCTC2]

On the HAF 932 it's mounted internally where the 230mm exhaust fan is. You remove that and there's mounts for 3x120mm fans, spaced for Swiftech radiators and the like (NOT Thermochill Rads). Then you can put that extra 230mm fan in the front to replace that Red LED fan so you don't have to deal with glowing.

If you were to increase to $250-300, you'd have a lot more selection. The Silverstone Temjin-07, ABS/Tagan Full-Tower case, and there's probably others I am forgetting.

90% of all cases that can fit a 3x120 radiator require some sort of compromise or modification.

 

[octopus41092]

Hrm... well knowing that I can replace that fan I think I might just go with the HAF 932. I really was looking to have a blue fan in front though, do you know if you could get a replacement blue one?

 

[NitroTurtle]

My requirements were similar to the OP and I ended up going with a CM Stacker STC-T01 and have been very pleased. I'm not sure if they are still made though, so you may have to do some digging, but it's an option.

I was able to order a side panel with a window for pretty cheap and the case has enough room to house both my MCR220 and MCR320. Using this I was able to mount the MCR220 to the bottom inside the case with no modifications. Then I just used some foam and velcro to mount the MCR320 in the front drive bays.

Here's a few pics of mine:
light
dark

 

[octopus41092]

Are there vents on the bottom of the CM Stacker for the radiator?

Also what is the performance difference between the 3 120mm radiator and a dual 120mm radiator? Also between the 3 120mm radiator and a dual 120mm in addition to a single 120mm? Wouldn't having 2 be better because it takes away the heat from two different locations? Once after the CPU loop once after the GPU loop?

 

[Cookie Monster]

Silverstone TJ07 is another great option.

 

[PCTC2]

The difference between any size radiator is 1) The airflow required to cool X Watts and 2) The total capacity for heat dissipation. And having 2 of a comparable combined size is not always better because of the extra tubing and restriction that another radiator puts on the loop. It could be useful with a powerful pump, but generally a single radiator is recommended (aka 480 vs 2x220 or 320 vs 120 &220). But a MCR320 and a MCR220 would be better than just an MCR320.

Here's 230mm CoolerMaster Blue LED Fan Link if you choose the CM HAF.

The CM Stacker STC-T01 is a nice case. I forgot about it since it is no longer available at newegg.

 

[octopus41092]

So, going by that 2 MCR220's would be better than 1 MCR320 for sure though right? Because I was thinking if I were to get an Antec Twelve Hundred, I could put one in the back and one in the front and it would work out fine. I'm thinking of the D5 Vario so I think the pump is plenty strong enough too. What's your thoughts on doing this instead of getting the CM HAF 932 w/ one MCR320?

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: octopus41092
So, going by that 2 MCR220's would be better than 1 MCR320 for sure though right? Because I was thinking if I were to get an Antec Twelve Hundred, I could put one in the back and one in the front and it would work out fine. I'm thinking of the D5 Vario so I think the pump is plenty strong enough too. What's your thoughts on doing this instead of getting the CM HAF 932 w/ one MCR320?

2 mcr220 ~ MCR420 (if it existed)

So 2 mcr220's would be better then 1 mcr320.

 

[PCTC2]

Originally posted by: aigomorla

Originally posted by: octopus41092
So, going by that 2 MCR220's would be better than 1 MCR320 for sure though right? Because I was thinking if I were to get an Antec Twelve Hundred, I could put one in the back and one in the front and it would work out fine. I'm thinking of the D5 Vario so I think the pump is plenty strong enough too. What's your thoughts on doing this instead of getting the CM HAF 932 w/ one MCR320?

2 mcr220 ~ MCR420 (if it existed)

So 2 mcr220's would be better then 1 mcr320.

Yeah. That sounds like a plan. Then you have 1 HDD cage left and probably about 2 5.25" bays left for optical drives. Have fun and GL.

 

[aigomorla]

exactly what are you watercooling tho?

cpu only? or both cpu and gpu?

 

[PCTC2]

Originally posted by: aigomorla
exactly what are you watercooling tho?

cpu only? or both cpu and gpu?

Look at his previous thread. An Athlon X2 and HD 4850. Upgrading to a Phenom II in the near future. I think he decided on a Fuzion v2 and an MCW60-B-Rev2.