Hi guys! Currently looking for a case for my new build i7-2600k @ 4.7ghz p8p67 pro B3 gtx 580 Corsair 850w psu 8gb xms3 1600 mhz edit: Akasa Venom ultra heatsink - which isn't small I'm assuming im going to need something quite good to keep it cool, I've been looking at the reviews for cases and comparing all the CPU/GPU deltas. The main problem I have is cases like the DF-85, HAF X and Phantom are a real eyesore and quite garish, I want something with clean lines, and doesn't look like a transformer had a baby. I mean, I don't mind if they're the ones I should get, I'm looking at the screen, not the case, but would something like a humble Antec 300 do the job?
Hi I'm looking at building a setup with similar hardware as yours but have been trying to find the right case as well. If you are looking for something with clean lines and assuming you are looking to pay under £100 then you will probably get recommendations here for the Fractal Design R3 which has good reviews, but it is more expensive than the Antec 300. I'm a big fan of the Antec cases (have had a P182 for years) but I have been looking at something bigger and I'm not keen on the subsequent models like the 1200, etc.
A Fractal Design R3 is a good choice for £80. As long as you can cable tidy properly and use decent fans then airflow through the case can be excellent when configured properly. Also very quiet. I should know having an SLI set up in one the Fractal really works well at deadening the noise.
Raven RV-02. Antec cases have a problem with their front audio ground, so I can't recommend them(despite owning one)
These things have to come down to personal taste a little, but the Fractal Arc is to me probably the best looking case around - going on the tidy, smart appearance thing. http://www.fractal-design.com/?view=product&prod=57 The all Al Lian Lis look very classy but you pay for it.
I like the look of the ARC MIDI TOWER, the good point is that the middle HDD cage can be removed. However a bad point in my book is the lack of front sound proofing. That really makes the difference with a Fractal R3 in terms of sound deadening.
what sort of price do you want to pay? for my main build coolermaster cosmos s is a really nice spacious case, but ive recently purchased 2 antec 300's and i must say i am quiet impressed with them for the price. not tested the front audio yet so cant comment on that.
Totally. It comes down to the Arc for most airflow, or R3 if you want quiet - I'm sure that's the design intent anyway. OP's priority I guess! That said, I've found in the past the whole door thing is a mixed blessing for noise reduction. If you have something like the Arc with so much option for airflow, you can have lots of fans running so, so slow that they're quiet enough anyway - then it just depends on your HDDs and GPU...
Firstly, does the GTX 580 you intend to buy exhaust into the case or outside the case? This could influence your decision as buying a silent case is all well and good but could be ruined by having to fill it with fans to keep your GPU temps under control. Secondly, what is your view on size? Are you after a large case or do you prefer the smaller kind? What I find useful is to take a tape measure and look at the dimensions of several popular cases (e.g. the Raven, the R3 etc) and see how big they would look wherever you intend to place them. It takes a little imagination but is quite useful. When I did this I realised that no matter how much I love the Silverstone FT02, it would be too big for my desk.
I quite like the Coolermaster CM690 II, sleek lines and pretty subdued, not garish or anything. Plenty of fan mounts and space for radiators etc..
Price wise, I don't mind spending up to 120ish pounds - things like the NZXT Phantom though, I feel cheated that to get the most out of it I have to pay another 25 for fans, turning it into a 140 quid case. Sound isn't really an issue for me - if i can hear the fans, then i'm not playing it loud enough
Looking at the R3 review - was that done with the 2 stock fans? If so, I'll go for that and kit it out with some high airflow fans My GPU is an MSI GTX580 Twin FROZR II/OC - but seeing how it has gone down in price, I might go for the MSI Lightning GTX580.
