Best Case For Cooling

[stevem326]

I'm going to be buying a new PC in a few more months and my primary concern is going to be cooling. Between the two cases in my message title, which do you think would be the best for cooling? I'm kinda thinking the Lian Li would be the clear choice but I've heard some pretty good feedback about the CM cases as well. Noise isn't really an issue for me. If one of these is louder than the other I don't really care. I know the CM uses 80mm fans and the Lian-Li uses 120mm.

If someone can suggest a case that they think would cool even more effectively than either of these two, I'll definitely listen to what you have to say. I'm willing to spend about $200.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[imported_Kensai]

I like the v1000.

 

[AristoV300]

The V-1000 probably is the better of the 2. Take a look at the Thermaltake Tsunami Dream.

 

[stevem326]

Thanks. I've heard good things about the Thermaltake Tsunami as well, so I guess I'll add them to the list.

 

[Promethply]

The Lian Li V-1000 would be better at cooling, and at gathering dusts

 

[stevem326]

Originally posted by: Promethply
The Lian Li V-1000 would be better at cooling, and at gathering dusts

I've heard that before...why is the Lian-Li so good at attracting dust? Thanks.

 

[Promethply]

Originally posted by: stevem326

Originally posted by: Promethply
The Lian Li V-1000 would be better at cooling, and at gathering dusts

I've heard that before...why is the Lian-Li so good at attracting dust? Thanks.

The numerous little holes that this case has provide many entry points for dusts to enter the case.

 

[stevem326]

That's what I thought...thanks. I just checked out the Thermaltake Tsunami...looks like an awesome case. I might go with that one instead.

 

[Chode Messiah]

I have a lian li and there is no dust with the fans blowing. Lian-li makes superior cases, though I do like the tsunami case

 

[stevem326]

Yes I'd have to rate the Tsunami right up there at the top, too. It has dual 120mm fans which is what I was looking for (the Wavemaster only has 80mm fans). The good thing is I'm not buying for a few more months so I have lots more time to research all of this.

Thanks Aristo for suggesting the Tsunami.

 

[Promethply]

BTW, the CM Wavemaster has 2 X 8cm (low RPM) intake fans, which moves roughly equal volume of air as a single 12cm fan,

and if they spin at the same rate of RPM, then the dual 8cm fans will be quieter than the single 12cm fan,

and the CM Wavemaster comes stock with an option for you to install a blowhole fan on top of the case.

 

[stevem326]

Originally posted by: Promethply
BTW, the CM Wavemaster has 2 X 8cm (low RPM) intake fans, which moves roughly equal volume of air as a single 12cm fan,

and if they spin at the same rate of RPM, then the dual 8cm fans will be quieter than the single 12cm fan,

and the CM Wavemaster comes stock with an option for you to install a blowhole fan on top of the case.

Thanks. Noise isn't really an issue for me, but I do like that top vent in the WaveMaster in terms of its ability to dissipate heat. The new Antec P180 (supposedly coming out in early June) has a similar design.

It sure is nice to have all of these options but on the flip side, it sure does make it hard to reach a decision on what to buy!

 

[jcny19x]

Isn't it true that you have to buy the blower set for the v100, and also the side window? These are very expensive features....and the case alone costs like 180 dollars right? Does not seem worth it to me....

 

[charlietee]

The Coolermaster Stacker is a pretty kick a$$ case...From cooling to build quality these cases are hard to beat...Especially if watercooling...Fan mounts galore...Provisions to mount two power supplys...BTX...Very future proof case.

The Lian-Li PC-7B Plus from Cooler Guys is also a very nice case...2 120m/m fans...80m/m blow hole fan (fan not included)...Windowed...Lian-Li build quality...Very nice case especially considering the price.

 

[Maluno]

Just a comment: Although I dont own one, I have heard from many tsunami owners that the case is extremely loud. Something to think about, even if you dont think you will be too concerned with quietness.

 

[S Random]

Originally posted by: Promethply
BTW, the CM Wavemaster has 2 X 8cm (low RPM) intake fans, which moves roughly equal volume of air as a single 12cm fan,

and if they spin at the same rate of RPM, then the dual 8cm fans will be quieter than the single 12cm fan,

and the CM Wavemaster comes stock with an option for you to install a blowhole fan on top of the case.

if you are spending xxx on a case anyway you need to invest in better case fans, and a decent 120 will move as much air as 2.5 decent 80s with the sound of 1.5 80s. + the sound from 120s isnt the annoying hum like any decent speed 80mm has, 120s are purely a superior fan

 

[imported_Kensai]

Lian Li v2000 is a nice case too. Just keep your case about a foot off the ground or so.

 

[charlietee]

And as far as the CoolerMaster Wave....Thermal performance is poor at best.

 

[IntegraGSR]

buy the cheapest case you can find that is visually appealing to you and has features that you want (ie removable mobo tray, clips on everything instead of screws, etc) and add fans in the case where you need extra airflow or want to have a particular component cooled... you will pay A LOT less, will probably end up getting a case you like a lot better (visually) and you will have cooling designed specifically for your system..

i realize you said you're willing to spend up to $200. but why spend more just because you have the money? it really is a waste.. you could put the $150ish you could save to something much more useful than being able to say i've got a *insert popular case brand here* woo hoo!

 

[stevem326]

Thanks a lot for everybody's advice. I'm going to print this thread and do some more research on the other cases that you guys suggested. I'm really glad I posted this question here and got so many responses!

And Integra's suggestion is not a bad one either. I could buy a much less expensive case and use the savings to buy a faster CPU, more RAM, better video card, whatever...so thanks a lot for that. As long as I can keep things cool that's my main concern and yes, technically you don't need to spend $200 on a case in order to do that.

 

[intogamer]

WAVEMASTER IS HOT, mine is coming in I'll let you know about it!

 

[Arcanedeath]

I'm gonna chime in here about the TT Tsunami, it's a great case and if you get one w/out the side window that doesn't come w/ the led fan, it's pretty much dead quiet. I'm even using the stock TT fans and the louded thing in my case atm is the Zalman VF700 Alcu @ 12V on my X800XL. The only thing I wish the TT Tsunami had but doesn't is a removable motherboard tray. But other than that one missing feature It's a great case that I'd rec. to anyone, and it's not that expensive either.

 

[CraigRT]

The Lian-Li is better for flow, but the Wavemaster is one of the best looking cases ever IMO.

I went with the WM, as I was sick of buying all my last recent cases just based on performance. I love my WM.

 

[kenan]

I have a Wavemaster and did a very difficult job and liquid cooled it. It was the most difficult thing I've attempted because there is no space inside.

Basically, I cut a 120mm blowhole in the right panel, put a CM blue window on the left, and mounted my radiator outside the case, with the Antec 120mm Smart Fan on the inside.

Also, didn't have space for a reservoir, so did a T-line from the top of the case next to the USB and Firewire.

The worst part was that I have an Eheim 1250, big pump. So I cut out the hard drive cage completely, put the pump there, and got a Cooldrive that controls all the fans and has temperature probes.

I have digressed quite a bit.... but I felt like sharing....

The Wavemaster is awesome. And my case is silent, and everything is very very cold.