Advice on Case Selection

Marse · 10 Jul 2007 at 11:25

I'm checking components for a new build and am trying to sort out a case.
The MB will be Intel Socket 775.

I've checked reviews on all the main components and am now beginning to suffer from a bit of information overload.

Having refined my thoughts on the case the main criteria are:

1....A top class case - I'm quite happy to pay a premium for a good case ie Lian Li or similar.
2....Good sized Midi or Full Tower although I'd rather keep the size down a bit and I certainly won't fill a Full Tower.
3....Reasonably 'quiet' - I may change/add quiet fans to suit - probably Noctua.
4....Good air circulation and filtering on the intakes.
5....I may well get a MB with heatpipes so as I understand an inverted MB layout will not suit.
6....Removable MB Tray - this will be my first build.
7....Preferably a reasonably conservative appearance - nothing too flash.
8....The location of the PC means if there is a door it ideally should be hinged on the left.
9....PSU at the top to minimise potential problems with the leads reaching the MB although I'll take advice on this if need be.
10..Able to take a single 8800 Graphics Card without being a tight squeeze.
11..Possibly a case with space behind the MB to route the cables and improve airflow.
12..Space for a CPU heatsink - probably the Noctua NHU-12F.
13..A re-set button - some cases don't seem to have one which I find surprising - perhaps it’s just me.

I appreciate I may have to compromise but any advice will be appreciated.

BFG_9000 · 10 Jul 2007 at 11:28

Akasa Eclipse...... :cool:

Thread Closed.

topshot · 10 Jul 2007 at 11:46

ive just looked at loads of different cases and after many recommendations on here the Lian Li PC7 looks superb. I have also seen some monster watercooled rigs inside this case.

cheap too.

Marse · 10 Jul 2007 at 12:43

Thanks for the replies

BFG_9000: At an early stage I did check the Akasa Eclipse and I think I foolishly didn’t give it the attention I should have, partly because I assumed the newer and more expensive cases would inevitably be better – which isn’t necessarily the ‘case’.
On the shortlist.

Topshot: There are so many cases the Lian Li PC7 [plus] is one I never gave a thought to.
It doesn’t seem to have a removable MB tray, which isn’t essential but is desirable.
The 80/92 mm top exhaust facility is nice though.
I get the impression it doesn’t have some of the minor refinements/subtleties of some of the newer units but then it’s a fraction of the cost of some of Lian Li’s other offerings.
Please don’t take my views to heart; I’m not an expert – that’s why I’m asking the questions.
Definitely worth considering and for the price must be approaching a bargain for a Lian Li.

p4radox · 10 Jul 2007 at 12:46

Heatpipes do work when inverted, as long as they're wicked.

Marse · 10 Jul 2007 at 12:52

Thanks P4radox I didn’t realise that.

I may come back on that if need be dependant on the case and MB I eventually go for.

BFG_9000 · 11 Jul 2007 at 21:18

Marse said:
Thanks for the replies

BFG_9000: At an early stage I did check the Akasa Eclipse and I think I foolishly didn’t give it the attention I should have, partly because I assumed the newer and more expensive cases would inevitably be better – which isn’t necessarily the ‘case’.
On the shortlist.

Topshot: There are so many cases the Lian Li PC7 [plus] is one I never gave a thought to.
It doesn’t seem to have a removable MB tray, which isn’t essential but is desirable.
The 80/92 mm top exhaust facility is nice though.
I get the impression it doesn’t have some of the minor refinements/subtleties of some of the newer units but then it’s a fraction of the cost of some of Lian Li’s other offerings.
Please don’t take my views to heart; I’m not an expert – that’s why I’m asking the questions.
Definitely worth considering and for the price must be approaching a bargain for a Lian Li.

The Akasa does have a removable motherboard tray, found it a very easy case to build in. An additional bonus to this superb case is that all the panels are removable, even including the top panel.. a breeze when you install a PSU and lots of top room for cable management..

Good luck in choosing your new case (An Akasa Eclipse is for life)