Case recommendations for CFL build

[IndyColtsFan]

I’m looking for case recommendations for my new 8700k build. Initially, I was targeting the new Cosmos but decided it was too much money with too few features.

What I’m looking for:

1. Great thermal performance - I’ll be using a 240 or 280 mm AIO and I want good airflow and I prefer to mount the AIO at the top.

2. Good noise performance.

3. Quality build and materials

4. Form factor: mid or full tower

5. Budget is $200.

 

[Crono]

Be quiet! Dark Base 900 is $180-$200, or Pro variant which is a little more at $230.

Review (skip first minute, which is an ad):

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Be quiet! Dark Base 900 is $180-$200, or Pro variant which is a little more at $230.

Review (skip first minute, which is an ad):

Yeah I looked at that one but I thought it had mixed thermals in reviews I saw. Maybe I’ll revisit it tonight.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Man, that is a sweet case after further review. Definitely on my short list and need to look at thermals more. I'm a little concerned with the lack of ventilation on the roof, but the adjustable motherboard tray means I could easily mount a push/pull radiator configuration.

Also looking at the Enthoo Luxe - any opinions on that one?

 

[Crono]

Man, that is a sweet case after further review. Definitely on my short list and need to look at thermals more. I'm a little concerned with the lack of ventilation on the roof, but the adjustable motherboard tray means I could easily mount a push/pull radiator configuration.

Also looking at the Enthoo Luxe - any opinions on that one?

That would be my recommendation if cooling is a priority. Few other cases come with that many 140mm fan mounts, and the included Phanteks are very good.

 

[bfun_x1]

Did you look at the Cooler Master MasterCase H500P? It has a good balance of noise and thermals.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Did you look at the Cooler Master MasterCase H500P? It has a good balance of noise and thermals.

Originally, the new Cosmos C700P was my first choice and the H500P was my second. I still think the C700P is the best looking case currently on the market and is probably the case most in my comfort zone, but I think Cooler Master made too many comprises and cut too many corners for a $300 case, the biggest being only including two 3.5" drive trays. Why would you make a gigantic case like that and only include 2 drive trays?!?!?! Anyway, the H500P is also a gorgeous case; however, it is getting raked over the coals in reviews. Cooler Master has some serious quality issues with it and really skimped on materials. It was probably one of the most hyped and anticipated cases I remember, and Cooler Master completely and totally blew it and I bet we'll see a new version at some point.

I currently have an almost 10 year-old Cosmos S which I've used for my last two generations. I still personally think the Cosmos S is the best looking Cosmos ever and if I could find another new one in a dusty warehouse somewhere, I'd buy it. I COULD use this one for my next build and save some money, but I'm a little hesitant. One of the spring doors no longer "springs" open, but that isn't a major issue. The concern I really have is that touch panel power board will eventually die. Of course if that happens, then I suppose I could mod the case with another switch or just buy a new case at that time. Plus, there is a little sentimental factor too - my current system is my longest-lived system in nearly 40 years of computers, and I was going to keep it intact after the new build is done and still use it for other purposes.

Sigh - so many choices, so much indecision on my part - lol. I probably like the look of the be quiet Dark Base Pro more than the Luxe, but it gets very mediocre thermal scores. The Luxe looks to be a great case, but it seems that it might be an older model and I'm not enamored by its looks. As a matter-of-fact, I think that in general, Fractal and Phanteks make a lot of generic looking or even ugly cases. Maybe I SHOULD just bite the bullet and spring for the Cosmos and modify it to fit my needs.

 

[bfun_x1]

Ha! My story is almost the same. I had the Cosmos 1000 for almost 10 years. Despite it's enormous size it was never versatile with fans or cabling. I loved the spring doors in the beginning but after a few years I hated the design because of the cabling issues it caused. Anyway I just replaced it in July with the Thermaltake View 31. I spent a lot of time searching and there was never a 100% perfect a choice. The Dark Base 900 was on my list but I didn't want to go full tower again. I always felt the wasted space in my Cosmos was ...a waste. I really wanted the C700P but I couldn't wait for it. The SilverStone Primera was also an option but it's kind of weird. The Cooler Master Maker 5 was my second choice but I decided against it for some reason.

Now I'm not sure what to do with my Cosmos 1000. I guess I'll give it away for free on Craigslist.

 

[Campy]

Have you looked at the Corsair 570X? I don't know about noise but cooling should be very good and it looks very nice in my opinion.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Have you looked at the Corsair 570X? I don't know about noise but cooling should be very good and it looks very nice in my opinion.

I did look at it - it is a beautiful case but too much glass IMO.

Coolermaster needs to take the Mastercase Pro 6 chassis and add Cosmos styling to it. I saw someone else with a similar suggestion and he suggested they call it the Galaxy line.

 

[nOOky]

Cooler Master HAF-X excellent cooling, easy to work in, etc. it's a classic for a reason.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Ordered the Enthoo Luxe TG and Arctic 240 mm cooler. Thanks everyone.