Need a new case...

[jdkick]

In attempt to save some $$$, I recycled my Yeong Yang server cube (http://www.yeongyang.com/yy-0221.htm) for my current machine, but it's got some strikes against it:

-only supports one 92mm intake fan in the motherboard compartment
-no exhaust fan on the motherboard compartment
-supports two exhaust fans in the drive/psu compartment, but only 80mm (larger fans would interfere with the drive cages)
-last but not least, there's not enough clearance for the Accelero S1 I have on my desk and I suspect that installing a tower style heatsink on the CPU would also be problematic

So, I think it's time I admit it and buy a new case. I'm not looking for anything crazy, just a solid case that offers ample cooling options, tool-less design, front audio/usb connectors and has enough clearance to fit the S1 and a decent range of aftermarket CPU coolers. I want something black and simple - no windows. I already have a PSU.

At this point, i'm leaning heavily towards the Cooler Master RC-690 @ $68.58CDN + shipping.

Thoughts?

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Yes. Can you get a shipment from Micro Center? They have it for $20 US AR.

 

[jdkick]

That's an amazing price. Unfortunately, according to their shipping FAQ, Micro Centre doesn't ship to Canada at the moment. Looks like i'll have to pay the premium and buy within Canada. :\

 

[Zepper]

Too bad you live in Canada as Tullphan has a 690 he's trying to move, but the shipping is outrageous. I just priced a much lighter case to Canada and it seemed like $40. would be about the lowest. But the 690 is a nice case - can't get much better for the money.

. I'll be shipping mine out Monday - I'd keep it but I need a door to hide my collection of mutt drives. If you live near the border, there are other options... Ever hear of Mail Boxes, etc. ? Willing to bend the rules a bit?..

Come to think of it, I saw a couple 690s on ebay.ca...

IDK, whether you can get Newegg's Rosewill brand cases up there, but their R-560x models are worth a look.

.bh.

 

[Tsuwamono]

Originally posted by: jdkick
That's an amazing price. Unfortunately, according to their shipping FAQ, Micro Centre doesn't ship to Canada at the moment. Looks like i'll have to pay the premium and buy within Canada. :\

if you live near a Microbytes check them out

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: Zepper
. I'll be shipping mine out Monday - I'd keep it but I need a door to hide my collection of mutt drives. If you live near the border, there are other options... Ever hear of Mail Boxes, etc. ? Willing to bend the rules a bit?..

I was about to say that Zepper has one he's looking to move too, but then I realized that you are Zepper.

 

[Zepper]

Last time I looked, yup, that's me... :-D

.bh.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Could we get a rough budget?

Rank these three things from most to least important:

Silence

Performance

Budget

 

[jdkick]

Budget: Under $100CDN shipped w/ taxes. I have a local Cooler Master dealer and will price out the 690 on Tuesday (long weekend). I'm irritated that I can't take advantage of that Micro Centre deal.

Performance: I don't need anything crazy, but I do want something with a flexible/intelligent cooling design with good fan options for intake/exhaust and possibly over the GPU area to help cool the Accelero S1. Some level of cable management is nice as I appreciate having a clean installation. Front USB/audio connectors are a must.

Silence: I'm not out to build a silent rig, but I can appreciate quite components. So, 120mm fans are good and the case should provide clearance for things like the Accelero S1 and a tower style cooler.

Given the above, the CM690 seemed to fit the bill. If you have other suggestions, let me know.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: jdkick
Budget: Under $100CDN shipped w/ taxes. I have a local Cooler Master dealer and will price out the 690 on Tuesday (long weekend). I'm irritated that I can't take advantage of that Micro Centre deal.

Performance: I don't need anything crazy, but I do want something with a flexible/intelligent cooling design with good fan options for intake/exhaust and possibly over the GPU area to help cool the Accelero S1. Some level of cable management is nice as I appreciate having a clean installation. Front USB/audio connectors are a must.

Silence: I'm not out to build a silent rig, but I can appreciate quite components. So, 120mm fans are good and the case should provide clearance for things like the Accelero S1 and a tower style cooler.

Given the above, the CM690 seemed to fit the bill. If you have other suggestions, let me know.

we'll see how the 690 prices out, let us know what other brands they have or can get though.

 

[jdkick]

The local supplier couldn't get stock on the 690, so I went ahead and ordered it from an online retailer tonight @ $68CDN. And yes, i'm a still a little bitter over the Micro Centre pricing.

Anyway, i'm hoping the case arrives before the weekend so I can get it built and try out the the S1. I've got my 99% isopropyl ready for whatever mess lies under the stock cooler on my 7900GS. I'm also curious to see what the 690 does for my CPU temps (core temp is ~57c under load w/ stock cooler at stock speeds).

 

[Tullphan]

I think you'll like it. It's a very nice case for the money & extremely easy to build a system with.
Make sure you read Zepper's how-to guide on repairing the top port ground.
I think he'd still have his 690 today if he'd dust his wallet off & buy some drives & stuff to match! :laugh:

 

[jdkick]

I'm confident I made a good choice. I spent plenty of time looking at my options, reading reviews, etc and was somewhat tempted by the Antec P182 at the last minute. However, i'm not a fan of cases with doors on the front and didn't see the value in spending the additional $50. The Silverstone TJ04 also caught my eye based on price but it seems a little cramped.

As for the grounding issue. I caught the how-to earlier this week but don't have any background info on the issue. Are all 690s lacking a ground for the top ports? Are there common symptoms to watch for (e.g.: humming when using the top audio connectors)? I don't mind doing small electrical work.

 

[Tullphan]

Originally posted by: jdkick
As for the grounding issue. I caught the how-to earlier this week but don't have any background info on the issue. Are all 690s lacking a ground for the top ports? Are there common symptoms to watch for (e.g.: humming when using the top audio connectors)? I don't mind doing small electrical work.

I honestly don't know. I talked to Zepper about this, but was too lazy to see for myself if mine had this issue or not.

 

[jdkick]

Well. My Cooler Master 690 came in yesterday and I am quite happy with the case. The drive sleds keep things simple and the tool-less brackets for both the optical drives and PCI slots work great/provide enough tension. No screws needed. I had read some comments re: issues where the power LED header connections didn't match up with the headers on some motherboards but the cabling in my 690 was split with independent -/+ leads.

It was a little late by the time I got everything moved over to the new case and powered up so I haven't done much testing. My initial thoughts re: cooling are good. With only the stock front/rear fans spinning 10c has been shaved off my idle CPU temps (E2200 now running at ~27c w/ stock speeds and HSF). I'm going to do some more testing later this week re: load temps.

As for noise, I don't hear anything offensive coming from the stock fans, and that's with the 690 sitting on my desk. The design of the chassis does let a bit of noise escape from the other components, but I plan on addressing the GPU by installing an Accelero S1 (it's been sitting on my desk for ~2 weeks already but wouldn't fit in my old case).