which of these two combinations is better?

[GeneralOreo]

I really like both of these cases:

Antec P182 Gun Metal Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811129025

LIAN LI PC-60BPLUSII W Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811112116


However, I don't think a Thermalright ultra will fit... if it does, just tell me and I'll be happy, if not, then I'll have to go with a full tower case and all the ones that I've been looking at in my budget (~$200) don't look so good (in particular I don't like the side fans as the PC will be right next to my legs under the desk, this rules out several cases, the Lian case has a side fan but it's just one).

On the other hand, my power supply will be a budget 600W one so maybe I don't need all that cooling because that won't get me too far in over-clocking? (you DO need more power for over-clocking right...? never done this before ) In this case I'll just go with a smaller HSF like a Zalman or something, I don't know.


Please help, this has been driving me crazy.

 

[zagood]

It *SHOULD* fit. I don't have that case myself so I couldn't tell you from personal experience.

Case depth = 8.3 inches
Cooler height = 6.3189 inches (160.55 mm)

2 inches for motherboard tray, standoffs, and IHS should be enough. Again, not seeing it in person, I can't say for sure.

edit: case depth actually 8.3 inches.

-z

 

[GeneralOreo]

Yeah looking at the dimensions it looks like either case will do...

However, the Lian has an air duct or whatever it's called. Doesn't that change things? I don't follow PC hardware so I have no idea about these things. I guess they direct the air in/out of the CPU heatsink area or something?

Are they efficient - does a case having one makes it superior to one w/o a duct?

 

[zagood]

bah...I didn't look at the pictures. I didn't even realize the model.

There's a very specific airflow pattern through this case that a TR Ultra 120x isn't going to work well with. I'd recommend not using this case with that cooler, unless you want to remove the duct and switch the airflow pattern around.

In general, ducting can work very well. Someone on these boards has an excellent GPU ducting project that lowered his temps dramatically, and they can work very well if you design it to work with the correct parts. Since every homegrown rig is different, stock duct solutions like these can end up working against you.

If you're really interested in the case, google for it here and on other forums to see what other people say, what they're putting in it, etc.

Also, see manufacturer's page for airflow pattern (at bottom)
http://www.lian-li.com/product...ex=1&ss_index=4&type=b

-z

 

[GeneralOreo]

Awesome, thanks for the info. I think I'll go with the Antec P182.

 

[zagood]

Cool, let us know how it goes.

-z