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The best case for me?

Dragonzeanse
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I am looking for a case - preferably optimized for silence - that is an ATX Mid Tower. It can be no taller than 20" and it has to have a front-facing IO (it can't face the top or side; tilted is fine). I plan to put it in a spot in my desk where I keep my current PC. Furthermore, I want it to support 140mm fans - as many as possible. It would be nice if it could pull off water cooling should I decide to do that in the future, but I probably won't, so while it's a consideration, it's not a prerequisite.

 

The only cases that have met my criteria that I know of are the Corsair 550D and the Nanoxia Deep Silence 1. Are there any other cases with good acoustic performance that I could consider that meet my height constraints? Failing all else, I could put it on the top of my desk, but keep in mind that I hope to have a dual monitor setup and, say, a Corsair Air 540 might not fit. Any ideas?

Want to find parts in your budget? Logical Increments is the guide you need. | In the market for a headset? Read this thread. | If you're looking for headphones, please refer to this thread. | Stop being backhanded when offering advice.

CPU: Intel i7-3770K @ 3.5 GHz | CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Frio OCK | Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V LK | Memory: 16 GB Corsair Vengeance LP (DDR3-1600) | GPU: MSI Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition x 2 (Crossfire) | Storage: 120 GB Kingston SSDNow V300 SSD, 2 TB Toshiba HDD | PSU: Corsair TX850 V2 | Case: In-Win Mana 136 (Black)
Monitor: ASUS VS248H-P | Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 (Cherry MX Brown) | Mouse: Logitech G500 | Speakers: Logitech X-140 | Headphones: Philips Fidelio X1, Sony MDR-X05 | Webcam: Logitech C510
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Where would you put your system where you'd need front facing i/o?

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
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Right, I should have known people would recommend the Define R4. Without wishing to seem unappreciative of the advice, you should all do your research before recommending something. That case has a top front IO, which is something I explicitly said I didn't want. Of all the cases that are optimized for silence that I could choose from, do you honestly not think I would have considered the Define R4 first? I mean, seriously.

 

Where would you put your system where you'd need front facing i/o?

It's in a space under my desk no taller than 20". I plug in flash drives and gamepads into there. Cables will bend if I plug them into the front IO if it's on the top, and in the worst case scenario, won't even fit. I want to keep my PC in that space just because it's the most convenient location for it (maybe not for thermals/airflow, but definitely for cable management).

Want to find parts in your budget? Logical Increments is the guide you need. | In the market for a headset? Read this thread. | If you're looking for headphones, please refer to this thread. | Stop being backhanded when offering advice.

CPU: Intel i7-3770K @ 3.5 GHz | CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Frio OCK | Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V LK | Memory: 16 GB Corsair Vengeance LP (DDR3-1600) | GPU: MSI Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition x 2 (Crossfire) | Storage: 120 GB Kingston SSDNow V300 SSD, 2 TB Toshiba HDD | PSU: Corsair TX850 V2 | Case: In-Win Mana 136 (Black)
Monitor: ASUS VS248H-P | Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 (Cherry MX Brown) | Mouse: Logitech G500 | Speakers: Logitech X-140 | Headphones: Philips Fidelio X1, Sony MDR-X05 | Webcam: Logitech C510
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Obligatory Define R4 post, Antec 900 if you can mod, NZXT Source 210, Obsidian 350D. Those are my suggestions but I'd choose the case based off of how it will look on your desk really.

"If you do not take your failures seriously you will continue to fail"

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Obligatory Define R4 post, Antec 900 if you can mod, NZXT Source 210, Obsidian 350D. Those are my suggestions but I'd choose the case based off of how it will look on your desk really.

I might have to soundproof a case in order to get the features I want. I just don't want to have to hinder the performance of a case (in terms of thermals and features) because I threw down some Silverstone soundproofing foam or whatever. Nanoxia Deep Silence 1 is looking mighty compelling. I might even prefer the Deep Silence 2 just because it's longer and I could easily fit more components inside of it if I need to.

Want to find parts in your budget? Logical Increments is the guide you need. | In the market for a headset? Read this thread. | If you're looking for headphones, please refer to this thread. | Stop being backhanded when offering advice.

CPU: Intel i7-3770K @ 3.5 GHz | CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Frio OCK | Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V LK | Memory: 16 GB Corsair Vengeance LP (DDR3-1600) | GPU: MSI Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition x 2 (Crossfire) | Storage: 120 GB Kingston SSDNow V300 SSD, 2 TB Toshiba HDD | PSU: Corsair TX850 V2 | Case: In-Win Mana 136 (Black)
Monitor: ASUS VS248H-P | Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 (Cherry MX Brown) | Mouse: Logitech G500 | Speakers: Logitech X-140 | Headphones: Philips Fidelio X1, Sony MDR-X05 | Webcam: Logitech C510
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I might have to soundproof a case in order to get the features I want. I just don't want to have to hinder the performance of a case (in terms of thermals and features) because I threw down some Silverstone soundproofing foam or whatever.

Once airflow reaches a certain point I feel it is not actually very important. I have my case setup similar to yours under the desk and as long as I keep the intake from the front and the outtake in the back it works out. However if the case heavily relies on air going out somewhere that has virtually no airflow you might have problems. But even then those temps are still pretty manageable.

"If you do not take your failures seriously you will continue to fail"

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How's the Corsair 330R look?

Why not go matx?

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

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How's the Corsair 330R look?

Why not go matx?

I took a quick look at the Corsair 330R and it definitely has the features I'm looking for, it seems. I'm going to look at a few reviews before I decide if I should put that on my list.

 

As for mATX, I prefer the scale and feature-richness of ATX-sized cases (including the motherboards, of course). I might put a lot of components into this like a second GPU later on, and while mATX can support that (generally), I want adequate spacing and fan mounts to keep the components cool. If you have any suggestions that might make me reconsider, I'm willing to look at them.

 

Also, bear in mind, I'm probably going to want to fit a Kraken X60 into this, and compatibility of those things can be flaky at the best of times, even in cases that support dual 140mm fans on top.

Want to find parts in your budget? Logical Increments is the guide you need. | In the market for a headset? Read this thread. | If you're looking for headphones, please refer to this thread. | Stop being backhanded when offering advice.

CPU: Intel i7-3770K @ 3.5 GHz | CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Frio OCK | Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V LK | Memory: 16 GB Corsair Vengeance LP (DDR3-1600) | GPU: MSI Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition x 2 (Crossfire) | Storage: 120 GB Kingston SSDNow V300 SSD, 2 TB Toshiba HDD | PSU: Corsair TX850 V2 | Case: In-Win Mana 136 (Black)
Monitor: ASUS VS248H-P | Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 (Cherry MX Brown) | Mouse: Logitech G500 | Speakers: Logitech X-140 | Headphones: Philips Fidelio X1, Sony MDR-X05 | Webcam: Logitech C510
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Fractal Design Define R4.

 

I'll add that I am doing a watercooled build in one right now.

 

Fractal Design Define R4

 

also get the non window R4, since you wont be able to look into it anyhow that way its more silent aswell

He wants a case with the io in the front not the top in the front, i hate it when people default to the define r4 even when it doesnt meet the needs of the client. its me asking for a petrol car and you recommend tesla.

cpu: intel i5 4670k @ 4.5ghz Ram: G skill ares 2x4gb 2166mhz cl10 Gpu: GTX 680 liquid cooled cpu cooler: Raijintek ereboss Mobo: gigabyte z87x ud5h psu: cm gx650 bronze Case: Zalman Z9 plus


Listen if you care.

Cpu: intel i7 4770k @ 4.2ghz Ram: G skill  ripjaws 2x4gb Gpu: nvidia gtx 970 cpu cooler: akasa venom voodoo Mobo: G1.Sniper Z6 Psu: XFX proseries 650w Case: Zalman H1

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Update: I think I have a better idea than trying to search for a case that happens to have the front IO located where I want it. I could probably just use a USB hub and tape it on the side or something. The Define R4 is starting to look like an option again, but I've decided to start moving on from just silence-optimized cases. I may pick something like a Silverstone FT02 if I can fit it. Seems like I can.

Want to find parts in your budget? Logical Increments is the guide you need. | In the market for a headset? Read this thread. | If you're looking for headphones, please refer to this thread. | Stop being backhanded when offering advice.

CPU: Intel i7-3770K @ 3.5 GHz | CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Frio OCK | Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V LK | Memory: 16 GB Corsair Vengeance LP (DDR3-1600) | GPU: MSI Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition x 2 (Crossfire) | Storage: 120 GB Kingston SSDNow V300 SSD, 2 TB Toshiba HDD | PSU: Corsair TX850 V2 | Case: In-Win Mana 136 (Black)
Monitor: ASUS VS248H-P | Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 (Cherry MX Brown) | Mouse: Logitech G500 | Speakers: Logitech X-140 | Headphones: Philips Fidelio X1, Sony MDR-X05 | Webcam: Logitech C510
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I took a quick look at the Corsair 330R and it definitely has the features I'm looking for, it seems. I'm going to look at a few reviews before I decide if I should put that on my list.

 

As for mATX, I prefer the scale and feature-richness of ATX-sized cases (including the motherboards, of course). I might put a lot of components into this like a second GPU later on, and while mATX can support that (generally), I want adequate spacing and fan mounts to keep the components cool. If you have any suggestions that might make me reconsider, I'm willing to look at them.

 

Also, bear in mind, I'm probably going to want to fit a Kraken X60 into this, and compatibility of those things can be flaky at the best of times, even in cases that support dual 140mm fans on top.

Only z87/z77 boards can do SLI and the kraken X60 is a complete waste on a 3770K. 3770K cooling comes down how great the backplate is as you see the nh-d14 outperforming a H100i@maximum mode (2700rpm) while a H100i outperforms a nh-d14 on a 3930K by 15° because S2011 doesnt require a backplate and that allows a H100i to have a much better contact.

 

 

Update: I think I have a better idea than trying to search for a case that happens to have the front IO located where I want it. I could probably just use a USB hub and tape it on the side or something. The Define R4 is starting to look like an option again, but I've decided to start moving on from just silence-optimized cases. I may pick something like a Silverstone FT02 if I can fit it. Seems like I can.

I was about to recommend you a FT02 lol because its only 10cm (~3.5") bigger than 20". The FT02 has probably the best airflow/noise ratio (http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cases/2013/04/16/corsair-obsidian-900d-review/4). Noticing that your board has fanxpert 2, you can hook the fans to your motherboard and enable the autofan stop in fanxpert so they don't spin at low temperatures.

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I was about to recommend you a FT02 lol because its only 10cm (~3.5") bigger than 20". The FT02 has probably the best airflow/noise ratio (http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cases/2013/04/16/corsair-obsidian-900d-review/4). Noticing that your board has fanxpert 2, you can hook the fans to your motherboard and enable the autofan stop in fanxpert so they don't spin at low temperatures.

Anandtech's review suggests I should use a blower-style cooler, but I think an EVGA ACX would work just as well for it.

Keep in mind that I don't plan to keep the motherboard. I'm going to get a new system entirely and probably use an MSI Z87-G45. Hadn't though about Fanxpert, though.

Want to find parts in your budget? Logical Increments is the guide you need. | In the market for a headset? Read this thread. | If you're looking for headphones, please refer to this thread. | Stop being backhanded when offering advice.

CPU: Intel i7-3770K @ 3.5 GHz | CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Frio OCK | Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V LK | Memory: 16 GB Corsair Vengeance LP (DDR3-1600) | GPU: MSI Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition x 2 (Crossfire) | Storage: 120 GB Kingston SSDNow V300 SSD, 2 TB Toshiba HDD | PSU: Corsair TX850 V2 | Case: In-Win Mana 136 (Black)
Monitor: ASUS VS248H-P | Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 (Cherry MX Brown) | Mouse: Logitech G500 | Speakers: Logitech X-140 | Headphones: Philips Fidelio X1, Sony MDR-X05 | Webcam: Logitech C510
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Corsair 330R, like Good ol Woody said.

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Anandtech's review suggests I should use a blower-style cooler, but I think an EVGA ACX would work just as well for it.

Keep in mind that I don't plan to keep the motherboard. I'm going to get a new system entirely and probably use an MSI Z87-G45. Hadn't though about Fanxpert, though.

Or a card with the heatpipes being horizontal placed like the DC2. Since you're aiming for a quiet build, I'd go with a DC2 honestly. ACX cards are just too loud at idle to my liking and under load they arent that quiet.

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Or a card with the heatpipes being horizontal placed like the DC2. Since you're aiming for a quiet build, I'd go with a DC2 honestly. ACX cards are just too loud at idle to my liking and under load they arent that quiet.

While I feel inclined to agree, EVGA has legendary customer support that I'd love to deal with.

 

I'd like to know if anyone knows if the FT02 stock fans should be replaced. Since only Silverstone and Enermax sell 180mm fans as far as I know, I feel as though Silverstone would have put their own AP181 fans into the case rather than try to fleece people by keeping the price down.

Want to find parts in your budget? Logical Increments is the guide you need. | In the market for a headset? Read this thread. | If you're looking for headphones, please refer to this thread. | Stop being backhanded when offering advice.

CPU: Intel i7-3770K @ 3.5 GHz | CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Frio OCK | Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V LK | Memory: 16 GB Corsair Vengeance LP (DDR3-1600) | GPU: MSI Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition x 2 (Crossfire) | Storage: 120 GB Kingston SSDNow V300 SSD, 2 TB Toshiba HDD | PSU: Corsair TX850 V2 | Case: In-Win Mana 136 (Black)
Monitor: ASUS VS248H-P | Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 (Cherry MX Brown) | Mouse: Logitech G500 | Speakers: Logitech X-140 | Headphones: Philips Fidelio X1, Sony MDR-X05 | Webcam: Logitech C510
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While I feel inclined to agree, EVGA has legendary customer support that I'd love to deal with.

 

I'd like to know if anyone knows if the FT02 stock fans should be replaced. Since only Silverstone and Enermax sell 180mm fans as far as I know, I feel as though Silverstone would have put their own AP181 fans into the case rather than try to fleece people by keeping the price down.

There aren't any better 180mm fans and theyre amazing. You get a high & low switch and a 3pin that goes to your motherboard chassis header, on the high switch the motherboard can control it between 0-1200 rpm and on the low switch between 0-700rpm. Mine are mostly spinning between 0-400rpm when gaming and theyre complety inaudible.

You can get away with a blower, theyre pretty quiet imo I have them.

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