Rocketfish (lian-li) Vs thermaltake Armor+ vh6000bws

[Dangerer]

I'm currently running a rocketfish air cooled rig and was considering upgrading (sidegrading?) to the thermaltake Armor+ 6400bws. I like the lian-li for the fact that it's fully aluminum, but air flow is a bit of a problem with the placement of the fans. The thermaltake armor+ vh6000bws is currently only $99 after rebate from microcenter and I'm considering trying that out instead. Would that be a better option? I don't plan on modifying the rocketfish at all. I don't really mind how either case looks as well. The rocketfish has the effervescent minimalist look while the thermaltake looks pretty sexy itself, but in the end i'm looking for something that can keep my temperatures down the best without any modifications (outside purchasing new fans I suppose).

here's a link to microcenter's thermaltake vh6000bws, prices are practically half that of newegg incase anyone else thinks this is a good deal although I wish it were the full aluminum version

update:

the armor+ came in, total came out to $126 after rebate (tax/shipping included). It's at least 3 times heavier than my rocketfish but that's not much of a problem sine I don't plan on lugging it anywhere. The motherboard back plate is removable but I didn't have any need for that. The best part is the room to work with behind the motherboard tray. I have all my PSU wires and cables routed behind the tray with virtually no effort which should help airflow considerably. Overall the case runs slightly quieter than the rocketfish and my temps are down 4c during idle and 3c after a 3 hours of prime95.

 

[tutelary]

you're too worried about temps.

 

[generaltao]

save your money bud. I just switched from the Thermaltake Armor that I bought almost a year ago to the Lian Li

My system is:

E6600 @ 3.0GHZ -(Zalman 9500)
Asus P5W-DH Deluxe
4GB Corsair DDR2800 (2x2gb)
X1900XT 512 @ 675core/775mem (Coolermaster Coolviva)
2x 320gb WD HDDs
2x Samsung Lightscribe(ugh, useless) DVDRW+-+-+-+-+- every format drives
All running on an Antec Smartpower 500w PSU

I'll tell you one thing, I think the airflow in the rocketfish is actually better than the armor. From my tests I get this phenomenon. I'll use the GPU temp as an example.


Armor - IDLE 38c - LOAD 68-69c
Fish - IDLE 39-40c - LOAD 64-65c

(I am not using the PCI vent that came with the case btw. It doesn't fit over the coolviva gpu cooler)

I get slightly worse idle temps but better load temps. In my experience it seems that the path of the air in the case is more consistent and directed in the Rocket-Li than the armor. It could be that giant 25cm fan causing it lol, who knows.


Short Version: Save your money and stick with the Rocket-LI
I may go pick up another Lian-Fish later today when I'm on lunch, just as a spare.

 

[Tim]

Originally posted by: tutelary
you're too worried about temps.

That sure was a helpful bit of advice...:roll:

Worrying about high temps is not a bad thing. The cooler the better is the general rule here. I also think you'd be better off keeping the rocketfish case. If you'd like, just replace the fans with something that moves more air and that should help.

 

[Zepper]

I'd say I agree with thepladfad. The Lian Li fans don't put out much air for the noise they produce. The metal "H" left in the intake hole in front of the front fan also makes it noisier yet - cut the "H" out... I plan to use one of the Cooler Master fans that I reviewed here: http://www.techimo.com/reviews/ (main review is under the black one - just click on the image in the gallery for the review) in the front and either a Zalman F3 (on the way) or one of my Sanyo 1011s in the rear. You'll also want a fan controller to tune your fans for best performance. A lot of the extraneous venting in the RF also needs to be blocked off as that just short-circuits any attempt at airflow planning or control. Try to isolate the intake air to coming from the lower front (make that air work for its money!). The rear fan regulates overall airflow and the front fan mainly cools the HDDs and supplies some air if the lower front venting is inadequate to the needs of the exhaust fan. Most PSUs won't be moving significant air, so they can generally be ignored as far as overall cooling goes. Use a Zalman fan bracket or an Antec Spot Fan to direct air to any hot spots.

.bh.

 

[tutelary]

Originally posted by: thepladfad

Originally posted by: tutelary
you're too worried about temps.

That sure was a helpful bit of advice...:roll:

Worrying about high temps is not a bad thing. The cooler the better is the general rule here. I also think you'd be better off keeping the rocketfish case. If you'd like, just replace the fans with something that moves more air and that should help.

good thing it was an opinion and not advice then huh? 'The cooler the better' is a general rule everywhere, but it shouldn't lead you into stupid, meaningless decisions either.

 

[Dangerer]

well the thing is, I didn't actually get the greatest deal on the rocketfish (paid $120 and tax for it) so both cases are the same price. I kept the case in the best possible condition and all the parts to return it should something happen.... so taking that into consideration, would I be better off with the TT? I should mention that fan noise is no big deal at all since the computer will run from the adjacent room to my room via a hole in the wall.

 

[generaltao]

With that in mind, I would still say keep the rocketfish. I am really impressed with the overall quality and simplicity compared to the TT Armor (if you're considering things other than cooling). Also, you may be able to take your reciept back to the store and get them to price match a clearance price that some people have been getting. Who knows. $120 is still a good deal for a rebadged lian-li of that size.


ps. I'm about to go buy 2 more for my next builds. the Rocket-Lian-Fish-Li that is.

I can sell you my old armor for like 50 bucks + shipping if you want lol.

 

[Tim]

Originally posted by: tutelary

Originally posted by: thepladfad

Originally posted by: tutelary
you're too worried about temps.

That sure was a helpful bit of advice...:roll:

Worrying about high temps is not a bad thing. The cooler the better is the general rule here. I also think you'd be better off keeping the rocketfish case. If you'd like, just replace the fans with something that moves more air and that should help.

good thing it was an opinion and not advice then huh? 'The cooler the better' is a general rule everywhere, but it shouldn't lead you into stupid, meaningless decisions either.

In reguards to your 'opinion' concerning his post... it's not the best opinion and it's not exactly what I think he wanted to hear. He would obviously like to achieve a little better cooling. We steered him in a good direction. As for your OP, it offered no advice or help. He obviously posted because he wanted advice, not necessarly (weak and un-supported) opinions.

Now back to the main topic here...

Originally posted by: Dangerer
well the thing is, I didn't actually get the greatest deal on the rocketfish (paid $120 and tax for it) so both cases are the same price. I kept the case in the best possible condition and all the parts to return it should something happen.... so taking that into consideration, would I be better off with the TT? I should mention that fan noise is no big deal at all since the computer will run from the adjacent room to my room via a hole in the wall.

This only applies if you still have the receipt for the rocketfish, and it's less than 30 days from the purchase date.. You can call the Best-Buy and see what the price is now. If it's lower and you meet the pre-mentioned conditions, you can bring in the receipt and get the difference in price back. That's what I did.

Since you're not too concerned about noise, THIS FAN is only 9.99 at the egg and moves 133.60 CFM, which I think would help. If noise is really a complete non-issue and you wouldn't mind this thing being pretty damn loud, THIS FAN">http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/deaf12recgrh.html</a> moves an impressive 240.96 CFM, which would probably be overkill, but at least you wouldn't have to worry about overheating due to insufficient airflow. Both of these options would be cheaper than buying a new case... and IMHO, the rocketfish already rocks

 

[Dangerer]

bleh, the thermaltake armor is on it's way to my house. I actually thought I had time to cancel, but I guess I can do some AB testing now

 

[Dangerer]

update:

the armor+ came in, total came out to $126 after rebate (tax/shipping included). It's at least 3 times heavier than my rocketfish but that's not much of a problem sine I don't plan on lugging it anywhere. The motherboard back plate is removable but I didn't have any need for that. The best part is the room to work with behind the motherboard tray. I have all my PSU wires and cables routed behind the tray with virtually no effort which should help airflow considerably. Overall the case runs slightly quieter than the rocketfish and my temps are down 4c during idle and 3c after a 3 hours of prime95.

 

[generaltao]

I hope it was worth it for you lol

 

[evident]

ugh, you shoulda saved your cash. The rocketfish is way better than the armor imo. It's lighter, easier to work with and the build quality is top notch.

 

[Zepper]

Nor would I spend all that money for 3 or 4 degrees... Hey, I have an idea what the OP might like - where's that link to the $500.00 5-foot Ethernet cable???

.bh.

 

[aigomorla]

how about saving the 120, and just upgrading all your aftermarket cooling.

That should yield greater results then just changing cases.

Originally posted by: Zepper
Nor would I spend all that money for 3 or 4 degrees... Hey, I have an idea what the OP might like - where's that link to the $500.00 5-foot Ethernet cable???

.bh.

WTF is it braided with gold with 24kt gold wires?

 

[evident]

Originally posted by: aigomorla
how about saving the 120, and just upgrading all your aftermarket cooling.

That should yield greater results then just changing cases.

Originally posted by: Zepper
Nor would I spend all that money for 3 or 4 degrees... Hey, I have an idea what the OP might like - where's that link to the $500.00 5-foot Ethernet cable???

.bh.

WTF is it braided with gold with 24kt gold wires?

totally worth it imo

allows me to dl my pr0n 4 kb/s faster! :laugh:

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: aigomorla
how about saving the 120, and just upgrading all your aftermarket cooling.

That should yield greater results then just changing cases.

Originally posted by: Zepper
Nor would I spend all that money for 3 or 4 degrees... Hey, I have an idea what the OP might like - where's that link to the $500.00 5-foot Ethernet cable???

.bh.

WTF is it braided with gold with 24kt gold wires?

totally worth it imo

allows me to dl my pr0n 4 kb/s faster! :laugh:

....

no comment...