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Full Tower: Help me decide

M

mooseontheloose

Weaksauce
Joined
Feb 3, 2009
Messages
79
After putting together my new build recently, I decided I'd really like to move to a full tower and I'm currently trying to decide on which to go with.

I looked at the Antec 1200 and for some reason, it just doesn't appeal to me. If I did buy it, I would spend some money to get a custom window because I hate that side panel.

More so, I've looked at CM products such as the HAF, Cosmos S, and Stacker.

I've really been leaning towards the Cosmos S overall, but I'd like input given my plans for the future.

1. I will paint the interior (black) of any case I buy, so the 1200's interior is a moot point for me.

2. I will be installing water cooling sometime in the spring or summer, so my concerns for cooling mostly reflect a water set-up. I understand the 1200 and others are great for air, but I'm not too concerned about that since I'll only be on air for a few months.

3. I will do some extensive cable management, and whichever case I get needs to have decent options for this. I am not against cutting some holes to make cable routing easier (as I would do on the Cosmos), but I'm primarily concerned here with the basic layout and ability to run cables behind the motherboard (non-modular PSU).

Overall, I'm drawn to the Cosmos for its water cooling options and general look/design. I've done less research on the Stacker overall (though the look is nice), and the HAF seems like a great option but I just can't stand the side panel. Overall, each case (including the 1200) isn't perfect to me, which is fine, but I'm not sure how to make the decision.

Thus, opinions from people who've used one or more would be great. Water cooling users = even better (I want to do it all internally).
 
buy the 1200. Then give it to me. I really want one, just cant afford it right now. Does'nt the 1200 have plenty of liquid cooling options?
 
If you like the HAF check out the CM ATCS 840. It's essentially a pretty version of the HAF. The silver one is one sale @ the egg.
 
You should look at some Lian Li and Silverstone cases such as the TJ09 and PC-A70B

You really can't go wrong with a Lian Li or Silverstone, and for a full tower, there is no better choice.
 
Have both HAF and Cosmos S. I like cooling capability of HAF but Cosmos S has better looks, build quality and for me easier cable management. ATCS 840 should have advantages of both cases: good build quality, cooling and even looks better than both...
 
Can't go wrong with old school, get yourself a PC-71/75. I have one stashed in my closet preparing itself for my next build.
 
Price limits keep me from the better Silverstones and site I'm ordering from doesn't carry many Lian-Li.

Like I said, cooling isn't a huge deal to me because I'll be switching to water. I think I'm mostly trying to decide between the Cosmos S and 1200, mostly based on cable management, water cooling, etc.

I can essentially get a 1200 and use it as is with only one mod (window) or the Cosmos S which will bring painting and a bit of hole cutting. Mostly trying to decide if that extra work is worth it.
 
mooseontheloose said:
Price limits keep me from the better Silverstones and site I'm ordering from doesn't carry many Lian-Li.

Like I said, cooling isn't a huge deal to me because I'll be switching to water. I think I'm mostly trying to decide between the Cosmos S and 1200, mostly based on cable management, water cooling, etc.

I can essentially get a 1200 and use it as is with only one mod (window) or the Cosmos S which will bring painting and a bit of hole cutting. Mostly trying to decide if that extra work is worth it.
Click to expand...

Between the Cosmos and the 1200:

1200 for Air Cooling, Cosmos for Water Cooling...at least that's the way I see it.
 
jbz7890 said:
You should look at some Lian Li and Silverstone cases such as the TJ09 and PC-A70B

You really can't go wrong with a Lian Li or Silverstone, and for a full tower, there is no better choice.
Click to expand...

I agree, however the TJ09 would be a tight setup for WC as I have one right now and its Air Cooled and seems PACKED!
Its long been known that the TJ07 is one of if not the best case for WC. Also the larger Lian Li series V2XXX series are more than capable. I think alot of it depends on your future WC set up and the # & Size of rads you want to use.

The TJ07 Gets my vote, as that is what I will be picking up in a few weeks.
It meets or exceeds all of your requirements, however it comes with a heavy price tag.
 
drgnfang said:
If you like the HAF check out the CM ATCS 840. It's essentially a pretty version of the HAF. The silver one is one sale @ the egg.
Click to expand...

+1 for the ATCS 840. I absolutely love that case but unfortunately it was out of my budget for the computer I just had built. Ended up going with an Antec 902 purely because it looks like the cooling will be very good...not a big fan of how it looks with the fan casing sticking out the top though...


Edit: Just got my new computer yesterday, and the 902 looks a lot better in person than I thought it would. I would suggest going to a Fry's/Microcenter...someplace that sells the cases you're looking at and take a peek. You might not hate the 1200 as much as you thought you would. But then again you might realize that you love the others even more than you thought you would...making your decision even that much more difficult. lol
 
largefarrva said:
+1 for the ATCS 840. I absolutely love that case but unfortunately it was out of my budget for the computer I just had built. Ended up going with an Antec 902 purely because it looks like the cooling will be very good...not a big fan of how it looks with the fan casing sticking out the top though...
Click to expand...

+2 for the ATCS 840...I wanted all ALU and this is a beast. Also liked the HAF 932 & Storm Sniper...:)
 
Thermaltake armor or coolermaster stacker 830 are my favorites for full tower setups with air cooling only.
 
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