Aluminum vs. Steel

[Pollock]

I've seen it everywhere that loaded aluminum cases weigh about the same as empty steel cases, but what are some actual weights people have for loaded aluminum and steel cases?

 

[Abos]

Unless you plan on moving your computer around a lot, I don't see how it matters, but aluminum is lighter.

 

[WobbleWobble]

You pay premium for aluminum cases. They're more fragile as well. Yes, they are lighter but as Abos said unless you plan on moving your computer around often, what's the big deal?

Alumimum is supposed to run systems cooler. But in practice, there isn't that much a difference between steel and aluminum, if any.

 

[Wuzup101]

There isn't a heck of a lot of difference between the 2. I personally move my computer a lot (Lans, and to and from home/college). I also love Lian-Li cases... so I personally use aluminum. I doubt there is any cooling benifit at all - that's just hype. There isn't much difference between aluminum and steel besides the weight and durability. There is however a big difference between a cheeply made case and a quality one.

 

[beatle]

Originally posted by: Wuzup101
There is however a big difference between a cheeply made case and a quality one.

Definitely. Most of the time if you buy a high dollar aluminum case, the manufacturer has done the necessary R&D so that it's also very functional and attractive. I won't trade my Coolermaster for anything (except maybe another Coolermaster ).

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

2mm thick aluminum for me. There are others that are but iirc all Lian-Li cases are 2mm thick and this has some real advantages over steel for me. In no particular order: stiffer, better sound insulation, less apt to resonate, easier to drill
or grind(when modding) and attractive in anodized finish.

Give me a 2mm thick removable mobo tray anyday..

 

[Corporate Thug]

i just "upgraded" from my aluminum UNEEC that weighed something like 14 pounds to a 40 pound Xaser

i can fell the back pain already

 

[KillaKilla]

Originally posted by: galvanizedyankee
2mm thick aluminum for me. There are others that are but iirc all Lian-Li cases are 2mm thick

Might want to remind vendors, Lian-Li, and the Anand reviewers of that, they all show atleast 1 1mm thick al-u-minium case from Lian-Li.

Really,we would all like to see more 2mm aluminium (al-yü-minEum) cases, 120m case fans, fan-vent w/o drilled holes, but in their place wire grills, and other things, but when is that gonna happen?

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

I have a steel case but it didn't really matter to me. The case came with a carrying strap thing too so even carrying isn't much of an issue.

 

[Sid59]

give me Titanium!

 

[Abos]

Originally posted by: KillaKilla
aluminium (al-yü-minEum)

aluminum (uh-loo-min-um)


Titanium would kick ass...

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: Abos

Originally posted by: KillaKilla
aluminium (al-yü-minEum)

aluminum (uh-loo-min-um)


Titanium would kick ass...

Ever notice how titanium became so popular after the fall of Russia? Well, thats where it came from. They had thousands of tons of it stock piled. They flooded the market and the price dropped like a lead ball


uh-loo-min-um, thats how it comes out of my mouth

So, it looks like the PC-6070 is 1mm but it is lined with sound dampening material and thats no fun to drill or cut through
when modding a case. Best to leave that one a stocker.

I just know that the box I put together, for my gal, whatever its brand, will be 2mm uhloominum

 

[KillaKilla]

Originally posted by: galvanizedyankee

Originally posted by: Abos

Originally posted by: KillaKilla
aluminium (al-yü-minEum)

aluminum (uh-loo-min-um

uh-loo-min-um, uhloominum

I too pronounce it uh-loo-min-um, but al-yü-minEum sounds funny!
..............................................................|....|....|..|...|as in thumb
..............................................................|....|....|..|as in tree
..............................................................|....|....| as in minute
..............................................................|....| as in you
..............................................................| as in pal, or the name Al.

 

[zodder]

I like my Lian Li too much to ever get anything but aluminum.

 

[vshah]

Originally posted by: shady06
i just "upgraded" from my aluminum UNEEC that weighed something like 14 pounds to a 40 pound Xaser

i can fell the back pain already

aye, me too...i live on the 3rd floor of my dorm, with no elevator...i don't relish carryin my xaser III down this summer

but hey...it'll squish your little sff htpc

-Vivan

 

[futuristicmonkey]

Imagine a carbon-fibre case

 

[Sid59]

i still want a titanium one. how much does titanium cost?

 

[Abos]

A lot...

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: futuristicmonkey
Imagine a carbon-fibre case

x505 sony super slim laptop has some

 

[0roo0roo]

and about the same? i think not. my loaded uneec case weighs less then my old ass steel Mini tower with less stuff inside. quite a bit less.

plus, aluminum is pretty

 

[gplracer]

If you are going to have a window and light it up the aluminum cases look better on the inside.