Case question for a noob

Peter450

Peter450

Peter450

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26 Jan 2008
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Hi all, i just joined this forum, and am new both to self building and overclocking, my current pre-built dell has been a dissapointing in a number of area's so i decided that next pc i got i would build myself

I have had a look at the various cases and all seem to be well rated in there respective mini reviews, the one i have taken a fancy to is the thermaltake kandalf va9003

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-004-TT&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=715

There's a black one too thats cheaper, whats the differance? if it's just the colour i'l probably get the black one, is this a solid case to buy or has anyone had any bad issues with it?
 
from the name, it suggest that the silver may be all or mostly aluminium, while the black one may be some other metal like steel
 
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Its probably a very well designed case. My reservations would be the cost, size and styling but if you think it looks good then go for it.

£130 is a lot for a case. It may well be worth this amount but you should ask yourself whether you will get good value for money from it. Would you not be just as happy with something that you could get for £60?

If you aren't bothered about the money and want something nice then go for it! Although make sure you consider the alternatives first.
 
Peter450 said:
There's a black one too thats cheaper, whats the differance? if it's just the colour i'l probably get the black one, is this a solid case to buy or has anyone had any bad issues with it?
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Typcial Thermaltake, they make the Silver versions from 100% Aluminium, the Black versions are mostly Steel. So the black versions have reduced cooling ability and are much heavier.
 
Thanks for all the replies dudes, thats been really helpful

Main reason i like it is the style does look good (at least to me) in pic's that i seen

I don't want to spend a huge amount on a case, but i would like it to be large and nicely built/designed, the design/look i guess is always going to be a personal thing

I was considering a LCS armour case, since it has built in watercooling, but after reading various comments that the WC was poor i decided to play it safe as it's my first system an get a good aircooled case

About the reduced colling abilty of the non alu ones, is that a big differance? i'm not to worried about the extra weight, but if the alu ones cool much more effectively then i will probably stump up the extra
 
Peter450 said:
Thanks for all the replies dudes, thats been really helpful

Main reason i like it is the style does look good (at least to me) in pic's that i seen

I don't want to spend a huge amount on a case, but i would like it to be large and nicely built/designed, the design/look i guess is always going to be a personal thing

I was considering a LCS armour case, since it has built in watercooling, but after reading various comments that the WC was poor i decided to play it safe as it's my first system an get a good aircooled case

About the reduced colling abilty of the non alu ones, is that a big differance? i'm not to worried about the extra weight, but if the alu ones cool much more effectively then i will probably stump up the extra
Click to expand...


I think you are very wise in going with air cooling for your first build. I'm no expert, but I would imagine that the so called reduced cooling ability of a steel case over an aluminium one would be VERY minimal. Getting a good flow of air through the case being far more important. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
 
correct to a point...

A steel case with massive airflow would be better than an Aluminium case with average airflow. Aluminium is usually the choice of those who want to operate a PC as quiet as possible, i.e. strategically placed silent fans rather than standard fans on every hole. Aluminium cases transfer a large amount of internal heat but if the heat isn't there to start with then there is no advantage.

Personally I run an dual loop watercooling set up with both rads inside the case and an overclocked 8800 GTX so the case does get warm inside and a recent change in case has helped a lot.
 
ScottiB said:
correct to a point...

A steel case with massive airflow would be better than an Aluminium case with average airflow. Aluminium is usually the choice of those who want to operate a PC as quiet as possible, i.e. strategically placed silent fans rather than standard fans on every hole. Aluminium cases transfer a large amount of internal heat but if the heat isn't there to start with then there is no advantage.

Personally I run an dual loop watercooling set up with both rads inside the case and an overclocked 8800 GTX so the case does get warm inside and a recent change in case has helped a lot.
Click to expand...

Steel still transfers a decent amount of heat however. With a typical air cooling setup I would expect case temperatures of steel and aluminium cases to be within 1 degree C of each other. As long as the cases are identical except in material of construction.

Going from plastic to metal however... Big difference!
 
ScottiB said:
Aluminium is usually the choice of those who want to operate a PC as quiet as possible
Click to expand...

I'd disagree, based on other reasons. Not really found myself that an aluminium case will be any cooler because of the material.
All the aluminium cases I have used are louder than the old steel chassis I had, aluminium cases resonate unless you have insulated harddrives.

The reason Aluminium cases tend to cool better than there steel alternatives is because they are usually higher end cases with a better design.
 
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