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Upgrading Cases

D

dougp

Limp Gawd
Joined
Feb 6, 2007
Messages
245
I recently built a new machine and I'm not very happy with my current case - I really didn't think about it too much, and just went with a "cheap" one. I look at this as my starter home - I've figured what I do and do not enjoy and want to move on up.

My current case is the BitFenix Outlaw

What I don't like:
Poor cable management - no where to really route the cables behind the motherboard tray.
Odd motherboard placement - it's upside down, which makes some of the cable management even more difficult.
Rear facing hard drive bays - I really dislike this, it makes the entire interior look like more of a jumbled mess.
Front fans are covered, little air flow.

What I do like:
Good size, easy to work in.
Lots of fan locations.
Simple look, nothing over the top.

These are the requirements for my next case:
Sideways facing, potential removable hard drive bays.
Plenty of room for cable management behind the motherboard.
Enough space for my push/pull-configured Kuhler 620.
Simple look.

I haven't decided if I want a silent case or not, I do have them in this listing. Odds are, I won't use the side fans, and would potentially put a window in it's place. These are the cases I have for consideration so far, so if anyone has some input or perhaps additional insight - it'd be great!

Fractal Design Arc Midi
Fractal Design Define R3
Corsair Carbide 300R <-- Wish this had grommets
Antec P280

I'm really leaning towards the Arc Midi. Everything will be sleeved and kept neat, so the case will be very clean internally. Big reason why I want the grommets!

I should add that since I'm in Houston, I have Microcenter, Frys and Directron to choose from, along with Amazon and Newegg.
 
As a Define R3 owner, I can say that I absolutely love the case.

Since MC charges $99 for both the Define R3 and the Arc Midi, I would go for the Define since it's inherently quieter by design (by having a door, foam dampening, and the ModuVent covers) while having the same innards as well as dust filters (something the Arc Midi does not appear to have).

Between the two unless you absolutely despise doors, I see no reason to pick the Arc over the Define. I have no temp problems with my system in the R3, and I'm running with 4 case fans (2 front intake, 1 bottom intake, 1 rear exhaust). With my TRUE in push/pull and my 2600k@4.4 (stock Vcore) my IBT/Prime temps didn't go much above 60c and my 6950 usually stays in the 60-70c range. My system isn't inaudible, but it is still real quiet despite having 6 SFF21E's inside.

I cannot really comment on the Carbide but I would say judging from what I've seen of the P280....don't buy it. The Define has nicer touches (like fully sleeved fan and front header cables, as well as full aluminum drive trays) than the Antec; IMHO the Antec is overpriced by at least $20 comparatively. If you're ok with an open air chassis and therefore more noise....the Carbide is a solid buy.
 
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For the money (if you find it for $70-80), you really can't beat the 300r, I love mine! It does have a quirk of the front audio jack cables are a bit short, and it's not the first choice for water cooling although a H60/80/etc will fit fine (the 620 push / pull would work well). Cools well, there is plenty of room and I enjoyed working in it.

That said, @ 100 bucks, the fractal R3 is probably the best case overall, the midi would be the natural choice if it came to watercooling with a 240mm rad or as zero said you can't stand doors. (I am one of those whom don't like doors either heh)

Something else to consider might be the 400r/500r, they go on special either at the egg or MC and might be a really good deal, this might go also for the Lian li PC9F as well not sure how you like aluminium though....
 
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