Spec me a case for 9950x3d

sativa · 5 Apr 2025 at 18:13

Hi,

I am currently using a Lian Li 011 Air Mini, which only really allows a 240mm rad. Otherwise, I love the case visually and to tinker with. The rad is providing adequate cooling for the CPU, but not enough for any moderate overclocking.

The final straw was when I recently added a 5080 Suprim, which only just fit but meant losing another front fan (to allow the GPU to actually fit). In short, the case is no longer provide sufficient cooling and certainly disallows any overclocking.

So, I would like a larger case (but not full tower), which has Lian Li quality, 360mm top rad, and more roomy!

sativa · 6 Apr 2025 at 20:28

Thanks all, really helpful.

sativa · 13 Apr 2025 at 11:46

It looks like a Fractal North XL wins for me.

I liked the HAVN however, it does not have a 7th slot, which I need for an internal sound card.

I love the Lian Li brand but I fancy a change!

sativa · 18 Apr 2025 at 22:49

As an update, for any Fractal lovers: I took delivery of the case earlier this week, and spent some of the day installing all the equipment and setting up. It was quite therapeutic to carefully plug in each individual component/fan into a clean case, and make sure all the wiring was 'clean'. I say this, since my beloved Lian Li was coated in dust and uncared for :cry:

Most importantly, 2 bits of feedback:

i) even my wife commented that the case looks "really nice" sitting where it does in our house. I guess the 'wood effect' really helps.

ii) coming from my O11 Air Mini to North XL, I gained just under a 10% improvement in 3DMark scores?!!

I tested with other benchmarks and this was not a freak occurrence: the larger case, better airflow etc. has really helped the system. Really pleased. Lesson learned (about SFF cases)