Help me decide on a case.

[yanquii]

Im trying to keep it under 200 bucks.

I am mainly wondering about the Praetorian and the PC-V1200. Does anyone own either of these? I really like the Praetorian, but the one that thing concerns me is cooling since it only has an 80mm on the top and bottom for taking out heat.

About the PC-V1200. Is getting the plus model with the extra cooling junk worth it, and is there any place I can go to get some different stands? I really dislike those wheels.

The PC-101 looks really cool, but I just cant see how that front intake fan would work well.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Pyrokinetic]

I don't/haven't owned any of the ones you mentioned, but I did have PC-60A Plus that had the extra cooling stuff, and I don't think it made much difference. I fact, I quit using the side blower after I put a V-1 on my GPU (the blower wouldn't fit with the V-1 installed) and quit using the air duct because it wouldn't fit over my XP-120. The new cooling products more than made up for not using the blower or duct.

Since you are looking at the Cooler Master products as well, check out the Stacker T01 and the 810. The only thing you might not like is the fact it is mainly steel, not aluminum. They are, however, under $200 and are great performers for the money.

If you might be interested, I posted a review here when I purchased my 810:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=37&threadid=1834919

 

[yanquii]

Hey, thanks. I really want an aluminum case, and all those drive bays turn me off since Im only going to have 1 dvd burner.

I used to own an old Coolermaster ATC-710. I loved that thing, but it was heavy as hell and didnt have any usb ports on the front.

 

[dawza]

I have a Praetorian that I am about to move a system into, and while I obviously do not have any direct experience with its cooling properties yet, it seems promising. The dual 80mm front intakes have a ready source of air due to the open front mesh, and if you are concerned about the rear exhaust being insufficient, you could always mount an 80mm-->120mm adaptor to the rear (on the exterior) to have a 120mm fan exhausting air out of the case. This might not be the most elegant solution, but unless your computer is placed in such a way that the rear is constantly on display, it will not be an issue.

It is also possible to mount two 92mm fans in the front for the Praetorian instead of 80mm; the simplest way to do this would be to use velcro tape around the fan's frame. This would make for easy installation and removal, and is secure enough so long as you use high-quality velcro. Your local Home Depot or craft store should have some in stock. I have a Wavemaster, which is essentially the same on the inside as the Praetorian, and have succesfully done this; unfortunately, the tiny holes in the front grill of the Wavemaster are the limiting factor in terms of getting cool air into the case.

Top blowholes are good for an additional 1-2C decrease in CPU temps, in my experience, unless you install a screamer of a fan.

With a little modification, the Praetorian is really hard to beat in the $100 price range. Quality is typical Coolermaster, which is to say, excellent (thick aluminum, sturdy frame, flawless finish, and no rough edges inside).

 

[Operandi]

I've built several systems around the PAC-T01; its one of the nicest cases I've ever used. I wouldn't worry about the use of 80mm fans too much unless you plan to run very hot hardware.

For reference the hottest system I installed in one was an Athlon64 3700+, 6800GT, 2 7200RPM HD system. Cooling was handled by four of these ultra quiet 1200RPM NMBs, with help from a Seasonic S12; the system ran very, very quiet and remained cool. If you plan to use the stock fans cooling could only be better (but louder).

 

[pkme2]

It's a good case, but too pricey. I'll stick to my PC-60s. Sometimes, if you really patient and observant, you can get some great deals for them. Overall, I still find the PC-60, the most practical in design, construction and definitely in price. The other LLs are nice too, but it your option.

Check this out

 

[yanquii]

Yeah, thats the thing. The Lian-Lis that i really like are the ones that hover around the 200$ mark. I would love to have the Coolermaster, especially at that price.

Im going to be running a 4200+x2 and a 7900gt, Operandi, and Im going to be getting an Enermax 500 watt modular ps.

The Coolermaster is definitely my best bet at this point, but that Lian Li is just damn nice.

Thanks for the link, pkme2. Ill give those Lian-lis a closer look.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: yanquii
Yeah, thats the thing. The Lian-Lis that i really like are the ones that hover around the 200$ mark. I would love to have the Coolermaster, especially at that price.

Im going to be running a 4200+x2 and a 7900gt, Operandi, and Im going to be getting an Enermax 500 watt modular ps.

The Coolermaster is definitely my best bet at this point, but that Lian Li is just damn nice.

Thanks for the link, pkme2. Ill give those Lian-lis a closer look.

I'm familar with the PC-60 series; they?re nice also and am currently using a Lian Li PC-6070. But between the PC-60 and the PAC-T01, the PAC-T01 is the better case hands down.

That hardware should be fine but if you are not set on the Enermax you should consider the Seasonic S12 series. Its more efficient (less heat), quieter, and higher quality then the Enermax.

 

[yanquii]

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: yanquii
Yeah, thats the thing. The Lian-Lis that i really like are the ones that hover around the 200$ mark. I would love to have the Coolermaster, especially at that price.

Im going to be running a 4200+x2 and a 7900gt, Operandi, and Im going to be getting an Enermax 500 watt modular ps.

The Coolermaster is definitely my best bet at this point, but that Lian Li is just damn nice.

Thanks for the link, pkme2. Ill give those Lian-lis a closer look.

I'm familar with the PC-60 series; they?re nice also and am currently using a Lian Li PC-6070. But between the PC-60 and the PAC-T01, the PAC-T01 is the better case hands down.



That hardware should be fine but if you are not set on the Enermax you should consider the Seasonic S12 series. Its more efficient (less heat), quieter, and higher quality then the Enermax.

Seasonic is a good company, huh? I will definitely look into it. I think the Coolermaster takes the cake in the looks department.

Thanks, dude!

EDIT

I just realized the S12 is not modular. Any other recommendations?

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: yanquii

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: yanquii
Yeah, thats the thing. The Lian-Lis that i really like are the ones that hover around the 200$ mark. I would love to have the Coolermaster, especially at that price.

Im going to be running a 4200+x2 and a 7900gt, Operandi, and Im going to be getting an Enermax 500 watt modular ps.

The Coolermaster is definitely my best bet at this point, but that Lian Li is just damn nice.

Thanks for the link, pkme2. Ill give those Lian-lis a closer look.

I'm familar with the PC-60 series; they?re nice also and am currently using a Lian Li PC-6070. But between the PC-60 and the PAC-T01, the PAC-T01 is the better case hands down.



That hardware should be fine but if you are not set on the Enermax you should consider the Seasonic S12 series. Its more efficient (less heat), quieter, and higher quality then the Enermax.

Seasonic is a good company, huh? I will definitely look into it. I think the Coolermaster takes the cake in the looks department.

Thanks, dude!

EDIT

I just realized the S12 is not modular. Any other recommendations?

Is modular something you really need? I found it really easy to hide the excess cables on the opposite side of the PAC-T01's MB tray, it couldn't have looked any cleaner.

Besides its what is inside the PSU should be more important.

 

[Pyrokinetic]

Had some more thoughts--since you wanted an aluminum case and the PC-60s have been discussed, check out the Lian-Li PC-7A Plus. They have they same interior/exterior design except the PC-7A Plus does not have a removeable motherboard tray (not a big deal, as I never removed mine from my PC-60) and thus are able to use a 120mm exhaust in addition to the 120mm intake. They still have the 80mm blowhole though.
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556060833.html

The PC-7A Plus also has the mounting holes for the 120mm blower, and with the rear 120mm fan, you could install the optional cooling kit made for the standard V-series cases. http://www.coolerguys.com/840556061199.html


As for a modular power supply, I just bought an Aerocool ZERODBA 620W. It is really nice, powerful, very quiet, easy to use, and the sleeved cables are not stiff at all. It also has been given some nice reviews as well. For a modular power supply, I would definitely recommend it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817331002

 

[dawza]

Agreed with Operandi on all points- Seasonic (especially the S-12 series) is top-quality all the way, and the mobo tray on the Praetorian simplifies cable management greatly.

 

[TrevorRC]

Check out the PC-G70. It's the case I'll be using as soon as I can get the necessary funds.
Can be bought for 205/215 shipped (white/black.)

120 fans, so no super-loud droning noises, nice airflow, and plenty of room for expansion (read: Watercooling and dual PSUs [PELTIERS!])

For a PSU, look around for a 600W Enhance PSU. Good stuff, absurdly low price.

--Trevor

 

[scrawnypaleguy]

I'd second Pyrokinetic's advice. I've done a couple builds with the Praetorian, and while it looks really good and cools adequately, it's REALLY loud. The hard drives are hard-mounted to the case, and all of the stock fans are very loud. I switched from a Wavemaster (same thing as the Praetorian inside) to a Lian Li PC-7B simply because I couldn't take the noise. Just my 2 cents.

 

[yanquii]

Well, Im going to go with the PC-V1200b plus. My birthday was a few days ago, so Im going to buy myself a nice present.

Has anyone taken the wheels off of this case? Im not 100% sure that I like them. I do notice that there are vents on the bottom, but it doesnt look like they have ny real purpose.

thanks for all the information. I really appreciate it, everyone. :thumbsup:

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: yanquii
Well, Im going to go with the PC-V1200b plus. My birthday was a few days ago, so Im going to buy myself a nice present.

Has anyone taken the wheels off of this case? Im not 100% sure that I like them. I do notice that there are vents on the bottom, but it doesnt look like they have ny real purpose.

thanks for all the information. I really appreciate it, everyone. :thumbsup:

Nice choice.

The "vents" on the bottom is the intake, the only source. If you remove the wheels the vents will be flush with the floor, so don't do it.

n/m, I was thinking of the V1100.