New PC Time (Finding a Case)

[Gourmandise]

So I got a promotion and the only proper way to celebrate is to plan a new PC from scratch. This post is mainly about the case, as it affects my build in a major way.

What I really want to make is a full white PC inside/outside with soft lighting of my fav color (purple) WITHOUT sacrificing too much function for form. For this reason, I really like the two NZXT cases (S340 Elite White / H440 White+Purple) and even planned full builds for them. My only worries are that I don't know how to spot potentially egregious downsides to the cases, and hear that their customer service and CAM software might by kinda shitty. I don't want to deal with that kind of stuff if I'm going to be dropping the big bucks to make stuff match and all that.

In the event all of my worst fears are true, and I would be compromising too much to make my nice white PC, I really like the Phanteks cases (Luxe / Evolv normal and glass variants). It looks like they don't sacrifice too much (if anything at all) for their looks.

So, what do you guys think? Do I let my mind run away with my worries, or are the Phanteks cases too good to pass up?
Also, feel free to recommend any cases you might think I'd like. Pls and TY

[Moozart]

Here is the one i just finished up. Could easily put some purple lighting into it.

[Gourmandise]

The easiest way to spot issues with the cases is to spend a ton of time on various sites combing through lower star reviews. If you don't see something that you can't live with(I'm unaware of any serious issues with those NZXT cases) then you get what makes you happy as far as aesthetics go. A lot of people downplay that, but if I'm going to be looking at this PC all the time it better be pleasing to the eye.

Sounds good. For the most part, I've been flying around Youtube where the most critical thing people talk about are thermals. I cut my post down a ton, so you don't know, but I did look at things like In Win 305 Infinity / Corsair Crystal series. That's where my worries about form:function began. I used to be worried about cases ditching the front optical drive bay, but I remembered I can buy an external one so meh.

Here is the one i just finished up. Could easily put some purple lighting into it.

Oh yeah, that my favorite one so far. While I do like the purple on the H440, the inside isn't white like the S340.

[Ealyssa]

I never experienced NZTX myself, can't say if they are good to work with.

But I bought a Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ATX and that case is a dream. It's was really awesome to build my computer inside it. Everything is well thought. And the look is gorgeous. That's a case I recommend to everyone arround me.

[Fascinate]

NZXT has hands down no questions asked the best build quality of any of the popular case manufacturers.

H440 3 years after its release is still the best case on the market, no one has topped it yet. I just purchased the H440 mattel black edition, and for 110 bucks im blown away.

[Denpepe]

I'm using a phanteks case atm and they are a dream to work in, have no experience with NZXT though.

[ovm33]

Any case can be a white case if you're willing to put in the effort... Spray paint.

Things to keep in mind:

- Glossy painted metal surfaces will need to be sanded down with a medium grit sandpaper. Ensure you thoroughly clean all metal filings after sanding.
- Disconnect all cables and headers. Paint can have bad effects on wires especially. Tape off all headers that you can't easily remove.
- Break down the case into as small as parts as possible.
- Primer. Prime the surfaces you wish to paint first. (Seems pretty logical but many people forget it.)
- Paint.

These are just some basic tips. There are many in depth video's on youtube on step by step processes / best practices.


I highly encourage you not to pigeon hole yourself into cases that come "pre-painted" the colors you want. If you're willing to spend a few hours and 5-10 bucks you can have something that fits your aesthetics perfectly and be unique to boot. If you're savvy enough to put together your own PC and be concerned with it's cooling properties then you're savvy enough to take the next step. Every case I've had I ended up modding in at least some small way. Though I can warn you it's a rather deep rabbit hole once you start. (You won't want to stop.)

[Fascinate]

Phanteks COULD be good, but quality of the parts and more importantly quality control are really lacking. Just take a peek at the past 5 pages on the overclock . net phanteks owners club, they are not in the same league as a company as nzxt.

Corsair a few years ago could be considered the top manufacturer but id say their last good case was a 600T, quality has gone downhill big time for them as well. 400c is pretty decent, but build quality and price are really what is bringing them down on that one.

This is how i rank case manufactuers:
NZXT
Fractal
Phanteks
Corsair
Cooler master

There are other ones that are decent ( inwin, thermaltake, lian li, bitfenix, deepcool) but id put them in the B grade.

[Gourmandise]

Any case can be a white case if you're willing to put in the effort... Spray paint.
...

This is a great recommendation. I was heavily considering painting whatever radiator I buy, in addition to figuring out if you can replace the black tubing on the liquid cooler as well. this means I could realistically go for any case I want now!

[ovm33]

This is a great recommendation. I was heavily considering painting whatever radiator I buy, in addition to figuring out if you can replace the black tubing on the liquid cooler as well. this means I could realistically go for any case I want now!

It would be easier to hide the black tubing than replace it...

http://www.overclock.net/t/1259366/c...l-h60-h80-h100


And deeper into the hole you go!

(I think purple UV paint would like quite sick.)

[Gourmandise]

Indeed, and any fans(regardless of how ugly noctuas are). As he said, be aware it can be addicting. Modding cases isn't overly difficult and if you let it, your imagination can run away with you. When painting a case if you want glossy make sure to clear coat and consider wet sanding. It can make it go from oooo to nicer than most people's cars quite easily.

I'll definitely have to take my time and use baby steps once I find and get everything I want. I am very picky when it comes to realizing what goes on in my head, so it'll have to be pretty perfect (within reason). I can't wait to come back here and beg for help lol

(I think purple UV paint would like quite sick.)

Oh no, why u say this...

[Gourmandise]

Just be aware that UV light can have different effects on certain plastics. With the fans make sure you take them apart and mask off areas you don't want to get any paint in. Similarly mask anything you paint to make sure only the sections you want a certain color end up that color. Take your time when applying paint and make sure to do it in even layers(watch some video of how people paint cars and try to mimic their technique with the spray cans). I usually apply at least 2 coats of color before sanding and then applying a clear coat to protect everything.

With tubing I'd look at simply wrapping it instead of painting it. Unless you do a custom loop of course, in which case you just get tubing that's a color you can appreciate or use fluid that works with your scheme. Main reason I'd wrap an AIO loops tubing if you're doing UV is to protect it so it doesn't crack.

All nice stuff to take into account, thanks. Since the first computer I put together was very basic and took like 30min, I'll definitely have to stop and double check everything to make sure I don't bung it up.