Coolest Full Tower ATX case?

[Carfax83]

OK I've decided I need a new case. I currently have an old HAF 932 with the big fans removed in favor of 8 120mm fans; 4 on the side, 2 on the bottom and 2 on the top.

This setup has worked very well for me over the years, by keeping my components extremely cool, and my case practically dust free due to the positive pressure airflow.

But the fans are getting old and making all sorts of noise despite my best attempts to re-grease the bearings. So I want a new case, one that can keep my GPUs and my CPU as cool as possible and hopefully equal, or better the performance of my current setup.

Plus I need lots of space as I have SLI, and a great cable management system would also be nice.

So far all I've really looked at the HAF X. Seems to be very highly recommended for people that want not only tons of space, but maximum air flow.

It's been so long since I've shopped for a new case though that I don't just want to jump the gun and buy it without asking opinions. So which case is the best for airflow and space?

I'd prefer not to spend over $200 USD if possible, but if a case is really that much better, then I could spend a bit more perhaps..

 

[BonzaiDuck]

OK I've decided I need a new case. I currently have an old HAF 932 with the big fans removed in favor of 8 120mm fans; 4 on the side, 2 on the bottom and 2 on the top.

This setup has worked very well for me over the years, by keeping my components extremely cool, and my case practically dust free due to the positive pressure airflow.

But the fans are getting old and making all sorts of noise despite my best attempts to re-grease the bearings. So I want a new case, one that can keep my GPUs and my CPU as cool as possible and hopefully equal, or better the performance of my current setup.

Plus I need lots of space as I have SLI, and a great cable management system would also be nice.

So far all I've really looked at the HAF X. Seems to be very highly recommended for people that want not only tons of space, but maximum air flow.

It's been so long since I've shopped for a new case though that I don't just want to jump the gun and buy it without asking opinions. So which case is the best for airflow and space?

I'd prefer not to spend over $200 USD if possible, but if a case is really that much better, then I could spend a bit more perhaps..

I don't get it. Why did you replace the 200mm fans with 120s? Certainly, I also think the CoolerMaster 200mm fans leave something to be desired. I replaced them all in my HAF 922s with NZXT or BitFenix Spectre Pro's. They can run thermally-controlled at between 300 and 400 RPM for idle temperatures.

The HAF X, IIRC, isn't that different from the 932. I don't know why you wouldn't want to give some TLC-modding to the old case, and save yourself some buckets of ducats.

Also, if the typical HAF "dust situation" bothers you, I suggest you look into a product or kit like this:

http://www.performance-pcs.com/demc...-filter-custom-4-piece-set-for-cm-haf932.html

If I were to recommend another case, it would be useful to know what cooling strategy you've chosen -- what parts, etc.

 

[Carfax83]

I don't get it. Why did you replace the 200mm fans with 120s? Certainly, I also think the CoolerMaster 200mm fans leave something to be desired.

Hah, you answered your own question! Yeah, the original 230mm fans sucked balls, which is why I swapped them out. The 120mm high speed fans that I have are much noisier, but noise never really bothered me unless it was a rattling or flicking kind of noise like what I'm getting now..

I replaced them all in my HAF 922s with NZXT or BitFenix Spectre Pro's. They can run thermally-controlled at between 300 and 400 RPM for idle temperatures.

This is why I'm glad I decided to post this thread before buying anything. I checked out the BitFenix Spectre fans, and they look FAR superior to the Cooler Master fans.. So thanks for the tip..

The HAF X, IIRC, isn't that different from the 932. I don't know why you wouldn't want to give some TLC-modding to the old case, and save yourself some buckets of ducats.

Because my current case is just so damn old. There are scuff marks all over it, I can't find the wheels and quite a few of the original parts are missing as well.

Trust me, it's time for me to get a new case. So back to my original question, are there any cases out there better than the HAF X?

What about this one? The Thermaltake Level 10 GT?

Looks very different, and judging by this video, has some very nice features..

 

[Carfax83]

If I were to recommend another case, it would be useful to know what cooling strategy you've chosen -- what parts, etc.

Positive pressure setup is what I always go with, and my specs are listed in my sig.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Positive pressure setup is what I always go with, and my specs are listed in my sig.

Cooling strategy?

The Level 10 GT case has a lot of possibilities and potential, as far as I've been able to look at the Egg picture gallery from time to time -- over a few years.

Can't see your sig while I write this post, but I thought I saw "4930K" -- which would be the Ivy Bridge E -- 130W TDP at stock settings.

If I'd followed through with my own itch-to-build in late 2013 early 2014, I would've been sorely tempted to use water-cooling with that one. But I've lately come to the view that heatpipes might still give some good clocks. Yet I'd think that anyone picking a socket-2011 IB-E/X79 would've followed the water route.

There are now some compact midtowers that allow for water-cooling, like the Corsair C70.

I try to re-deploy the cases I already have. But the project I'm planning for a Haswell E has me wondering if I want to do the work in modding either a CM Stacker aluminum midtower or a HAF 922. So I can see how someone might want a new case.

I might want a new case, myself . . .

The Spectre Pros seem better than the NZXT 200mm I have in one of my rigs. They are definitely not fitted with sleeve bearings. "Fluid Dynamic" -- can't tell if that means "rifle bearing" or something else. But they're quiet.

Now I see that BF has updated their specs to show 148CFM for that fan. It used to be 144. And you don't need to use the LED lights: there's a two-pin plug allowing them to be disconnected. Or -- they can be switched.

The big fans have been derided because of their low static pressure rating. But you don't need high static pressure for intake fans, and you don't need it to solidly pressurize the case. They may only fall short if used with a radiator. And I suspect that the use of the large fans for both intake and exhaust would alleviate any shortcoming there. Someone else here did it with a really toasty rig with dual 12-core Xeons. I think that's what he had, anyway.

 

[Illuminatech]

My Corsair Air 540 Arctic (White) $150 was the coolest.

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

I would wait on a level 10, talk to a few owners or look at some reviews. I would consider repainting the case you have, spending $200 on a new case isn't gonna fix anything. It will make you feel better for a few days then the reality of what the level 10 cost will set in, and you'll be stuck.
The compartments look like a hotel for homeless computers, to access them and work on a rig seems like you would spend three times the normal time doing stuff then putting all the cheap plastic back together.(Got to be careful). I call um like I see um, which gets me many warnings. MOST computer manufacturers now a days just want the money in your pocket(LEVEL 10 proof)and as much as they can get of it!!(I feel another warning coming)If you do buy the hotel I'd love to see some picture's of your wallet before and after.......
Back on Topic, Lan Li=over priced, great looking product's again industry suckers. InWin makes some cool looking stuff, and there price's are reasonable. For your needs you don't have many options, if you do get a new case your gonna have to spend more then your budget(IMHO) to be happy.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I would wait on a level 10, talk to a few owners or look at some reviews. I would consider repainting the case you have, spending $200 on a new case isn't gonna fix anything. It will make you feel better for a few days then the reality of what the level 10 cost will set in, and you'll be stuck.
The compartments look like a hotel for homeless computers, to access them and work on a rig seems like you would spend three times the normal time doing stuff then putting all the cheap plastic back together.(Got to be careful). I call um like I see um, which gets me many warnings. MOST computer manufacturers now a days just want the money in your pocket(LEVEL 10 proof)and as much as they can get of it!!(I feel another warning coming)If you do buy the hotel I'd love to see some picture's of your wallet before and after.......
Back on Topic, Lan Li=over priced, great looking product's again industry suckers. InWin makes some cool looking stuff, and there price's are reasonable. For your needs you don't have many options, if you do get a new case your gonna have to spend more then your budget(IMHO) to be happy.

Well, Cheese-man, I would've said that. I might have directed him to ALSA Corporation for primer and paint. I used their "Killer-Chrome-kit" on my 1995 ProLiant Server case-mod project:

http://www.alsacorp.com/

Here's the picture of that case (again . . over the years . . ):

The results with the paint fell short of ALSA's promise, because I cut corners on the paint cost, using an enamel black primer from ACE Hardware. To get "real chrome," you have to use ALSA's black primer.

But if you want to refurb a case without "chrome," ACE Hardware (or the Depot . . . or Lowe's . . ) has all the enamel you'd want. You can get it for metal; you can get it for plastic; you can get the primer needed for both. The biggest difficulty arises with dealing with the overspray, but that's what Wet-or-Dri sandpaper, pumice-powder, polishing compound are for.

What does this mean? It means time, sweat, and money! That's what case-modders do! And if the OP lived close by, I'd offer him some money for his HAF 932 if I could get a bargain deal. But he likely doesn't live close by, and the shipping costs -- that's more money.

It depends on what the OP wants to do, and what he doesn't want to do. He seems more inclined to spend the $200 bucks to alleviate the time and sweat. It's really his call.

I agree on the stylistic features of the Level 10, but -- at least -- you can have good intake airflow. Or -- so it seemed as I looked at the Egg gallery.

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

WOW!
Very cool site! Love the case too! Sorry it didn't live up.......I just don't see much in Full cases that excite me, I got my InWin D Frame Mini. I drilled it out as it only had 4 spots for the mother board, now has spots for a mid size board. And has 2 GTX 580's in it. Only part that was hard was drilling it out, as its a one off(can't get them any more) and if I miss drilled. But it all worked out, got a Maximus V Gene in it. I love it and the price was right, a guy at Techpowerup was selling the old review cases he had done. So it was like brand new, I had been wanting a case and it fit the bill(so to speak). I shit when I realized I had to drill it out, so it made it an all or nothing project.
Got it for $110 shipped, I have added red fans and a new res to it. Not bad for a gamer machine.
http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m479/jaggerwild/DSC00006 2_zpsgw1jbrqb.jpg
http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m479/jaggerwild/DSC00003 3_zpsqgdctdbm.jpg
http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m479/jaggerwild/DSC00008 2_zpsudl3oujv.jpg

 

[BonzaiDuck]

WOW!
Very cool site! Love the case too! Sorry it didn't live up.......I just don't see much in Full cases that excite me, I got my InWin D Frame Mini. I drilled it out as it only had 4 spots for the mother board, now has spots for a mid size board. And has 2 GTX 580's in it. Only part that was hard was drilling it out, as its a one off(can't get them any more) and if I miss drilled. But it all worked out, got a Maximus V Gene in it. I love it and the price was right, a guy at Techpowerup was selling the old review cases he had done. So it was like brand new, I had been wanting a case and it fit the bill(so to speak). I shit when I realized I had to drill it out, so it made it an all or nothing project.
Got it for $110 shipped, I have added red fans and a new res to it. Not bad for a gamer machine.
http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m479/jaggerwild/DSC00006%202_zpsgw1jbrqb.jpg
http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m479/jaggerwild/DSC00003 3_zpsqgdctdbm.jpg
http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m479/jaggerwild/DSC00008 2_zpsudl3oujv.jpg

" . . didn't live up . . " was only a matter of the "bling." I'd used auto-window-film on Lexan for the mirror-window -- not a wrinkle or imperfection in the result. The drive-activity connections for a 4-drive RAID5 were all connected to different red LED lights using the original ProLiant clear-plastic prism, so drive activity registered on the case-front like a piano-key melody.

I impatiently gave the case and all that was in it to my brother across town. We're no longer on speaking terms, so I likely can't get it back, even if I stooped to being an "Indian-giver."

The bottom of the case, lifted from the floor by 3.5" braked double-caster wheels, would fit a 240mm radiator and fans with the custom dual 140 fan cage I built, and there would've been plenty (PLENTY!) of room for a bay-reservoir, pumps, hoses -- all of it. I don't want to think about it; it makes me sick!:''''(

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

Wrap the HAF if he wanted to, or as you said spray paint it.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Wrap the HAF if he wanted to, or as you said spray paint it.

He said it was "scuffed." Unless there's damage to the case -- bullet-holes, dents from car accident or various scenarios -- it's a matter of minor repair. A rubbing compound from Auto Zone would probably restore the paint under the scuffs.

Let's even suppose that he took a nibbler tool or a dremel to the fan vents and cut holes for the 120mm fans -- anything of that nature.

So? You run across town to the industrial zone's metals store and buy either perf aluminum or perf steel, some pop-rivets (and the tool if you don't have it), cut out some more of the case vent, pop-rivet a finished rectangle of the perforated metal. Maybe -- hit it with primer and flat-black paint. Good as new. An afternoon's work.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

My Corsair Air 540 Arctic (White) $150 was the coolest.

. . . And . . . by the way . . . I could've mentioned that also. The floor-space footprint is larger, but -- helluva case!

 

[cbrunny]

Another vote for Air 540

 

[ClockHound]

The OP asked for the coolest tower and I respond with modern cubism.

Almost all ATX towers imo have compromised airflow. By design. The better ones (Enthoo Luxe/FD R5) allow removable/movable drive cages which can be replaced by intake fans, but why bother, when a better design can be assimilated.

The shortest, direct airflow path is best found in cubes. (Air) Resistance is futile. Airflow resistance is greatly reduced in the better cube layouts. And despite a modestly larger footprint, much better space utilization too. A cube is the most efficient use of space and materials. Science fiction meets science fact.

The big cubes with the best flow: CM HAF XB Evo, Air 540 and TT X9.

The HAF XB (modding one right now) is a great low cost option with a small footprint. Doubles as an open bench too. It's two - two cases in one. And since all the panels are removable, it's a modding blank canvas. My finished XB canvas will be aluminum and acrylic - no cheap molded-plastic fiddly bits will remain in the collective.

Air 540 has lots of space. Not enough air filters and is a little cheaply made for a 'premium' case. Great layout and as mentioned - dropdead sexy in Arctic White. However, it orbits in the wrong axis, but still Corsair created another near blank canvas for the modderscenti.

The X9 is a 500 cubic parsec monster - best stuffed hex-core drones, small M class planets with custom loops and lots of gaudy landing lights. ;-)

Towers are so 1995.

Except the FT02 - that's the only 21st century large tower design I could flow with.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Towers are so 1995.

:biggrin: Should I take that . . . personally?! No -- to some extent, I agree.

Join us! We are the Borg!

 

[ClockHound]

:biggrin: Should I take that . . . personally?! No -- to some extent, I agree.

Join us! We are the Borg!

Why not...I do...Every time I've built a new system in the last 15 years...it's been in a tower. Beige/Black/Mid/Tall - same old same old.

This year after performing modifications using only crude hand tools and a bad attitude to get better front-to-back airflow in a new tower case, something snapped. Pretty sure it was more than my back. It was the idea that there must be a better way to cool and arrange components...so began my journey to end the tyranny of the tower.

 

[bonehead123]

another vote for air 540

^^^this :d ^^^

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Why not...I do...Every time I've built a new system in the last 15 years...it's been in a tower. Beige/Black/Mid/Tall - same old same old.

This year after performing modifications using only crude hand tools and a bad attitude to get better front-to-back airflow in a new tower case, something snapped. Pretty sure it was more than my back. It was the idea that there must be a better way to cool and arrange components...so began my journey to end the tyranny of the tower.

The trouble with the 540 is only that the two compartments don't accommodate large fans like the HAFs. But for what I have in mind, that sort of fan strategy may lead me to the same sweaty experience you describe -- even with the HAFs, which fit at least three of 'em.

I hope you didn't screw the pooch with the new tower case. I've found that a dremel and a pack of cutting wheels will work with steady hands and patience; you'll get the same sore fingers or hint of carpal tunnel as with playing a game via keyboard all day long. A drill press is also useful. Best tool in my collection is a drill-tap and bit for making 6-32 screw holes, and I think I have one for 8-32 also. Also, a spring-loaded punch that puts a starter-dent in sheet-metal so you can set the drill properly without fouling up the project.

A "nibbler" tool also comes in handy. I'm just not eager to spend weeks doing the work anymore. But -- tower though it is -- I still wish I hadn't given bro that 95 case-mod. It was big enough so I could install two San-Ace 120x38 fans in the rear for exhaust. A little more work on the front might have made it accommodate a 200mm fan. I'd even cannibalized an IBM midtower case with a snap-out/latch-in PSU cage, and installed it in the Proliant box.

But these days, we'd rather have a PSU in the case bottom, as opposed to the traditional location. And I'm still wrestling over the footprint made by the 540.

 

[bigboxes]

WOW!
Very cool site! Love the case too! Sorry it didn't live up.......I just don't see much in Full cases that excite me, I got my InWin D Frame Mini. I drilled it out as it only had 4 spots for the mother board, now has spots for a mid size board. And has 2 GTX 580's in it. Only part that was hard was drilling it out, as its a one off(can't get them any more) and if I miss drilled. But it all worked out, got a Maximus V Gene in it. I love it and the price was right, a guy at Techpowerup was selling the old review cases he had done. So it was like brand new, I had been wanting a case and it fit the bill(so to speak). I shit when I realized I had to drill it out, so it made it an all or nothing project.
Got it for $110 shipped, I have added red fans and a new res to it. Not bad for a gamer machine.
http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m479/jaggerwild/DSC00006 2_zpsgw1jbrqb.jpg
http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m479/jaggerwild/DSC00003 3_zpsqgdctdbm.jpg
http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m479/jaggerwild/DSC00008 2_zpsudl3oujv.jpg

That is cool, but do you toss a dust cover over it when you are not using it?

 

[tdslam720]

The OP asked for the coolest tower and I respond with modern cubism.

Almost all ATX towers imo have compromised airflow. By design. The better ones (Enthoo Luxe/FD R5) allow removable/movable drive cages which can be replaced by intake fans, but why bother, when a better design can be assimilated.

The shortest, direct airflow path is best found in cubes. (Air) Resistance is futile. Airflow resistance is greatly reduced in the better cube layouts. And despite a modestly larger footprint, much better space utilization too. A cube is the most efficient use of space and materials. Science fiction meets science fact.

The big cubes with the best flow: CM HAF XB Evo, Air 540 and TT X9.

The HAF XB (modding one right now) is a great low cost option with a small footprint. Doubles as an open bench too. It's two - two cases in one. And since all the panels are removable, it's a modding blank canvas. My finished XB canvas will be aluminum and acrylic - no cheap molded-plastic fiddly bits will remain in the collective.

Air 540 has lots of space. Not enough air filters and is a little cheaply made for a 'premium' case. Great layout and as mentioned - dropdead sexy in Arctic White. However, it orbits in the wrong axis, but still Corsair created another near blank canvas for the modderscenti.

The X9 is a 500 cubic parsec monster - best stuffed hex-core drones, small M class planets with custom loops and lots of gaudy landing lights. ;-)

Towers are so 1995.

Except the FT02 - that's the only 21st century large tower design I could flow with.

Thanks for this post. Been looking to upgrade my 912 for awile. Was going with HAF X most likely, but your talk about cubes and airflow got me good ( even if it is bull shit) . Debated between X9 and XB. Ultimately I felt the X9 has a ton of wasted space, where everything is laid smarter in the XB. XB is cheaper as well!

So I went with the XB and I'm loving it! Awesome case, very well constructed for the price. Thanks again!

 

[Ketchup]

What happened to Carfax83? Very happy with my Storm Trooper:

http://gaming.coolermaster.com/en/products/cases/trooper/

Also don't understand why one would replace a stock case fan with a smaller one. That would be a big noise sacrifice for a few more CFM. Unless temps are really bad, or the fans are in a very poor location, I have yet to see a few CFM in a case fan make a big difference in CPU or GPU temperatures.

 

[bigboxes]

I'm very happy with my P280. Sometimes I can't believe how cool my pc is. I'm having few issues with any of my PCs (just got one today with nVidia's update for my GTX 970) and this is a long time coming. This allows me to allocate my scarce resources to other things in life, not just computer parts.

 

[ClockHound]

Thanks for this post. Been looking to upgrade my 912 for awile. Was going with HAF X most likely, but your talk about cubes and airflow got me good ( even if it is bull shit) . Debated between X9 and XB. Ultimately I felt the X9 has a ton of wasted space, where everything is laid smarter in the XB. XB is cheaper as well!

So I went with the XB and I'm loving it! Awesome case, very well constructed for the price. Thanks again!

Glad you've joined the collective. Your uniqueness will add to the XB Cube modders galactic glory.

You are going to mod it, right?

When you replace the stock intake fans (and you will), suggest using a pair of quiet 140mms like the Noc A15 or the TR TY-147As for better airflow and less bullshit noise. ;-)

 

[Nec_V20]

Glad you've joined the collective. Your uniqueness will add to the XB Cube modders galactic glory.

You are going to mod it, right?

When you replace the stock intake fans (and you will), suggest using a pair of quiet 140mms like the Noc A15 or the TR TY-147As for better airflow and less bullshit noise. ;-)

I wouldn't call it modding but I have upgraded the CoolerMaster XB case I have.

The first thing I did was to buy an IcyBox 3.5" HDD Cage to put into the 2*5.25" slots to expand the system to incorporate 5*3.5" hot-swappable drives.

I put two 80mm Noctua fans in the bottom back, I put a Noctua 120 mm venting out the back, a clear CoolerMaster 200mm fan venting out the top.

I replaced the two 120mm fans which came with the Corsair H100i with Noctua 120mm fans.

I incorporated filters onto all the fans

I also got some mesh which I cut to fit the side and back vents and they are held in place by magnets.

Including the fans on the Sapphire 280X Vapor-X card, there are a total of nine fans in the system, yet when I turn it on and even playing games the temperature remains low and the with my ear about 1.5 feet away from the case I cannot hear the machine running when it is turned on.

More fans running at lower RPM is, to my mind, a hell of a lot better than fewer fans spinning full whack.