The experts opinion needed

alxhix · 26 Mar 2015 at 13:37

Hi,

I'm extremely new to PC building - worked with them for years; but building - heck when I was keen you had to really worry about earthing everything and I couldn't afford much anyway. And now that I can afford to, I'm looking to start again.

So - looking at building a decent gaming rig (probably end up with the i5 4460; and a GTX 980 or 970) but in as small a form factor as I can.

I don't trust myself to do this in an mini-ITX format. and I've never watercooled.

My research over a number of days has left me more worried than I was; so I thought I'd ask the experts.

So - any recommendations for a mini-ATX case that can cool well; will fit a power supply that can handle the card; will fit the card; and will allow an optical drive (fine with slimline or slot load). Smaller is better - as long as it fits the needs.

Thanks in advance

Legion · 26 Mar 2015 at 14:26

So you are basically looking for a small "ATX" case? or a "Micro ATX (mini-ATX does not exist) Case?
I'm guessing Micro ATX and my recommendation to anyone is still the Silverstone TJ08-E.
The Phanteks Enthoo Evolv also has a good following.

Either of those cases will take seriously high end hardware.
The Phanteks is better suited to Watercooling though if that's what you want to do with it.

For a GTX 970 or 980 even a 500w PSU is overkill, so no need to go over 500w for that build.

alxhix · 26 Mar 2015 at 15:04

Hi,

Sorry - yes; meant micro ATX. Thanks - will have a look at those.

Edit - although the Phanteks doesn't seem to have a slot for an optical drive - or did I miss it?

Fulax · 26 Mar 2015 at 15:21

The optical drive slot is on the rear of the case. Fine if you won't be using it very often but I suppose if you use optical disks a lot it probably isn't the case for you.

EDIT: The Aerocool Dead Silence is a nice little mATX case but OcUK don't seem to stock it any more. It can be found elsewhere, though.

alxhix · 27 Mar 2015 at 12:24

Thanks - yes I had a look at the Aerocool one (That's the one in many many bright colours right?) - pretty cool..

Any thoughts on the Antec ISK600M?

HackJoe · 27 Mar 2015 at 14:56

I'd vote for the Phanteks, great build quality, good price point.

J.

Edward78 · 27 Mar 2015 at 15:56

mini-ATX does not exist, yes it does.

pantbash · 27 Mar 2015 at 22:00

Can you get away with a USB pluggable optical drive?
If so it could give you some more case options and/or watercooling room.

alxhix · 30 Mar 2015 at 14:44

Thanks for the responses guys - appreciate the help. Sorry - was off the net the entire weekend.

External Optical is an option - but I'd prefer integrated.

I also prefer the cube look ... think it'll be less obtrusive on the desk. I've discovered since moving to the UK that space is a bit more limited; and we have ended up with a few multi-function rooms; of which the lounge is one. Small and out of the way is the stand out requirement.

Thanks again.