New case, But what?

Bezzaboy1234 · 24 May 2013 at 18:57

Hi guys,

So I have been frustrated for the past 6 months with my Case. I like the NZXT Switch 810 loads don't get me wrong. It's just simply too big, I was hoping to get the money together to start a full WC loop going through the CPU And the Graphics cards. But I have found I am moving about so much I never get the time to even start a project like that.

So the Switch has to go. Its just so big and heavy I can't deal with it right now.

Current specs in sig + H100 cooler.

Just need to find something that will fit an ATX motherboard as I am not interested in going down a board size and that is compact, Lots of options for expandability and possible water cooling options.

needs to fit my H100 as well. And if It can be had at a reasonable price the more the merrier.

Thanks Guys!

Any input is much appreciated!

fishingcat · 25 May 2013 at 13:42

The best mid-tower for watercooling right now is the Fractal Design Arc Midi R2.

However it's not the smallest case in the world, and OCUK don't sell it

paulstung · 30 May 2013 at 12:26

How about the CM Storm Trooper / Stryker ? I went from a Phantom 630 down to the Trooper, and it is a lot smaller, but still big enough for a full loop.

ConnectionFX · 30 May 2013 at 12:49

paulstung said:
How about the CM Storm Trooper / Stryker ? I went from a Phantom 630 down to the Trooper, and it is a lot smaller, but still big enough for a full loop.

The Stryker is about the same size as the Switch.

ZXSpectrum · 30 May 2013 at 13:16

What about something like the corsair carbide 200R? Looks pretty decent and looks like it has space for that cooler and everything else in there.

I will agree about big cases. They are awesome to work in but just a bit impractical, in the way and heavy at times. I have Corsair 700D and its huge!!!!. So went from that to a fractal node 304.. lol a bit of a change..

wp-t31os · 30 May 2013 at 13:22

So get something cheaper, made of cheaper materials, it will naturally be lighter that way.

Bitfenix Merc Alpha? Cheap, not too heavy and space for 7 x 120mm fans(should you want that many).

The quality really is quite good for the money .... (almost, but not quite, comparable to a Lancool at twice the price). Recently replaced a £60 lancool that got destroyed in domestic dispute with a Bitfenix Alpha, really was impressed considering the price tag.

NZXT Switch - Weight: 20 lbs (9.1 kg)
Bitfenix Merc Alpha - Weight: 10.8 lbs. (4.9 kg)

Almost half the weight..

I took the weight values from AnandTech reviews, for reference.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4913/bitfenix-merc-alpha-how-much-can-39-can
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5479/nzxt-switch-810-when-too-much-isnt-enough

murah · 30 May 2013 at 22:58

Ill take the switch off your hands

was planning on buying one to be fair, I dont move the PC much and I dont mind big for good air flow

olivier renault · 31 May 2013 at 17:04

600T?

Kaktus69 · 31 May 2013 at 17:30

Bitfenix Ghost will fit a H100i no problem & has extra soundproofing material built in. Room for a 240 & 120 rad if you decide to do your own loop.

I have one but wish I'd bought a Switch for the extra room

On Holiday · 31 May 2013 at 17:34

Corsair Ghost??? lol

I vote Corsair 650D or Corsair 600T.

Kaktus69 · 31 May 2013 at 17:46

YarwoodUK said:
Corsair Ghost??? lol

I vote Corsair 650D or Corsair 600T.

Oops, I meant Bitfenix

cypto · 31 May 2013 at 19:15

In terms of a decent size for a water cooling setup, along with great build quality I would defiantly suggest something from fractal. Maybe the define r4 or as previously said the Arc midi 2.

Used a define r4 case for a while now great case and got a h100i in the top with no mods.

Arc Midi 2 on the right and the Define r4 on the left.
Define r4 (titanium picture shows peal black) on OCUK store Although seems they aren't in stock.

$fractal_cases.png$

Bezzaboy1234 · 3 Jun 2013 at 22:27

Well it seems after much faffing and ooing and ahhing I just had enough of looking for a case as I really like the Bitfenix Prodigy, Gonna have to shop around for a mITX Board that I like and just go the whole hog. I didn't realise until I saw in person just how much room there really is inside!

And it fits my H100 with the removal of the drive bay which is just a great bonus!

Just need to get my P8Z77-V Pro and Switch 810 sold for a good price

hate using auction sites.

Hurumph.

Anyway, Thanks for the input! I Just couldn't decide on an ATX Case I liked. The Prodigy has just captured me

RetrogamerX · 4 Jun 2013 at 06:34

Bezzaboy1234 said:
Well it seems after much faffing and ooing and ahhing I just had enough of looking for a case as I really like the Bitfenix Prodigy, Gonna have to shop around for a mITX Board that I like and just go the whole hog. I didn't realise until I saw in person just how much room there really is inside!

And it fits my H100 with the removal of the drive bay which is just a great bonus!

Just need to get my P8Z77-V Pro and Switch 810 sold for a good price hate using auction sites.

Hurumph.

Anyway, Thanks for the input! I Just couldn't decide on an ATX Case I liked. The Prodigy has just captured me

I built my wife's PC with a Prodigy case. It's a amazing case although it is a bit small.

Bezzaboy1234 · 4 Jun 2013 at 12:50

I just can't believe how much rooms inside!, I don't need all the HDD cages or the CD Drive bay in, so the h100 and all my drives will fit fine.

The only thing now is finding a decent Z77 ITX board