ATX Cube Cases - Only the Corsair Carbide 540?

Grumbledook

Grumbledook

Grumbledook

Associate
Joined
11 Nov 2002
Posts
359
Hey all, I've been toying with upgrading my PC case for years but while a few have caught my eye none have led me to actually part with any money.

I've always been a user of mid tower cases and the better options all seem to have increases in height which for me isn't really suitable. Would I be right in thinking this is to allow space for radiators and fans at the top? I've never had either (still have the PSU up there right now)

If anything I'd like the case to be a tiny bit shorter or the same height as I currently have on my Lian Li which is 44cm tall. Having seen the Corsair 540 I really like the idea of moving the PSU and drives behind the motherboard tray. It seems better for airflow, room to build and route cables and will look neater if you are the type who likes a window.

Unfortunately the 540 lacks in some areas and seems a bit expensive for what it is, especially as most people appear to be replacing the fans it comes with. Only 2 USB ports on the front is personally disappointing (I'd love 4x USB3 and perhaps also with 2x USB2 as well). Only has 2x 3.5" drive spaces (which seem easily broken) unless you use adapters into the 5" bays. The drive cages they included on the smaller Carbide 240 were a nice touch. Perhaps if they update the 540 with more HDD options, more front USB and non noisy fans I'd not have any complaints... (Though I did see complaints regarding lack of dust filters and flimsy side panels)

I was looking for alternatives though it seems that the market only really has cube style designs for mATX and mITX boards and nothing else that fits ATX. As I currently have ATX and while I've considered a smaller form factor for the future I like the options ATX provides me in terms of expansion (multiple capture cards etc).

Are there other cases that I've just not managed to find yet? It's got to the point where I've been considering cutting up some really old cheap steel cases to make my own.

If there aren't many options, hopefully the case company reps that are on here will take this feedback and we see some more choices come to market!

While I can take or leave a window, I don't particularly want LEDs, tool-less drive installation (happy to screw things in, thumbscrews are nice) etc. I like sleek plain designs on the whole and if fans are included low noise quality ones would be appreciated, or leave it empty so I'm not wasting money replacing the included ones. (I also personally find thumbscrews that hang in the holes when unscrewed annoying, reviewers seem to love them!) While I don't need space at the font and top of the motherboard for radiators, it does strike me that it would be cheaper to just make one case that caters for those who would.

Are they not common because they aren't popular, or are they not popular because there aren't options? Anyone else like to see more then please post your support, or if you've got any suggestions I'm all ears!
 
Their was another similar case called the cooler master Haf xb, you might find it if you look around.
 
Nope There is another and mine is on order....

2zjjl6q.png


cooltek jonsbo W2 ;)
 
Cheers Finners, that's nearly exactly the kind of case I'm after. Would like more USB ports but I can mod some or just live with two.

Will have to save up some pennies, little more than I was looking at spending. Maybe by the time I actually get around to pulling the trigger I may have more to choose from as well.
 
Well spotted, thanks Dan.

It's not as nice looking but it has the extra USB and is a decent chunk cheaper. Comes with 5 fans as well even if they do have garish LEDs on.

Seems pretty great value, wonder how noisy it is.
 
I was going to pick up the P280 but after seeing that Cooltek I think I've just found the case I've been waiting for.
 
Should be picking my W2 up tomorrow if it was the package I missed in the post today.

It was a bit of an impulse buy and looking more closely I think im really going to struggle to fit my watercooling in, its defiantly going to be a temporary tube rooting job until I can get some new fittings for sure.

but if it wont all fit it will be going up on the MM
 
You need 1000 posts now in order to see the MM. :(

I have been checking out some of the cases I've had in the past and my Chenbro Gaming Bomb was a really small case, done the dimensions checking in 3ds Max and wow that case is much smaller albeit a tiny bit wider! Definite purchase for me now.
 
I can get upto 1000 posts if I need to haha but being honest If i can make an adapter or similar at work to make something fit so I can keep the W2 I will.

Wish I hadnt suggested now, at theis rate you will all be up and running with it before me.
 
Last edited:
Not sure about that, I still need to see if I can get the stuff first. I've got a build pretty much sorted out, just need to finally decide on a case and motherboard. At least I can save on fans a bit now, cut down from 5 to 3!
 
On the other hand though a build thread detailing a more standard build would probably be more useful to more people anyway. Like room for a large air cooler, what are temps, noise and aiflow like for an air cooling build etc.

A service I'm willingly able to offer ;]
 
archer_dan said:
I'd love to see a build log from you guys - the W2 looks ace, so would be interesting to see what its like to use.
Click to expand...

I put a couple of (rubbish) pictures up in the newly purchased thread.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=27085066&postcount=10434

I wont do a build log As I only have a rubbish phone camera and no imagination haha.

Case has arrived, I have over estimated what RAD I could fit in it so I will bodge it together this weekend and buy a thinner radiator soon and rebuild.

On the whole the build quality is good but there are a couple of oversights that surprise me.

One of the feet overlaps the slot that you bolt through at the bottom, limiting how far back you can put your fan/radiator. The screw holding that foot on is also too long so it fouled on my radiator.

but on the positive side, the screw is made of good quality steel as it was quite hard to grind shorter.
 
Even if you have your phone, please make a build log as I want to see what the case is really like when putting an ATX system in there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom