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Best Case for Air cooling

unseenmorbidity

unseenmorbidity

Golden Member
What I want,

  • #1 Keeps components Frosty
  • Full tower or Mid tower ATX
  • $100 budget
  • Accommodates large CPU air coolers
  • Great Airflow
  • Not extremely noisy
  • Willing to buy more fans later, if necessary.
  • Filters would be nice, but I am not anal about some dust.
Things I am indifferent to,

  • Radiator mounting capability. CPU and GPU will be air cooled.
  • Windows
  • Aesthetics
  • Extras: Rubber Grommets, Thumb screws, LEDs, etc...
  • 5.25" Tray
  • USB 3.0 Front I/O (It would be a plus, but I don't think it would matter that much really)
 
Define S https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352054
You can get a windowed version too, if that's your thing.
Does not fit many HDDs, you have the HDD and SSD slots behind the mobo tray.

You don't have the cages messing up the airflow.
I wouldn't add any fans on top as if you remove the top plates it has no filter and you mess up the sound dampening.
The front panel and filter are easy to remove.The bottom filter comes out through the back only.
Has sound dampening panels, does not have fan controller.
Has 2x USB 3.0 front but only 2, some cases have more.
Has 2x 140mm fans, one in front and one back.
I would add a front intake fan, align it with the CPU cooler ( this being the key point as to why get a case without optical drive bays) and lower a bit the middle front fan to target the GPU.
You could add a 3rd front fan and a bottom fan if you wanted to but most folks wouldn't need it.
The windowed version should be slightly noisier so up to you.

The Define C could also fit your needs. There are some other similar cases ofc but the Define S for the price is just great if you can do without many HDDs.
Lots use it for water but i like it better for air, when factoring in noise.
 
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I'm not an expert on what the rave cases are these days, so things like the Fractal have a tentative acceptance to me for being popular or well-touted. I just thought from my quick photo-gallery assessments that it looked too restrictive.

I recently purchased a Corsair Vengeance C70 for a computer I'm building. I can't think it wouldn't accommodate a ThermalRight Le Grand Macho. There are other coolers that are feasible as well.

If exterior design or color are more important, it depends on whether you favor the real ammo-box latches for sturdiness, or feel confident with primer and spray enamel. I'm more interested in metal-work, fittings, vents, and other aspects of design.
 
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