Case for new i7 2600K set up???

TRACEY_BLAKE

TRACEY_BLAKE

TRACEY_BLAKE

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Joined
1 Jan 2011
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120
Hi. I'm wanting to build a set up specifically for home digital audio recording,mixing & editing, and for video/photo editing only. I'm NOT an overclocker or gamer. I'm looking at an i7 2600K chip on an H67 mobo ( to take advantage of Intel's integrated HD 3000 graphics). H67 mobo is undecided as yet, but I like the look of the Asus P8H67-M Evo!! This is a uATX form factor mobo. I plan to put a maximum of 3/4 internal sata drives (6gbs) into the case. I may need to add a dedicated graphics card at a later date. I have no idea what PSU I need as yet as have yet to read & learn on these but I would think a minimum of 500 watts. I will add a minimum of 8gb RAM (dual memory 2 x 4gb), but probably will add 12Gb or 16Gb (dual).

My question is, what sort of case would a uATX mobo fit into...mid/full?? I've not read on form factors as yet so any info here would be appreciated, please advise. Please forgive my ignorance but I am a complete novice who's eager to learn, therefore lamens terms would really be appreciated.

Also..what size fans do I need in the case & how many? I know air flow & space is vital, therefore can anybody suggest a good case please for my requirements?? I don't really want to spend more than £70/£80 on a case. Please advise.

Lastly, what material chassis am I best to go for....steel/aluminium etc? Doesn't aluminium keep cooler?? Please advise.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me :)
 
You'll be able to fit a mATX motherboard in any mATX, Midi or Full Tower case. Full Tower cases are generally over the top for your needs, so you'll want to look specifically at Midi-tower and mATX. Mini-ITX cases are too small.

I'd suggest a case like the Fractal Design Define R3. It's a little large but has massive amounts of sound-dampening and more than enough cooling for your needs. There's also plenty of room to upgrade into if you need to add more HDD's, a discrete graphics card or better CPU cooling at a later date. If you're willing to wait until April there is a mATX version of the Define R3 due that would be perfect.

Other cases would fit the bill too, but they tend to be designed around the gamer market in terms of aesthetics. Hopefully someone else will be able to advise you on well-priced alternatives.
 
What size fans do I need in the case for good air flow for my needs (bare in mind I will be using integrated graphics, although though there is a possibility I might have to add a dedicated gpu in the future. I won't be overclocking & no water cooling)? Please advise. In what position on the case ie side, front etc is it best to have fans in terms of air flow? Please advise.

I've been looking at the Lancool DragonLord PC K-60 case, would this be ok for my needs in terms of air flow etc?

Thanks in advance.
 
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