Which Case should I get?

[sapped]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking of building a new PC specifically for gaming, and am wondering which case I should get. I'm really troubled by this
since there's just so much choices available, and I don't know the first thing about cases, so hoping for your help with this.

Here are the components I'm getting:

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor
Mobo: ASRock Z97 EXTREME4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
RAM: G.Skill Trident X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
GPU: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card

This is the store I'm using as I can get a special deal there:
https://www.umart.com.au/umart1/pro/index.phtml?bid=9

But like I said, I don't know much about cases, and kinda confused when looking at this list:
http://au.pcpartpicker.com/parts/case/#sort=d5


The only thing I've set down is getting either an ATX Full Tower or ATX Mid Tower, but I have some questions regarding this.
Does the full tower allow for better airflow, lower heat in the case, so it will be cooler compared to the mid tower?

Or are there no difference whatsoever? If so why are the full tower much more expensive compared to the mid tower?
Are there any other advantages other than bigger capacity?

If there are any performance, cooling or circulation related benefits to the full tower, then the field can be narrowed down much more.


Also here's some additional information, I don't know whether they are useful or not:
1. Yes I'm planning on overclocking in the future, but not decided on air or liquid cooler yet, are liquid cooling tied to specific cases?
2. I'm not using an optical drive.
3. Any colours are fine, and I'm perfectly fine with large sizes since I'll be putting it under the table.

And for the case, are there some brands or series which are better than the others?
What are your recommendations for the best bang for the buck?

Anyways really appreciate any help you guys can give!

Best Regards,
sapped

 

[Blain]

Buy This Case

 

[SteveGrabowski]

I like this one:

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-cas340ww1
http://au.pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-cas340wb1

Here is a review of it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cNWOgbEXMI

 

[Kenmitch]

Buy This Case

Nice case....I'm running the Arc Mini and I'm happy with it.

Downside is the Tri-X is long. The removal of the upper HDD cage is required to fit it. Moot point I guess as OP only plans on 1 HDD it looks like.

 

[lehtv]

A full tower is typically useful for people who want ample room for a custom water cooling setup or more than two graphics cards. A full tower is also useful for file server duty, allowing a few more hard drives and a bit beefier air cooling setup.

Most of the time a full tower will come equipped with more/bigger fans than an equivalent mid tower, but will also cost more. For users who only have one graphics card and a few hard drives, ATX or even micro ATX is sufficient.

Liquid coolers (All-in-ones) aren't tied to specific cases, i.e. you dont have to match brands or anything like that. But you do still have to worry about having compatible fan locations.

From umart, I would get a define r5 and add an extra fan (eg another fractal 140mm), then swap the r9 290 for a faster, quieter, newer, smaller and more power efficient Asus GTX 970 Strix. In stock, $539. With the Sapphire card you will have to remove the upper hdd cage (which may come to bite you if you start adding more drives), or consider a different case (eg NZXT Switch 810).

Also you didn't mention an SSD in your post, you should definitely grab one for OS and game files. Crucial MX100 256 or 512 would be my pick

 

[JustCase]

I fell in love with NZXT Phantom: excelent cable management, extreme good looking (for me), good airflow and big inside.
I'm in love also with Phanteks Enthoo: nothing to say about it, perfect.
I own a Cooler Master HAF 912 and it's pretty good, it runs very cool because the airflow is optimized.
I hope I've been useful

PS: sorry for my bad writing, I'm not english

 

[sapped]

Hey guys, thank you so much for all your replies, really appreciate all of them.

And yeah from the looks of it I will not be needing a full tower, so I'm going with ATX Mid Tower instead, this really narrows the list down!

Although I'm also wondering, what does those side panel windows do? More importantly, do they allow for better heat dissipation compared to the ones without?
(Like glass dissipate heat better than metal)

Or are they only there to look fancy? And allow the inside of the case to be viewable? (which I probably won't need)

If it indeed does absolutely nothing at lowering heat, then I'll probably buy one without side panel window, not only are these cheaper
but metal also stronger and more durable than glass as well.

Again appreciate all your comments!

 

[Sulaco]

Hey guys, thank you so much for all your replies, really appreciate all of them.

And yeah from the looks of it I will not be needing a full tower, so I'm going with ATX Mid Tower instead, this really narrows the list down!

Although I'm also wondering, what does those side panel windows do? More importantly, do they allow for better heat dissipation compared to the ones without?
(Like glass dissipate heat better than metal)

Or are they only there to look fancy? And allow the inside of the case to be viewable? (which I probably won't need)

If it indeed does absolutely nothing at lowering heat, then I'll probably buy one without side panel window, not only are these cheaper
but metal also stronger and more durable than glass as well.

Again appreciate all your comments!

Windows exist almost entirely for the aesthetic of being able to see the "guts" of your PC. They provide no practical benefit.
Whether you feel that little extra is worth the money is something only you can decide, but they are just their for your "viewing pleasure".

I've never been a fan. But my PC sits on the floor, obscured by my desk, so it would be pointless for me anyway.

 

[Blain]

Hey guys, thank you so much for all your replies, really appreciate all of them.

Although I'm also wondering, what does those side panel windows do? More importantly, do they allow for better heat dissipation compared to the ones without?
(Like glass dissipate heat better than metal)

Again appreciate all your comments!

They aren't "glass", they are plastic.
Plastic is a better insulator than glass.
With all things being equal, a plastic window would retain more heat inside the case than would a glass window.
Forget about "seeing inside the case" and...

Buy This Case

 

[sapped]

Hey guys, was just wondering,

It looks like the Fractal Design Define R5 have recently been released:

http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/define-series/define-r5-black

Are there reasons to get the R4 over the R5? Since some review say it's great improvement over it and the price are similar.

http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/define-series/define-r4-black-pearl


On a side note, are computer cases similar to other components? Like those sequential ones in the same series are all improvements over the previous iteration,
and if the price are similar (which it is), the best bang for the buck would be to get the newer iteration?

 

[sapped]

@Blain

Hey was wondering, what are the advantages of the DEFINE series over ARC series? It costs more but strangely, on the website it says ARC have better cooling and airflow? What extra feature does the DEFINE have to justify the extra cost?

Also importantly, I'm wondering what is on the top of the ARC R2 Midi case? If it's hollow wouldn't dust particles be easier to fall down to inside the case?

As my current case frequently gets dusty on the top part for some reason. (probably due to where I live)

Would it be possible for the top to be covered by solid metal panel?

 

[Blain]

I used your vendor, didn't consider the MANY "preorder ETA" or "outofstock" cases.
The F2 is a good solid choice for the $$. If you want to spend more, you can.

To keep things simple for us folk, you should only consider components the the vendor you're buying from. Given that there are thousands of cases out there, sticking with "instock" items from your specific vendor will help people focus on your need.

 

[lehtv]

Since you already read some R5 reviews, you probably have a pretty good idea of the differences to R4. My opinion: R4 doesn't really need fixing, but R5 is definitely worth a few extra bucks. Get the R5 if you're fine with the cost.

Define R4 is more expensive than Arc R2 because of the noise damping materials, including fan slot covers. R5 is more expensive than R4 due to being newer.

I wouldn't go modding the Arc R2. If you want to reduce dust falling in, install dust filters on the top slots, or buy a Define.

 

[sapped]

Hey guys,

So which one of the case would you recommend to buy?

Fractal Design ARC R2 Midi for $134 AUD:
https://www.umart.com.au/umart1/pro/Products-details.phtml?id=&id2=211&bid=9&sid=128727

Or

Fractal Design Define R5 for $150 AUD:
https://www.umart.com.au/umart1/pro/Products-details.phtml?id=&id2=211&bid=9&sid=222811

Which one of the two would be a better choice?

Also from looking at the many youtube video reviews, it seems the chasis are a little on the weaker side.
Was wondering which one of them are the stronger case, since I move my PC frequently from place to place due to work.
So don't really want to accidentally damage it somehow.

Or are there another case to recommend?

 

[Blain]

Dude, you're killing us with all your added stipulations!
Now you need a mobile case?

My last and final post in this thread... BUY THIS CASE TODAY!
It's "instock" at the vendor you want to use, it's a good case at a good price and it has a handle for you to lug it around.

 

[JustCase]

Dude, you're killing us with all your added stipulations!
Now you need a mobile case?

My last and final post in this thread... BUY THIS CASE TODAY!
It's "instock" at the vendor you want to use, it's a good case at a good price and it has a handle for you to lug it around.

Lol, italian review of it in that link.
Sorry for the Off Topic.
I really like the Corsair Vengeance C70, but i found not so many reviews, but all goods.

 

[HalfCrazy]

Couple days ago I bought the Cooler Master HAF XB EVO. I also bought two twin packs of Corsair SP120 fans.

I bought the case and fans to replace my Antec Twelve Hundred case. Cause the mounting holes for the fans in the Antec was broken.

I placed my current hardware in the new case. While using HWMonitor it say's my processor temp is running 26 - 27 C at idle. Next month I'm hoping to be getting a new motherboard and processor.

Only had the new case for two days and all ready dust is collecting on the front mesh. lol

 

[red454]

Thermaltake X9. I have one coming later this month...

http://www.thermaltake.com/Chassis/Cube_Case_/Core/C_00002576/Core_X9/design.htm

 

[formula1]

I don't think you can go wrong with the HAF 932. I've been using this case for years now. 5 to be exact. The case has fit all of my improvements over the years. Now running two GTX 680s SLI and Water Cooling. I've also checked this case on an airplane. The steel case protect every component. No damage. I am a big fan of this full tower case

 

[JustCase]

I don't think you can go wrong with the HAF 932. I've been using this case for years now. 5 to be exact. The case has fit all of my improvements over the years. Now running two GTX 680s SLI and Water Cooling. I've also checked this case on an airplane. The steel case protect every component. No damage. I am a big fan of this full tower case

Oh yes, or the newer HAF X, that's similiar. I have the little brother HAF 912 and I can say that is special

 

[Corporate Thug]

Thermaltake X9. I have one coming later this month...

http://www.thermaltake.com/Chassis/Cube_Case_/Core/C_00002576/Core_X9/design.htm

looks interesting. I was kind of set on the NZXT h440 but this changes things. Let us know your thoughts when you get it!

 

[you2]

Well.... if the motherboard was a mini-itx I would go with corsair 250d but since it isn't I tend towards the lian pc series case (which your chosen store doesn't sell) which makes picking a case problematic. I don't esp like brian selection because they are heavy cases (relatively speaking) but other than that they seem to be popular and pretty good cases.
-
After thinking abuot this for a while it occured to me you might want this case (even if you can't buy it locally):
-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...Q&gclsrc=aw.ds
-
It is horribly expensive and requires a mini-itx board and not really my sort of thing but some how I feel it is the perfect case for you.

 

[HalfCrazy]

I really like the Cool Master HAF XB Evo case. You can easy fit a H100i or even a H80i in the case without any problem.