Should I replace my Antec P180

[UltimaBoB]

I was having issues with my computer and it is being fixed.

While it is in the shop, the point came up that maybe a mid-tower isn't big enough for dual GPUs.

However, I only have a single hard drive, a sound card, DVD, CPU, and then 2 1950XTX GPUs - gonna upgrade in 6 months or so.

Someone mentioned that P180s are bad for GPU cooling and better tailored to single GPU systems. Any truth to this?

If spending $200 now will keep my PC in better shape for the long run I'll get a full tower - probably should have originally. But is it needed? I have so few drives.

If I should upgrade to a full ATX, what would you recommend - ideally something where the stock fans will be enough.

Computer

E6700 CPU
2 x HIS ATI 1950XTX GPU
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Extreme Music
Antec 620 watt Liberty PSU
150GB WD Raptor HDD
LG DVD Burner
ASUS P5W DH Deluxe Mobo

 

[MarcVenice]

I'd stick with the p180, buy 1 extra fan though, which you can put in the upper HD bay, which you have removed anyways, otherwise 2 1950xtx's wouldn't fit, right ? And your HD should be in the lower compartment. That fan should keep things sufficiently cool if you ask me.

 

[UltimaBoB]

what about if I upgrade to say dual R700s in 8-9 months? Will I ever need a full ATX ?

I'll never really have multiple drives etc... Or be OCing or watercooling so maybe Mid size is enough...

The P180 is quiet - will an extra fan add too much noise?

 

[MarcVenice]

Depends on the fan you add ? How do you run the antec tricools ? Low ? Medium ? I've got a p182, and on Low they are inaudble and keep things plenty cool. And I can't say about dual r700's, I don't even know if they will be double slot cards or not. You can always buy a new case then, can't you ? If you can afford dual r700's, you can afford a new case.

 

[ChefJoe]

If you've only got a few drives and no exotic cooling setup then there's no need for a case larger than a P180. If you're thinking about watercooling, phase cooling, etc then maybe you should consider a larger case.

The P180 is a case with plenty of slots for fans - if you feel you need more cooling additional fans and ducts are a much more effective cooling measure than just more dead space inside a case.

 

[Jhatfie]

I only have a 8800GT with a Accelero S1 mounted to it, but I highly doubt that it would get idle temps at 32-33c and load at low 40's if it was not getting sufficient airflow. I just added 2 quiet, low dba 120mm fans in the supplied extra P180 fan mounting positions and the cooling is great. Nearly silent too.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

not unless you're planning on upgrading cases to something bigger, has better cooling, or has better quality.

 

[mcv]

Originally posted by: UltimaBoB
While it is in the shop, the point came up that maybe a mid-tower isn't big enough for dual GPUs.

Not every mid-tower is the same. The P180 is a large case and should be big enough for two big video cards. I wouldn't try the same thing with a P150/Solo, which is also a mid-tower, but a much smaller one.

Just make sure the airflow is okay. P180 is good at that, but it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye on your temperatures. If they get too high, add a fan somewhere.