• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Ultimate Case for Overclockers

X

Xerin

Senior member
I'm on a quest for the coolest-running, quietest case out there. What do you suggest? Here are the key factors in descending order of importance:

1. Ability to cool both the cpu and peripherals
2. Runs quiet
3. Well designed, removable motherboard, etc.
4. Looks cool
5. Reasonable cost

I'm currently considering the following cases:

Aluminum Cases
Lian-Li PC-60
Coolermaster ATC-201

Fan Cases
3D Cool Tornado 1000
Max Cool
Wind Tunnel II

I expect the aluminum cases to run quieter than the fan cases due to fewer fans but do they run cooler as well? Any feedback is much appreciated.
 
Hey I have the ATC201. I sleep 5 feet from it at night, so yes, it runs pretty quiet.

My Slot A Thunderbird is running 950 right now (its a 800 stock). It rarely gets above 40C, case temp is always below 34C. I'm pretty sure if I cleaned up the wire mess inside I'd drope a degree or 2 off what I'm already running.

The ATC201 also has the removeable MB tray, comes with 4 case fans, blah blah blah (you probably already know all this). Excellent case, just expensive!

~ Radeon 😀
 
I'd say the ColdForge AA-15. It's all aluminum, 6 120mm fan holes(4 in front 2 in back), it's WTX form factor, it has room for 2 PSU's mounted in it(you can get it with 2 if you want) and it's very very roomy. Right now it's still in it's prototype stages but should be out soon. Oh yeah, you can get it anodized in several different standard colors or for a little extra, get a custom color. It's an awsome case IMHO. If you ever go with water cooling, neon lights, etc. there's enough room in this thing as not to sacrifice any airfow. I'd give the info on it a good read and you'll see what I mean. It should be going for around $330 + shipping. I think they'll start taking pre-orders tonight or tomorrow, not sure, but bet your ass I'll be getting one of these babies 😉

You can find out more about it here Faraday Cases goto the specs page for info and layouts, there's also a link there to see some prototype pics.

Here's some pics also, some modifications done to it.
Pic
Pic
Pic
Pic

Keep in mind, these are pics of the prototype.
 
Thanks all for the feedback. I ultimately decided on the Max Cool case, by thecardcooler. This is one incredible case, with 6 quality sunon fans and 355 CFM. It's also extremely well designed. Just came out in December, so only one review has covered it so far.

The ATC201 was a strong contendor, and I have to admit the Coldforge AA-15 is very interesting as well.

This is my first pc that I'll be building, and I think I'll be very happy with the Max Cool case 🙂

Now to order that Enermax 431 watt power supply...

 
Yeah that's a cool case, can't go wrong with any Addtronics cases.

SuperKen! I'll be using Panaflo L1A fans, there only 30dBa. It will be alot quieter compared to what I'm running now(60+dBa),,heh
 
That ColdForge is a monster.....I want one. I must say anyone that drags that mofo to a lan party is a psycho indeed however.

Eric
 
Xerin, that is the exact same case I have.
Its a Addtronics 6896. Very good case indeed. It already has extremely good cooling, has room for 6 case fans stock, and I just run it usually with 1 intake at 7v's and 1 exhust at 7'vs. I cant stand running the case with all the fans on, its WAY too loud.

And the one you are getting has a mod for 3 extra case fans. Man that brings it up to 9(!!!). Krazy!!


But if you are down with all those noise that comes with all those fans, then have fun!
🙂
 
ericd, the guy that designed the Coldforge might be designing a LAN box, in the near future, that will have the ability to use the M/B tray, drive carriers, etc. from the Coldforge. Also the Coldforge only ways about 17lbs.


dam typos 🙂
 
It seems like those dudes on the hardocp cases forums have been hyping and talking up the ColdForge forever. They bash anyone else coming around praising other aluminum cases. I have no doubt that the ColdForge is a really nice case, but $330 is steep. And who knows when you're actually going to get it?

The Lian Li is a good case and can be had for $165 from mwave today.
 
i love my new antec sx1030, 5 fans, minimal noise, hey if i can sleep, its not loud enough.

🙂 already drilled some holes too for my stupid hoontech card that i have yet to utilize in a year.
 
I just ordered the antec sx-1030B last night and from what people say it is supposed to be the best case you can get before you go into...........shh....CRAZY TERRITORY!
 
I don't know if you'll wanna get one of those wind tunnel cases, only cause you'll be driving yourself nuts after sitting next to one for a few hours. I have both the LianLi and the Coolermaster and i say get the Lian Li, it's got 4 5.25 bays instead of 3 and runs quieter IMHO than the coolermaster. also, you won't need that extra fan rattling blow hole ontop if you get a nice Enermax like me. Besides, i think it actually messes up internal airflow making it more INefficient. if you check out my comp specs, you'll see i got loads inside and the Lian Li more than easily handles it all. Even tho my CPu is @ 55c (which i think is due to my dinky sanyo denki fan), my mobo temp hasn't moved from 24c. Great design and i think it looks waaay cooler than the COolermaster. Damn light too. Man, i love aluminum. Once you go, you can't go back to biege plastic.
 
I agree that both the Lian-Li and the Coolermaster are awesome cases. Overall though I liked the Max Cool best for its top-notch design and ultimate cooling ability.

Just bought a Digital Doc 5 last night, so the extra fans will only turn on when the cpu or other parts hit a certain temperature. Can't wait to start building this thing!
 
iuse to have a "fan case" it ws an amk something, but with 3 120mm fans it was too freakin loud, i prefer my antec sx1030 over all the cases i've ever had, its nice and cool and looks good too
 
Well, that's the nice thing about the Digital Doc...your fans stay nice and quiet until you need them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top