Case decision.

Digital X

Digital X

Digital X

Soldato
Joined
25 May 2013
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Location
Kent.
Currently using a Zalman Z11 and while it is good, it does not have the best cable management, for example no rubber lined holes, no "over the top" hole for the CPU connector on the motherboard (unless I put my motherboard in the wrong slots) amongst other things.

I was looking at the Corsair Vengeance C70, because the cable routing with the clips and groove in the motherboard tray seem really good, as well as removable HDD cages for airflow/longer gpu's.

Would like to keep it under £100 if possible but will stretch to an extra tenner if it is worth it.

Must haves: Room enough at the bottom for a corsair AX760 and 120mm fan (or two maybe).
Front panel comes off easy (zalman z11 i could not even get it off)
Rubber lined cable holes and plenty of space at the back for the big motherboard cable so i don't squash it and hear the grinding like noise as I try to close the panels.

Thanks.
 
Limitations on motherboard size? going to assume you are going for ATX rather than MATX.

Also are you going for an air cooler or a closed loop system like the h100i?
 
ATX, I have a MSI Z77A G45 Thunderbolt to go in, and it will be air cooled. I can't bring myself to water cool due to fear of a leak etc.
 
If you don't mind not having the rubber grommets for the cable holes this should fit your needs perfectly and a great deal on price too. Smaller than the c70 and quite a bit cheaper too.

Comes in a window and non window version. few color options too such as bright orange and silver.

YOUR BASKET
1 x Corsair Graphite Series 230T Compact Mid Tower Case Windowed - Black (CC-9011042-WW) £66.95
1 x Corsair Graphite Series 230T Compact Mid Tower Case (CC-9011036-WW) £57.95
Total : £139.00 (includes shipping : £11.75).

 
Hmm, thanks for the suggestion but I prefer rubber grommeted holes, larger window, or something similar to the Vengeance C70.

It's a nice case though.
 
In that case I would go with the c70, you seem pretty set on that so don't see why you would get anything else. You can always replace the window with holes in it with a clear plexi window relatively easy.
 
have a look at this one

Fractal Design Midi R2 - awesome case, around £75 delivered and plenty of water cooling possibilities too - going to order one on Monday i think! bern looking at loads and it was between this and the Corsair 650d which is £135!

 
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Midi R2 or the Define R4 are both much better cases than the similar priced Corsair offerings.

The R4 has plenty of space, sound dampened, space for 6/7 140mm fans. Fully dust filtered. Very clean looking and a very nice window included.
 
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Thanks guys, the R4 looks minimalistic which I like. Would I easily be able to route the 4x4pin cpu connector through the top rubber lined hole? And is there ample space for the Motherboard cable as well as the PCIe cables without squashing them? That is my main concern.
 
Top left grommet (4+4pin)
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*There is another one of these grommet just to the right of this one if you need to fit more.

Top right grommet (24pin, front panel, bluray drive)
GN1K8s6l.jpg.png


Lower right grommet (6/8pin, SATA, front panel)
vKQ0X6ul.jpg.png

*This is just below the 24pin grommet.

Bottom middle grommet (all PSU cables, audio)
65TXwFEl.jpg.png


Full shot. There is so much space in this case, all the HDD cages can be FULLY removed should you need more space for GPUs or radiators and a pump/res.

Hope this help, for the money this case is absolutely wonderful. I'd recommend getting Corsair AF140 fans and running them at 5V on the built in controller, doesn't cool too much but gets a good amount of air into the case without any noise.

Filling the bottom 120/140mm slot does wonders for GPU temps.
sTBjlKMl.jpg.png
 
Thanks for taking the time, I really appreciate it. I might remove the top fan so the cable can go through easier as it's a thick one, not a Bitfenix braided with individual cables. Looks roomy too.
 
You really shouldn't need too, there is plenty of space. You could always use a 120mm fan instead.

Doubt you will be filling all 6 slots though.

Any questions feel free to ask.
 
I've got two Aerocool Shark 120mm fans to put in, so one at the bottom and one at the front maybe. Think my mind is made up now thanks Anthony and all else!
 
digitalx said:
I've got two Aerocool Shark 120mm fans to put in, so one at the bottom and one at the front maybe. Think my mind is made up now thanks Anthony and all else!
Click to expand...

Aye, would be fine. Case comes with a 140mm front and back. They are quiet but pretty poor for airflow.
 
Sorry to bump again guys, didn't want to make a new thread due to this one. Came into some money that work owed me, Have set my limit to about £120 now so I have a bit more to splash on a case. the Corsair Carbide Air 540 immediately tickled my fancy, mainly for the space inside. Where does the PSU, HDD, etc go? it looks a bit fiddly.
 
goes on the other side, its supposed to be very easy to work with

only has 1 dust filter though but its a very good cooling case

 
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