Recommend Me a Case

[PawNtheSandman]

Ok here is my hardware

AMD 4400+ X2 with a Thermalright SI-120 heatsink with a 120mm Panaflo fan
ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe MB
2gb Corsair XMS3500
XFX 7800 GT 256 PCI-X
74gb Raptor
500gb SATA HD
SB Audigy 2 ZS Gamer
2x DVD Burners
650w Power Supply

All of that running inside a Yeong Yang Black server cube.

The problem I have is that because the SI-120 is so big, I have no room between the fan and the side panel if I close it, so I left the side panel off. I am running about 34c.

So I'm looking for a good case that will fit all my components with plenty of room and a side vent so the SI-120 can pull fresh air from the outside.

First I was thinking Antec 900, but CompUSSR only had openboxed ones over the weekend and they wouldn't discount them further.

Next I'm thinking Lian Li V2000B

I saw the Coolermaster Stacker in person and it looked and felt pretty solid.

I'd also like to be able to fit in 2x 120mm fans.

I'm open to suggestions, so please refer me to something that will work.

 

[Operandi]

I would go with a Lian Li, just about all of them will work except for one or two that mount the PSU over the HS/F area, personally I like the PC-V1100 and and PC-101.

 

[PawNtheSandman]

Neither are vented sidepanels which kinda makes me nervous about higher temps. I see the 121 has a duct to the back but I'm not sure that will fit over the SI-120 and Panaflo.

 

[ForumMaster]

budget? the CM Stacker cases rock. they are very solid and offer plenty of features. they are expensive, but so are any of the cases you mentioned.

 

[PawNtheSandman]

Budget is below $300.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: ForumMaster
budget? the CM Stacker cases rock. they are very solid and offer plenty of features. they are expensive, but so are any of the cases you mentioned.

V2000 costs wayyyyyyyyyyyy more then a stacker


Whats your size requirements? for 300, i wouldnt even look at a Lian Li, id step up to
a Silverstone TJ-07, or even a Mountain Mods UFO class.

You plan on H2O cooling in the future? Stacker, Armor, TJ-07 are easier cases to work with in watercooling then a V2000.

Advant modder? TJ-07 has rivitless design, meaning you can tear the entire case down to its frame, and tweek and mod parts as you see fit.

Want a really large and quiet case? UFO's are hugh, hands down there one of the best, I also like the TT's Tai Chi, but there kinda hard to find for sub 299.

BTW im a TJ-07, TT Armor, CM STacker owner. So i can vouch for these 3 cases. You wont have problems installing any air products in these cases. Only limits they have is trying top drop a 120x3 radiator, which only the CM Stacker UFO and Tai Chi can do without losing 1/2 your bays.

 

[PawNtheSandman]

No water cooling.

 

[mozirry]

ugh, I buy the one thats easiest to put the motherboard in

I hate lian-li cases for that, with their little metallic clips that totally don't work well.

 

[Old Hippie]

I also like the TT's Tai Chi, but there kinda hard to find for sub 299.

We can get close.

 

[Aries64]

While its' not a silent case, I still like my Lian Li V1000 Plus II because it looks so sweet. The SI-120 fits great in the V-Series cases too. Three (3) 120mm fans standard. Front Intake (blows over hard drives to keep them cool. Kept four 15K.3 Cheetahs' in RAID 10 under control), Side Panel, and Rear Intake/Exhaust.

I use the both the Side Panel and Rear 120s' as for exhaust because:

(1) While the CPU Duct idea is OK, I don't feel the trade-off is worth it because you are relying on the Side Panel-mounted 120mm and ventilation holes to exhaust all the hot air from the case. Therefore, I use the Rear as an Exhaust unit.

(2) The CPU Duct will not work with some large CPU HS' such as the SI-120. Again, I use the Rear as an Exhaust unit.

(3) While you can use the Side Panel-mounted 120 as intake for the video cards, the design of the V-Series cases still allows hot air to "pocket" at the top of the case unless you either mode the top of the case for a blow-hole or use the Side Panel 120 as an exhaust. The disadvantage here is that you cannot blow fresh air directly onto your videocard(s).

If you are planning to get a big videocard(s) like the 8800GTX or R600 you should consider the V1200 Plus II or larger. While I have never tried mounting an 8800GTX in my case, I think you'll need the additional 100mm of depth that the V1200-Series have to accomodate that behemmoth of a card. And you'll also be able to install extended ATX PS' as well.

Good luck.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: PawNtheSandman
No water cooling.

i still stand behind the cases that i picked.

TJ-07 looks nicer then the LL v2000

Armor and Stacker, both cheaper then the LL, yet i feel there better worth in value.