Building A SLI Rig: Which case should I use?

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HKSEvo8

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I'm about to build a SLI rig and I've been thinking about which cases to use. I'm definately going with an all aluminum case. Probably one from Lian Li or Cooler Master. Right now I'm thinking about using a Lian Li PC-V1000B Plus or a PC-65B Plus. And I'm thinking about using a Cooler Master Praetorian 730.

I'm leaning towards the V1000 Plus as of right now since it's got the two 120mm fans. But I also like the PC-60 and Praetorian 730 since have slide out mobo trays.

However, I've read that the V1000 has cooling problems with a SLI configuration and the inverted ATX design limits me from using mobos with heatpipes like the Asus A8N32. The PC-60 and Praetorian 730 has 80mm fans which I don't really like.

Which case do you guys think I should use? If you guys have other suggestions feel free to tell me.
 
I prefer Lian-Li. you just can't beat the quality and craftsmanship.

If you want a more 'traditional' Lian-Li (not to mention cheaper), look at the Lian-Li PC60B Plus.

It uses two 120mm fans (one mounted above the PCI cards), and two 80mm Fans (one is an intake that brings cool air in over the processor and memory).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112078

also comes in silver if you desire.

You can also get some of the $12 CD-ROM "Flippy Door Things" to hide your CD-ROM's if needed.

I just put one of these together friday. Shook the box and all the parts feel right together and in place :)

-Larry
 
I have a LL pc65B and its a little cramped. If you plan on mounting 2 HD's in the lower tray it gets tight where you connect the power to your vid cards and plugging in the sata cables takes small hands or pliers. I would get a bigger case or one with more front to back room.
 
I moved my SLI rig from a PC 60A + to the PC V1000A+ and it dropped my temps quite a bit. The mobo is mounted like a BTX mobo so it is upside down and backwards so I am not sure if it will effect heatpipe operation or not.

This issue is applicable to the A8N SLI Premium board in particular and I am gueesing it is based on how the chipset heatpipe pipes are routed. I have never seen anything officila on this aand there is nothing, that I could find, on the Asus website (the WORST website I've used in years) bnregarding the need to mount the premium a certain way.

I think this is a myth, personally, as the pipes aren't dependent on the heat rising but on increased pressure inside the pipes causing the flow. If I am wrong then please post a link as I am guesing here and would appreciate any enlightenment as this issue has arisen several times in discussions regarding my case.
 
John Gault said:
I have a LL pc65B and its a little cramped. If you plan on mounting 2 HD's in the lower tray it gets tight where you connect the power to your vid cards and plugging in the sata cables takes small hands or pliers. I would get a bigger case or one with more front to back room.
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seriously, don't get a LL pc65B for SLI. I love mine, but it is way too small, and the 80mm fans just can't deal with all that heat. Under full load, the thing is so freakin toasty and noisy that... well, I couldn't handle it. That's why I'm selling my second 7800 :(

Get something bigger! 120mm fans are a plus, and so is having fan mounts on the side panel.
 
I agree. My FX-55 generates quite a bit amount of heat and my PC60 Plus isn't the greatest. A lot of the time to keep my system temps under 50C I have to take off the side panel to get some air flowing. The second 120mm is a bunch of crock, it is like a little squirill cage. Anyways, I could use something bigger.
 
Zinn said:
seriously, don't get a LL pc65B for SLI. I love mine, but it is way too small, and the 80mm fans just can't deal with all that heat. Under full load, the thing is so freakin toasty and noisy that... well, I couldn't handle it. That's why I'm selling my second 7800 :(

Get something bigger! 120mm fans are a plus, and so is having fan mounts on the side panel.
Click to expand...

Same here my friend, it got too hot in there. I sold it and bought a Antec P180, and now my temps dropped 10-15 degrees celcius all around. :D
 
Have to concur, the PC V1000 dropped my temps 8c-10c from what the pc 60 gave me.
 
Ok...I'm convinced, I'll go for the V1000 Plus.

Do you guys think that the rear intake fan would work better as an intake or should I have it as an exhaust? Does having it as an intake improve temps?

I've also seen some cases with ghetto rigged 120mm intake fans in the 5.25 drive cages, does it make a difference?

Also what do you guys think of a 92mm blowhole on the top? Thinking about using a Nexus 92mm up top to help with the cooling.
 
I have the same case. Keep the standard case configuration of fans, but THE BEST way to keep the gfx cards in sli cool (in a quiet fashion) is a 120mm side intake fan. I would reccomend getting the window, and then cutting the perspex as this is aluminium.
I have to ultras in this config, and they NEVER go above 56C at max load.

If you want to put up a bit extra, then two nv5 which port the hot air out is even better.

also, chuck the blower fan which comes with, and all of the ducting crap, makes no difference.

also, there is (I think it is called v1100) which looks exactly the same, but is about 5 inches longer, and therefore is easier to put things in and further aids cooling.

hope this helped
f
 
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