Downgrading my Case?

DailyProcrastinator · January 31, 2020

Completed build pic:

My latest build or rebuild I should say, used to be my home server and gaming/stream build. Lately It only get used as a gaming PC. As shown here in the Phanteks Enthoo Pro M TG:

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	Intel Core i7-8700K 3.7 GHz 6-Core Processor	Purchased For $0.00
CPU Cooler	Corsair H100i PRO 75 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler	Purchased For $0.00
Motherboard	Asus ROG STRIX Z370-G GAMING (WI-FI AC) Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard	Purchased For $0.00
Memory	Corsair Vengeance LED 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory	Purchased For $0.00
Storage	Western Digital Blue 500 GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive	Purchased For $0.00
Storage	Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive	Purchased For $0.00
Video Card	EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8 GB SC2 Gaming iCX Video Card	Purchased For $0.00
Case	Thermaltake Versa H18 MicroATX Mini Tower Case	Purchased For $0.00
Power Supply	EVGA SuperNOVA P2 750 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply	Purchased For $0.00
Operating System	Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM 64-bit	Purchased For $0.00
Case Fan	Corsair ML120 PRO RGB (3 pack w/Lighting Node PRO) 47.3 CFM 120 mm Fans	Purchased For $0.00
Case Fan	Corsair ML140 PRO RGB 55.4 CFM 140 mm Fan	Purchased For $0.00
Custom	CableMod E-Series ModFlex Full Cable Kit for EVGA G2, P2 & T2 - Black	Purchased For $0.00
Custom	CORSAIR RGB LED Lighting PRO Expansion Kit	Purchased For $0.00
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$0.00
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-01-31 15:32 EST-0500

However, since then I have moved my 4x 8TB Seagate Ironwolfs into an external NAS enclosure that is directly connected to my main system, seen HERE.

As the the Asus Z370G could fit in a much smaller mATX case and I no longer had the need for a case that accommodates so many 3.5" HDD's, so I started to look for a new case. I love the Phanteks Entoo Pro M TG but it is now unnecessarily big. I initially settled on the Corsair Crystal 280x.

I bought the case on a Black Friday sale, but before unboxing it I realized that it was larger than I gave any thought to. This build is soon going to be connected to my new 75" 4k TV and I wanted something with a TG panel that would be much more compact. Essentially as small as a chasis as I could find that would fit on a shelf. The Corsair 280x was to deep and wide. And so I returned it.

Fast forward to this week. I finally decided on a case that met my size requirements, and to be honest it was a short list. I really only had about 5 different options as the market for microATX mini towers is very limited. Having nearly chosen the Fractal Design Meshify C TG Mini, I decided not to for two main reasons. Firstly it was the boring obvious choice, I already own the Meshify C TG ATX, and it is the best case I have owned, but I wanted to try something different. And the second reason being it is bigger that the Thermaltake H18 TG mATX Mini Tower. Which ultimately ended up being what I chose, a decidedly un-premium choice so not something I would normally buy, but besides missing one or two premium case creature comforts it really was the only case that ticked all my boxes.

So I bought the Thermaltake H18 earlier this week, and am now beginning the process of moving my system from the Enthoo Pro M to it's new home. So, a down grade in some regards but I think it will turn out pretty good!

There's a decent size difference between the Enthoo Pro M and the H18.

And of course this case switch comes with some added parts!

I got some CableMod Black and White sleeved cables for my EVGA 750W P2, and although I am not crazy over RGB I already have 3x ML120 RGB fans so I thought, why the hell not go full send. Plus I like playing with the iCue software.

Feel free to follow this build log as I move my system into its new home! Or, if you have any questions ask away!

DailyProcrastinator · January 31, 2020

This system looks to small for the case, now that it it is half empty without the occupied 3.5" HDD trays.

As I have removed hardware I just left cables in the system so I have a rats nest to deal with.

TVwazhere · January 31, 2020

21 minutes ago, JM21 said:

I really only had about 5 different options as the market for microATX mini towers is very limited. Having nearly chosen the Fractal Design Meshify C TG Mini, I decided not to for two main reasons. Firstly it was the boring obvious choice, I already own the Meshify C TG ATX, and it is the best case I have owned, but I wanted to try something different. And the second reason being it is bigger that the Thermaltake H18 TG mATX Mini Tower. Which ultimately ended up being what I chose, a decidedly un-premium choice so not something I would normally buy, but besides missing one or two premium case creature comforts it really was the only case that ticked all my boxes.

Was the Silverstone PS15 on that list?

DailyProcrastinator · January 31, 2020

15 minutes ago, TVwazhere said:

Was the Silverstone PS15 on that list?

Yes, but at the time no Canadian retailer had one (even to this day), except Amazon re-sellers and it was like $180+. Also my PSU is technically to big, I was considering trying it if I could find a local store that had one, so if I needed to return it would be easy, unfortunately no luck

This is part of the reason it took me 2 months to make a decision, I was finding cases that could work or potentially work but no stores or e-tailers carry them.

TVwazhere · January 31, 2020

DAMN YOU GLOBAL AVAILABILITY!!!!!!!!!

DailyProcrastinator · January 31, 2020

3 minutes ago, TVwazhere said:

DAMN YOU GLOBAL AVAILABILITY!!!!!!!!!

Yes haha, my shortlist of options that met my criteria and were actually available were:

1. Thermaltake H18

2. FD Meshify C Mini

3. Phanteks EVOLV TG Mini

4. Silverstone LD01 Mini (could not find for retail pricing)

And that was it, others were either not compatible with my parts, or were not available.

DailyProcrastinator · January 31, 2020

Just taking a moment to appreciate my EVGA GTX 1080 SC2 iCX, in my opinion this was the best looking card EVGA has ever made. It is covered in real metal pieces. The 1080 Ti's and RTX cards seem 'plasticy'? Even the Asus cards aren't what they used to be.

The honeycomb parts light up white when powered.

TVwazhere · January 31, 2020

8 minutes ago, JM21 said:

4. Silverstone LD01 Mini (could not find for retail pricing)

Personally I prefer the RL08, but looking at PCP, it's the same issue.

3 minutes ago, JM21 said:

Just taking a moment to appreciate my EVGA GTX 1080 SC2 iCX, in my opinion this was the best looking card EVGA has ever made. It is covered in real metal pieces. The 1080 Ti's and RTX cards seem 'plasticy'? Even the Asus cards aren't what they used to be.

The honeycomb parts light up white when powered.

I have the FTW2 version in ITNOS, which is talle rtha the SC, and the 1080ti FTW3, which I actualyl like out of all the 1080ti' designs. Though I hate the new 2080ti FTW3

DailyProcrastinator · January 31, 2020

2 minutes ago, TVwazhere said:

Personally I prefer the RL08, but looking at PCP, it's the same issue.

Yeah, another option I would have considered, but for $300.... no thank you! The LD01 was at least available for $130 at the time I was looking, now it's $230+.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/wd6qqs/silverstone-rl08bw-rgb-microatx-mini-tower-case-sst-rl08bw-rgb

3 minutes ago, TVwazhere said:

I have the FTW2 version in ITNOs, which is talle rtha the SC, and the 1080ti FTW3, which I actualyl like out of all the 1080ti' designs. Though I hate the new 2080ti FTW3

Yeah like that card looks so good. I have an EVGA 1080 Ti SC Black, it's nowhere near as nice as my 1080 SC2. But I got it at a great price near launch and it was never that cheap again so I was happy with it. But it is still better than any of the new RTX cards.

DailyProcrastinator · January 31, 2020

So far smooth sailing! My fans fit, I have my 240mm rad upfront, a 120mm fan at the back for exhaust and a 140mm fan up top for exhaust as well! Time for cables!

I did not remove my cooler from the motherboard, I just had re-applied my thermal grizzly liquid metal 6-months ago.

DailyProcrastinator · January 31, 2020

PSU and cables are installed! I like this black/white kit from CableMod!

Still giving the RGB strip placement some thought.

Now I just have to plug in my fans, RGB hub, front IO connectors, and attempt to cable manage.

DailyProcrastinator · January 31, 2020

I just realized I have 2 unused ML fans sitting that came with my Corsair H100i Pro AIO, so I figured why not put them to good use!

A push pull config is going to be a lot better for airflow through my rad.

During this process I realized that the front dust filtration is not great for fine partical dust. So I am pulling the old one out as shown, and adding 2x 140mm fine mesh dust filters that I have sitting around unused.

Not the most aesthetically pleasing but once this case is in its permanent home the front will barely be visible any way!

DailyProcrastinator · January 31, 2020

Well it is clear to me that this is a $55 case and not a $110 FD Meshify C TG, this is the wild west of cable management.

Also the amount or extra cables just because of the RGB connectors is a bit much.

At least from the front the mess is hidden!

I think it is time to boot!

DailyProcrastinator · February 1, 2020

First post! RGB in all its glory!

Looks good in white, maybe I need RGB ram? This is first gen LED RAM, I can set it on/off, and control the 'breathing' effect, but only to blue, after all this kit was originally from my Blueberry Pi Build.

All around I am happy with this build, the @CableMod cables look great! And I actually think the Corsair RGB strips do a lot to brighten up the case. For $55 this Thermaltake H18 is a great deal in my opinion, it has a TG panel and a PSU shroud, with a decent amount of options for hardware despite being a Mini mATX Tower. There's not many other cases out there than can provide this for the same price. The lack of cable management ties and rubber grommets for the cutouts is the biggest negative, but I knew this going into the build. If the FD Meshify C TG is the benchmark at a 5/5 I would give the H18 a 3.5/5 for features and 5/5 for value.

Later tonight I will take some proper photos with my camera!

NotABigGamer · February 1, 2020

I have the same case!

TVwazhere · February 3, 2020

I agree, the lack of good cable managment options Stepping down from a Define C Mini to a H18 TG was super noticable.

Spoiler

Even the Q300L with no PSU shroud was better, simply because it had more tie down points!

Spoiler

DailyProcrastinator · February 3, 2020

5 hours ago, TVwazhere said:

I agree, the lack of good cable managment options Stepping down from a Define C Mini to a H18 TG was super noticable.

Reveal hidden contents

Even the Q300L with no PSU shroud was better, simply because it had more tie down points!

Reveal hidden contents

Yeah hugely noticeable, but luckily it did not affect how my cables would run to the front of the case. Poorly placed cable cutouts are the by far the biggest mistake I have encountered with cases in the past. As long as it looks clean from the front I can tolerate the mess at the back. Also I do not foresee any upgrades for this build so it might be a few years before I even open the back up.

Yeah I noticed that with the Q300L. I also have heard that the front panel is not very perforated, contrary to how it looks, which negatively affects airflow, is that true?

TVwazhere · February 3, 2020

1 minute ago, JM21 said:

Yeah I noticed that with the Q300L. I also have heard that the front panel is not very perforated, contrary to how it looks, which negatively affects airflow, is that true?

To an extent. Low enough spec'd systems wont be affected too badly, but mid-high end system who want to Overclock might want to look at the case mod I did (I did it anyways because I wanted to, but eh)

DailyProcrastinator · February 3, 2020

14 minutes ago, TVwazhere said:

To an extent. Low enough spec'd systems wont be affected too badly, but mid-high end system who want to Overclock might want to look at the case mod I did (I did it anyways because I wanted to, but eh)

Yeah, I noticed how you cutout two large holes for the fans. Probably what I would have done as well!

DailyProcrastinator · February 13, 2020

Now with my push-pull fan config on my radiator my CPU temps are a lot lower, so I have pushed my OC to a 5.1GHz all-core overclock and I still have lower temps than in my previous setup.

Also I got side tracked and forgot to upload some better pics, here are some proper photos.

Enjoy!

DailyProcrastinator · August 3, 2020

Sold/traded the i7-8700k w/ motherboard +cash to the person who bought my i5-7500 mATX system a few years back. Put the i5 into one of my SFF PC's and called up my trusty i7-6700k back up to the big leagues!

Parts list HERE.

Rocking it with some new hardware, got an Asus RX 5700 OC, some new fans, and a new Corsair TXm with some white sleeved cable extension. I'v been daily driving this thing for the past month as I am working from my dining room table with a broken leg. So as it turns out having an 4th PC has been useful, who would have thought? Anyways, I may sell this in the coming months because keeping this around is hard to justify. Plus may need Keeb or Nvidia Ampere money haha.

I am actually very impressed with the RX 5700, no issues whatsoever, and in almost all titles it beats out my GTX 1080. I really only got it because I got a PCPartPicker notification that it dropped in price, making it (at the time of purchase) the cheapest a RX 5700 has ever been (cad). Running buttery smooth on my new ViewSonic Elite XG240R 1ms 144Hz FreeSync Monitor!

Some pics: