PSU dimensions and case compatibility question

Nanophys

Junior Member
Apr 7, 2012
7
0
0
Hey all.

I was looking at building a very quiet system (first build). So I was looking at the Kingwin STR-500 PSU (got a great deal on it) ideally in a mATX case. I've been looking at the Temjin tj08-e, but I have a concern.

In the Anandtech review:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4533/silverstone-temjin-tj08-fat-case-in-a-little-coat/3

They say that you're limited to 160 mm for the PSU, end of story.

The SPCR review:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1215-page1.html

They say that 160 mm is recommended, and you can go up to 180 mm maximum.

Now, here's my question. The STR-500 has dimensions 6.75" x 5.88" x 3.38", or 171mm x 149 mm x 86 mm. When in the reviews they give a maximum size of the PSU, is that comparable to the first dimension in the list, or which does it denote? Assuming that it refers to the first dimension, am I going to have problems with that PSU in that case? The Anandtech review made it seem like it wouldn't be possible, whereas the SPCR review made it seem like it would be difficult, but manageable. And help would be appreciated!
 

lehtv

Elite Member
Dec 8, 2010
11,897
74
91
Yep, Kingwin is 6.75" long, it won't fit if the case truly can only fit 160mm long PSUs.

Take a look at Seasonic X-series e.g. X-460 is only 5.91" x 6.30" x 3.39" (150 x 160 x 86 mm)

Or consider a different case, e.g. Fractal Design Define Mini (designed for silence). "Supports PSU's with a maximum depth of 170mm, when using bottom 120/140mm fan location. When not using the bottom 120/140mm fan location, the case supports also longer PSU's up to 200-220mm"
 
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Nanophys

Junior Member
Apr 7, 2012
7
0
0
So I looked a bit more into it, it seems like it can support a 180 mm PSU, but that's the longest they recommend. From their website:

" The maximum recommended combined depth for PSU and optical drive is 382mm plus 20mm room for connectors. We recommend the largest PSU to be no greater than 160mm deep"

If I'm reading that correctly, doesn't that mean that there'd be ~200mm available for a cd/dvd drive? That'd be a 7.5" long drive, which seems like more than enough space. Am I missing something here? I'd like to leave more than a 2 cm gap, but what kind of depth should I be looking at for a drive, if I prioritize getting a short drive?

Edit* It looks like I can get optical drives at 170mm, which would mean I'd be at 341mm total. Giving me ~40mm of space (or 60mm, I'm not exactly sure if that plus means PSU+optical+gap or that 20 is in addition to the 382). Is there anything wrong with the assumptions I'm making here? Is that kind of clearance acceptable?
 
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