• 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 to replace my Antec Sonata

X

XBoxLPU

Diamond Member
I just need a better cooling case and one that is bigger.

The Sonata was doing just fine before I added my 6800 Ultra. Now everytime I open my case, it just feels like a lot of heat is being built up inside. My HD temps are in the mid 40s, my motherboard low to mid 40s, and my CPU with no DC running at all stays around 50 C. AKA everything is hot. And yes I do have that extra 120mm fan installed

I was thinking of maybe better cable management but I can't hide the wires behind the motherboard tray. And IMO, the Sonata still just doesn't have good airflow. The 6800 Ultra is just producing all of this heat in the bottom of my case. Not to mention, when I am working on the inside of my case, I just feel cramped.

I love the Lian Li Pc-V2000 and Silverstone SST-TJ03 but I am not looking to spend $250+.... just on a case

From some of the reviews I have read the TJ06 isn't best when you have a hot GPU card ( which I do ). And I have an AMD64 CPU so I can't use their HSF combo.

I am not installing a NV Silencer 5 either. I do not want to void my BFG warranty.


Is the Lian Li PC-V1200 the case for me?

 
I suspect the Lain Lia 1200 would reduce your temps but there are lots of other cases that will do just as well, for a lot less $$, if temps are the main concern.
 
Originally posted by: Nessism
I suspect the Lain Lia 1200 would reduce your temps but there are lots of other cases that will do just as well, for a lot less $$, if temps are the main concern.
Click to expand...

I am looking for something bigger and better cooling

Suggest some for lower price
 
Originally posted by: XBoxLPU
Originally posted by: Nessism
I suspect the Lain Lia 1200 would reduce your temps but there are lots of other cases that will do just as well, for a lot less $$, if temps are the main concern.
Click to expand...

I am looking for something bigger and better cooling

Suggest some for lower price
Click to expand...



Check out this thread at silentpcreview.

Scroll through and look for something that catches your fancy. New model Inwin would be a good choice. Just make sure the front bezel has good air flow; many cases these days put a large fan in front but don't support the fan with a large enough opening. Openings are far more important than the size of the fan.

Good luck.

Ed
 
Originally posted by: Cawchy87
Get an nv silencer 5 and see if that helps your temps.
Click to expand...

I am not installing a NV Silencer 5 either. I do not want to void my BFG warranty.

Thanks Nessism 🙂
 
If you have the case fan of the Sonata connected to the "fan only" connector of the power supply, that might be the problem. The fan only connector controls the case fan speed based on the temperature of the power supply. You might try connecting the case fan to a regular molex connector or a fan controller.

As far as size, not much I can suggest! 😉
 
i say you get the cooler master cmstacker! it's a full tower with the ability to put 3 120mm fans as intake and 1 120mm fan as exhaust. it's probably one of the best air cooled cases you can get. it's also just so damn cool too.
 
Originally posted by: RedWolf
Another options is the Thermaltake Tsunami. 120mm fans and very good cooling.
Click to expand...


The Tsuanami is one of those case that does NOT have good airflow dispite using large fans. Take a look at the front bezel opening, or lack of opening maybe I should say. The small opening causes the front fan to spin like crazy because it's not catching any air to cause resistance. End result if poor airflow and noisey. Not a good combination in my opinion. The Silverstone TS-02/04 has the same problem - front opening is too small.

Ed
 
Originally posted by: bluslice
i say you get the cooler master cmstacker! it's a full tower with the ability to put 3 120mm fans as intake and 1 120mm fan as exhaust. it's probably one of the best air cooled cases you can get. it's also just so damn cool too.
Click to expand...

Winner


:thumbsup:
 
Originally posted by: Nessism
Originally posted by: RedWolf
Another options is the Thermaltake Tsunami. 120mm fans and very good cooling.
Click to expand...


The Tsuanami is one of those case that does NOT have good airflow dispite using large fans. Take a look at the front bezel opening, or lack of opening maybe I should say. The small opening causes the front fan to spin like crazy because it's not catching any air to cause resistance. End result if poor airflow and noisey. Not a good combination in my opinion. The Silverstone TS-02/04 has the same problem - front opening is too small.

Ed
Click to expand...


According to the Anandtech review, the case cools quite well.

"The dual 120mm fans with the single side mounted 90mm fan performed well in the Tsunami as they kept temperatures of all components and the ambient system temperature down and lower than any of the other cases in the chart. " - http://www.anandtech.com/casec...howdoc.aspx?i=2202&p=9
 
See if you can find one of the V1100 or V1200's on ebay *shudder* for a 'decent' price... I paid for a brand new one, through newegg, and don't regret it one bit.

As some others will no doubt tell you, I'm a bit obsessed with getting my system to a low temp level while still using air cooling. By low, I'm talking about idle temps no more than 5C over ambient on the processor. Right now, I'm at about 10C over ambient on the processor...
 
The CMStacker is a good idea but it's kinda pricy, if you want cheap the Antec 3700AMB is almost identicle to your sonata but has much much better airflow due to the way the drive cage in the front is oriented, it's prolly one of the cases w/ the best cooling avi.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top