Case upgrade?

[ModelM]

I currently have my water cooled setup crammed into my Enlight 7237. I feel that I could significantly improve performace if my case had more room. I really do not want to go with the full tower, as I think that is a bit of an overkill. So I am looking into a large mid tower case. After a quick web search, I could only find 3 cases that fit my needs. They are:

Addtronics W8500
Chenbro Genie
Lite-on FS020

I think the Addtronics case would suit me perfectly, but I'm not prepared to spend $300 on a case. The best price I could find for the Lite-on was $109, and $159 for the Chenbro. At this point, I'm leading towards the Lite-on. Can anyone recommend one case over the other, or perhaps an entirely different model?

Thanks!

 

[JokerF15]

How about the Antec SX1030 or 1040. they can be usually picked up for under 100 bux. and they are pretty roomy inside. don't know if it'll suit you =). just a suggestion tho.

 

[ModelM]

I had thought about the Antec cases, but I decided they are too thin. The 1030 and 1040 are 8.1" wide versus 9.2" for the FS020 and 8.9" for the Genie. The WX8500 is a whopping 12.1" wide. However, I am fond of the price on the antecs. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Siamskunk]

FS020 would be a good choice for H2O but you'll have a time installing the set up unless you take the tension bar off.
Genie is also a good choice for H2O..........I have one but it's air cooled, still...inside temp is only 6-10 'F above room temp full load.
W8500 is the best if you have $$$, big bad @ss case.
Best bang for $$$ would be Genie, it'll eat every Antec SX series anyday if you ask.

Don't know if directron still has this onsale or OOS.


edit: forgot to mention Jim........@coolcases.com He's a nice guy and has a good knowledge about Genie.

 

[ErikS]

I've had the Chenbro Genie for a bit over two years & I'd have to say it's an excellent case. You could fit a massive sized water cooling system inside the case. I will say this the case is not small. It's over 21" high & over 9" wide, it's like a fat tower. The Genie Jr is smaller but still much larger than your present 7237. As far as the Lite-on vs Chenbro it's like Ford vs Chevy trucks, depends on who you ask, both are excellent cases.

I can't recomend CoolCases enough. Jim provides excellent customer service. Send him an e-mail, tell him what exactly you need. If it's been put into or done to a Chenbro, Lite-on, or Addtronics Jim's done it, seen it, or heard of it. He can give you a very clear idea of which case will best suit your needs. It may cost a bit more, but you get what you pay for.

Edit: To give you an idea of what the Genie is like - One of the nice features is the drive cage (has it's own 92mm exhaust fan) is in the upper portion of the case (next to the PS) so there is nothing between the 120 in & out in the lower portion = excellent airflow. I run my fans @ 7v and the case stays within 7 degrees of ambient even after hours of gaming. I use panaflo's all around and a taisol HSF (stock fan) the noisest thing in the case is the blorb on the northbridge.