• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Looking for advice on a small tower

S

shaown

Junior Member
Hi folks, As read through the the threads, the Antec P180 seems to be a popular choice for a smaller tower setup. I'm building a new PC, with the following components, and wanted to preserve a little bit of future expandibility, have some o/c potential. My first preference was to get a desktop sized case, cause my monitor needs a stand otherwise, but the selection of those seemed so sparse, that I am looking at mini towers.

Intel i7-860 - plan some reasonable O/C
Noctua NH-D14 - is it overkill / will it fit?
Gigabyte P55A-UD3P or Gigabyte P55A-UD4P
2.5in Intel SSD G2 80gb - already got it
Generic SATA DVD-Writer
2x2gb 1600 DIMMs - TBD
Roswell 3.5 Card Reader
ATI 5850 - Prolly XFX or Sapphire

My room can get a bit on the warmer side in the summer, so strong cooling is a must. The most like future expansion is a 2nd non SSD hard disk,

Thoughts or input? Is the P180 a good choice? I'd love to stay well under a 100, but am willing to spend more if the bang for the buck is really good.

Thanks,
-Shaown
 
Last edited:
The P180 is not what I would get if you want a "small tower." Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic case, but at ~20"x20.5"x8", it's definitely approaching full tower size. If you're cool with that, go for it, it's a great case. Something of similar design but is smaller is the Antec 300 (~18.3"x18"x8"). If you want to go even smaller, there are many more options available. What specifically are you looking for?
 
Looking for a few things - a Sleek looking medium/mini tower that can fit the above components without too much crowding. Cooling is key, and I'd love something that has the width to fit the Noctua (or maybe a more compact, but still effective cooling solution). I'd prefer quiet (not silent, just reasonable), which usually means a lot of airflow. And, optimally, 3 front facings, 1 optical, 1 3.5, the third will be spare, but I'd probably put a 3.5 drive in it if anything.

I thought the Mini P180 fit the bill:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-041-_-Product

It had listed measurements of 17.20" x 8.30" x 17.10"
I didn't think there was anything much smaller that still had good airflow, but would love some suggestions 🙂 (That full size vid card is a killer)

I did look at the Silverstone SUGO - but thought the thermals might kill it .. And I figured it would not fit the standard motherboards I was looking at. What do u think?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163164&cm_re=sugo-_-11-163-164-_-Product

Thanks,
-Shaown
 
Last edited:
The newer P180 is a microATX build, while the one that is not readily available still stands at ATX. They are fantastic cases, but if you're lookign for strong cooling, they might not have the best airflow. They're more for a quiet build as they have sound dampening. You want to look towards the Antec 900 HAF932/922 etc. I just did a build over the weekend in a CM 690 II. It is a great case. All holes are pre-made so there is no need to mod it (Not like my Antec 900) Decent airflow, though the front and top fans are 140mm, which are not very easy to find, and CM makes some...ehh....bad fans. But it's nothing you should pull your hair out over. Otherwise a modded Antec 900 provides some pretty damn good airflow. I have my 9550 @ 4.0 at about 50c on load. 30-35c idle.

But these are just opinions. There isn't a case that is FAR superior to any other, as you can make it however you want it to be by modding etc. I would pick something your eyes can live with over anything. And something with front intake fans.

EDIT: Sorry, I forgot you wanted a SMALL case. Antec 300 Illusion is probably the best bang for the buck and it's not too big. It's one of the smaller midtowers.
 
Last edited:
And the NH-D14 is a good cooler, but it's too big for my taste. And finding a small case to fit it in would be a problem. I would go with the new Venemous X or a MegaShadow
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top