newbie questions about cases

[Leaving Lotus]

sorry guys, im really new to this but ive got some (possibly stupid) questions...

1) when considering cases, i dont care about noise levels. loudness is not a problem. however, i was wondering if the decibel levels of fans can actually cause hearing damage? if its just an aesthetic thing, then that's fine, but i dont want to actually suffer any damage.

2) im looking through cases and i want to pick one with room for ease of building (im new) and something with lots of cooling/fans whatever (something that keeps the heat down.) i do not care about looks or noise.

ive read some reviews here and on a few other sites, and ive narrowed the case selections down to the antec 900/902, the antec DF-85 and the coolermaster haf 922/932. ignoring price, looks and noise, which one of these cases would be my best option? are there any problems i should be aware of? i think all of them would fit some of the newer graphics cards. edit: feel free to recommend other cases if you think they are better than the listed ones (within reasonable price ranges)

3) ive heard talk about lian li cases (and others too, i assume) using aluminium metals for their cases. what role does this play? does it help cool the case, or is it just for durability?

thanks guys,

LL

 

[smackababy]

Unless you find a fan putting out 85dB, you won't get any hearing damage. I suppose there is a possibility of a fan causing hearing damage, but it would have to be one loud fan.

 

[BoomerD]

Fan noise can be annoying, but it's highly unlikely to actually damage your hearing. IIRC, the WORST case fans are in the 50 db rating...with most being in the 30-40 db area...and quiet fans down into the teens.

I looked at the available options for cases, and in my price range, (~$150) the HAF 932 fit my needs and looked pretty good.

I'm an "old fart," and don't like/want a case that has enough lights to land the space shuttle...and although the HAF has lighted fans, they're kept to a minimum, and (IIRC) at least lights in the front fan can be turned off. (I may try to figure out how to mod the rest with on/off switches too.)
The case is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow, as are most of the rest of my parts. (of course, Murphy's law reigning supreme as always...the motherboard won't be here until Friday...or even next week.)

If the price isn't a problem, take a good look at the HAF X case. It was just a bit too spendy for me, otherwise, it was my first choice for cases. Tons of room, well designed for cable management, lots of air flow to keep things cool.

 

[nyker96]

in terms of functionality I'd say Antec Lanboy Air, DF85 and haf 932 tops the list, even if you are new to this, get the case most pro use wouldn't hurt since it will grow with your knowledge. Check out the Antec Lanboy Air, it's also very well made for air cooling. With that said, the DF85 is excellent except the depth is less than 932, I personally love long cases because it allows long graphics card.

So if I were to buy new, I'd get either Lanboy Air or Haf X or Haf 932 Black Edition. Lanli makes great cases in aluminum, but they tend to be more expensive and is out of my 150ish price range.

 

[Leaving Lotus]

thanks guys, i think the haf 932 takes it for me

^^