Need a new case for water cooling, opinions?

FL630

FL630

FL630

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Hi,

I've had my current NZXT Manta for about 6 months which is about the limit of my interest with a PC case, so am looking to change.

I have an ITX motherboard but am happy to change that to ATX or mATX. I also have 1x 240mm and 1x 280mm radiator, would rather keep these but again, am happy to change if need be.

My main gripe with the Manta is there is no place to show off a large tube reservoir, so that's a must for me on the new case.

So main wants...
Space for large tube reservoir
Large window/TG panel
No requirement for drive cages, id actually prefer none of them (I only have two SSDs)
No size requirements
Budget ideally no more than £150


I've been eyeing up the Corsair 460X/570X, but my cable management sucks for that much glass.

Thanks!!
 
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I looked at the Evolv mATX TG, but he review pictures snow almost zero space for a reservoir. Otherwise it's almost perfect sadly.
 
I wouldn't recommend the Evolv ether version for watercooling, as its short falls are limited space and poor airflow.

Have you looked into Caselabs? I know they will be more than stated budget but they have a lot better support for W/C.
 
RSR said:
I wouldn't recommend the Evolv ether version for watercooling, as its short falls are limited space and poor airflow.

Have you looked into Caselabs? I know they will be more than stated budget but they have a lot better support for W/C.
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Evolv ATX isn't limited by space. Most people don't need Extended-ATX motherboards. Airflow has been much improved on the new mATX version as well.



OP: I think the Phanteks evolv mATX TG would be perfect for you as it matches your requirements and is within your budget. You can fit a reservoir (you can even fit one in mini EVOLV ITX) but you can confirm with Phanteks if your paranoid. The Enthoo series is renowned for it's water-cooling capability so don't be put off in that regard.
 
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Las Vega said:
Evolv ATX isn't limited by space. You just want to fit an unusual Extended-ATX motherboard in yours. Airflow has been improved on the new mATX version as well.
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I wasn't as clear as could have been on that point, I was referring to the radiators which can be installed into that chassis (ATX) anyway I am going a bit off the track.

Looking at the OP's radiator requirements and then looking at the specs on the mATX(http://www.phanteks.com/Enthoo-Evolv-mATX-TemperedGlass.html)a 240 & 280 will fit into the case. However, depends on the location of the tube reservoir and thickness of the radiators it may impact the installation GPU, depending on its size. I'd still be mindful of the airflow in the case though, it's still a great case though.
 
RSR said:
I wasn't as clear as could have been on that point, I was referring to the radiators which can be installed into that chassis (ATX) anyway I am going a bit off the track.

Looking at the OP's radiator requirements and then looking at the specs on the mATX(http://www.phanteks.com/Enthoo-Evolv-mATX-TemperedGlass.html)a 240 & 280 will fit into the case. However, depends on the location of the tube reservoir and thickness of the radiators it may impact the installation GPU, depending on its size. I'd still be mindful of the airflow in the case though, it's still a great case though.
Click to expand...

Yes with the mATX version you sacrifice some front space (around 11cm) where the HDD brackets would normally go to get a smaller footprint. As I am someone that only uses 2 SSD's and one NVMe I didn't see the point of having the extra space at the front and I don't really like extra long cases. But if the OP wants some massive sized reservoir he may be better going with the Evolv ATX although that would mean he would miss out on the improvements that were made to the new mATX and he also might have a shock going from ITX all the way up to ATX form factor.

P.S I was in the same position OP was in a few months ago (my previous build was ITX in a cosair 250d) and even considered the same cases he has (460X) but decided to hold out for the new Phanteks mATX which is now available for pre-order at OcUK.
 
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Thanks Chaps for the replies.

Sadly Caselabs is out of the question. I'd love one but I couldn't justify such a cost. Good quality and perfect for what I want, I know, but I need to be realistic :(

The Raijintek Asterion looks good, going to do some research when I get home to see if it suits. I'm still very tempted by the Corsair 570X but the cost is a little higher than I'd hoped as I'd have to factor in a 360mm radiator and some new expensive matching fans to go with the supplied front ones.

I had an Evolv ATX when they first come out, bloody brilliant case, perhaps I'll look further into the mATX and see how the reservoir would fit.

Thanks!
 
@FL630

Well I'll be doing a review of my Asterion this weekend for OcUK and will be putting a hardline watercooled build into it, so if you've got any specific questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

The case is already in my possession so if you want any close up shots or have anything that I can answer before doing the build then fire away :)
 
Excellent Paradigm, perfect timing. No specific questions but it'll be good to see what you put in it and how it all goes together. I'll keep my eyes peeled for the review.
 
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