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Advice Needed: New Case for Old Build

M

MightyMatt

Gawd
Joined
Dec 23, 2006
Messages
532
Hey all of you experts, I need your help finding a new case for my current build. I need it to have the same or smaller height dimension than my current case, and can only be 1 inch larger in depth/ lenth. The current case is a Antec PlusView II ATX Tower Case.

The dimensions are: 20.6"H x 8.1"W x 18.6"D

There literally isn't an inch of height space, and only maybe 1 inch of depth space to spare in the space where my case currently is. My case model is 10 years old, roughly, and I'm looking for something with more airflow, more modern ports/ connections at the front (headphone jack, USB, etc), more durability (no wobbly/ fragile pieces), and will be suitable for any future mobo or video card upgrades in the not-too-distant future. Airflow is a TOP priority. Something with cable management would also be nice. It doesn't have to be fancy, or pricey, but I need it to get the job done.

Also, I don't want to have to buy any cable extensions, etc. And it can have a top fan, but it would have to be reversed, to suck air in, since there is no space ABOVE the case, except a quarter of an inch.

Suggestions???

My ideas were:
Antec Dark Fleet DF-35 Gaming Case - Mid-Tower (Black) - White LEDs
Antec the Swifter Mid-Tower Dark Fleet Enclosure DF-30 (Black) - Blue LEDs :D

What I want to know is if there is any difference between the DF-35 and DF-30, besides the LED color? I love blue LEDs and it's easy to clean the grills. I am worried about something snapping off, though...

Also, I would LOVE for my new case to be able to have a neat fan controller, like this NZXT one, the display rocks.

Last note, the fans in my current case are 3 x 80 and 1 x 120, all with 3 speed control options, so I could also use those in the new case, but would a fan controller, like that NZXT be able to use them?. Anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, comments, questions, etc. on any of my thoughts? :)
 
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Besides the LED colors, the only other difference between the DF-35 and the DF-30 is that the 2.5" hot-swap bay on the DF-35 can be moved to any of the drive bays whereas the hot-swap bay on the DF-30 isn't movable.

The main differences between the 900 and the 900 2 V3 is that the V3 has significantly better cable management, a black interior (looks nicer :D), and the ability to a fit a SSD without 3rd party adapters. The V3 is also probably reinforced a bit considering that it weighs ~7 lbs more than the old Antec 900. With that said,

Normally, I wouldn't recommend any of the four Antec cases you mentioned due to the fact that there are cases with a larger interior, better cable management, better quality, and better looks (well that's a personal aesthetics actually) for around the same price range. But considering your unfortunate circumstances, out of the four Antec cases you listed, I'd probably would go with the Antec 900 Two V3 since it has more room for the video card than the Antec DF-35 albeit a bit a harder to cable manage.
 
Buy my A05B instead, win all the points? See my FS/FT thread for pics. I don't normally "pimp out" my FS items, but this really does fit your purposes...
 
Danny, I appreciate the info and the recommendation. I'm open to any cases that don't go above 20.6 inches in height and roughly 19.6 inches in depth/ length. If the "legs" of the case aren't right on the edge of the case, then the length can be a little longer. I don't have my case on a table, or next to my desk, but under my desk, with the proper ventilation of course. This will limit my search for a case, but my comp "station" is very snug and comfy. :)

If you can help me identify a case with better cable management and/ or better quality, I'm hoping to get some good suggestions and recommendations. From what I've experienced, the size of my current case isn't an issue, and I definitely don't mind the look of the Antec cases, since I seem to be a sucker for blue LED's. I'm sure some of you can relate, haha.

Silent-Circuit, I'll take a look and let you know if I'm interested. I'm pretty sure a brand-new case is what I'm looking for, though, with lots of air-flow. Also, I know on that case that I wouldn't be able to use the top ports, since the top of my case is pretty much blocked off by the ceiling of my desk (maybe half an inch of clearing on top).

More suggestions, comments, recommendations, etc. are very much appreciated.
 
MightyMatt said:
If you can help me identify a case with better cable management and/ or better quality, I'm hoping to get some good suggestions and recommendations.
Click to expand...
This case is actually around the size of those Antec cases and is better built:
$130 - Lian Li PC-9F ATX Case

MightyMatt said:
since I seem to be a sucker for blue LED's. I'm sure some of you can relate, haha.
Click to expand...
Not any more. Been out of that phase since I was 18.
 
Danny Bui said:
Not any more. Been out of that phase since I was 18.
Click to expand...

Haha, maybe you can help me make that leap ;)

Danny Bui said:
This case is actually around the size of those Antec cases and is better built:
$130 - Lian Li PC-9F ATX Case
Click to expand...

I need the ports and buttons on the case to be at the front of the case, or maybe angled forward like on the 900 2 V3. The top of the chase is covered by my desk...I wouldn't be able to push the power button on that Lian Li :( You did point out that the 90 degree angled hard drive bays make a huge impact on making sure there is never an issue fitting video cards in the case. :)

All of the new cases come with USB 3.0 ports, that seems to be a wise thing to have, as well. Sorry for being picky, but it helps narrow down the search!
 
Here's the trick -- since USB 3.0 is supported via a secondary controller on all current motherboards (including X79 and Z68 boards) many have issues booting off drives connected to USB 3.0 ports, and sometimes even recognizing drives connected to 3.0 ports that aren't native 3.0 drives. USB 3.0 in its current implementation isn't entirely ready for prime time from what I've seen.
 
Could anyone please supply me with some links to good cases within the above mentioned dimensions. Also, the ports and buttons need to be on the front of the case, not the top. Please? :)
 
Ahh ha! Found a good case and it's on sale too:
$80 - Corsair Carbide Series 300R ATX Case
 
Danny Bui said:
Ahh ha! Found a good case and it's on sale too:
$80 - Corsair Carbide Series 300R ATX Case
Click to expand...

This might just be the case that I've been looking for! :eek:

I appreciate you helping me, especially by taking your own time to find this model for me. Thanks a ton. :D

Anyone have any comments on this case?
 
MightyMatt said:
This might just be the case that I've been looking for! :eek:

I appreciate you helping me, especially by taking your own time to find this model for me. Thanks a ton. :D
Click to expand...
You're welcome. I only ask that you post pictures of your setup in that case :)
 
I think I'm going to end up purchasing that case tomorrow. I did have a couple quick questions:

It doesn't have a USB 2.0 to 3.0 converter, and my mobo is older, so what would be a great converter/ cable to get for that? Maybe call up Corsair after I buy the case? ;)
Any Newegg or Amazon links would help.

There are about 7 fan slots. Any recommendations for what fans to get on this case? Maybe some ones with blue LEDs, haha. A cool fan controller would be icing on the cake, if I could get one connected to most, or all, of the fans.
Again, recommended fans from Newegg or Amazon would be helpful.

The case's fan locations and sizes are:
Two 120mm/140mm top fan mount locations
Two side panel 120/140mm fan mount locations
Two front panel 120/140mm fan mount locations (1 140mm included)
One rear 120mm fan mount location (1 120mm included)

Lastly, do you think that this case is sturdy enough? Is the weight fine? Is 15.9 lbs. enough for the size (19.1" x 8.3" x 17.7")?

Thanks again!

PS: I'll definitely post some pics!
 
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MightyMatt said:
It doesn't have a USB 2.0 to 3.0 converter, and my mobo is older, so what would be a great converter/ cable to get for that?
Any Newegg or Amazon links would help.
Click to expand...
Problem here: AFAIK, there's no such thing as a USB 2.0 to 3.0 converter or cable. You would have to use an add-on card. Unfortunately however, not many add-on cards comes with USB 3.0 headers. The few that do are a tad pricey. With that said, this is the cheapest but still decent add-on card that I could find that had a USB 3.0 header:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815201035

Still a tad pricey IMO at $36 but if you really want to use the front panel USB 3.0 ports, thats' gonna be your best bet.
MightyMatt said:
There are about 7 fan slots. Any recommendations for what fans to get on this case? Maybe some ones with blue LEDs, haha. A cool fan controller would be icing on the cake, if I could get one connected to most, or all, of the fans.
Again, recommended fans from Newegg or Amazon would be helpful.
Click to expand...
Can't help you here: Haven't bought good fans from Newegg or Amazon.com in a while. I usually buy these:
$3.60 - 120mm Yate Loon D12SL-12 Case Fan

With that said, here's a list of the top selling 140mm fans on Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...eactivatedMark=False&Order=PRICE&PageSize=100

Not sure which one of those 140mm fans are actually top selling because they're good or that it's a case of user ignorance.
MightyMatt said:
Lastly, do you think that this case is sturdy enough? Is the weight fine? Is 15.9 lbs. enough for the size (19.1" x 8.3" x 17.7")?
Click to expand...
Yes
 
Danny Bui said:
Problem here: AFAIK, there's no such thing as a USB 2.0 to 3.0 converter or cable. You would have to use an add-on card. Unfortunately however, not many add-on cards comes with USB 3.0 headers. The few that do are a tad pricey. With that said, this is the cheapest but still decent add-on card that I could find that had a USB 3.0 header:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815201035

Still a tad pricey IMO at $36 but if you really want to use the front panel USB 3.0 ports, thats' gonna be your best bet.
Click to expand...

Well, I was originally looking for just a cable that would allow me to use the 3.0 ports as 2.0 ports, not convert my 2.0 mobo connection to 3.0 speed, if I'm understanding what that card you linked is doing. In the videos reviewing some cases with 3.0 USB ports, a cable seemed to be provided most of the time that allowed people with older mobos to still use the 3.0 ports as USB 2.0 ones. Is a cable like that available? Or would you recommend that card?
 
MightyMatt said:
Well, I was originally looking for just a cable that would allow me to use the 3.0 ports as 2.0 ports, not convert my 2.0 mobo connection to 3.0 speed, if I'm understanding what that card you linked is doing. In the videos reviewing some cases with 3.0 USB ports, a cable seemed to be provided most of the time that allowed people with older mobos to still use the 3.0 ports as USB 2.0 ones. Is a cable like that available?
Click to expand...
I've never heard nor seen such a secondary cable before. Which cases have you actually seen this in?

In any case, AFAIK, such a cable isn't provided by 3rd party sources.
MightyMatt said:
Or would you recommend that card?
Click to expand...
Not really.
 
The 3.0 to 2.0 header converter does exist, one came with my Silverstone FT02. I don't believe it was a listed feature, either, but that doesn't mean the Corsair box will come with one. If all else fails, OP, and Corsair isn't willing to help you out I have what you need and will get it to you for a couple bucks plus shipping or something. It's tiny, should fit in a bubble mailer easy.
 
I ordered the case :D, now I just need to figure out the fans, fan controller (LED please, lol), and to contact Corsair about those cables. I don't think this case comes with that 2.0 - 3.0 USB converter, since most of the reviews that I read had people saying they didn't get one.

Thanks for the help on the case guys. Could you possibly help me find a good fan controller that could control 5-7 fans? I doubt I'd put 7 fans in this case, but I'm thinking 5 120mm's/ 140mm's is more than enough for good airflow? Would all fans work with a controller? Which is better, 120 or 140? Anymore fan recommendations to go along with a controller?

Sorry for asking more questions, but you guys are such a great help and really know your stuff! :)
 
Most boards will support at least 3 fans, so you really only need a 4 fan controller. I recommend a Sunbeam Rheobus. It's inexpensive at around $20, it works well, generally doesn't break, and can handle fairly high wattage fans unlike some of the "fancier" controllers. I think the default version is good for 10w a channel, which will handle anything short of high speed Deltas. If you get some splitter cables you could easily connect 2 fans a channel without issue.

I don't recommend NZXT or Scythe controllers, too many stories of channels randomly giving up the ghost and the like. My original Sunbeam Rheobus has been going strong for like 5 years now? Thing's dead simple so it's no surprise it doesn't break.

Actually, here you go: Sunbeam Rheobus Extreme, 6 channels, 30 watts a channel. Well and truly badass, $25. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811995016
If you prefer one without the flash of the LEDs in the knobs, here's the same thing (unfortunately for $5 more) with black aluminum knobs. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811995016

EDIT: Here's the second one for $20 with free shipping at Amazon. Don't think you'll do better than that. http://www.amazon.com/SUNBEAMTECH-PL-RS-6-RHEOSMART-FAN-CONTROLLER/dp/B004LKZESI
 
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While those seem like quality fan controllers, I really do like the idea of seeing fan speeds in RPM's and temps. What do you guys think of the Scythe Kaze Master Pro 5.25 Fan Controller? It can control/ display up to 6 fans, too. :)

Silent-Circuit, the amazon deal that you linked seems like a steal, but what do you think about not seeing RPM's or temps?
 
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The Kaze Master is a piece of junk that will probably die on you in six months to a year. I'm not exaggerating.
 
silent-circuit said:
The Kaze Master is a piece of junk that will probably die on you in six months to a year. I'm not exaggerating.
Click to expand...

Could you recommend a controller that displays the RPM's of the fans and MAYBE the temps in the case?

How would a motherboard pick-up on this information (RPM's and temps), if even can? Could you control the fans through the motherboard with a special controller? Any recommendations? :confused:
 
Edit: New thread made about cooling and overclocking in this case. Thanks for all the help finding a great case (pics to come once it's all setup)!
 
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