New Watercooling Case

[WackyWRZ]

Hey everyone I'm looking to upgrade my system and want to do a custom loop. I haven't done a custom loop since the days of AMD Athlon and Koolance cases, and the number of cases available is daunting.

I'm planning on starting with a 360 rad and a tube res but would consider a bay res. I'll be cooling my 4690K to start and then adding my 2x 980ti classys at a later time. I've got a Cooler Master HAF XM case now but it seems a bit cramped for a loop. I like the looks of the 750D and 900D but the 900 is a bit out of my price range. I also like the looks and price of the Define S. I like how it has the area already for pump mounting built in.

If anyone has any other good suggestions for a case in the $175 or less range I'd love to hear them!! I want this case to last years and support future upgrades.

 

[guskline]

My Thermaltake Core X9 is huge; great for watercooling.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133275

 

[moonbogg]

I looked at the cases you are suggesting OP, and went with this instead.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1133244&cm_re=core_v71-_-11-133-244-_-Product

Here is my rig

Two 360's inside and one outside. The case Guskline suggested will let you use 480mm rads and I think he has 3 of them inside his case!

 

[WackyWRZ]

This is why I put up the post - there's suggestions here that were not even on on the radar. That X9 is an interesting animal for sure, and I do like how the mobo is mounted horizontal plus the price is great too. I'll have to do some measuring but it may be a bit too wide.

 

[MrTeal]

This is why I put up the post - there's suggestions here that were not even on on the radar. That X9 is an interesting animal for sure, and I do like how the mobo is mounted horizontal plus the price is great too. I'll have to do some measuring but it may be a bit too wide.

However big you think the X9 is, it's bigger. It's a monster for getting a lot of stuff inside (especially without the drive bays), but just be prepared to give up a lot of room under your desk. Or put a sheet of plywood on it and make it your desk, either way.

 

[WackyWRZ]

That kinda worries me as the HAF XM already takes up a boatload of desk space. Kinda teetering between the X9 and the Define S now. The height and depth don't bother me one bit - the width does though! Kinda why I started looking at the Air 540 and then stopped - but that X9 might be worth it. And after seeing a few other options the 750D / 900D just seems overpriced so I think that's out of the running.

 

[MrTeal]

That kinda worries me as the HAF XM already takes up a boatload of desk space. Kinda teetering between the X9 and the Define S now. The height and depth don't bother me one bit - the width does though! Kinda why I started looking at the Air 540 and then stopped - but that X9 might be worth it. And after seeing a few other options the 750D / 900D just seems overpriced so I think that's out of the running.

LOL... I have both. If you want, I can post a picture of the two together when I get home to help show to the scale of the beast.

 

[*kjm]

LOL... I have both. If you want, I can post a picture of the two together when I get home to help show to the scale of the beast.

Please do it:thumbsup:

 

[MrTeal]

The width isn't much larger, 15" vs 13", but the whole case is just a lot bigger. The case itself if 26" deep, so if you don't have at least 30" depth on your desk it would be tough to mount it without it overhanging.

 

[moonbogg]

LOL omg that X9 is ridiculously huge haha. You could easily have two complete builds in there it seems. GO FOR IT DUDE.

 

[guskline]

LOL omg that X9 is ridiculously huge haha. You could easily have two complete builds in there it seems. GO FOR IT DUDE.

I like my Core X9. Not fancy but has TONS of room for a water cooling.

BTW, I went to Apollo Caster Company online to buy the exact fit casters for the Core X9

 

[WackyWRZ]

Ahhh you guys twisted my arm and now I have an X9 arriving tomorrow LOL. According to the specs its actually only 2" deeper than my HAF XM case so it might actually fit. Otherwise I blame you guys for the addition I will have to put on my house to accommodate the bigger desk I will need. :biggrin: For $99AR I couldn't beat it!

 

[MrTeal]

Ahhh you guys twisted my arm and now I have an X9 arriving tomorrow LOL. According to the specs its actually only 2" deeper than my HAF XM case so it might actually fit. Otherwise I blame you guys for the addition I will have to put on my house to accommodate the bigger desk I will need. :biggrin: For $99AR I couldn't beat it!

Just remember, team lift, use your legs and no twisting with your back.

 

[WackyWRZ]

Just remember, team lift, use your legs and no twisting with your back.

I'll go grab this out of the garage - right tool for the right job.

 

[guskline]

Buy casters and get some laminated boards from Lowe's to place it on!

 

[moonbogg]

I'll go grab this out of the garage - right tool for the right job.

Do not use a crappy crane like that.

USE THIS CRANE. POSITION THE X9 TO GIVE JESUS A NECK. He looks pissed! "I need a neck!"

 

[YBS1]

Case Labs....There is no substitute.

Seriously though, you may want to check out Case Labs as well as Mountain Mods in addition to that X9 which also looks pretty suitable for the purpose. That being said I'll probably never build anything bigger than a mini-itx platform again going forward. I think other than the gee-whiz factor I'd probably be just as happy with mini-itx 6700k, an AIO and single GPU under most circumstances.

 

[Subyman]

Case Labs....There is no substitute.

Seriously though, you may want to check out Case Labs as well as Mountain Mods in addition to that X9 which also looks pretty suitable for the purpose. That being said I'll probably never build anything bigger than a mini-itx platform again going forward. I think other than the gee-whiz factor I'd probably be just as happy with mini-itx 6700k, an AIO and single GPU under most circumstances.

I've owned Case Labs. They are nicely made, but I think they are over priced.

 

[moonbogg]

Caselabs are very expensive. They do look high quality and totally legit though.

 

[*kjm]

Just remember, team lift, use your legs and no twisting with your back.

Will do... you just got me to upgrade from my old 2004? COOLER MASTER CM Stacker STC-T01. Got this kit a week ago with some upgrades just for the CPU and may upgrade with a 360 or 480 rad for my GPU (G1 game 970) down the road.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/hot-xspc-raystorm-d5-photon-ax240-watercooling-kit.html

Thanks for the picture... but you made me spend more money Got it at newegg for 130 with a 30 rebate though.... great price!