New Matx case

[dodonpachi]

I could use some advice. My quite long in the tooth mini P-180 has seen better days and since putting an R9 280 and new PSU in it there have been a few issues. The fans were ramping up on the GPU when I attempted to put both the panels on (almost immediately). Then the PC began shutting off after a few seconds after freezing during a gaming session (it has previously been fine) I suspect something in the case was causing a short, also one of the case fans seems a bit temperamental. When I build my PC outside of the case it all seems fine and stable. This, coupled with less than ideal cooling, makes me want something new.

I know that Antec seem a bit behind the times design wise these days but I do quite like the look of their new ISK-600M cube case:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/antec-isk-600m-m-atx-cube-case-with-usb3-and-front-audio

It seems well priced and quite simple. Is there a glaring reason why I shouldn't go for it and pick either something more conventional or a different cube case? I need to make a choice fairly quickly.

Thank you

 

[Bland_JamesBland]

I think the Corsair Air 240 would be a better option, especially if temps are a concern.

 

[dodonpachi]

Thanks. I have considered it but would have to replace my evo 212 for something lower profile. I would also prefer something windowless if possible. Cooltek cases also look well built but possibly not great for cooling. I'm stuck between wanting something minimal/aluminium and getting reasonable air flow.

 

[mls1995]

Thanks. I have considered it but would have to replace my evo 212 for something lower profile. I would also prefer something windowless if possible. Cooltek cases also look well built but possibly not great for cooling. I'm stuck between wanting something minimal/aluminium and getting reasonable air flow.

I'd vote for air flow. IMO that's the top concern these days.

 

[Dangman]

Might want to watch this vid and read this article:
http://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/leo-waldock/antec-isk-600m-case-review/

 

[dodonpachi]

hmm.. Well there goes that idea I guess. Do you recommend the Fractal Node as a reasonable cube case?

 

[Dangman]

It seems ok. But I really don't recommend cube cases in general due to simple aesthetic disagreements.

 

[dodonpachi]

It looks like I'm going to have to get over it and get a TJ-08B or similar, will let you know how I get on.

 

[dodonpachi]

I'm going to bump this thread after recent experiences.

I now have a Sapphire R9 290. Which is slimmer (sits well lower than my hyper 212 and is quite long (30cm or so).

At the momemt my PC is set up in bits on my desk. I wanted to wait until I built a new PC for a friend using the TJ-08B so I could form an opinion. I have also fairly recently built PCs with the 350D and the Define Mini. I think they are all cases that Dangman recommends although I appreciate he isn't too into mATX cases in general.

I'm not overly into any of the above cases for my own needs. the 350D seems too geared around water-cooling which I am not interested in and just has bare holes on the top. The Define Mini is my favorite in terms of looks but I don't think my 290 would fare that well in it temp wise. The TJ-08B seemed a bit dated, I'm not convinced by the drive cages (I'd be putting 3 x HDD and 1 x SSD in it) and it was the most cramped, some elements were badly built, panels didn't fit that well etc.

I don't mind spending more money on something of good quality, are there ANY Lian Li, other Silverstone or similar cases that are decent in terms of cooling and internal layout? Is there anything else I can consider for my system.

Thanks again.

 

[Dangman]

The Lian Li PC-V354B seems to be a decent enough case. The Silverstone SG10 seems to be a decent contender as well.