Reccomend Me A Case!

[foodfightr]

I need a case that is roomy enough to fit a big water cooled system inside, or do you think I should mount the radiator outside?

I don't want an EL-Cheapo case, I'd prefer something built with quality in mind.

I'd like a little bit of rice, but I don't want it to be BLINDING.

No heavy cases, sorry P180.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

The P180 is a heavy case? Really? I didn't know that. Big, quality case that is light. I can't think of any off hand. Good luck though.

How many pounds is heavy? What kinda of weight are you looking for?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Lian Li PC-75 at www.performance-pcs.com.
Comes with two optical covers and a floopy cover, has a large window.
Cost $199........I want one someday.
Mount radiator inside, mod the top to be removable.
Downside, no slide-out MB tray.


...Galvanized

 

[Technonut]

I just looked at a review of the Kingwin SK-523, and it seems like it would be radiator friendly...

EDIT: GalvanizedYankee: The PC-75 is a great case.... I love mine... Big enough to squeeze a VapoChill into the top.

 

[foodfightr]

Well I guess light isnt the MOST IMPORTANT aspect, but I'd like to be able to go to a LAN Party without the case being extremely heavy.

Why would you suggest internal mounting considering the heat will be recycled into the case?

Can't swing $200 case + $250 water cooling....

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: foodfightr
Well I guess light isnt the MOST IMPORTANT aspect, but I'd like to be able to go to a LAN Party without the case being extremely heavy.

Why would you suggest internal mounting considering the heat will be recycled into the case?

Can't swing $200 case + $250 water cooling....

If the most important thing is LAN parties, I wouldn't be doing water cooling. Moving the machine around a lot, not to mention the added weight of the water itself... Sounds like a scary prospect to me.

 

[ranmao]

What about some of the Thermaltakes like the Armor or Tsunami?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Topic Summary: Details inside...(Radiator Inside or Outside?) That's what you Stated

Remove the PC-75's top panel, make aluminum frame work to support 2-120x25 radiator,
cut pleasing opening in top panel, bond modders mesh on the inside of the top panel, now
it will exhaust through the top.

For cool intake air that won't rob the case. After making a cardboard templet/pattern, use
it to make a shroud out of thin aluminum. This shroud will have the 2-120s pull air from
the two empty top 5.25" bays. Bond modders mesh to the inside of the front panel for a grill.

No recycled hot air. Can be done with minimum tooling.

I gave this some thought awhile ago. Done right a 3-120 radiator would fit.
The shroud does not have to be air tight. Just close to it. Easily/neatly done with closed cell foam.


...Galvanized

 

[foodfightr]

Got a link to a tutorial? Or a pic of someone who has done it?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: foodfightr
Got a link to a tutorial? Or a pic of someone who has done it?

No link, but if I ever come across one I'll PM it to you.

About 3 months ago, I jotted down measurments of the radiators offered and the PC-75.
It would fit iirc. It helps that I have two L-L mid-towers because the construction is similare
in the PC-75. The PC-75 is set-up for extended ATX boards so the case is about 45mm
longer than a PC-60.

I think a HD array would fit in the upper rear of the PC-75 and the two 80mm exhaust fans
would really cool them. Look at the pics at performance-pcs.com.

This would make for a top heavy rig but by not blocking the lower intake fans would be a plus.

If you find a tutorial PM it to me


...Galvanized

 

[Nirach]

I quite like my TTArmor case, roomy and doesn't look too bad. Downside is it's 16 kilos, give or take. Nice case, though. Plenty of room for W/C, I've fitted it in there. But, if you're laning a lot, then air cooling might be better.. Unless you've be comfortable moving a pc full fo water