Bitfenix Raider or Fractal Design Define R3...

eyetrip · 30 Nov 2011 at 09:56

While I really don't think the OCUK Avenger I got is a bad case, it's just far too big for my desk and tired of it sticking out front.

I think I am down to these two cases.

Though I am struggling with the decision.

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Raider

pros:
smaller
design
lighter
cooling options - big ass 200mm options

cons:
likely to be noisier

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Define R3

pros:
quieter (and this is biggy)
cooling options - side fan might be helpful for x-fire

cons:
heavier
bigger

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I know the Raider is a bit on an unknown at this point, but what you guys reckon on this front?

Will be trying to run all in my sig fairly quietly and need good airflow or the GPU's get noisy.

Bearing in mind, that once on the antec lanboard (i move my pc to living room sometimes and just makes it easier moving around), either of these will still stick out slightly from under desk, but the raider by only around 2cm.

Unless someone else can suggest something around 50cm depth, with lots of drive space (incl 4x2.5), with space for x-fire toxics and very good cooling? Oh, and that doesn't look like a dog.

Edit: budget - might go anywhere with this, but would like to keep under £100

95thrifles · 30 Nov 2011 at 10:30

It sover budget, but I'd seriously consider the Antec P280, as you stated noise is important, I checked Antec and the Depth is 56cm, dont know if thats a deal breaker combined with the high cost but youll struggle to get better case for noise & quality

eyetrip · 30 Nov 2011 at 10:39

95thrifles said:
It sover budget, but I'd seriously consider the Antec P280, as you stated noise is important, I checked Antec and the Depth is 56cm, dont know if thats a deal breaker combined with the high cost but youll struggle to get better case for noise & quality

The avenger case I have is that depth, and that is what I am trying to reduce...

95thrifles · 30 Nov 2011 at 10:40

Ah K, sorry

95thrifles · 30 Nov 2011 at 10:43

Corsair Carbide 400R/500R?

eyetrip · 30 Nov 2011 at 10:46

95thrifles said:
Corsair Carbide 400R/500R?

Was considering them, but can't remember why I moved away from them now.

Think it was probably possible noise from being such an open case.

jamenn · 30 Nov 2011 at 11:01

Is the raider still out today? Says stock expected today on overclockers

eyetrip · 3 Dec 2011 at 06:17

Went with the define r3 in the end.

Will be arriving today, so will have something to keep me occupied part of the day

eyetrip · 5 Dec 2011 at 10:42

Must say, like the Define R3.

It cools almost as well as the OCUK avenger it's replacing, while being quieter.

The avengers side cooling 80mm fans definitely did make a bit of difference though in cooling my top gpu, which I wasn't sure if it was until getting the R3.

It's not silent, as currently have more fans in than stock, but still quiet - just a nice gentle hum.

Not quite as easy to work in as the avenger, due too having bit less space, but everything still went in fairly easily.

Am going to be replacing some fans (probably sickleflows for the kuhler 620 and the 2 120mm intakes (and some undecided 140mm for side probably), and will post some pics when that done

Then things are staying as they are for many years. CPU will be replaced when ivy bridge 2700K at good price, and GPU's either replaced when next gen out, or the gen thereafter.

Otherwise, I want all this to just stay as is for a long, long time. Just find the whole upgrading, etc thing more hassle than fun these days...