Steel vs. Aluminum

[Shadowknight]

Well, steel and aluminum can have the same dimensions yet aluminum has less density. The reduced density is the reason for an increase in vibrations. You'd have to have enough aluminum to equal steel of the same weight, significantly increasing the dimensions of the aluminum enclosure and losing the benefits of having a lighter, easier to move case. There was a review on SPCR in the P160 review that covered the aluminum vs. steel issue. The aluminum case was deemed to be louder than standard steel cases. Considering the whole point of the site is quiet computering, I'd go with what they say.

 

[touchmyichi]

I don't know if anyone has put this up yet (I briefly browsed your posts), but aluminum is a LOT more attractive. It has such an nicer finish and shine than a steel case. I highly doubt the aluminum trend is going anywhere soon just due to this alone.

 

[RalfHutter]

Originally posted by: Mickey21


(ShadowKnight) Quite simply air to aluminum transfer is there and direct contact is NOT needed. I dont know where you are getting that from. Direct contact is more EFFICIENT, but air to metal transfer is very consistent, especially when the temperatures are fairly constant. Want proof? Hold up a piece of aluminum, put your hand behind it, and blow a heat gun over the top. You'll feel it soon enough. The hotter air blowing through the case does transfer some of it's heat to the aluminum around it, and the aluminum (however little) transfers that heat to the cooler air outside. Same principles as heatsinks, only heatsinks work better because of the direct contact and incredibly larger surface area. The transfer IS there, to say it is not, however small in difference, is still wrong (ie "but it doesn't help at ALL if it's not in direct contact") ...

....Sigh.

When is this "an aluminum case cools better than a steel case" myth ever going to die?

Here's one of several objective "steel vs. aluminum" case tests that have been done over the years.

There's also been lots of scientific discussions about this myth in various online forums, but the results of the above test should be easy to understand, even for someone without a scientific background.

 

[Bona Fide]

Originally posted by: touchmyichi
I don't know if anyone has put this up yet (I briefly browsed your posts), but aluminum is a LOT more attractive. It has such an nicer finish and shine than a steel case. I highly doubt the aluminum trend is going anywhere soon just due to this alone.

Well that's just anodized. I've seen a lot of steel cases with mirror paint and they look just as good. Plus, anodized aluminum cases remind me of tin foil

 

[Mickey21]

Originally posted by: RalfHutter

Originally posted by: Mickey21


(ShadowKnight) Quite simply air to aluminum transfer is there and direct contact is NOT needed. I dont know where you are getting that from. Direct contact is more EFFICIENT, but air to metal transfer is very consistent, especially when the temperatures are fairly constant. Want proof? Hold up a piece of aluminum, put your hand behind it, and blow a heat gun over the top. You'll feel it soon enough. The hotter air blowing through the case does transfer some of it's heat to the aluminum around it, and the aluminum (however little) transfers that heat to the cooler air outside. Same principles as heatsinks, only heatsinks work better because of the direct contact and incredibly larger surface area. The transfer IS there, to say it is not, however small in difference, is still wrong (ie "but it doesn't help at ALL if it's not in direct contact") ...

....Sigh.

When is this "an aluminum case cools better than a steel case" myth ever going to die?

Here's one of several objective "steel vs. aluminum" case tests that have been done over the years.

There's also been lots of scientific discussions about this myth in various online forums, but the results of the above test should be easy to understand, even for someone without a scientific background.

....Sigh

When you can prove that steel used in computer cases has a lower thermal resistance to heat transfer than aluminum...

Look, I know what you are saying, I know what Shadownknight is saying. I am an not saying it makes a big difference. I am not saying it makes a noticeable difference. I am not saying it make even a perceivable difference. But what I AM saying, is that THERE IS A DIFFERENCE (no matter how insignificant it is), and to write it off as being ABSOLUTELY NOTHING is just against the physics and chemistry of the objects in question. And specifically to Shadow that saying that transfer of heat needs direct contact is just a little too overdramatic. Contact is not NEEDED for heat transfer. It is better with contact. Contact however is needed for good transfer to make huge strides in beneficial cooling with computers. I am not saying cases made of aluminum are superior because of their cooling properties. I never said that. I only even eluded to the possible degree (C) or two difference possible, that anything helps...

Also, this whole it is less dense so that means more noise is also BS. If made correctly there would be no issue. It all comes down to quality. Saying I wont by aluminum cases because they are louder just because is not good thinking. Any POS case is going to be a POS. Vibration noise comes from vibrating objects (ie optical drives, hard drives, and fans), plain and simple. Deal with them and you deal with the noise, not the material of the case. Couple of grommets and you are set.

Steel versus aluminum debate:

You moving it often (ala LAN party)? Buy aluminum...
You dont care to lug 20 more pounds? Buy the steel...
You like the look of aluminum finish? Buy aluminum...
You dont care because it is painted? Buy steel...
You just want to be cheap? Buy steel...
You want some greatly designed cases? Well, here most quality cases are now made of aluminum due to demand. Sadly you are likely stuck to getting the designed case in Aluminum....

In the end, who really cares what people buy as long as they can deal with it and like it... To each their own...

 

[AlK]

talk about inconsistency... if you applied your very demanding scientific criteria to this...

this whole it is less dense so that means more noise is also BS.

As a scientific person you would know that noise is transmitted as vibrations. If a vibrating force is applied to sheets of Aluminium and Steel of IDENTICAL dimensions, that force will produce a larger motion in the aluminium sheet, as it has a lower mass (Force = Mass * Acceleration, so lower mass with the same force leads to greater acceleration - and hence greater movement). This greater movement will in turn induce greater displacement of the air next to the sheet, producing a larger pressure wave, which you will perceive as a LOUDER noise... I am not saying it makes a big difference. I am not saying it makes a noticeable difference. I am not saying it makes even a perceivable difference. But what I AM saying, is that THERE IS A DIFFERENCE (no matter how insignificant it is), and to write it off as being ABSOLUTELY NOTHING is just against the physics and chemistry of the objects in question.

So get off your high horse.

Al

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Fantastic first post AIK!!

As I said in my previous posts in this thread, its what the OP's prefferance is.
Quality constuction, removeable mo-bo tray are high on the list. If your willing to use the provided power supply is another consideration.

I admire the apperance of quality aluminum no matter what it's application. Cast motorcycle
engine componets and extruded frame members, polished or not. Aluminum under the hood of a hot-rod is a must. Thats where my preferances come from. I never see aluminum as tin-foil. I use wax paper and Saran-Wrap

Some ppl like riced-out comp cases. I gotta look at my case everyday, so I chose one that is boring but easy on the eyes. My case is at the end of the bench near the door. So inorder to keep it from being accidently knocked off, I drilled one 1/4" hole through the bottom center of the case and bench. I put a 1/4" bolt with a wing nut lightly snugged to secure it to the bench. A case on the floor is a dust-buster. Nothing that needs cooling air get within 12" of any floor in my house. Once again thats just the way I was taught and is now my preference.

This Cases and Cooling thread turned into an OT thread.
We are here to share and learn after all.

Some ppl would rather be right than happy. Worse yet, some ppl can get into a fight in an empty room..:Q

Enjoy life,it's a short ride....Peace


EDIT for speeling........

 

[Thezeroone]

As has already been pointed out, the heat dissipation through the case metal is minimal at best. As for the resonance of Al cases v. Steel cases, well you can always go the route that I did and just put some accoustipak on your Lian-li or whatever you get. Now granted, my case is now close to a steel case's weight, but its also just as quiet or quieter. I would say go with which ever case you like the look of and is going to be easy for you to work in. Either way, I say get some accoustipack and forget this cooling/noise BS.