Going smaller

FoxEye

FoxEye

FoxEye

Caporegime
Joined
17 Feb 2006
Posts
29,265
Location
Cornwall
Hey guys,

My last two builds have used uATX mobos as I really didn't need a full ATX board. My current case is a few years old - it's a Coolermaster ATC 201, and several bits have fallen off/stopped working/been removed by force :p In short, it's knackered. Even the on/off button stopped working :p

The other (big) problem with it is that it isn't deep enough to hold my CPU cooler (Gelid Tranquilo) so the side doesn't even fit on properly.

Now I'd like, if possible, to have a smaller gaming PC. I don't use any of the 5.25 bays (no DVD drive); I only have a couple HD drives, and only ever 1 GPU inside.

I'm looking for something that is smaller than a mid-tower, has decent airflow, will accommodate a full size cooler, and a mid-range GPU. No need for water cooling or anything like that.

I'm also a big fan of quiet PCs, so that airflow must not be at the cost of a lot of noise if possible.

As for shape, I'm not bothered too much. A smaller mid-tower, or maybe a cube, so long as it's not a total pig to work on inside.

I just want it to take up less space and look less "1990s workstation" :p Budget is about what I spent on the last one - £100 ish.

What are your recommendations?y7uh6 (extra letters there courtesy of my cat :p)
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Do they still make cases with the PSU at the top these days? I never understood the new trend of putting them at the bottom. Either they try to vent hot air downwards, or they try to suck in fresh air through the carpet.
 
skaif said:
If you are after a quieter case have you thought about ditching the air cooler and going under water? A decent AIO cooler and an elite 130 would cost less than your budget. Just a thought!
EDIT
Just seen that your after uATX, my bad! Still worth thinking about going water cooled?
Click to expand...

Not sure it would be necessary. I'm only after a mid-range GPU and I haven't overclocked my CPU. The fans in my current case are either PWM controlled or under-volted and are quiet. Actually only the GPU makes a significant fan noise, and that's getting replaced :p

Water cooling is nice and all, but I'm not sure I could be arsed to change the coolant, and check the hoses for corrosion, etc. Seems too much like hard work :p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom