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Acronyx · ‎10-06-2012

Hi! I'm looking for some advice on choosing a new case. Here's the problem:
I have recently purchased some new parts to upgrade my existing build (from about three years ago), including a Rampage IV Formula, a Corsair H80 and a quad-kit of Corsair Dominator Platinums. The case I have been using up until now is an Enermax Phoenix Neo
( http://www.enermax.com/home.php?fn=eng/product_a1_1_1&lv0=2&lv1=55&no=29 ), which I have been happy with, but because the H80 has a rather large block inside the case, the Dominators are taller than most DIMMs and the Formula has two of the RAM slots to the left of the CPU, the parts don't fit. I have (temporarily) resolved this issue by fixing one of the H80's fans on the outside of the case, which isn't very safe. Additionally, because the "Monster Fan" on the side protrudes into the case, it can no longer be closed properly with the H80 inside.
Therefore, simplest solution: buy a new case where everything fits. So my question is, does anyone have experience with these components and can suggest a good case where they fit?

Also, I was thinking of upgrading my current HDD with a new pair of Intel 520s, which have a 2.5" form factor. Do newer or some of the newer cases support 2.5" HDDs/SSDs or do you need to buy an adapter?

Thanks for the Help!

Razorbak86 · ‎10-06-2012

Since you currently have a mid-tower case, and you need additional room, I would recommend that you consider moving to a full tower case to allow for more room in case you decide to expand your water cooling set-up.

For a high-end ROG motherboard and ancillary Corsair products, the Corsair Obsidian 800D may fit the bill. It's expensive ($275 at NewEgg), but no more so than your other components. Lots of room, if you want to expand your water cooling setup in the future. Hot swap drive trays. Tool-less design. Great cable management. Large side window.

Check it out here:

http://www.corsair.com/us/pc-cases/obsidian-series-pc-case/obsidian-series-800d.html
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139001

There are several video reviews available on YouTube as well.

Another option to consider would be the Cooler Master HAF X ($179 on NewEgg).

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2988&product_name=HAF X
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119225

If those are too large, take a look at the Corsair Obsidian 650D mid-tower case ($190 at NewEgg).

http://www.corsair.com/us/pc-cases/obsidian-series-pc-case/obsidian-series-650d.html
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139006

That might work, but you'll have to check the dimensions closely for potential interferences.

All of the above cases should be able to accommodate SSDs without requiring that you purchase adapters. For what it's worth, because of their small size and lack of spinning components, SSDs are often mounted on the side of HDD trays, on the floor of the case, or even on the back of the motherboard tray with industrial Velcro tape. So it doesn't have to be mounted in an HDD tray. Food for thought.

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Arne_Saknussemm · ‎10-06-2012

Hey there!:)

I'd second both the 800D and HAFX also I'd add the CM stormtrooper.....

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trailer_park_bo · ‎10-07-2012

you may have mount the cooler on the top,,,the h80 is radiator is 88mm long with push/pull fans,,,,coolermaster 932 has a lot of room on top,,,,with that motherboard you have,,and the tallest memory sticks on the market,,,,your probably not gonna be able to rear mount the cooler,,just because of the 2 memory slots on the other side of the cpu socket,,,take careful measurements,,before you purchase anything

Acronyx · ‎10-07-2012

Thanks for the suggestions and advice so far.
At the moment I'm inclined towards the CM Storm Trooper based on the exterior design (love the handle).
I've watched a few reviews and find that they're all very good. Generally, people seem to suggest the 800D for water cooling and the CMs for air cooling. Regarding the price I find that the Trooper costs about 150.- and the 800D costs about 300.-. Is there some huge difference I'm missing which justifies the 800D costing almost twice as much?

I've also found this guy, who has managed to rear mount an H80 with Corsair Vengeance (only 1.5 mm shorter than the Dominators) on a Rampage IV Formula inside an Obsidian 6500. How would I go about making sure the H80 fits with the rest inside, for example, the Trooper without buying it first? Does it have enough room to mount it on top as suggested or could I somehow find out whether I can rear mount like in the video?
Thanks again!

trailer_park_bo · ‎10-07-2012

i looked around for you a little,,,the CM 932 has a lot of room above the motherboard,,,,it will support 3 120mm fans on top,,the rear fans supports 120mm and 140mm fans,,,the 120mm mounting holes will be inset 20mm,,,that 20mm will give you a little extra space between memory stick and h80 fan,,,not sure if thats gonna be enough,,,,in your current case would 20mm be enough

trailer_park_bo · ‎10-07-2012

the coolermaster storm trooper supports 120-140mm rear fans also

Acronyx · ‎10-07-2012

Thanks for the info. Just to make sure: would the inset not be 10 mm on each side?
It's rather tricky to measure, but I think I'm missing about 9 mm, so that centimeter would be just enough.
So I would like to go with the Trooper, but does anyone have any info on why the 800D is so much more expensive and what I'd be missing?

trailer_park_bo · ‎10-07-2012

ya your right on the inset,,sorry my dum ass or what

Razorbak86 · ‎10-07-2012

Acronyx wrote:
So I would like to go with the Trooper, but does anyone have any info on why the 800D is so much more expensive and what I'd be missing?

The 800D was Corsair's first entry into computer cases, and it happens to be a high quality, award-winning case.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX87TPid_po
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/2897/corsair_obsidian_800d_full_tower_chassis/index1.html
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Corsair/Obsidian_800D/

This is a classic situation of "you get what you pay for." The hot-swappable drive trays with integrated backplane are not cheap. Nor are the water-cooling friendly design, the extensive cable management features, or the cavernous space above the motherboard for mounting radiators.

Can you get a cheaper case? Of course you can. Cases are often more of an expression of personal preferences than features or functionality, so if you like something better, go for it! Cooler Master makes excellent cases, so if the 800D is too expensive, I'm sure you will love the Storm Trooper.

ASUS ROG Maximus V Formula Motherboard / Intel Core i7-3770K CPU De-lid @ 4.8GHz Offset / 2 x ASUS ROG DirectCU II GeForce GTX 670 4GB GPUs in SLi / 32GB G.SKILL Trident X DDR3-2400 RAM / ASUS BW-12B1ST Blu-Ray Burner / Samsung 830 256GB SSD / WD Black 4TB HDD / Seasonic Platinum-1000 PSU / Win7 Pro 64-bit OS / Corsair Obsidian 650D Case / Custom Watercooling with Dual Radiators / ASUS PB278Q 27" WQHD Monitor / Max Nighthawk X8 Keyboard / Razer DeathAddder Mouse / ASUS ROG Vulcan ANC Headset

Choosing a new case - help!