mATX Case suggestgions? (R4 + Hydro?)

Liam

Liam

Liam

Soldato
Joined
24 Jul 2004
Posts
3,192
Hi all,

As title really. I need a new case due to my current one not being able to accommodate my components.

I've been looking at the following but can't make my mind up ;

Fractal Design Define R4
Fractal Arc Midi V2
Corsair Obsidian 350D
Silverstone TJ08-E (Looks a little more awkward than the others)


I'm leaning more towards the R4 - Look's like a nice case with watercoolering/hydro cooling options.

Suggestions?

Cheers :)
 
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The R4 is an ATX tower so it might look a bit silly if you have an mATX board.
Personally I'd go for the 350D. It is a bit smaller and still has good watercooling options (remember that you cant use a 5.25 Bay res if you have a radiator in the top).
 
The R4 and Arc midi are both full ATX cases, so will be big. Though good for watercooling. The Arc mini is the Matx version and is loved by spot of people (Lauren from tasty pc and TTL)..

The 350D is the newcomer which has great options but from some reveiws seems to be let down by build quality. Though it can handle a lot of watercooling bits considering its size..

The TJ08-E is a beautiful case though not really built for watercooling. You can fit a H80i at the back but that's about it, without modding. Its built really well and is way smaller then the rest, though it is more of an air cooling case.

My choice for watercooling would be the Arc mini.
 
Thanks for the replies guys.

I wouldn't mind a hydro cooler (H80i etc) so having a huge case wouldn't be an issue. It's a tough decision! I wouldn't mind one that would accommodate a SSD without an adapter.
 
The TJ08-E has a mount at the bottom for a single 2.5 drive, or a 3.5. (2.5 screws to the bottom)..

Not sure about the other cases.

The TJ08-E will take a h80i but nothing bigger...
 
I hear nothing but bad things about the Corsair coolers so might go for the D14 so would want a case to accommodate that!
 
Silverstone's TJ08B-E case is superb, I have two.

I currently use air cooling, but may be tempted to go for a dual bay res with a Phobya 200mm rad up front some day. The HDD bays can be removed.
You can mount an HDD in one of the unused optic bays, and the SSD can be mounted anywhere.

Most people use a 120 rad on the rear though, like the H80i.

There is also the Silverstone PS07 which has the same case internals.

You mention the R4, but Fractal also have an Define Mini mATX case, and Arc Mini, both smaller variants of the ATX big brothers which perform well.

You do not mention what kit you are fitting, sort of limits recommendations.
 
i5, GTX 570, SSD and 3.5" storage. That's about it at the moment. Full size modular PSU and would be looking at getting a CPU cooler at the same time.

Pretty set on the TJ08-E or the 350D now looking at it.
 
Liamsy said:
i5, GTX 570, SSD and 3.5" storage. That's about it at the moment. Full size modular PSU and would be looking at getting a CPU cooler at the same time.

Pretty set on the TJ08-E or the 350D now looking at it.
Click to expand...

You have the same setup as me. :).

Tj08-e is better for air cooling as it has 165mm clearence to the 350D's 160mm.. 5mm makes all the difference.. As the d14 is 159mm.. :)
 
You have an aftermarket cooler on your GTX570 too don't you mate? My PC has been out of action for over a month now as I had to RMA my PSU and never put it back together etc because I need a new case too.

Hoping the TJ08-E will support the GTX570 with an aftermarker cooler too!?
 
I was pretty excited when I first saw teasers of the 350D with window, but after seeing the reviews and videos, I am not interested at this time.

I would love something like a Fractal Node 304 designed for Micro ATX I think.
 
Doomedspeed - Do you know if the Silverstone TJ08-E be able to have a Alpenföhn K2 Mount Doom CPU cooler?

Height of the D14 is 160mm and the K2 is 164 ...

Thanks :)
 
SoundDoctor said:
The R4 is an ATX tower so it might look a bit silly if you have an mATX board.
Personally I'd go for the 350D. It is a bit smaller and still has good watercooling options (remember that you cant use a 5.25 Bay res if you have a radiator in the top).
Click to expand...

sorry to hi-jack.

how come you cannot / shouldn't use this config?

i have an ek res/pump 5.25bay combo and a triple rad mounted at the top and i am yet to see any issues?

i am not being arrogant here i genuinely don't know so would like to learn.

craig
 
Liamsy said:
Doomedspeed - Do you know if the Silverstone TJ08-E be able to have a Alpenföhn K2 Mount Doom CPU cooler?

Height of the D14 is 160mm and the K2 is 164 ...

Thanks :)
Click to expand...

Anytime. :)

CraigRobbo said:
sorry to hi-jack.

how come you cannot / shouldn't use this config?

i have an ek res/pump 5.25bay combo and a triple rad mounted at the top and i am yet to see any issues?

i am not being arrogant here i genuinely don't know so would like to learn.

craig
Click to expand...

That config just doesn't fit in that case (presumably)

I assume you have a bigger case?
 
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