Spec me a case

darael

darael

darael

Soldato
Joined
10 Jul 2010
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Looking for a roomy case, for around £100. I don't want entire silence, but nor do I want the case to be noisey as it will be on 24/7. I imagine I will need filters for intake fans.

I am bound to be asked why I want a roomy case - because I am ham fisted, and find larger spaces in a full tower case easier to work in, opposed to minute space found in mini-ATX cases :eek::D. I suppose space isn't too important, as I won't be inside the computer much - but it'd be nice for it not to be cramped when I work inside!

This looks good, but I'm not entirely sold on it for some reason - Fractal Design Define XL Full Tower Case - Black Pearl. The HAF-X is well beyond my price range.

Ideas this way please. ;)
 
Well it depends then on how strict the budget is. I like the Corsair 650D as a balance of quality, looks, noise and performance.
 
I had a Silverstone Fortress FT01 delivered today (as part of a complete new build) and I must say, I'm a bit disappointed. Firstly, do not use this case with a motherboard that has right-angled sata ports. There just isn't enough space between the edge of the motherboard and the cable management holes. It can be done, but the fit is too tight for my liking. Secondly, the space behind the motherboard tray is too narrow for even a moderate number of cables. I bought a 100% modular Silverstone PSU and I have to push quite hard on the side panel to shut it. Thirdly, the dust filter on the top intake fan can only be cleaned by removing the fan itself. Not a problem when the case is practically empty, but with a full system installed... :mad: A really bizarre design fault. These problems won't bring about the end of the world (although they p****d me off), but had I known (or done a bit more homework) beforehand, I definitely wouldn't have purchased it. I was going to go with Corsair, didn't, and I paid the price. The FT01 can be had for just over £100, but don't be tempted. Sorry for the rant, but I was going to put up a build log and now I'm too annoyed as the case let me down. Hope this helps.
 
stulid said:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18312692
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18262502
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18301766

Sure you want a Fractal?
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Hah - after seeing those links, no. I'd want something to see me through a few builds, and not buckle if I look at it. :o Thanks for those links!
Tbid said:
Haf 932 Advanced!
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I think I could stretch to that, I'll read a few reviews first. Can the lights for the fans be turned off, without stopping the fans?
 
Just read up on the HAF 932, and the only problem I can see is the lack of dust filters for the supplied fans. Can these bought seperately?
 
I'd get the silverstone raven 3 at £107 delivered mate.
The ft01 is a great case it's only issue is the top fan filter which had you searched on here you would have read about it.
The cable spacing is tight but it does fit also I run a top fan as exhaust on mine so no need for a filter but not sure why you bought the case at this stage it's old now but there's certainly nothing wrong with it has great thermal performance still up there with the current best and a small footprint and looks great but yea that top fan filter is one of those omg what were they thinking moments and amazing that they released it like that.The only way to resolve it is to use a dremel.
 
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I haven't bought anything yet, lol. The Raven 3 is too different for me - HAF 932 was good, apart from the lack of intakes filters.
 
Well you will get ft02 cooling performance with the raven 3 as well as hdd etc round the back and psu down the bottom with it's own cooling solution I really like the design surprised so many turn their noses up at it.
 
Take a look at the NZXT Phantom Case - very roomy, lots of cooling and above all the built-in fan controller actually makes the case quiet ... unlike the corsair cases.;)
 
darael said:
Hah - after seeing those links, no. I'd want something to see me through a few builds, and not buckle if I look at it. :o Thanks for those links!I think I could stretch to that, I'll read a few reviews first. Can the lights for the fans be turned off, without stopping the fans?
Click to expand...

The red light on the front intake fan really isn't very obtrusive, I'm sitting next to my pc now in a dark room and I can't notice it, If I leave my PC on overnight with the screen off there isn't any red light on the walls from the fan, it's the blue LED indicators that are bright
 
HAF 922, it has the airfilters things for you, however the only complaint that i have read about is the side panel is exposed.

Easy remedy is to put a 200mm fan there :)

Plus it meets your budget
 
my friend has a NZXT Phantom Case and it is huge, brilliant airflow, looks nice and well just a great case. It breaks you budget by around 10-20 pound thought

However, i have the haf 922 and imo it is best case i have ever had. It is looked down on as being a mid case but... it actually has a bigger interior than the haf932 and haf x.

The haf 922 is beutiful but is a very wide and long case and can be purchased for around 80 quid,

If width and length is a problem then the haf 932 would be your best bet as it is thinner, shorter but a lot taller.
 
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