I'm just about to order the few items I need for my new computer, and I have a quick question for the computer gurus on the forum. I fell in love with the Lian Li case shown here:
http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/produc...ex=500&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=62&g=f
The literature states that the case has clearance for video cards up to 305mm long. If you look at the image, you can see that places the card edge very close to the front set of fans.
I'm trying to decide between two graphics cards, the MSI Lightning GTX580, or the Gigabyte Super Overclocked 580 series. The MSI lightning, which seems to rate slightly higher in build quality (but has a lower clock speed) is......305mm long.......the exact limits of this case.
The Gigabyte is an inch shorter, and would have no clearance issues. But reviews place it very slightly behind MSI for overall build quality and component choices.
So here are my questions:
1) Is getting a video card that is 305mm long for a case that states its size limit is 305mm long playing with fire? Or does that 305mm clearance allow for a little "give", just like your car's gas tank? Once this build is complete I won't do future hardware swapping, so I'm not concerned about how easy it is to move parts around or get them out. But I have this paranoia that either the video card manufacturer or case manufacturer will have missed their measurements by a mm or two and suddenly I have a card that is smacking into the front fans. And Newegg's return policy is REPLACEMENT ONLY.
2) Is it safe to assume that the Gigabyte and MSI boards would be of very similar quality? Or are they considered to be a tier below EVGA in terms of reliability?
So, would you pull the trigger on the slightly better rated card, knowing it pushed the limits of the case, or would you do a modest step down and be assured of ample space?
Finally, if you have time for some light reading, I'd love to know which card you would choose:
Gigabyte Superclocked:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/gigabyte-geforce-gtx-580-so-review/
MSI Lightning:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/msi-geforce-gtx-580-lightning-review/
Thank you!
http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/produc...ex=500&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=62&g=f
The literature states that the case has clearance for video cards up to 305mm long. If you look at the image, you can see that places the card edge very close to the front set of fans.
I'm trying to decide between two graphics cards, the MSI Lightning GTX580, or the Gigabyte Super Overclocked 580 series. The MSI lightning, which seems to rate slightly higher in build quality (but has a lower clock speed) is......305mm long.......the exact limits of this case.
The Gigabyte is an inch shorter, and would have no clearance issues. But reviews place it very slightly behind MSI for overall build quality and component choices.
So here are my questions:
1) Is getting a video card that is 305mm long for a case that states its size limit is 305mm long playing with fire? Or does that 305mm clearance allow for a little "give", just like your car's gas tank? Once this build is complete I won't do future hardware swapping, so I'm not concerned about how easy it is to move parts around or get them out. But I have this paranoia that either the video card manufacturer or case manufacturer will have missed their measurements by a mm or two and suddenly I have a card that is smacking into the front fans. And Newegg's return policy is REPLACEMENT ONLY.
2) Is it safe to assume that the Gigabyte and MSI boards would be of very similar quality? Or are they considered to be a tier below EVGA in terms of reliability?
So, would you pull the trigger on the slightly better rated card, knowing it pushed the limits of the case, or would you do a modest step down and be assured of ample space?
Finally, if you have time for some light reading, I'd love to know which card you would choose:
Gigabyte Superclocked:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/gigabyte-geforce-gtx-580-so-review/
MSI Lightning:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/msi-geforce-gtx-580-lightning-review/
Thank you!
Last edited:
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