[Methos07]

I'm currently in the process of a rebuild. I used to run a watercooling setup, but have since decided I'm just fine with air. However, I'm still stuck with this 800d. It's not really friendly with air cooling, though the cable management and overall design is pretty genius.

I recently came across the Define XL though, and that case has really caught my eye. My WC build was the opposite of quiet, and silence is something I really enjoy.

I'm going to have an air cooled 6990 in my build, so it needs to be fed some air, but I don't want to hear a leaf blower in my case either.

I feel like the 800d offers better cable management, but worse airflow and sound reduction. The Fractal would be much quieter and offer better airflow at the expense of best in class cable management.

Should I just keep the 800d and not spend another 150 on a case? I could resell the 800d, but the value would be diminished due to scratches, custom drilled reservoir holes, etc. Maybe I could end up paying for the new case with the resale value of the 800d.

Or, should I not buy the Fractal and keep the 800d because it won't be that bad for air cooling a 6990 and oc'd i7 950?

Just looking for opinions. Chime in anything you guys can suggest. I would appreciate anything.

 

[somebodysb2]

Fractal by far, go for it.

 

[CorsairGeorge]

I know I'm biased, but having used both chassis I think going from 800D to the XL would be a downgrade.

 

[Derp]

If you are ignoring the price (you already have one anyways) then I would personally pick the 800D over the XL. But considering that the XL is $150 and the 800D is LOL$270 I would buy the XL because I don't think the 800D is $120 better.

 

[Methos07]

Well, I already have the 800d. That's the thing. I bought it for watercooling but have since switched back to air. It's a great case for watercooling, second to none really, but when you go to air it doesn't sit as high and mighty anymore. I think I'm going to try it out with air to see how I like it. If it's too loud, then I might pursue the fractal.

 

[somebodysb2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorsairGeorge;13084856
I know I'm biased, but having used both chassis I think going from 800D to the XL would be a downgrade.

hardware reps gotta check out the competition

Quote:

Originally Posted by Methos07;13084926
Well, I already have the 800d. That's the thing. I bought it for watercooling but have since switched back to air. It's a great case for watercooling, second to none really, but when you go to air it doesn't sit as high and mighty anymore. I think I'm going to try it out with air to see how I like it. If it's too loud, then I might pursue the fractal.

Get a Define XL, fit all fans with Noise blocker, there you go, world's most quiet Full tower.

 

[CorsairGeorge]

Quote:

Originally Posted by somebodysb2;13084953
hardware reps gotta check out the competition

Yup! Some of the best ideas are basically found by using all the stuff out there and writing down the frustrations you have, then trying to figure out how you would address it.

Our grommeted cable routing came about that way.

 

[Methos07]

I came to an 800d from an Antec 1200. Needless to say, nearly everything I hated about that 1200 was resolved. I have mounted a 140mm intake fan directly to the bottom of the 800d to see how that'll help with airflow. Hopefully the two fans will draw enough air into the main chamber without losing most of it to the PSU area.