Case recommendation for ATX, multiple hard drives

Habakkuk · 28 Mar 2017 at 06:23

Hello, I'd like advice on finding a ATX case that has at least:

space for at least 2 2.5" drives

space for at least 6 3.5" drives, preferably 8

Also useful is space for a 360 or 480 radiator - are dual-240 radiators a thing?

The graphics card is 7.5" long.

I don't need a 5.25" or a 3.5" floppy drive, or lights.

IvanDobskey · 28 Mar 2017 at 14:51

I just ordered a dark base pro 900.

Seems to fit that criteria?

There is a cheaper non pro version too.

kully1972 · 28 Mar 2017 at 22:03

The dark pro can house a 420mm radiator in the roof.
The 5 1/4 inch bracket can be removed and a an additional fan intake can be mounted.
8 hard drives may be installed.

kully1972 · 28 Mar 2017 at 22:10

There's a B grade up for grabs for 165!

Habakkuk · 29 Mar 2017 at 00:42

Huh, I was looking at Bitfenix, but they seem better for ITX motherboards.

Are there any smaller cases? this is huge!

The Bitfenix Prodigy is juuuust too small to modify for me

hyperseven · 29 Mar 2017 at 01:29

750D ?

IvanDobskey · 29 Mar 2017 at 06:30

Any case that can take multiple hard drives seems to be huge these days

I thought my old tj09 was large, but the dark pro is enormous.

kully1972 · 29 Mar 2017 at 07:46

The be quiet 600 and 800 offerings are an alternative. The nzxt s340 may be a smaller alternative.
the 900 pro offers exceptional cooling and although large takes no larger base area footprint on my desk. Also the glass panel with lighting is a massive centrepiece of attraction

IvanDobskey · 29 Mar 2017 at 07:58

The dark pro 900 just had all the features i wanted in one package with the style / look i like. Was the only choice for me without paying silly money.

Might build tonight

KiiYzOo · 29 Mar 2017 at 09:14

Fractal design r5 seems to fit all of your criteria, i know its a bit older, but it's definitely a great case, i keep finding myself wanting one for a home server build

IvanDobskey · 29 Mar 2017 at 09:23

Yes the r5 looks a nice clean case and a lot cheaper and smaller too.

Lacks the wow factor of the db900 though for me.

Also it's two years old now...

kully1972 · 29 Mar 2017 at 16:09

Ivan.

I'm so glad u like it!
Get cracking!
its actually a pleasurable build with ample room for access. I would.advise a 140mm additional intake on the base as it makes a huge difference for cooling.

IvanDobskey · 29 Mar 2017 at 17:44

kully1972 said:
Ivan.

I'm so glad u like it!
Get cracking!
its actually a pleasurable build with ample room for access. I would.advise a 140mm additional intake on the base as it makes a huge difference for cooling.

Looking foward to unboxing and building. Not had a chance yet unfortunately

I will buy another couple of fans but they are 20 quid each...

kully1972 · 29 Mar 2017 at 20:47

I know it's sad we have to make provisions for additional fans but I look back on the 300 pounds Lian li case I bought in the past and the fans were average and therefore needed replacing. Hell Inwin don't even offer fans!
id advise silent wing 3s as I've done a like for like test with the version 2s. The 3s shift more air. Noctua redux are around 15 and are not bad.

IvanDobskey · 29 Mar 2017 at 21:51

Maybe i will pinch a few fans from the tj09. Although they are all 120mm fans of course

I think it has a couple of scythe sflex and a noctua redux.

Habakkuk · 31 Mar 2017 at 13:43

I'm still indecisive, but thanks for the help guys.

Hopefully I won't be back in 6 months with the same question

IvanDobskey · 31 Mar 2017 at 17:46

Got it all built bar the led strips which I'm not too fussed about anyway to be honest. Looks really good. Very heavy though.

Had a bit of a job cramming all the wires behind the panel though. Could do with a bigger gap there.

Habakkuk · 11 Apr 2017 at 17:29

Finally settled on a NZXT H440!

IvanDobskey · 11 Apr 2017 at 21:26

Looks a nice case

Shame no optical bay though. I still burn the odd cd to play in the car.

Habakkuk · 25 Apr 2017 at 11:58

Final update - managed to get a NZXT 450 for a song - internally identical to the 440, but with better cooling vents on the outside.

Thanks for the help everyone