hell_hunter

Hey all,

I know this question has been passed around a few times here on overclock.net but being as im to lazy to search through hundreds of threads, i decided to start a new on, apoligies if this has already been posted.


I have deicded to try my hand at case moding, after reading some of the build logs and being impressed by the outcome it seems like a cool challenge to take on.

What i would like to do would be to take a basic (not to exspenive case) and mod it. So my question is out of the following case's wich one is the most "mod-able"?

Parts that NEED to fit INSIDE the case:
-intel D975XBX
-2 Radeon HD2600XT in crossfire
-Ultra X-conect PSU
-Water Cooling loop for the CPU (**this includes a 240mm rad**)
-Space for the pump (danger den D5 i think) and a Swifftech MicroRes all of it useing 1/2" ID tubeing


Other Things to think about:
-Good cable management
-side window is a MUST
-decent air flow (for the HD2600XT's (not Water cooled))
-Easy to paint (not a big one, but im a noob at it)


Here is the list of cases i have found, if anyone has any other sugestions they would be greatly appreciated

LIST:
-Ultra Aluminus
-NZXT Zero
-Aerocool Masstige
-Chieftec Dragon

Critera of "other sugestions"
-Must be full tower (for Water cooling set up) Or a large Mid-Tower
-Must support a 240mm rad (or have enough room to punch out 2 120mm holes)
-Must have enough room for 2 HD2600XT's
-Price Range $100.00-$200.00 CND (not a big deal if its in USD as the exchange rate isnt to bad right now)


Thx a lot guys!
Hell_Hunter

__________________
97%.....98%.....99%.....99%....99%.....99%....99%. ...

lobi

The first thing I'd do if you've never modded before, is get an old case to try things on. You won't like spending a lot of money on a case that you won't be happy with, if things get messed up. Plan ahead. When you think you have everything in your head or on paper, then go over it again, just to make sure. The most moddable case to some may not be to other people, so that's a hard question to answer (for me). Many will say, Lian Li, or Antec, some will say Silverstone. I say get a generic case and (try to) make it look as good or better than an expensive case.

__________________
I forgot more than I know

Guruboy

The "most moddable" cases from my experiences are the really cheap ones, like the one mentioned in my sig, which has been modded to hell. "Professional" modders seem to love all Lian-Li cases...whatever you do don't get one with wicked thick walls or a really nice paint job

hell_hunter

humm intresting answer, i have somewhat "moded" (and by "moded" i mean cut a few fan holes and drilled a few holes for liquid cooling) an acrylic case, looks alright but its kinda boring now.

__________________
97%.....98%.....99%.....99%....99%.....99%....99%. ...

hell_hunter

so anyone know of any low-end large case's?

__________________
97%.....98%.....99%.....99%....99%.....99%....99%. ...

Firestorm252

well you can check out the one in my sig. it's a pretty good chassis to tinker with. you'll need to see if UPS will deliver to your area tho (since you're in canada) as xoxide only ships to canada via UPS

*the 3.5" floppy/HD cage is completely removable, but it fits a mcp655 near perfectly w/ some extra scrap metal.
*the top panel can get cut to accomodate a radiator (a 2x120 has room to spare, but a 3x120 will hang off a bit) or you can even have it inside tucked under the top.
*the chassis internal area is 15.75" (~40cm) deep so it should fit the card(s) just fine

although you'll work to get it where u want it. it's a classic beige box and the steel's 1mm thick all around so bring plenty of cutting stuff

edit-----------
o ya, this is one of those "old type" cases where the outer panel is 1 huge U-shaped piece. it's a royal PitA, but once u get a panel cut off it's much easier to work with

__________________

hell_hunter

yea i was looking at that one, but it ships USA only, so its a no go...

__________________
97%.....98%.....99%.....99%....99%.....99%....99%. ...

Firestorm252

off Xoxide's shipping policy:
unless u fall under the thing i bolded you should be able to order from them.

but u can't go wrong with old ebay cases. some nice ex-server cases on sale from time to time

__________________

The_Snyper

I would suggest practicing on an old case, then buying a decent full tower. Any good manufacturer will do. I prefer Lian Li, but I'm clearly biased.

Have a plan in place. Know what you want it to look like when you are done, then make it happen.

hell_hunter

i found an old diablo tek mid-t in my basment, looks like just the thing to practice on

__________________
97%.....98%.....99%.....99%....99%.....99%....99%. ...