How to find the right case?

[Falcon2k]

There dosnt seem to be a guide on the main site so im asking for a bit of help here. What factors do i have to look out for?

Here's an outline of the specs of the system im going to be building:

Intel D865PERL Motherboard
2.4GC Processer
Samsung 256mb Memory x2
Samsung 52x Combo Drive
Radeon 9800 Video Drive
400W power supply

What kind of case should i be looking for? Alot of fans, or less fans? Aluminium, or not aluminium?
What kind of factors should i be looking for in my case?

 

[1sikbITCH]

Just make sure it allows for adequate cooling; i.e. enough fanmounts in the right places. I prefer cases with front intake, a fan on top, fan on the side, and 2 in the rear, but you can get away with less than that.

After that it's just personal preference. Aluminum cases are lighter but not necessarily as sturdy as steel cases. I don't think it's worth paying extra for. Little or no added cooling benefit will be had from an aluminum case.

There are a couple things that make life easier. A slide out motherboard tray is a big plus but not necessary. Some cases have a hinged front panel for easy access. All depends on how much you want to spend I guess.

 

[Falcon2k]

Thanks, but the fan on the top? That's the bit i dont get. Ive never seen a case with a fan on the top...

 

[1sikbITCH]

Case

A lot of cases don't come with the fan on top I guess. But it makes sense. Heat rises. People have reported signifigant temp drops after they cut a fanhole in the top of their case.

Again, proper airflow is important. Having a fanhole on the top helps with that, but is not critical.

 

[1sikbITCH]

Oh, forgot to mention that the fan on top is exhaust. Guess you probably figured that out anyhow.

Air should flow in from the front (and side if you have a side fan) and out the top and back (if you have a top fan).
That's why the front intake is at the bottom and the rear intake is toward the top under the PS (which is also exhaust).

 

[Falcon2k]

So basically, in through the front and out through the back? And basically give the airflow a general direction?

And what's the big difference or advantage in an Aluminium case that warrents such a big increase in price? What you're telling me is that aluminium cases are just as good at cooling the PC as steel cases, Aluminium is slighly lighter and less durable than steel cases?

It's not like people lug their computers around all day, theyre built to sit there and collect dust...

Why would anyone buy it then?

 

[1sikbITCH]

Aluminum does have greater capacity to pass heat than steel. When you touch aluminum foil that's just been in the oven, you'll find that it's not all that hot (unless it's wrapped around something that IS hot). If you touch a steel pan that's just been in the oven, of course, it'll burn you. However, your PC does not get anywhere near hot enough for this to come into play. In my opinion, it's a marketing ploy.

And yes, bring your cool air in the front, flowing over the harddrive(s). A side fan also blowing in will blow cool air onto your mobo and CPU. Then all the heat rises and is sucked out the top and rear. That's the theory anyhow.

A good strong 120mm fan in the front, and 2 fans in the rear, with all your cables and wires out of the way, just might create decent enough airflow to adequately cool your case. However, what fun is that

Side note- lots of fans does not necessarily equal good cooling. Proper airflow is the key.

 

[Falcon2k]

Oh, thanks. I guess ill get a nice $40 case with a good fan up front and some round back, depending on availability. Guess the top and side fans are a bit scary... Make the PC look ugly i guess. Since im not doing much overclocking (cept for maybe the Video card). and also, steel construction.

Thanks dude. Appreciate ur help

 

[huesmann]

Originally posted by: 1sikbITCH
Aluminum does have greater capacity to pass heat than steel. When you touch aluminum foil that's just been in the oven, you'll find that it's not all that hot (unless it's wrapped around something that IS hot). If you touch a steel pan that's just been in the oven, of course, it'll burn you.

That's mostly crap. While aluminum does have better heat dissipation characteristics than steel, the reason foil is cool(er) when you take it out of the oven is that it's THIN. If you heat up a thick aluminum baking pan, it's still gonna be hot after you take it out, just like the steel one.

 

[1sikbITCH]

Ahahah good point

 

[Cerb]

Originally posted by: Falcon2k
There dosnt seem to be a guide on the main site so im asking for a bit of help here. What factors do i have to look out for?

Here's an outline of the specs of the system im going to be building:

Intel D865PERL Motherboard
2.4GC Processer
Samsung 256mb Memory x2
Samsung 52x Combo Drive
Radeon 9800 Video Drive
400W power supply

Anything will do, but you'll thank yourself later for getting a good one.

What kind of case should i be looking for? Alot of fans, or less fans? Aluminium, or not aluminium?
What kind of factors should i be looking for in my case?

Cooling is a big one.
My recommendation is as always:
Evercase E4252 (black--beige is UGLY for this case). Relatively cheap, amazing cooling, easy to work with. After making an amazing gaming box for AutoCAD , this thing with a 7v exhaust fan in 90F weather cools like a dream. After making a $2000 box with it, I am more impressed than ever. A little cramped, but that's the only bad thing I can say. I now realize why it is above the second case I'm listing in SPCR's list.
Antec SLK3700AMB. Not quite as cheap, but as good in all departments except 5.25" drive mounting. Looks a tad better than the Evercase.

 

[sillious]

This afternoon I stopped by in a nearby computer store to take a look at the ThermalTake's Xaser cases. I have seen them on the web before (coz BestBuy and CompUSA doesn't carry) & liked them. Today I was surprised to see how well they are made and how carefully they are designed. They only had the Black Xaser cases, both Super Tower Xaser III & Xaser II. Super towers weight more than the II series, and also bigger in dimension. The black & blue weight 30lbs, whereas the Aluminum weight 27lbs. Man they are heavy even when they are empty inside, just imagine how heavy it will be after you stick in all the other parts. I particularly liked the aluminum one, but unfortunately, they didn't have one. Some people like the Acrylic cases, but not me.

I'm still trying to decide between the black & the aluminum Xaser III Super Towers.

Sometimes looks matter!