Need a mid-tower case, help me choose!

Phantom

Phantom

Phantom

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
9,804
Location
Southampton, Hampshire
I currently have a cooler master atcs 200 which though it still looks good, it doesn't cut the mustard anymore. I need a case which:
  • - is simple, sleek but has a sophisticated design. Mustn't look or feel cheap
  • - preferably black (internal/external), and/or aluminium
  • - good cooling
  • - dustproof
  • - quiet (modding to get it quiet is fine)
  • - good cable management (hidden/ tidy)
  • - not too big, not too small
  • - window
  • - modifiable by a novice

It needs to fit:
  • - an ATX MOBO
  • - 1 HDD and 1 SDD (max 4)
  • - bluray writer
  • - front fan controller in a bay
  • - dual gfx card (<12" long)
  • - double fan radiator watercooling for CPU, gfx cards. Up to dual reservoir
I'm having a hard time choosing a case as I don't want it too large so im guessing mid tower is the way to go. mATX may be too small/cramped.

I've shortlisted it to:
  • - Corsair obsidian 650d Dimension (W)229mm x (H) 521mm x (L) 546mm
  • - Fractal design arc midi v2 Dimensions (W) 230mm x (H) 460mm x (D) 515mm
  • - Lian li PC-7HB Dimensions (W) 210mm x (H) 473mm x (D) 490mm
  • - Lian li PC-7FNWX Dimensions (W) 210mm x (H) 470mm x (D) 490mm
  • - Lian li PC-8NWX Dimensions (W) 210mm x (H) 450mm x (D) 490mm
  • - Lian li PC-60FNWX Dimensions (W) 210mm x (H) 470mm x (D) 490mm

Budget is around £200. Are there any others which are similar which I should consider? What's popular/good? Are there any which I should avoid?

Any help is appreciated, thank you :D
 
Last edited:
Personally I would say the Corsair, but that's almost solely on looks. Both Corsair and Lian Li make excellent quality cases, with Lian li featuring more aluminium I think...

However I would say that from looking at them you'd get better airflow in the Corsair as you can remove the hard drive cages and have two of the front fans as intake.

Fractal design have been having quality issues lately apparently, however they do make well designed cases and the arc midi is still a very popular case.
 
It's a little bit over your budget though (although you can find it much cheaper), and it is unconventional. But it's very good, and aluminium.



Otherwise, Lian Li's look sleek, the 650D as well, and it's a good overall case. There's also the Fractal R4, but it's plastic.
 
Last edited:
Fractal Midi R2.
Have one myself, its excellent :)
They seem to have sorted there quality control with the R2 case as no one online has reported anything wrong with R2's.
 
Thanks guys!

I have to rule out the silverstone ft02, it looks nice but it's too deep :(

I do like the fractal arc midi r2 but there are a couple of things which leave me hesitant. An internal tube reservoir would be needed rather than a drive bay reservoir; the front panel is plastic made to look like brushed metal isn't it? How does it look in real life? Does it look fake? I also read the window had a brown tint.. Is that true? Do you happen to have any photos of yours by any chance? :)

Thanks!
 
Get a T-Virus :) problem sorted + it looks stupid awesome!
Yes the front panel is plastic (a thick and strong plastic mind you)
It looks pretty darn realistic if you ask me, you would have to touch it to realize.
Yes its a tinted window but its more of a tint which just darkens everything in the case (which looks great when you put a lights on the inside)

My phones camera isn't working so no....but dirtychinchilla has taken some photos of his.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18508932

I'm very happy with mine, very tidy and cool (just aircooling atm) but have every intention to...ehem....eventually water cool it! :P when I have some disposable income ;p
 
Last edited:
Ok, narrowed it to 2.. The corsair 650D or the arc midi R2.

The motherboard I have in mind is an E-ATX which neither case officially supports :( strictly speaking, its only a 2cm difference in length but is that enough to prevent proper use of the cable management system of the cases? im assuming motherboard fittings should be the same... ?

Can anyone confirm for me please? Has anyone put an E-ATX in either of these cases?
 
Some E-ATX like the Max. V formula will fit inside the R2.
Here is the Fractal R4 (same dimentions/insides as the midi R2) with a Max. V formula (it uses ATX mounting holes), it just covers half the grommet, but you can still use the grommets fine.

http://oi49.tinypic.com/20v0w2w.jpg

The board will fit the 650D also.
It highly depends on which motherboard you want to mount.
 
Last edited:
I'd get the R4 for an E-ATX due to the fact that the motherboard covering half the grommet will only make for a nicer looking build.
 
thanks, its looking hopeful then! I did come across this http://youtu.be/KPysAyLq9FA which shows it covering up the gromits...

I need to pull measurements! The board I'd like is the gigabyte z77x-up5 but as its not in stock, I've upped it to the gigabyte z77x-up7... Unfortunately it's bigger too, by 2cm!

gigabyte z77x-up5 - 305mm x 244mm (atx)
gigabyte z77x-up7 - 305mm x 264mm (e-atx)

Evga p67 - 305mm x 264mm (e-atx)
Max v formula - 305mm x 257mm (e-atx)
 
Last edited:
too late, purchase made :( thank you all who helped and offered suggestions... :D I went with a bigger case and the better motherboard (at an added cost!) :eek:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom