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New mITX case

2K views 15 replies 9 participants last post by  Smanci 
#1 ·
Hello.

I currently own a BitFenix Prodigy and while I think it's a fine case, I was looking to upgrade. It has wobbling issues and the mesh front makes the inside super dusty.

I was close to buying an NZXT Manta and a Fractal Nano S but I'm afraid of a vertical motherboard alignment, I'd prefer a horizontal one due to owning an MSI 1060 which is quite bulky and heavy.

Looking forward to any recommendations
 
#4 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by smithydan View Post

If you like the case just get the alternate Phenom
I'd rather spend my money on a newer case. I do enjoy my Prodigy, but the Phenom lacks a lot of features that makes the Prodigy good. IE: Good ventilation for the intake and a vented side panel for the GPU. I know I could buy a vented door for the Prodigy, but why spend the extra $10-$15?

Quote:
Originally Posted by morencyam View Post

I really like the Raijintek Metis. I have the big brother mATX version of that case, the Styx, only reason being my GPU is like 10mm too long for the Metis.
It looks pretty nice, but I was more or less leaning towards the Define Nano S and the Manta for right now. The issue with the Nano S is the space between the PSU and GPU is minuscule.
 
#9 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppJak View Post

Not too bad.

Are there any similar cases to these two?
The Rosewill Neutron is kind of similar. Had the horizontal motherboard mount and a lot of fan mounting options. And it had a window on the GPU side to show it off. It looks to be a bit larger than the Phenom and Prodigy though
 
#10 ·
Believe the Prodigy and phenom are based on the same internal shell. So double edged sword if there is something you like/don't like about the shell today it is probably in the other one as well.

If you want to go to horizontal motherboard there are many options that are at or below your current volume:

From big to small:
Corsair 250D
Thermaltake Suppressor F1 // Thermaltake V1
Fractal design core 500 // Node 304

Now we start to sacrifice on parts that fit and how much of the case you can fully utilize:
Antec ISK600
Raidmax Element
Cooler Master Elite series
SilverStone Sugo series

To be horizontal they are all basically cube shaped.

There are console shaped cases, which usually stand up and have the GPU vertical in that position. Sacrifice on CPU cooler for these, so I have not looked into them much.
 
#12 ·
When a AM4 mITX board is finally released I will be going with the the Manta or the Neutron myself. Kinda leaning towards the Neutron for its minimalist appearance.
 
#13 ·
I have 2 versions of this case mini itx, and micro atx. With the itx version I am able to use a 180 radiator in front with a 240 radiator at the top, but the top 120mm fans are the thin 12mm version. PerformancePCs makes custom front grills.
I do not like the micro atx version of the case because it puts the power supply in the front intake area only leaving the top section but you could maybe add another radiator at the bottom.
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#14 ·
Hey guys, I've read through and considered all the options, thanks for the responses. I've narrowed it down to three cases.

What do you guys think.

Design S Nano - I really prefer this case, but do have some concerns. Number one the clearance between the PSU and GPU. I'd have to buy a SFF PSU which is going to drive up the cost. I also hear SFF PSUs aren't that good.

Pros - Great noise cancellation. Good Airflow. Good cable management. Spacious. Well built. Cheap.

Cons - Poor clearance between PSU and GPU. Worried about my HDD getting hot with the rear mount.

NZXT Manta - I really like all the features, but it's a bit expensive and I'm not a fan of the aesthetics.

Pros - Well built. Built-in fan hub. GPU shroud that's vented. Tons of space. Good noise cancellation. Great airflow.

Cons - Expensive. Big for an ITX case. Not the best looking case, besides in white (All my hardware is black - Extreme minor flaw)

Phanteks Enthoo Evolv - I hear a lot of nice things about this case from people on YouTube but contradicting things from consumer reviews.

Pros - Nice design. Vented GPU shroud. Removable fan bracket at the top. Cheap. Made from steel.

Cons - Hear mixed reviews on airflow (Could be that people are only using the one included 200mm fan). Hear mixed reviews on the quality (Paint chipping, flimsy brackets and panels)

I will be air cooling with an NH-U12S and I'll be using either two Noctua AF-14s or NF-F12s as my intake in all three.

Let me know what you guys think.
 
#15 ·
Well. Here is a comparison link in PCPartPicker.

https://pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/7d98TW,vDqbt6,2kTrxr/

As for me. Based on the cooler and fan combo that you are going to be using I would go with the Manta. Clearance would worry me in the other two cases.

Its preference thing for me The White/Black is a nice combo. The Manta would also allow up to 14" GPU.
 
#16 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppJak View Post

Hey guys, I've read through and considered all the options, thanks for the responses. I've narrowed it down to three cases.

What do you guys think.

Design S Nano - I really prefer this case, but do have some concerns. Number one the clearance between the PSU and GPU. I'd have to buy a SFF PSU which is going to drive up the cost. I also hear SFF PSUs aren't that good.

Pros - Great noise cancellation. Good Airflow. Good cable management. Spacious. Well built. Cheap.

Cons - Poor clearance between PSU and GPU. Worried about my HDD getting hot with the rear mount.

NZXT Manta - I really like all the features, but it's a bit expensive and I'm not a fan of the aesthetics.

Pros - Well built. Built-in fan hub. GPU shroud that's vented. Tons of space. Good noise cancellation. Great airflow.

Cons - Expensive. Big for an ITX case. Not the best looking case, besides in white (All my hardware is black - Extreme minor flaw)

Phanteks Enthoo Evolv - I hear a lot of nice things about this case from people on YouTube but contradicting things from consumer reviews.

Pros - Nice design. Vented GPU shroud. Removable fan bracket at the top. Cheap. Made from steel.

Cons - Hear mixed reviews on airflow (Could be that people are only using the one included 200mm fan). Hear mixed reviews on the quality (Paint chipping, flimsy brackets and panels)

I will be air cooling with an NH-U12S and I'll be using either two Noctua AF-14s or NF-F12s as my intake in all three.

Let me know what you guys think.
Now, if you're fine with the size of Manta and Evolv Itx, you probably could should buy either the FD Define C or Mini C.
Define C (ATX) is smaller than the Manta. Mini C (mATX) is smaller than the Evolv Itx. Both make these "Itx" cases look simply ridiculous from feature and practicaly standpoint and are the bigger cousins of Nano S which you seem to like.
 
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