Thermaltake Tsunami

[Cycloptis]

I'm in the market for a case with a good side window and good cooling performance. I was looking into the Tsunami but I'm not too sure how it would handle my configuration, which is this:

X2 4800+
X1900XT
2GB DDR400
X-Fi Fatality
400GB 7200RPM HDD

If there are any alternatives you can suggest, that would be nice too.

 

[Arkane13131]

I own it so Ill comment about it.

The case looks good. I thought that little silver strip in the front would cheezify it but it doesn't. The case is tooless aside from installing the motherboard. There is no mobo tray and on a case this expensive that kind of sucks. I have an antec smartpower 2.0 PSU and I had to unplug the usb port area at the top of the case and take it out in order to fit the psu in. This psu is about an inch longer than most however and you dont need to take the motherboard out or anything to change powersupplies...just unscrew that top usb mount to give more room..which is very easy and a 2 minute process, then after you have installed the psu its easy to put it back in.

This case is very big, which I like because I take my machine apart all the time. If I had to lug the thing around to lan parties constantly that would be a different story.

The front LED's are pretty sweet looking, but if it is on your desk and you get too close to the monitor they can blind you from the side LoL... mostly my sister has this problem on rare occasions because she has bad eyesight...and gets up close to see something. The rear 120mm fan is bright and pleasant looking. The blue really gives it that water look.

I recommend buying a fan filter for the side 80mm fan. They have a grill but no real dust filter...which kind of defeats the purpose of the front 120mm fan's dust filter.

The case is damn quiet...and the size of it also deadends the sounds inside. The harddrives are on rubber mounted screws which prevent buzzing ect. I cannot tell when the HD is working at all. I have to open up the front and look at the HD light to know for sure.
Another great thing about the size is there is plenty of easy wire hiding. You can attain a very clean look.

The things I do not enjoy about the case is...

If you install several harddrives though they get cooled by the 120mm fan in front..the videocard only recieves the warm air blown over the harddrives. The side fan is mounted in the center which benefits the CPU and ram only. The graphics card/pci slots are a dead spot for air..since i have 3 HD's in there.

If you are willing to give up a PCI slot a simple 10$ (shipped) exhaust fan fixes this dead spot and moves the overall air in the case lowering all temps slightly..but really benefiting the graphics card.

Overall Im very happy with this case, and no one has said it looked tacky in the slightest..which i find alot of cases to look that way.
This one I originally purchased just looking online...I saw it had alot of room for expansion and that it just looked really sweet.

I got a good deal from newegg.. purchased for 100$ shipped. right now it is 88.99 after a 20$ mail in rebate. I cant comment on the PSU that comes with the more expensive one..aside from advising against it with the hardware you have.

You wont be pissed off you bought this case for 90$.


I would like to throw out an alternative just because it is my nature.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129154

this antec looks sweet....is a very solid feeling case... (the tsunami is all aluminum and yet kind of thin...it stays very cool and doesn't feel flimsy..but this antec feels thicker. it also features rubber mounted HD screws ect. I dont believe this one is as tooless to operate as the tsunami but i have never owned it or installed anything in it to tell you for sure.

also this case has 3 120mm fans.

for an extra 35$ it might be worth it to ya. It does look good.

 

[Cycloptis]

Thanks a lot for the reply, that actually helps quite a bit!

I might decide to go with the P180 since I've realized that I probably won't be looking into the PC very often anyways. That said, if I do go with the Tsunami I've got your tips to make it as good as it can be, so thanks again.

But, since I'm only going to be using one HDD, would the dead spot even be a problem?

 

[Arkane13131]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Showimage...m+ATX+Mid+Tower+Computer+Case+-+Retail

just saw this one... its in the same price braket. it has a direct look..but the maker is notorious for quality.

 

[Cycloptis]

Originally posted by: Arkane13131
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Showimage...m+ATX+Mid+Tower+Computer+Case+-+Retail

just saw this one... its in the same price braket. it has a direct look..but the maker is notorious for quality.

Yeah I've seen that one, and while I do recognize Lian-Li as a very solid maker, that side window looks quite mediocre, especially compared to that of the Tsunami.

 

[Arkane13131]

Originally posted by: Cycloptis
Thanks a lot for the reply, that actually helps quite a bit!

I might decide to go with the P180 since I've realized that I probably won't be looking into the PC very often anyways. That said, if I do go with the Tsunami I've got your tips to make it as good as it can be, so thanks again.

But, since I'm only going to be using one HDD, would the dead spot even be a problem?

no it wont.
it might not even be a problem now..considering...

my 7800gt co superclock idled at 38C

my first 7900gt co superclock idled at 38C but was defective...

the new one isnt defective..but the beast idles at 46-48C...

Im installing a zalman vf900 today on it...and i believe that should solve that little problem heh...after installing the other 2 harddrives the thing idled at 49C....though it was really really warm that day and my room has terrible AC and gets up in the 80's.

currently its not too warm in here and the card is sitting at 48C.

If you have a nice fan on your card I doubt you will notice even if you did pile in the HD's.

I might have purchased that antec..i was torn between the 2 but... newegg had the cheaper deal for this one and I was very tight on funds so the choice was simple and I love it.

edit: that is without the pci fan installed which lowers the temps down to 45C 90% of the time. I took it out right now and gave it to my friend who had very high idle temps.

 

[Arkane13131]

Originally posted by: Cycloptis

Originally posted by: Arkane13131
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Showimage...m+ATX+Mid+Tower+Computer+Case+-+Retail

just saw this one... its in the same price braket. it has a direct look..but the maker is notorious for quality.

Yeah I've seen that one, and while I do recognize Lian-Li as a very solid maker, that side window looks quite mediocre, especially compared to that of the Tsunami.

well that case has a very straightforward look.
the nice things about it is... the fact that it has a removable motherboard tray... and I believe it easier to get a solid grip on.. (vs the antec) and smaller (than the big tsunami) so if you go to lan parties it might benefit you... anyway just including it for the sake of argument.

 

[Cycloptis]

Originally posted by: Arkane13131

Originally posted by: Cycloptis
Thanks a lot for the reply, that actually helps quite a bit!

I might decide to go with the P180 since I've realized that I probably won't be looking into the PC very often anyways. That said, if I do go with the Tsunami I've got your tips to make it as good as it can be, so thanks again.

But, since I'm only going to be using one HDD, would the dead spot even be a problem?

no it wont.
it might not even be a problem now..considering...

my 7800gt co superclock idled at 38C

my first 7900gt co superclock idled at 38C but was defective...

the new one isnt defective..but the beast idles at 46-48C...

Im installing a zalman vf900 today on it...and i believe that should solve that little problem heh...after installing the other 2 harddrives the thing idled at 49C....though it was really really warm that day and my room has terrible AC and gets up in the 80's.

currently its not too warm in here and the card is sitting at 48C.

If you have a nice fan on your card I doubt you will notice even if you did pile in the HD's.

I might have purchased that antec..i was torn between the 2 but... newegg had the cheaper deal for this one and I was very tight on funds so the choice was simple and I love it.

edit: that is without the pci fan installed which lowers the temps down to 45C 90% of the time. I took it out right now and gave it to my friend who had very high idle temps.

Excellent, now I just have to pick between the P180 and Tsunami. The Tsunami wouldn't be a contender if not for your information, thanks again!

 

[Arkane13131]

if you like side windows... and the money matters to you... and you like black heh... id go with the tsunami. if you dont like side windows..and silver is your flavor.. get that antec.

really..both cases are great. might aswell flip a coin if you dont care for color and you got the cash heh.

 

[bigKr33]

The antec is a spectacular case, but the only thing i'm not liking about it, is getting the airflow that i want. Theres no direct air flow in the case. Theres an isolated chamber in the bottom of the case where the psu is, and the uperchamber is small and very hard to work with. You also have to make sure your psu main connector is long enough because if not, well then you're screwed.

The case has really good build quality though, its heavy no doubt, but you get what you pay for. Its a really hard case to keep a clean look in the inside though because wiring is a b****!! with this type of case design. It takes me a good 2-3hrs to get the whole computer built, 4hrs+ if its your first time working on it. The end result though when putting effort in this case is rewarding.

Don't listen to my cooling complaints though because its because of my heatsink that really doesn't allow me to keep a good cooling setup. I just ordered a thermaltake big typhoon to see if this can fix my problem. The fans that come with the case have a really good cfm airflow value which by the way are a 3 speed setup.

I know it seemed i was pretty negative about the case, but just want you to know what to expect if you get it. Its a fantastic case that is like no other. Happy searching, and good luck with your decision.

 

[BassBomb]

tsunami is a bitch to clean... the window will get scratched easy... its not heavy at all (my psu weighs as much as the case)

i like teh case a great deal..

 

[dawza]

The Tsunami is somewhat flimsy and quality overall is lacking with respect to fit and finish, when compared to the mid-to-higher end Coolermaster and Lian Li cases. Granted, the thin aluminum side and top panels do make the case featherweight- however, they simply do not have the same solid, quality feel as the Coolermasters. The best way to sum up my impression of the case is that it is visually appealing, but lacking in refinement when actually handled.

The side window is, as mentioned above, easily scratched. It is also rather thin and not all that well-made.

All that said, the cooling capacity of the case is excellent and it is easy to build in. Wire management is also relatively simple even with the lack of a removable mobo tray. And again, the case is marvelously light. Overall, it is not bad, but in the $100 price range, you can do better quality-wise, IMO.

 

[Alienwho]

I have been using the tsunami for nearly a year now and I have no regrets at all. My friend actually has the Lian Li PC-65B and I would put both cases on par with each other quality wise. I disagree with the above poster who mentioned flimsy quality in the tsunami, and to be honest it really isn't that light. It just feels totally solid and is a dream to work with. The antec also looks nice and i'm sure you wouldn't regret that purchase either.

The way I see it: If you want black, get either the Lian Li or the tsunami. If you want a cover on the front panel and USB ports on top of the box, get the tsunami. If you want no front cover and USB on the bottom front of the box, get the Lian Li. If you want silver, get the antec.

 

[Arkane13131]

Originally posted by: Alienwho
I have been using the tsunami for nearly a year now and I have no regrets at all. My friend actually has the Lian Li PC-65B and I would put both cases on par with each other quality wise. I disagree with the above poster who mentioned flimsy quality in the tsunami, and to be honest it really isn't that light. It just feels totally solid and is a dream to work with. The antec also looks nice and i'm sure you wouldn't regret that purchase either.

The way I see it: If you want black, get either the Lian Li or the tsunami. If you want a cover on the front panel and USB ports on top of the box, get the tsunami. If you want no front cover and USB on the bottom front of the box, get the Lian Li. If you want silver, get the antec.

agreed

 

[eits]

the tsunami is decent... it will annoy the piss out of you after a while. i just switched from that to a lian li v1000 and i couldn't be more happy.

the tsunami is a frigging dust magnet if i've ever seen one. no joke. also, the door is REEEEALLY annoying.

screw the thermaltake tsunami. get something else. trust me. save up $50 more and get a lian li v1000.

 

[drpootums]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133154

I have the Tsunami, and although i think it's a nice case I want to get into watercooling for my next build, and being the case isnt huge i'm thinking about upgrading it.

The case I linked to is the one i'm thinking about for my next build. 120mm + 90mm fan in the back, 90mm fan on top, and 2x120mm fans in front (if you decide to add another). Also, it was built for watercooling in mind, being it has special spots to hook pumps and such up to. The only problem is that it weighs 60 lbs. (hard to lug to LANs)


You can't really go wrong with the Tsunami, but the case i linked to is really making me jealous!

 

[eits]

Originally posted by: drpootums

You can't really go wrong with the Tsunami

i disagree. it's not that great of a case. you'll get pretty aggrivated with it, especially when you want to swap out power supplies or hide cables or don't want the door swinging around all the time.

it's really not that great of a case. not worth the money, in my book.

however, the lian li v1000 is TOTALLY worth the money.

 

[Doctorweir]

One more note as I saw you also got the Fatal!ty...
The front door won't close fully anymore after installing the front panel...sorry dude...
It is still hooked, but not fully and hitting the mic control knob at every closing time.
I had the case long before the X-Fi, so I don't complain...but for a new case decision I would consider this a no-go...
And you can fill it up (someone said something about plenty of space???) => see sigpic

 

[Effect]

Strange, i haven't seen anyone suggest the Coolermaster Wavemaster, which looks somewhat similar to the tsunami. I'd suggest checking it out, i don't own one, so i cant comment on it (i'm looking to get one myself), but looks to be a great case.

 

[dawza]

Originally posted by: Effect
Strange, i haven't seen anyone suggest the Coolermaster Wavemaster, which looks somewhat similar to the tsunami. I'd suggest checking it out, i don't own one, so i cant comment on it (i'm looking to get one myself), but looks to be a great case.

It is a beautiful case and very well constructed; unfortunately, it lacks horribly in intake and overall airflow without some serious cutting and modification due to the tiny holes Coolermaster decided to use as front intakes, coupled with an 80mm exhaust.

The Praetorian 730 (or even the older/original one) would be a much better choice if the OP wanted to go Coolermaster.

 

[Arkane13131]

Originally posted by: eits

Originally posted by: drpootums

You can't really go wrong with the Tsunami

i disagree. it's not that great of a case. you'll get pretty aggrivated with it, especially when you want to swap out power supplies or hide cables or don't want the door swinging around all the time.

it's really not that great of a case. not worth the money, in my book.

however, the lian li v1000 is TOTALLY worth the money.

um... actually there is plenty of room to hide cables. my door doesnt swing around all the time... unless i pick up the case and start swinging it around.

its very easy to install power supplies into... a worst case scenario you will have to unscrew a couple screws that hold the usb ports in place at the top.. but not necessary for 95% of PSU's.

um, just what the hell are you talking about lol?


aside from that i did not know the fatality had a front mounted knob area... which would prevent the door from closing... which would suck... and thats the same for the antec aswell.

 

[openwheelformula1]

The Tsunami is a beautiful case. It has plenty of room to hide wires. Trust me, see my wire management below. Pics are a little updated, I've since upgraded:

http://www.overclockersclub.com/gallery/?act=case&id=942

Air cooling is very good as well. However, the alluminum is very thin which causes vibrations. Those "rubbet grommets" don't work whatsoever. They are simply too hard and ridigity of the case is not strong enough. I've since modified and suspended my harddrives to eliminate vibration noise. Otherwise, it's a good case to purchase w/o having to settle for those ugly Lian Li's dull designs.

 

[Makubex GB]

I also own the Tsunami (though I don't use it anymore) and IMO is the best case you can get in the $100 price range. It's pretty big for a mid-tower case, and the cooling options are great. I personally didn't hear any vibrations from the HDDs (or anywhere). And as for what eits said about it being bad for hiding cables, I disagree. Of course is not as a good as a Full Tower, but it's pretty darn good for a mid tower. I could hide mine pretty well considering I had 5 fans, 3 HDDs, DVD+RW and a Fan controller.

Here's a couple of pics:

1. http://img311.imageshack.us/img311/2647/mypcjuly1520051gj.jpg

2. http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/31cbd2ec3d.jpg

 

[BassBomb]

LMFAO pick up the case and start swinging it around ! laugh of the day

the door is a little loose on mine, but thats just cuz i havent bothered to tighten the things that hold it closed since i got it.. my psu fit in fine with the top usb intact.. easy to hide wires in this thing as stated before even thought i didnt do a great job of it it was still eas and could be easily done if i wanted to LOL

 

[UMfanatic]

I have Tt Armor, I have never had my rig so cool before, it even makes the area around the case a bit chilly, I have heard the tusnami is really good was well