mITX case dilemma

[GoStumpy]

Cooler Master Elite 130: $55
https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119286

Silverstone SG13B: $55
https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163274

Thermaltake Core V1: $60
https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133260

All 3 are nearly the same price... they all allow ~260mm GPU's, etc...

I'm leaning towards the Silverstone just because I like the brand name.. What do you guys think? I will likely use my current XFX HD6850 and Corsair TX850 for the time being, so just buying case, cpu, mobo, and ram at the moment.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Silverstone looks nicer, imo. I'm not a fan of the rounded front on the Thermaltake, and the Cooler Master is sorta plastichunky-looking.

 

[GoStumpy]

I am leaning that way as well, it is a good looking case for sure. I guess I should check some reviews and builds with it!

 

[DaveSimmons]

Every time I do a new gaming build I'm tempted to try mini-ITX, and lean towards the current Silverstone shoebox case. Last time I went for quiet over size and have an Antec P280 tower instead.

For reviews, also check the variant with the solid plastic front. For one of the older models (5? 6?) the airflow was a little better (so cooler / quieter) when channeled through the front side-vents than with the mesh front.

 

[aigomorla]

CORE V1

Why?
Because none of the 2 above can support anything close to a tower heat sink except the core V1.
Infact none of the 2 case above will support as many heat sink options as the Core V1, until you start bringing out the fractal node 304, and bitfinex prodigy.

Top 2 you mount the PSU on top, which also means wire management HELL.... compared to the CORE V1 which sits below the board in its own chamber.

So no contest... CORE V1 wins in:
1. Ease of Build
2. Best compatibility with PSU
3. Best compatibility with CPU Heat Sink.

oh lemme add another which is a bit more expensive, but very easy to work with and looks sharp..

Phantek Enthoo ITX:
https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ...re=phanteks_enthoo_itx-_-11-854-023-_-Product

 

[GoStumpy]

It's tempting to stretch the budget and look at the Corsair 250D, I've lusted after that case ever since it was first introduced years ago.... and it really supports a watercooling loop well from what I've seen.

I just purchased the Mobo & PSU, I'll definitely take a lot closer look at the V1! I don't mind the looks at all.

 

[GoStumpy]

If the budget rises a little, the Fractal Core 500 sure looks nice too!

 

[EXCellR8]

I preordered a silver NCASE M1 but with shipping it came to over $200... luckily it's not for me and I'll make money on the build.

I have a few different mITX cases, but very small... biggest is the Fractal Node 202 but the model with the PSU is around $140 I think

 

[DaveSimmons]

CORE V1
oh lemme add another which is a bit more expensive, but very easy to work with and looks sharp..

Phantek Enthoo ITX:
https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ...re=phanteks_enthoo_itx-_-11-854-023-_-Product

Nice -- that could be perfect for a near-silent music jukebox PC since you can use 120/140 very low speed fans and fit in a tower cooler.

 

[GoStumpy]

Fractal Core 500 is winning the race for me personally, with the long graphics card capability and the watercooling radiator mount at the top just seems SO perfect! Haven't really found a downside yet

 

[secretanchitman]

Fractal Core 500 is winning the race for me personally, with the long graphics card capability and the watercooling radiator mount at the top just seems SO perfect! Haven't really found a downside yet

Looks like a nice case!

 

[GoStumpy]

Ordered the Fractal Core 500 today, wheeeeeee, it's like Christmas!! Well, christmas on the way!!!

 

[Ranulf]

As an owner of the 500 and the CM Elite 130, the 500 is a great choice if you need a 5.25 bay.

 

[GoStumpy]

I won't be using the 5.25 bay, since I have a 240mm Radiator going up top