Want to move my SB-E rig out of the 650D to something else

[mrjoltcola]

I built out my Sandy Bridge Extreme rig (3930K @ 4.6Ghz / H100 cooler) in a Corsair 650D case.

I love the view of the 650D, and the quality, but that is where it ends. The cooling isn't top-notch and with 2 x ASUS GTX 570s I'm getting some higher chipset temps than I like. I also want to keep my options open for 3-4 way SLI / Xfire in the future. Plus, the edges are pretty sharp for a case, and I share the house with munchkins.

I also tried the HAF-X case, but had to move the stuff back to the 650D, the HAF-X had build quality issues and a motherboard tray that was warped - it has been sent back to Newegg. Not to mention its side-fan results in an obstructed side-view.


My other options to consider, can some owners of these cases chime in? I've seen neither in person.

Silverstone FT02 (Fortress) - Wish it had more slots
Mountain Mods UFO U2 Horizon - Neat horizontal mounting, but not much info from owners of this case

Given what I have, and what I've tried, throw your opinions on these cases in here, or add suggestions for other cases. I must have mounting for 240mm radiator (H100) at minimum, and the motherboard (Rampage Extreme) is EATX and I want to use all of it.

 

[Canbacon]

Sorry, I can't chime in with the cases you listed, but would a different case suggestion be ok?

What is your budget for cases? I went back with Lian-Li this round for my Rampage IV Extreme and went for the PC-V2120B. It is a huge case, is compatible with all form factors including HPTX and has a removable MB tray. It also has plenty of rear ports available for the E-ATX, XL-ATX, and HPTX boards.

The only couple of down sides with the case is that hole for the back-plate access isn't big enough and you may run into problems with PSU cables not being long enough to reach.

 

[mrjoltcola]

I'm happy to consider other cases. I will research the Lian-Li PC-V2120B and let you know what I think. No specific budget in mind. Thanks!

 

[mrjoltcola]

Oh, I didn't recognize the model number, but now that I see it I remember it. I liked the case, except it lacked a side-window, that is why it didn't make the final cut.

 

[ed29a]

Mountain Mods UFO U2 Horizon - Neat horizontal mounting, but not much info from owners of this case

For me, it's the best 500$ or so ever spent. MM cases are amazing.

EDIT: If you need information, will gladly help.

 

[mrjoltcola]

Talk to me about your MM case. Where does it sit (desk or floor), what are the issues with it, if any, and what do you like about it? What do you have in it?

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

I love the FT02. There are some minor flaws with it compared to my older Lian Li (have to unscrew the 5.25 covers, the way the speed switches for the AP140's are done, and the HD cages latching mechanism could latch more securely), but I think it was well worth the $250 I spent on it (Picked up the limited edition one used). It is a very functional case, cable routing is pretty easy, window looks nice, temps are great, very solid build (pretty heavy case which can be a downside for some), very clean looking case as well.

I also tried the Lian Li V1020, and was not a fan. It's a nice case for many reasons, but it's lacking what the previous v1000/1200 offered and I can't quite place what that is. It is a nice case without a doubt, but I would spend that money on an FT02 over it any day.

If you have any questions on either the FT02 or the V1020 feel free to PM me.

 

[ed29a]

Talk to me about your MM case. Where does it sit (desk or floor), what are the issues with it, if any, and what do you like about it? What do you have in it?

Sitting on the floor at the moment, and probably forever. The thing is not small, 18 inch cube, so not too good for desks.

I have 2 full systems in it (Duality version, see sig). Right side is the external drive bay, depending what front panel you pick, you can have up to 8 external drives. I have no need for optical so I opted for a hotswap 3.5 and 2.5 drive bay, on top of it I have an IcyDock 4 in 3 drive bay (this has my RAID6 array) and on top of that I got Scythe the fan controller. MM has drive mounting (2 x included with case) on the fans. I don't use them except the bottom two fans to put my Momentus XT and 3 SSDs, this way airflow is not blocked at all towards CPUs and GPU. Top two fans are exhausts for my Corsair H60 and Antec 620.

The case is light yet sturdy and has plenty of room (it can take up to 4 PSUs). Cable management however is a pain on the Duality version. You got two full systems in it and no motherboard backplate to hide cables from if you put PSUs there (which I did), Since I don't really care nor do I have patience, I crammed the cables toghether with ties and called it a day! My gaming PC on left side has no cables and three fans for great airflow and my linux server/desktop on the other side needs no airflow at all so having some cables run in front of right side doesn't bother.

Pros:
- Roomy
- Light
- Sturdy
- Looks awesome
- Offers unreal customization possibilities

Cons:
- Pricey
- Cable management can suck.

I love this case, should have gotten it much earlier.

 

[Wuzup101]

I'm going to be honest with you... if I wasn't concerned with budget I'd pick up a MM U2 UFO or Assension... honestly even with my concern it's getting really hard to resist (especially now that I know they make a duality version... that's so cool)...

 

[mrjoltcola]

Yes, the duality is slick, I didn't know about it either. Drool.

 

[mrjoltcola]

Im still undecided - between the Silverstone FT02 and the MM U2 case.

The FT02 doesn't list EATX, does anyone know if my Rampage Extreme board will fit?

 

[duscar]

Im still undecided - between the Silverstone FT02 and the MM U2 case.

The FT02 doesn't list EATX, does anyone know if my Rampage Extreme board will fit?

Are you even sure the H100 will fit in the FT02? I've been looking at the FT02 and the 650D as well but leaning toward the 650D just cause I'm not sure if my H100 will fit in the FT02. Is the cooling in the 650D really that bad? I've heard that but wasn't sure just how bad it was. I've got the H100 and only running 1 Twin Frozr 560 TI right now so I figured it would be ok, but not sure how it would be when I add another one later on down the road.

 

[SolMiester]

If you are looking at dual 580's, the best case IMO in the Raven 03.....just check out the room in here, and best of all the air passes form bottom right over the card evenly out through the top...

 

[SolMiester]

Are you even sure the H100 will fit in the FT02? I've been looking at the FT02 and the 650D as well but leaning toward the 650D just cause I'm not sure if my H100 will fit in the FT02. Is the cooling in the 650D really that bad? I've heard that but wasn't sure just how bad it was. I've got the H100 and only running 1 Twin Frozr 560 TI right now so I figured it would be ok, but not sure how it would be when I add another one later on down the road.

Raven does extended ATX

 

[duscar]

They work fine with an H80, yeah. I just wonder if an H100 will fit in there.

 

[Nemesis 1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNILdMwjrNY

with a 2.5" rad . 10.5" cards fit Most all NV cards go including 580 . AMD cards with water cool I haven't a clue . Really don't care . I remove the bottom HDD drive cage leaving 4 HDD drive cages

 

[VirtualLarry]

Considered a Rosewill Blackhawk ULTRA yet? Ir supports HPTX form factor (and EATX), has like 10 3.5" bays, several CD-ROM bays, like 9-10 expansion slots, the works.

I have the non-ULTRA Blackhawk, and I really like it.

 

[mrjoltcola]

@VirtualLarry: No, I haven't seen the Blackhawk, I'll give it a look, thanks!

@duscar: Well, the temps are a bit higher with my X79 setup, overclocked, than my Z68 + 2600K. The PCH temps seem get a little warmer on this board (Rampage IV) with SLI and all, so I'm looking for the best air-cooling I can get. Newegg took the HAF-X back and I won't be getting another one, due to the manufacturing defects with it, but I do like the side-fan it had.

Now that I've reverted the H100 to exhaust, I haven't gotten anymore PCH temp warnings in the 650D during 3D benchs or games, so it is cooler; I think I had some fans working against each other at first, causing the GPU area to starve a bit. Things have been better since I originally posted the thread. But I'm still looking for other options.

 

[mrjoltcola]

Considered a Rosewill Blackhawk ULTRA yet? Ir supports HPTX form factor (and EATX), has like 10 3.5" bays, several CD-ROM bays, like 9-10 expansion slots, the works.

I have the non-ULTRA Blackhawk, and I really like it.

Wow, how did I miss this one? This looks similar to the Elysium. A ton of room. How are the dust filters?

 

[Grooveriding]

I use an 800D and love it; spacious, cable management is great, easy to work in, intelligent design and I love the simple look. It's a terrible case for air-cooling though, I had to try all sorts of fan mods on it to get it passably decent.

If you want nice temps on air and good quality, I would go with a Silverstone FT02, course there is also the TJ11B

 

[alfa147x]

I have dual 460s in the FT03

 

[duscar]

@VirtualLarry: No, I haven't seen the Blackhawk, I'll give it a look, thanks!

@duscar: Well, the temps are a bit higher with my X79 setup, overclocked, than my Z68 + 2600K. The PCH temps seem get a little warmer on this board (Rampage IV) with SLI and all, so I'm looking for the best air-cooling I can get. Newegg took the HAF-X back and I won't be getting another one, due to the manufacturing defects with it, but I do like the side-fan it had.

Now that I've reverted the H100 to exhaust, I haven't gotten anymore PCH temp warnings in the 650D during 3D benchs or games, so it is cooler; I think I had some fans working against each other at first, causing the GPU area to starve a bit. Things have been better since I originally posted the thread. But I'm still looking for other options.

Well from what I've read, the FT02 is one of the best air cooling cases you can get. I just don't know how you would fit an H100 in it. That's the only thing stopping me from getting one and leaning more toward the 650D.

 

[stren]

If you're considering MM, I would check out the CaseLabs M8 or STH10 personally. Both are overkill, but so is the MM.

For more reasonably priced cases the Raven would be my choice for air. The 800D is good for entry level water, but it's not good for air.

 

[Nemesis 1]

For just air The Lian Li PC X2000F cant be beat with room for seven HDD drives. Any GPU card will fiT . I miss read somewhere along the line . I thought OP was water cooling . For airflow threw the case it can't be beat.

 

[mrjoltcola]

Yes, for now I'm water cooling the CPU but air-cooling the GPUs. Considering doing water on the GPUs once the new video cards come out next year, but for now its dual GTX 580 3-slot Matrix cards, which are overclock beasts, thought I run at near stock clocks.