Silverstone LC20 for overclockable system?

[GunnySkox]

Howdy, everyone,

I'm just working my way into the wide world of overclock(-ing/-able hardware), and, at the moment, I'm sort of stuck on replacing my current case, which is some no-name Chieftec knock-off mid-tower that I've had for three systems, now, and am currently looking to replace.

So, after two solid days of shopping around and reading reviews and things, I keep coming back to Desktop-style cases, but I feel some trepidation about going into what appears to be uncharted territory for overclocking a system.

So I present a series of questions to the [H]F:

1. Are desktop cases in general capable of the same level of cooling as towers? (Particulars: the Silverstone LC20 after which I lust can mount two 80/92mm fans out front for intake, two 80mm in the back for exhaust, and an additional 80mm on the right-rear, intake or exhaust.)

2. Is there enough room in an LC-20 (or desktop cases in general) for an effective CPU cooler?

2a) I read in another thread that the Zalman CNPS-9500 will fit into the LC-17 desktop case. The LC-17 and the LC-20 have the same outer dimensions. Can anyone with experience tell me how much clearance the 9500 has inside? I ask because a lot of the CPU coolers I'm looking at are slightly taller than the 9500 (which sits 125mm tall, according to what I dug up; the cooler I'd like [Scythe Katana CU] is 138mm tall)

3. Are there any distinct advantages or disadvantages for a Desktop-style case versus a tower?

Thanks in advance,
~GnSx

 

[Brad1011a]

I tried a horizontal case for my HTPC (Antec Overture), but I had trouble keeping it as quiet and cool as the tower, so I put it back in a Sonata. It sounds like that case has better cooling though. Heat moves to areas that are cooler (it doesn't always 'rise'), so with a larger space (and everything else being equal), I think the tower would provide better cooling.

http://www.sharkyforums.com/archive/index.php/t-271701.html