From full to mini case

mikeyc123 · 27 Apr 2020 at 08:08

Hi,

I'm looking to change out my old CM Stryker case (aboslutely huge) to something a lot smaller. Applicable hardware specs are as follows:

Nvidia 1080TI GTX FTW3 (Gaming - 3 fans)

Height:142.69mm
Length:299.72mm

MSI X99S SLI PLUS Motherboard

EVGA SuperNOVA 1000W Modular Power Supply

Corsair Hydro Series - H100i GTX Liquid CPU Cooler

240mm radiator

Two drives - 1x 2.5" and 1x 3.5"

I have looked at NXZT H210i as a potential option but I'm concerned that the radiator of the hydro cooler either wont fit or I'll have to sacrifice the 3.5" drive to fit it in at the front of the case. Any suggestions for alternatives?

Thanks

mikeyc123 · 27 Apr 2020 at 08:28

Hi Screenbeat,

By pig of a job do you mean it was a mess? I suspect there is a lot of things to consider and even then you might end up with components that may not fit?

Honestly I would just leave it as it is but I have recently moved and had to settle for a smaller desk as a result of other furniture taking up more space. At the moment the case sticks out from underneath and it just gets damaged when I accidentally hit it with a chair.

mikeyc123 · 27 Apr 2020 at 09:33

Wow, yes I don't know how I missed that. Good point.

mikeyc123 · 27 Apr 2020 at 10:33

You are right. I'm running i7 5930k so at the moment an upgrade of mobo + cpu isn't on the cards, it does the job.

Midi will have to be the way forward then. Looking at responses it seems I can get similar if not same dimensions with midi as mini-itx cases though which is good news.

mikeyc123 · 27 Apr 2020 at 13:25

Yes. Ideally something that is 500mm max height and 450mm max length so it can fit under the back section of the desk which acts as a cable holder of sorts. In terms of L, I think ~40L should be fine too.

I'm quite a big fan of the NXZT cases and H500i / Elite look promising, albeit a slighter higher price.

Having a look at the specs it seems to fit the radiator for H100i at the front without sacrificing the 3.5" drive. Only negative aspect of this would be the fact that RGB fans at the front would need to come off.

mikeyc123 · 27 Apr 2020 at 16:40

Problem I have with those and NZXT ones is that radiator would need to be front mounted, sacrificing some front fans and/or HDD slots. While I'm not adverse to getting another 2.5" SDD to cover for the loss, it wouldn't be my first choice.

Ideally looking for something with possibly to top mount the radiator.