Full-size case recommendation

[Deleted]

Update 05/18: Thank you guys! I've made my choice and I'll be posting updates later on.

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Hey guys,

A year ago you helped me build my first custom computer. At the time, I went for the cheap Corsair Carbide 200R but I think it's fair to say that I've outgrown this case: I now have a Be Quiet! Shadow Rock 2, a Galax HOF GTX 980, 3 WD Caviar Black and 2 SSD. I'd like to get a watercooling solution as the BQ! SR2 blocks one of my RAM slots (this sucks) and there is no way I can fit a Corsair H110i or something to this level in that case. Moreover, cable management in that case is insanely bad.

I'm looking to change the case before adding the watercooler, RAM and a new PSU sometime this year. I want to go full-size.

The Carbide Obsidian 750D seems like a great replacement, but I figure you may have some options in mind. Care to share? My budget is no more than €180 ($200). If your recommendation goes above, tell me why it's worth the price: I'm not against putting in more if that's the perfect case for me.

Thanks a lot!

Edit: Oh, forgot to mention! I'm not after flashy neons and insane looking cases. I prefer simple looking cases. But hey, I know some high-end ones have a silly design and I can get over it. However, I need to be able to disable the neons and all

[Nuckels]

corsair carbide air 540


Its what came to mind, it has a open sidepanel but easy cable management it will support water cooling in more then one way (unless you are looking to do a complete custom loop, but I assume you are looking for something just for your CPU?) and its easy to build in.

It costs roughly 165 euros, (im sure you can find it abit cheaper then that).

One but tho, you can fit a watercooler in your current case, with a single fan sized radiator. Not a h110i tho so if that is the one you definately want ignore this.

[Skytip]

I have the Enthoo Luxe. I like it.



Pros

-It is designed around water cooling (means it can fit most things).
-It has a window.
-Fits my 970, which is a 310 mm card.
-It is around $150 US.
-The cable management is quite good, it has velcro strips at the back.
-It has a spot for a reservoir.
-The silicone thingies that are used in the holes for routing cables feel solid.
-Three dust filters. Two at the bottom, one in the front.
-Comes with a fan hub.
-If you see the image, the case is elevated from the floor, which makes it less likely that the PSU will choke.
-No front door, which makes easy access to USB ports and CD drives.

Cons

-It has a PSU shroud that screws in. But if your 8 pin CPU connector cable is short, you might have to put it through the top of the PSU shroud, which makes it so you can't screw the shroud back on.
-It can get quite loud because there is no noise insulation - but might not be a problem if water cooling.
-Cleaning the front dust filter is difficult because you have to remove the entire panel that covers the front.
-There is a plate at the front (see image) underneath which air comes through but the plate is not easily removable for improved airflow. If removed it leaves the four screw holes that just kind of stay there.
-If fans are connected to the hub the RPM speeds cannot be monitored through BIOS (though this might not be a limitation with the case itself).
-And, there are LED lights that cover the entire case on the outside but they can be switched off.

[Arbiter]

Enthoo Pro

It's the same as the Luxe shown above except much cheaper and only missing the LED around the front edge of the case.

Best Full tower case you can possibly buy at $100.

[Skytip]

Enthoo Pro

It's the same as the Luxe shown above except much cheaper and only missing the LED around the front edge of the case.

Best Full tower case you can possibly buy at $100.

Agreed, I did not consider that. I think that the LED lights are not really worth it, especially when considering that I had to switch them off to be able to sleep at night. The only other thing is that the Enthoo Pro might not have a fan HUB, which is not a big deal anyway.

[Deleted]

I've looked at it: apparently the Pro only has one 2.5" bay/rack/whatever the name. The Luxe comes with two.
Moreover, the Luxe has more room on the top to fit a radiator. Is that right? Or just hearsay.

As for the 540 Air, I've been looking at it and was very interested. But reviews say the side panels are flimsy, and there are only two 3.5" HDD bays and I have 3 HDDs so it won't fit.

Thanks a lot! Keep the suggestions coming!

[Lathais]

Hey guys,

A year ago you helped me build my first custom computer. At the time, I went for the cheap Corsair Carbide 200R but I think it's fair to say that I've outgrown this case: I now have a Be Quiet! Shadow Rock 2, a Galax HOF GTX 980, 3 WD Caviar Black and 2 SSD. I'd like to get a watercooling solution as the BQ! SR2 blocks one of my RAM slots (this sucks) and there is no way I can fit a Corsair H110i or something to this level in that case. Moreover, cable management in that case is insanely bad.

I'm looking to change the case before adding the watercooler, RAM and a new PSU sometime this year. I want to go full-size.

The Carbide Obsidian 750D seems like a great replacement, but I figure you may have some options in mind. Care to share? My budget is no more than €180 ($200). If your recommendation goes above, tell me why it's worth the price: I'm not against putting in more if that's the perfect case for me.

Thanks a lot!

Edit: Oh, forgot to mention! I'm not after flashy neons and insane looking cases. I prefer simple looking cases. But hey, I know some high-end ones have a silly design and I can get over it. However, I need to be able to disable the neons and all

Well, according to a Corsair employee, depending on motherboard, the H100i will fit in the 200R:
http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/1dv8av/
That is a bit old though and not the H110i you want.

I have also read in other places of people slightly modifying the 200R with a dremel to accommodate larger radiators. May be cheaper than a new case if you want to try it first.

[Deleted]

I'm leaning towards the Enthoo Luxe, with a Corsair Hydro Series H105 watercooler.

Any other suggestion? I've eliminated the Air 540 (not enough HDD bays) and the Obsidian 750D (missing air filters, more expensive than Enthoo Luxe), the HAF 032 (I hate the design). What's the Cosmos SE worth?

[Master Guns]

I am a huge fan of the elegant and sharp Corsair 750D when it comes to full towers. Great price, sleek modern design, window, great cable management, room for a custom water loop, it's just great.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...811139024&FM=1

[Deleted]

well not sure if it matters to you, but i guess it should if you buy a case with window, is aesthetics. Unless you got 2-3gpu's and maybe custom water loop for both cpu/gpu(s) then full tower for 1gpu looks awefull. Its looks as empty case, you can see alot of the case inside rather than the rig componets. You may want to think about it again

Air flow and an aio doesn't make a full tower better than an atx. Hell no full tower has anything over my micro case concerning air flow and water cooling (again single gpu).

Single gpu setup i would look mostly at:
- fractal design r5 /w
- Corsair 450D
- NZXT H440 (no od bay)
- NZXT Noctis 450 (no od bay)

[Deleted]

The look doesn't matter: the case is tucked away below my desk and I don't ever see it. My complaint with my current Carbide 200R is that it is way too small and compact, and adding three new SATA drives has been awfully fiddly with that giant Galax HOF GTX 980 taking all the place. I'd like the headroom a full tower would give me.

But again I hadn't considered there'd be cases without optical drive bays. I don't use any, and frankly it's wasted space on me. The two NZXT you recommended look great and could very well be it.

I'm still open to other suggestions Again, my mind isn't really set on anything and I'm very interested in hearing on what YOU think is great. Thanks a lot, again!

[Kagthul]

You can also buy sleds to put in to 5.25" bays that will hold HDDs or SSDs. Velco command strips are also pretty awesome for putting in SSD or SSHDs wherever you want them.

[Deleted]

Another vote for Enthoo Pro or Luxe.

[Deleted]

Thanks for the Enthoo Luxe recommendation guys. I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on the purchase.

Any last word? Any other recommendation, just in case?

[Jakexe]

Can't go wrong with the 900D, it has room to store another computer inside it.

The enthoo is great, had a good look at it when I came very close to buying one.

[Deleted]

if you are going watercooling, want a full size case, then you have to consider a HAF 935 Stacker
http://assets.coolermaster.com/globa...ensions-01.jpg

This thing is huge, loads of room for WC (or Pepsi cooling as you can see below) and best of all, can be expanded later on.


I was in the same position as you, needing a case upgrade and I considered several, including the corsair obsidian range, but eventually went for the 935 stacker from cool-master.


even with a custom CPU only loop to a 240mm rad in push pull, there is LOADS of room inside of it. Just wish I could find a block for my GFX card ^.^

[Master Guns]

Did you consider the 750D Corsair I linked? It's really a fantastic full tower case with AMAZING reviews and reputation.

[Deleted]

if you are going watercooling, want a full size case, then you have to consider a HAF 935 Stacker
http://assets.coolermaster.com/globa...ensions-01.jpg

This thing is huge, loads of room for WC (or Pepsi cooling as you can see below) and best of all, can be expanded later on.

I was in the same position as you, needing a case upgrade and I considered several, including the corsair obsidian range, but eventually went for the 935 stacker from cool-master.

even with a custom CPU only loop to a 240mm rad in push pull, there is LOADS of room inside of it. Just wish I could find a block for my GFX card ^.^

Too huge. Thanks though!

Can't go wrong with the 900D, it has room to store another computer inside it.

The enthoo is great, had a good look at it when I came very close to buying one.

The 900D might be overkill although it seems to have everything I want. Twice my original budget though/

Did you consider the 750D Corsair I linked? It's really a fantastic full tower case with AMAZING reviews and reputation.

I did. It was my original upgrade choice to be honest. I really, really love its aesthetic and the very large side window, as well as the open front IO panel. The four SSD trays are great too. But it's missing a few air filters as compared to the Enthoo Luxe, and is a tad more expensive.

Do you have a review handy that may win me over? I've seen Linus' and a few others on YouTube. Not clear why I should get this one instead of the Enthoo instead.

[Master Guns]

I would argue that no case really offers a true benefit in terms of airflow, it's really how you set up your fans. And unfortunately no, right now I do not I am at work on my phone, but I'm sure if you just look up a review for the 750 D, you would find a good one. I'm not downing the Enthoo, it's a great case. Just not the end all be all. And the 750D has adequate air filtering.

[Deleted]

I would argue that no case really offers a true benefit in terms of airflow, it's really how you set up your fans. And unfortunately no, right now I do not I am at work on my phone, but I'm sure if you just look up a review for the 750 D, you would find a good one

Thanks! Especially as you're taking time on your job to answer! Have a great Sunday!