I've been building computers for years and years and years.. But never took the time to get this in depth with sleeving, tucking, etc.. What would be a reasonably price case to start out with?
If you want to spend less, than a Fractal Arc Midi R2 is what I will recommend every time. They're simply amazing, but another good case you'll wanna check out is the Fractal R4. If you don't really wanna water cool that much (because this case would require modding for a good loop), and want a really slick case, the Silverstone FT02 is a case I've had a good experience with. I haven't ever had one for a personal build, but for a buddy
Are you looking for a full tower, or a mid tower? I forgot to ask
I like all of those but if I had a choice I would choose full tower.. I got a Antec 900 currently which I tried to do something with it but.. Just not working out for me..
I REALLY like that R4 very simple design but does all the advance cable management I want. If they had that same design in a full tower I'd be set.
It sounds like you are already set, but I wanted to throw in the Cooler Master 690 as an offering in the mid-tower class. Excellent case, affordable, and will do well for any air projects. Can do modest water and even bigger with some modding.
650Ds and TJ07s are my picks as the best looking mass market cases. There may be cases out there with better airflow but I don't care, my 650D looks fantastic and is Very easy to clean and build in, and I got this after an Antec 902
Actually the NZXT Switch 810 is another good case you'll want to consider, I have seen countless beautiful water and air cooled rigs in those cases. Plus, there's pedestals you can buy for them too, and they aren't too hard to mod.
I'm torn on the board too but that's more personal delima how well does the fractal handle water cooling? I'm sure I can find some threads on it if I quit being lazy.
I'm torn on the board too but that's more personal delima how well does the fractal handle water cooling? I'm sure I can find some threads on it if I quit being lazy.
If it's an Arc, it water cools extremely well. If it's a Define, then it's limited to slim 240s.
If I had to choose a full tower I'd get the upcoming Arc XL. Like the rest of the Arc range, it'll fit massive rads at the top and up front (360 top and 280 front.) The offset radiator mounts are awesome.
Many ASUS ROG series motherboards have dimensions of 12 inches by 10.6 inches, which is slightly larger than CEB specification. Cases designed for CEB motherboards are generally compatible with ASUS ROG series motherboards such as RAVEN RV02 and Fortress FT02.
Ohh.. I like the 800D too.. Man there is too many great choices.. I may even splurge a little and get the 900D. That thing is a beast and could serve my needs for years to come.
Actually the NZXT Switch 810 is another good case you'll want to consider, I have seen countless beautiful water and air cooled rigs in those cases. Plus, there's pedestals you can buy for them too, and they aren't too hard to mod.
Ever since I saw the CaseLabs SMH10, it's been like so for me. SMH10>900D. If you're going to drop that much on a case, you might as well get the best!
If you really want to water cool that much, maybe an XL R2 wouldn't be a good idea. The FT02 does need modding, but is a great case for a beefy water cooling loop. The NZXT Switch 810 is always a good choice, as is the Fractal Design Arc XL. If you're seriously wanting a big, beefy full tower that's like über water cooling capable, there's still the 900D, but let's be real- if you really want one of the best cases you can get, there will always be CaseLabs. If you want to get into water cooling and have more space than God to plan stuff out, CL is probably the best option out there. They're just really expensive, but they're soooooooooo nice..
Still voting Switch 810, and now Arc XL
oh, and psyclum? That rad's nothing compared to what you can shoe horn into an SMH10
with the stock configuration, you can put a 480mm, a 560mm, and dual 360mm rads in that case
if you really need it too, a 120mm rad in the back exhaust fan..
you'd have to get crafty on how you tube it up though
After much debate I believe I'm going with the Define XL R2.. I can still put a decent size rad in the front of it if needed and always modify the top of it to accept an even larger one if I need. Figured I'd put that extra money into something else.. If all else fails still I can always get the 800D
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