Best Cases with Built In Liquid Cooling?

[FatLeprechaun]

I'm interested in building a dream system (e.g. Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 CPU, Asus Striker II Extreme 790i Ultra Motherboard, 2 x 8800 GTX Ultra GPU, etc.) with liquid cooling. I want liquid cooling so I can overclock for maximum performance.

HOWEVER, I've never built a system before, so I want to use a case and cooling system that's as easy to put together as possible. I'm thinking about buying a case with liquid cooling built in. Can anyone recommend anything?

In my preliminary research, Thermaltake has a couple cases with liquid cooling built-in: Thermaltake Does anyone recommend the Kandalf LCS or Armor LCS?

I also heard that the Antec 1200 is coming out soon. I wonder if they'll have a model with built in liquid cooling or if that would be a good alternative.

Finally, I'm thinking about following a built it yourself guide at Tom's Hardware that seems to put together a relatively simple case and cooling system: The Temjin TJ10 Case and the Swiftech's H20-120 Compact Kit cooling system: Tom's High End System Thoughts?

 

[Syzygies]

Originally posted by: FatLeprechaun
HOWEVER, I've never built a system before, so I want to use a case and cooling system that's as easy to put together as possible.

You're not far off from the rig I asked about in the thread

WC specs for Q6700, 3 x 8800GTX for stream

There, I asked about a single 3 x 120mm radiator, and was quickly told I'd need two water loops to dispell that heat. My ears are still ringing from the laughter.

You're asking about a single 1 x 120mm radiator. Brace yourself! That would be like trying to tow a motor home behind a Prius.

I tried to learn what I could before building my first rig, and there isn't a single component I'd do over in it. I then built/rebuilt a few computers for family, and built my sig rig, which I'm much happier with. I'd still call it a beginner rig, that I'd urge you to build first and find a good home for, before proceeding on your dream rig.

(My dream rig would be based on the Skulltrail motherboard...)

 

[CurseTheSky]

I've built my own liquid cooled systems, and bought a "pre-built" liquid cooled case (Kandalf LCS).

With both, you'll have to put it together yourself (cutting hoses, mounting waterblock(s), mounting pump + reservoir, etc.) The only REAL advantage is that the liquid cooling that comes with such cases is guarenteed to fit without many problems.

In all honesty, it's just as easy to do some research, figure out what cases can fit what, and buy your own parts. You'll get better performance (TRUST ME), and be able to make it look how YOU want it.

The Kandalf LCS isn't a bad case, but 3/8" fittings / hose and a pump that died in a year keeps me from recommending it to anyone. It's HEAVY too, probably 50-70 pounds when full.

 

[WoodButcher]

Read Aigo's post stickied at the top of Cases and Cooling.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: Syzygies


(My dream rig would be based on the Skulltrail motherboard...)

mmm... mine would be a 4 cpu SMP system with 128 GIGS of ram, and an IO system that would make ruby jealous.

meaning, i'll probably never own one. If i did, it was for a large scale corporation.