Steel vs Aluminum

[Skyguy]

For mid-tower ATX cases that come in both black steel and all-aluminum construction, is there a significant difference in the noise transmission from inside the case, or in the durability of the case between the 2 materials? I know the aluminum case will be ALOT lighter, but I'm interested in the tradeoffs. And then I want to balance that against the price difference.

Looking at $50 more for an aluminum case vs steel in the same model......is it worth it? Forget about aesthetics for a second.......what about the functionality? Noise, durability, etc. Is there a difference or not really? The last thing I'd want is an aluminum case that cost $50 more but it's noiser or more flimsy.

I'd appreciate any input/experiences/info on this.

Much appreciated.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: Skyguy
Forget about aesthetics for a second.......what about the functionality? Noise, durability, etc.

Okay, straight up!

Aluminum is more brittle than steel, so aluminum cases tend to 'rattle' and make more noise than steel cases.

Some ppl *think* aluminum cases are cooler (temp wise) than steel. I'm not convinced! I suppose it depends on the ambient temp. In winter, they probably ARE cooler, but who cares, you know?

And, it's easier to scratch, dent, and generally damage aluminum, than steel. That's why (almost) nobody makes aluminum cars.

Um... let's see... anything else?

Hrm...

If I think of anything else, I'll be back.

 

[MichaelD]

All the talk about aluminum radiating heat better than steel is crap. Your case never actually gets warm enough to radiate any heat. That's what fans are for. How many HP/Dell/IBM/Sun servers do you see made of aluminum? The only exception is a case design that intentionally makes the case one giant heatsink; the components attach to the case itself via heatpipes. Zalman makes such a case.

AFA the case panels transmitting sound through sympathetic vibration; it depends. Yes, steel case panels are generally thicker than their aluminum counterparts and vibrate less, but case layout and design also has a lot to do with radiated noise. A well designed aluminum case can easily be quieter than a poorly designed steel case. Generally speaking though; steel cases have thicker panels than aluminum cases and muffle noise better. Cases with thick composite panels (Antec P180...there may be others but I don't know of them) are even better. Thicker panels = more noise kept inside. This is the premise behind lining a case with acoustic foam.

AFA durability goes, there's no contest. Case in point, my ancient steel battle tank of case, Antec 1040. I can sit or stand on this case and practically kick it across the room with zero dents or damage, but even a single 80mm fan inside the case rattles the whole thing and it sounds like a jet engine. I've had "nice" aluminum cases; they scratch and get dented if you breathe on them the wrong way. But appearance wise, they have no equal, IMO. They are just really good looking (the better cases, anyway) and typically, the fit and finish is better than steel cases.

But you have to compare apples to apples here. You cannot compare a $40 steel case with a $140 aluminum case; it's just not fair and of COURSE the cheaper case will not have the same level of finish, nor the same nifty features.

IMO, if you have the desire to check out a nice aluminum case, you should. There is no substitute for personal experience. Check it out and decide for yourself.

 

[Sniper82]

Only downside to a aluminum like others have mentioned is it just isn't durable. If you drop a Aluminum case(or anything of Aluminum) from 4-5 foot and hits the wrong way you could warp the whole case. Good luck trying to straighten it back out as its next to impossible. Been there with my Xaser III Lanfire. Thats the only real downside for me. Would I buy another Aluminum case? Yes. Would I go with a steel version of the same case if one is available and is quite a bit cheap? Yes again .

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
All the talk about aluminum radiating heat better than steel is crap. Your case never actually gets warm enough to radiate any heat...

Yes, agreed!

Maybe I didn't express myself -- after all, this isn't a college white-paper...

I would suggest it works the other way around!

I believe that computer cases are close to ambient temp, at all times, and draw radiant heat away from components, if anything, and that's stretching it! I don't believe they actually absorb heat from components and radiate it into the room, like giant heatsinks. After all, there is no physical bond, and air is a poor conductor of heat! So, we are in basic agreement here...

As stated above, I remain unconvinced that aluminum works any better than steel in this regard -- and I run a $400+ aluminum case, so it's NOT like I have a vested interest in steel... au contraire!

Bottom line: I don't think it makes any difference, temp wise!

 

[BladeVenom]

Steel is the better choice. If you go with aluminum, you're doing it for its looks. Aluminum is lighter, but if you're moving your case around a lot, you're probably better off with a steel case.

 

[Boyo]

I prefer almuminum cases simply because they are lighter. I have a Lian Li and there is no rattling what so ever. If you want an aluminum case, get it from a good manufacturer like Lian Li.

 

[SparkyJJO]

Steel cases are heavier yes but they are also tougher (generally I'm not talking about those $10 steel cases that are thinner than paper ). Steel will endure getting moved around better but is also heavier than aluminum.

IMO I don't really care what material the case is. If I have a choice between the same case in steel or aluminum I'll probably go with the steel since it is cheaper. I can bear to carry a few more pounds Also I don't like lian li cases, they just don't appeal to me. They finally seem to be getting away from 80mm fans but I still wouldn't buy one. But that is just my opinion.

 

[IEC]

Aluminum is inferior in every category except weight and heat dissipation. Steel is better at dulling sound, protecting components, and taking flex.

 

[Skyguy]

Excellent points, thank you! I won't be moving my case much, so the extra weight of steel doesn't bother me. However, my 2 little kids will probably draw on it or scratch it at some point LOL, so steel may stand up much better to "wear and tear". Looks like heat difference won't really be an issue, since I plan on some good air cooling and won't be doing any extreme OC'ing. And it seems that steel may be a *bit* better insulating the noise............which leaves Cost.

In this particular instance, due to availability (or lack thereof) for the aluminum from on-line retailers, the bottom line would be that the steel version would be approx. $50 CAN cheaper than the aluminum, for the same case.

So all things considered, it looks like the steel is a better choice this time. Not in all instances, but it seems to be a far better bargain and investment here. $50 is alot....if it has massive improvements I'd consider it, but it appears not. Guess I'd rather put that $50 along with the $250 I'm gonna save going to an 8800GTS instead of GTX and then use that savings to get a bigger and better LCD monitor

Much thanks!

 

[Aluvus]

Originally posted by: VinDSL
Aluminum is more brittle than steel

I'm no materials scientist, but I'm fairly sure aluminum is quite a bit less brittle than just about any common steel alloy.

so aluminum cases tend to 'rattle' and make more noise than steel cases.

No, they sometimes rattle because they are made of thinner metal.

 

[Shadowknight]

Originally posted by: Aluvus
No, they sometimes rattle because they are made of less dense metal.

Fixed for accuracy.

 

[BladeVenom]

Originally posted by: Aluvus

Originally posted by: VinDSL
Aluminum is more brittle than steel

I'm no materials scientist, but I'm fairly sure aluminum is quite a bit less brittle than just about any common steel alloy.

Steel wins easily in that category. brittle strength

Steel can be made into springs; I've never heard of aluminum springs. If you want to go the other way steel can also be made a lot more brittle than aluminum by hardening it.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: ariafrost
Aluminum is inferior in every category except weight and heat dissipation. Steel is better at dulling sound, protecting components, and taking flex.

Aluminum is only better at looks, takes anodizing, billet, brushed... among other treatments and mass. Heat dissipation is a total myth.

Steel is better at everything else incluing cost.


In sum Aluminum gets the chicks Steel is for Toolman Tim.

 

[you2]

I have a couple of aluminum cases and a couple of steal cases. The steal cases are antec. Not sure if it is due to steel or brand but i find it much easier to work with the aluminum cases (one is kingwin 424 the other is li-an 60pc).

 

[BladeVenom]

I think it's the brand, and your personal prefrences, not the material. The Lian-Li is a more expensive better made case. Isn't the Kingwin a steel case with an aluminum front?

 

[you2]

The 424 is aluminum from top to bottom.