Alluminam Alloy Caes - WORTH the $$$ ?

[batmang]

I'm wondering if purchasing an alluminam alloy case is worth the money. I currently have a crappy old case with a p4 2.6c @ 3.0ghz, running about 35c idle, about 45 full load. would buying an alluminam case help with my temps anymore? My slk-900u seems to be doing a HELL of a job keeping things cool. Would it get me anymore mhz getting a new case?

 

[huesmann]

No.

 

[beatle]

What kind of layout is your case? How many fans do you have and where are they?

 

[batmang]

my case is a really old atx case that i got with my P2-266, in 97. its about 6+ years old. the only fans inside the case is the cpu fan, the vid card fan and the motherboard chipset fan, and the fans on the psu. theres not even a fan behind the cpu on the back of the case. hah. its really old case. these links to the pics below are exactly how my case looks right now. theres no cover on the case, everything ur seeing is how my computer looks right now.

http://lpbproductions.com/diss/p4/01.jpg
http://lpbproductions.com/diss/p4/02.jpg
http://lpbproductions.com/diss/p4/03.jpg
http://lpbproductions.com/diss/p4/04.jpg
http://lpbproductions.com/diss/p4/05.jpg
http://lpbproductions.com/diss/p4/06.jpg
http://lpbproductions.com/diss/p4/07.jpg
http://lpbproductions.com/diss/p4/08.jpg

the way i see it is, if my temps arent gonna get any lower or help my overclock anymore, i see no need in buying a case. i mean, ive had this case for 6 years and it works fine, why waste money on something just cause it looks cool, besides, i need a new hard drive.

EDIT* - forgot to mention i live in tucson arizona and it gets hot as crap outside and inside. but we keep the apartment at 79F. the room where my pc is, is always around 79-82F at most. i cant stand it hot in my house, i keep that shiz cool.

 

[Corporate Thug]

i just like them cuz they are light which comes in handy when transferring them to and from a dorm

 

[hmsrolst]

Aluminum cases only help in terms of weight. Cooling is mostly a function of air flow. I think you're doing fine with your temps, and unless you're into cases (as some of us are), I don't think I'd invest in a new one.

 

[pbrain]

aluminum is also a hell of a lot easier to cut if you mod the case.

 

[techwanabe]

Originally posted by: pbrain
aluminum is also a hell of a lot easier to cut if you mod the case.

Every time I have to lift my computer, I like my aluminum Antec Lanboy Case... it feels like half the weight of my older Tualy rig in a steel case (same size). I'm not sure if cooling is better or worse, but I'd say it is equivelent. It seem's ventalation is the biggest factor. I'm leaving the side off for now. The Lanboy had a big window in the side BTW.

 

[0roo0roo]

looks better, its light, and easier to mod. cost premium over steel for antec/chieftec is only like 20 dollars, for cases which are longer term investments ussually, its quite worth it.

 

[mechBgon]

Bigger picture: any of the Antec/Chieftec clones will romp all over your existing case when it comes to ventilation and cooling, regardless of their material (steel or aluminum). Particularly the ones with the 120mm exhaust or the dual 80's so do consider picking up a new case. They're also very easy to work in, with the automobile-style side door latch and quick-release drive cage.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Some of the things I like about the Lian-Li cases I have are:

1) Light weight.
2) Unique look.
3) Fit and finish is excellent.
4) Case features - slide out mobo tray, quick release cable for power sw, reset sw, etc., thumb screws everywhere, side window, fans and fan controller switch on front panel.
5) Virtually impossible to cut yourself on interior of case.
6) Removable drive bays (thumb screws again).

 

[batmang]

thanks for all the input, i appreciate the responses. but i have to admit, im surprised no one ragged on my case.... look how GHETTO it is. haha, none of the hd's are screwed into place, the cd rom and floppy arent either. the floppy is sitting on its side inside the case. ghetttttto!

 

[huesmann]

Yeah, pretty ghetto.

Is that a Thermaltake fan on a Thermalright heatsink?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: batmang
thanks for all the input, i appreciate the responses. but i have to admit, im surprised no one ragged on my case.... look how GHETTO it is. haha, none of the hd's are screwed into place, the cd rom and floppy arent either. the floppy is sitting on its side inside the case. ghetttttto!

Mine is like that sometimes...I just don't take pictures of it when it is.

 

[batmang]

Originally posted by: huesmann
Yeah, pretty ghetto.

Is that a Thermaltake fan on a Thermalright heatsink?

yep, its a thermaltake smartcase fan, the original one.

 

[eastvillager]

probably not, if cooling is your only concern.

On the other hand, most of the aluminum cases seem to be a bit better designed, to help justify the pricetag.

I've got a few versions of the coolermaster atc-201 at home, and they definitely run cooler than an inwin I've got, but that is because of design, not materials. I actually need to replace that one too, it runs louder and hotter than the coolermaster cases sitting next to it, which takes most of the point out of the work i did to quiet them down(zalman stuff, etc.)