CM Haf 922 - Fractal Design Define R2 - NZXT lexa Blackline

ziggynerja

ziggynerja

ziggynerja

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Im looking to get a new case in the next few days and hoping i could get some advice!

I dont really want to go over £85

Here are some that i have my eyes on!

Coolermaster Haf 922
Fractal Design Define R2
NZXT lexa Blackline not sure about this as it looks a bit plasticy! anyone have any info on this?
 
I just got the Fractal Design and I'm very happy with it. I'd agree with you on the NZXT, all their cases look a little cheap and plasticy to me. The HAF might be good, but it depends on your tastes. I think it's a bit too over the top really and lacks dust filters.

My vote would go for the Fractal because of the cable management, dust filters and in my opinion nice looks.
 
Hi

You might want to consider the lancool k-62 or the Coolermaster cm690 or the new cm690 II.All three cases are good and around you price range.
The Lancool offers some great features and is well priced.
 
Don't be fooled the NZXT lexa Blackline is very good build quality - the only bit thats actually flimsy plasticy is the guard rails on the back and they aren't too bad either. The only down side to this case is theres no port beneath the motherboard for easy access to the backplate on CPU coolers that are bolted through. Its also a little tighter on space than the other 2.

The Fractal Design Define R2 looks great and has been designed thoughtfully - however build quality varies a bit - you might get a v. solid case or one that looks like it was rushed putting it together.

I don't like the looks of the Coolermaster Haf 922 personally but its roomy and thoughtfully laid out.
 
Thanks for the replys! :)

Its hard to decide at the moment, but im kinda leaning towards the Haf922 and the Fractal design define R2 ! :P
 
Hmm ive been reading a few reviews on the Fractal design R2.. Aparently it hasnt got very good cooling.. and isnt recommended for people who plan to overclock or install multiple GPU's (my sig).. Maybe this one isnt for me ..
 
cook001 said:
Hi

You might want to consider the lancool k-62 or the Coolermaster cm690 or the new cm690 II.All three cases are good and around you price range.
The Lancool offers some great features and is well priced.
Click to expand...

The Lancool is a very good case for the price, good cooling and cable management made this a case for me.
 
ziggynerja said:
Hmm ive been reading a few reviews on the Fractal design R2.. Aparently it hasnt got very good cooling.. and isnt recommended for people who plan to overclock or install multiple GPU's (my sig).. Maybe this one isnt for me ..
Click to expand...

Remember the HAF922 has an exhaust fan at the top as well, the R2 only has front/back fans, but is able to accommodate a lot of fans if you want it to.
I think it was the guys at bit-tech who tried fitting extra fans and found it performed better than a lot of cases.

I have the R2 (with just front/back fans) now with dual 4870s and a q6600 and temps are fine at the moment.
 
Stick to the principle of going for what you most need / want. The Fractals are good, quiet and sleak cases but don't have the size to fit all cards in. The haf is more future proof on the big card front since it can fit a 5970 in and it's much bigger plus got great cooling. The lexa blackline is the cheapest so it'll save you cash and it offers a good quality case with good cooling too. Think of it as the all rounder that doesn't excel in any area but delivers well and stays at a good price.
For me I've always gone Haf 922 just based on future potential space needs and the fact it has huge fans anyway (quieter than smaller fans that need to rotate more to take out the same amount of air). But the fractal is a silent case with good cooling and cheaper so if you don't need or want a massive case the fractal is probably the best way to go. Even in the future they'll be making smaller editions of cards (like the size of the 5770 to the 5970) so it's not like you won't be able to use it but you just might not be able to fit in the largest ones.
 
If it was my choice it would have to be the Coolermaster CM-690-II at £89.99 i Cant wait to get one myself :)

Fractal R2 Define would be 2nd choice though.
 
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got a HAF 922 sitting in my garage awaiting some spare time to get the fully treatment of modding!!

Looks a great case - loads of room and loads of options for internal wiring/cable management etc.
 
I've got Haf 922 and love it. It is a huge case, lots of airflow, 3 fans (1 in front, 1 on top and 1 in back) it looks good (don't look at internet pictures, it looks 10x better in real life - all black, no grey). I am very happy I went for that case
 
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