Replace my Antec P180?

[Williamea]

My Antec P180 seems a bit cramped ever since I went from a EVGA 8800 to a XFX 5850 so I have been debating replacing it when I do my new SB build.
The 2 things I love about my 180 is the air filters in the front of the case(I HATE dust) and the fact that it is rather quiet. I like the Corsair 600 and might pair it with the H70 but I dont think it has any air filters. Can anyone offer any comparisions/opinions or other case suggestions?


Thanks in advance.

 

[MrK6]

I think "cramped" is alright as long as your temps are still good. That said, I recommend the Cooler Master 690 II Advanced: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-216-_-Product . It has a ton of features(like fan filters on all intakes, even for the PSU), is well built, and has great airflow :thumbsup:.

 

[Williamea]

The 690 looks nice. How is the noise level? Works well with a H70? How do the air filters work? Can I remove and clean them without opening the case like on the P180?

 

[nyker96]

or you can look into haf X which has filters and has way more air flow than P180s.

 

[MrK6]

The 690 looks nice. How is the noise level? Works well with a H70? How do the air filters work? Can I remove and clean them without opening the case like on the P180?

The 120mm slot in the back or the 120mm slots in the top should accommodate an H70 with little issue. The air filters are mesh that are either dropped into place on the bottom or worked into the steel mesh itself. If you just use a static duster to get off the clumps they're great, but if you want to dissemble and wash them regularly, I think that'd be a pain.

Here's some reviews with some nice shots of the filters so it's easier to see what I'm talking about:
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/cooler_master_cm690ii_advanced/
http://www.guru3d.com/article/cooler-master-690-ii-advanced-review/7

 

[zod96]

How about the Fractal R3 case? I got that one to replace my Antec P180B

 

[dawp]

if you really want room to work you might consider a full tower if you have the room. I have a rocketfish tower that was made by Lian LI and is similar to their PC-71F and will be using it for years to come.

 

[zod96]

I was going to get the Fractal R3 Xl myself but after measuring it, forget it. Its way way to big for my desk..

 

[Zargon]

i went from the p180 to a lian li raven-02. but its HUGE. a nzxt phantom is nice comprable case, or the 600t but like you I dont know about its filtering

 

[Williamea]

Size is not a issue as I keep the case under the desk.
Fractal XL looks very similar to the 180 but about 3in deeper which should give the vid card more room. Wonder how that fan on top would go with the H70?

 

[irse]

This is from Overclockers Club review.

The panel in front of the fan is capable of being pushed in so it pops out allowing you to remove it for easy access to the fan filter. Once clean, you simply let the bottom of the panel rest in its grooves and then push the panel back into place until it clicks.

I recently purchased one but haven't built it yet so I can't tell how easy it is to remove the filter. It's at works so won't get to it until Tues. Overall, I really like the case. It's big but it'll allow a cleaner look. Able to hide all of my cables behind the MB. Most of all, I like the latches for the side panel. I had a CM 590 and the panels cut up my hand trying to take them off. The first time I opened it, I had to get a screwdriver from the opposite side to open up the tabs (very poorly made/or bad quality control). Don't think I'll buy another CM case. The Lancools are pretty good but offer no support that I can find. Couldn't even email them as opposed to Corsair who sent me an extra cage and trays free of charge because I had questions on where I could purchase them just in case I needed one.

 

[BoomerD]

Come on over to the dark side...

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2125015

The HAF 932 is the best case I've ever had. The stock fans are quiet, the construction is solid, and the air flow is fabulous. The HAF X has some advantages over the 932 though, but it was also $60 more...and I just couldn't justify the cost at the time.

 

[Williamea]

So I popped into Fry's and luckily they had the Corsair 600, Haf 932 and Haf X. After playing with all them I think I am leaning toward the Corsair or HAF X. My only concern on Corsair at this point is the HDD mounts seemed a bit flimsy and might rattle. The HAF X might be louder and possible bring in more dust with the side fan.