Best case for water cooling?

[Spev]

First off I'll start by saying I'm posting this in water cooling and not cases because I feel this is more a water cooling discussion rather than normal case selection.

I'm not solid on this idea but am toying with possibly getting a larger case. I'm using the Phanteks Enthoo Luxe right now. The case can't be much taller than my current one, or it will not fit under my desk. I really like cases like the 900d with the lower compartment for rads/pumps. I think my Luxe will work but it's a bit crammed for a CPU/GPU custom loop, so I wanted to look into possibilities for a new water cooling case and move my old pc build into the Luxe. Currently have a 360 + 240 rad but if I got a bigger case I would probably throw another in.

Any suggestions on cases? Remember it can't be like 10 feet tall, it can't be more than 1 inch taller than my Enthoo Luxe. Thanks for any suggestions.

[soaringchicken]

Someone recommended the R5 to me, and I agree with him, has really nice radiator support and is a nice case all around

[Shaqo_Wyn]

First off I'll start by saying I'm posting this in water cooling and not cases because I feel this is more a water cooling discussion rather than normal case selection.

I'm not solid on this idea but am toying with possibly getting a larger case. I'm using the Phanteks Enthoo Luxe right now. The case can't be much taller than my current one, or it will not fit under my desk. I really like cases like the 900d with the lower compartment for rads/pumps. I think my Luxe will work but it's a bit crammed for a CPU/GPU custom loop, so I wanted to look into possibilities for a new water cooling case and move my old pc build into the Luxe. Currently have a 360 + 240 rad but if I got a bigger case I would probably throw another in.

Any suggestions on cases? Remember it can't be like 10 feet tall, it can't be more than 1 inch taller than my Enthoo Luxe. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Dunno the dimensions of the Enthoo Primo but if you're considering the 900D, the Enthoo Primo is the cheaper and IMO better alternative. @Maxwit44 has one and it's stuffed with rads if I'm not mistaken.

 

Although it's a great case with good water cooling support, I don't think the R5 can take more rads than the Enthoo Luxe. So it wouldn't be much of an upgrade for water cooling. 

[AlexCom]

Hey @Spev !

 

Well, I don`t know if you will do justice to a nice watercooling build if you keep it under the desk.. but it`s your choice and I can understand if space is a problem!

 

I have an Enthoo Primo, and it`s great, I managed to get all the tubing in with no problem, put the pump and the rads, but I am missing one rad to get my loop done and filled, but it`s on it`s way! (Never, ever order stuff during or one week before Christmass, it`s a god darn hassle and you will get your stuff weeks later... )

 

But if you need a smaller one, the  Define R5 is awesome as well. Linus did a review on it:

 

 

Good luck with your build!

 

Alex

[Shroomster]

1. Why switch to a R5, because it does have the same (basically) rad support? I'd say get the Enthoo Primo. And 95% of builds these days are in the horrid Fractal futuristic chests.

[Faceman]

The Enthoo Luxe isn't big enough for you?

[Muatez]

I think with your radiators would be best to get Phanteks enthoo primo. You can put 360 in bottom, 240 in front and later ad 60mm thick 480 in top. Also this is what a would like to own.

[Maxwit44]

Dunno the dimensions of the Enthoo Primo but if you're considering the 900D, the Enthoo Primo is the cheaper and IMO better alternative. @Maxwit44 has one and it's stuffed with rads if I'm not mistaken.

Although it's a great case with good water cooling support, I don't think the R5 can take more rads than the Enthoo Luxe. So it wouldn't be much of an upgrade for water cooling.

You sir, are very correct there. I have 4 rads in my primo, however it is a lot taller than my pro/luxe model.

However you can fit 4 in the luxe, 240s in the front ( you could put a 280 in the front too) and bottom, 140 in the back wall, and a 420 in the top, and all 300mm thick, they'll do a great job.

To tell you the truth, my pro has a st30 420 in the top, and a ut60 240 in the front, and it keeps my 570 sli and heavy oc 1055t very cool, at 52 degrees c under load.

[airdeano]

Currently have a 360 + 240 rad but if I got a bigger case I would probably throw another in.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

so what temperatures are you getting now and what temperatures are you looking for?

 

reason for asking is there is a point of diminishing return. going from a 360/240 to 2x

480 will not be as drastic of a temperature drop. only thing i found was it'll take longer

to saturate/stabilize in temperatures. maybe a 3-5° device temp drop, not much more.

[Muatez]

so what temperatures are you getting now and what temperatures are you looking for?

 

reason for asking is there is a point of diminishing return. going from a 360/240 to 2x

480 will not be as drastic of a temperature drop. only thing i found was it'll take longer

to saturate/stabilize in temperatures. maybe a 3-5° device temp drop, not much more.

So sweetspot for cpu and 2gpu is 360 and 240( or another 360 to just be sure). In that case phanteks primo with 240, 360 and 480 is overkill, not much lowering temps and apsolute waste of money which i can put in gpu or storage.

 

Sorry if it is offtopic.

[AngryGoldfish]

I really don't see how you will need more radiator support than a Phanteks Luxe without going to a large full-tower like the 900D, Case Labs SM8, or Enthoo Primo. A 360 and a 240 is more than enough with two GPU's and a CPU.

[airdeano]

So sweetspot for cpu and 2gpu is 360 and 240( or another 360 to just be sure)

 

yes, to have comfortable temperatures, low fan speeds (noise) and can fit in

most cases. issues you'll face are the thickness of radiators considered.

you can get away with 30mm radiators, but the fan speed or overclock voltage

may not get you that low fan speed quietness.

 

45mm generally have an easier time to control the temperatures with moderate

to low speed. 60mm i have found do all of the above on noise and temps.

[Muatez]

yes, to have comfortable temperatures, low fan speeds (noise) and can fit in

most cases. issues you'll face are the thickness of radiators considered.

you can get away with 30mm radiators, but the fan speed or overclock voltage

may not get you that low fan speed quietness.

 

45mm generally have an easier time to control the temperatures with moderate

to low speed. 60mm i have found do all of the above on noise and temps.

I dont know do you still remember, you helped me with phobya kit, and i ask my family in germany to order for me it so im waiting for it, because i live in BiH.

Which case do you recomend for 2x360mm 60mm rads thick, nice tubing route and to have enough room for res.

I found this theme but he wanted to be made from aluminum and cheap. I just want regular case which can support it.

At the moment i have haf x and it support only one 360.  

[airdeano]

I just want regular case which can support it.

At the moment i have haf x and it support only one 360.  

 

 

dual 360 anything is tough and not available in mass-manufacturing without sacrifice.

only thing that is close is the rosewill rise, but i am scared it'll be too flimsy and

not worth the experience, though i could be wrong.

 

well based on USD currency and availability, the enthoo pro is good for

360x 45 roof and 240/280x XX (with mod) in the front intake.

H440 is good for a 240/280x 30 in the roof and a 360x XX in the front intake.

450D is 360x 30 in the roof and 240/280x XX front intake.

750D is like the enthoo pro, but smaller.

enthoo primo/900D just big cases

[AngryGoldfish]

Yeah, two 360's is kinda hard to do with many mass-produced cases. You might be better with a 420 and a 280 setup, which cases like the Define R5 can accommodate. Considering it's a mid-tower chassis, I imagine some larger full-towers will accommodate 480's in the roof and a 240 in the front. This is essentially the same radiator/fan space as two separate 360's.

[jollander]

What about the Corsair air 540? It's not tall, but it's wide. You can fit a thick 360mm rad and a 140mm, or a thin 360mm + 240mm.

The second compartment makes cable management a dream.

 

Some examples from Google:

http://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_2759.jpg

http://www.sweclockers.com/image/gallery/2013/07/31/Cube2.jpg?t=original&k=e93f7122 

http://forum.corsair.com/v3/attachment.php?attachmentid=14734&d=1396830553

[Muatez]

dual 360 anything is tough and not available in mass-manufacturing without sacrifice.

only thing that is close is the rosewill rise, but i am scared it'll be too flimsy and

not worth the experience, though i could be wrong.

 

well based on USD currency and availability, the enthoo pro is good for

360x 45 roof and 240/280x XX (with mod) in the front intake.

H440 is good for a 240/280x 30 in the roof and a 360x XX in the front intake.

450D is 360x 30 in the roof and 240/280x XX front intake.

750D is like the enthoo pro, but smaller.

enthoo primo/900D just big cases

If there is not anything like that, maybe to go with 480 and 240, do you have any ideas, and i will must change my order to smaller 240 rad kit. Also i dont have limited budget, giving like 200dollars is ok, but next case that is worth is 900d and primo at 300 which is +50%. I cant find golden middle . 

Yeah, two 360's is kinda hard to do with many mass-produced cases. You might be better with a 420 and a 280 setup, which cases like the Define R5 can accommodate. Considering it's a mid-tower chassis, I imagine some larger full-towers will accommodate 480's in the roof and a 240 in the front. This is essentially the same radiator/fan space as two separate 360's.

Good idea but are there good 140mm fans, you have bigger choose with 120mm. Maybe go with 360 and 240 if i dont find anything else.

What about the Corsair air 540? It's not tall, but it's wide. You can fit a thick 360mm rad and a 140mm, or a thin 360mm + 240mm.

The second compartment makes cable management a dream.

 

Some examples from Google:

http://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_2759.jpg

http://www.sweclockers.com/image/gallery/2013/07/31/Cube2.jpg?t=original&k=e93f7122 

http://forum.corsair.com/v3/attachment.php?attachmentid=14734&d=1396830553

Nice case but i really would like to have thick rads for less noise, and i keep my case on desk next to monitor and i would be nice to be silent.

[airdeano]

If there is not anything like that, maybe to go with 480 and 240, do you have any ideas, and i will must change my order to smaller 240 rad kit. Also i dont have limited budget, giving like 200dollars is ok, but next case that is worth is 900d and primo at 300 which is +50%. I cant find golden middle . 

 

that's been the holy grail so far is to comfortably have a 360x 60 and 240x 60

SLI/CFX case or 2x 360 option. some have been close, but always a hiccup.

 

case mannies still include the ODD for design which could be used for a great

amount of rad cooling, but the water cooling isn't top priority.

 

only thing is buying big cases and changing size allocation makes it tough to

get rid of (primo, 900D, SM8) without losing your shirt on shipping and base

cost. tough to sell s'mptin' for less than half of your cost is not an experience.

[Muatez]

that's been the holy grail so far is to comfortably have a 360x 60 and 240x 60

SLI/CFX case or 2x 360 option. some have been close, but always a hiccup.

 

case mannies still include the ODD for design which could be used for a great

amount of rad cooling, but the water cooling isn't top priority.

 

only thing is buying big cases and changing size allocation makes it tough to

get rid of (primo, 900D, SM8) without losing your shirt on shipping and base

cost. tough to sell s'mptin' for less than half of your cost is not an experience.

I know but cost a lot, and i need reasonable solution.

 

All of those cases are 20+kg and expensive shipping.

 

I found a CM stacker for 2x360 even if you but te 915 at bottom you can mount at top another 360 and 240 in front ( which is overkill) all that for like 150 what you think is it good. I will research more tommorow.

 

Thank you, you helped me a lot.

[Spev]

Someone recommended the R5 to me, and I agree with him, has really nice radiator support and is a nice case all around

I love the R5, if I was building another PC today I would buy that case. But I'm looking for more space, I was hopefully looking for a case with a separate compartment like the 900d, I really like those, good area to store pump.

 

Dunno the dimensions of the Enthoo Primo but if you're considering the 900D, the Enthoo Primo is the cheaper and IMO better alternative. @Maxwit44 has one and it's stuffed with rads if I'm not mistaken.

 

Although it's a great case with good water cooling support, I don't think the R5 can take more rads than the Enthoo Luxe. So it wouldn't be much of an upgrade for water cooling. 

Yeah I'll have to check out the dimensions. Currently my top rad is exhaust so it needs a little room to exhale air, I could add another inch of case to the top and it would still have space, but much more than that not only wouldn't fit but wouldn't give any room to push air out. I'll check it out though.

 

The Enthoo Luxe isn't big enough for you?

I really like the Luxe. My biggest issue is my pump space, that is the dilemma, it's not rad space. I know you know this case well, I have my bitspower res mounted to the included bracket by the HDD cages. Both HDD cages are removed, I have my 240mm rad in the front, with 2 Noctuas on it. Now between where the pump bracket hangs down and where the intake rad is, I have the pump crammed in there. The pump fits fine, it's really the tubing that is not making me very happy. It "works", But I guess it's just not optimal, so it's bugging me. My res leads directly to my pump, I toyed around with mounting for some time. Even with the best place to mount it, it still makes it tough to connect to the res. Right now I have it connected, but basically the tubing from the res instead of just leading to the pump has to make a spiral downwards in order to make it fit. The spiral takes place behind the HDD cover shield so it's not really visable, and then where it connects the tubing is forced to kink, just a little. Honestly, it's not going to constrict any water flow, it just bugs me the way it's setup. I'll post some pics for you when I get the chance...been a long day of work/school so not tonight. Anyways I just been kinda wishing I went with the primo, not because I need to cram more rads in there, but because in the primo I could have mounted my 240 on the bottom where the PSU goes in the Pro/Luxe, then I would have had the entire area behind the HDD shield for my Swiftech pump, and it wouldn't have been crammed by a 240 rad+fans next to it.

 

I think with your radiators would be best to get Phanteks enthoo primo. You can put 360 in bottom, 240 in front and later ad 60mm thick 480 in top. Also this is what a would like to own.

 

Yeah, I'm pretty happy with my 2 rads, it's just hard to find a great spot for my separate pump in this case, as I don't have a pump/res combo. If I had a pump/res combo I would not be having my current space limitations. It also fits fine, but it's tough routing the tubing the way I have it setup, it will "work" and the gravity will bring water down to the pump, but I wouldn't call it an optimal setup due to space constrictions.

so what temperatures are you getting now and what temperatures are you looking for?

 

reason for asking is there is a point of diminishing return. going from a 360/240 to 2x

480 will not be as drastic of a temperature drop. only thing i found was it'll take longer

to saturate/stabilize in temperatures. maybe a 3-5° device temp drop, not much more.

 

Wish I could tell you. I'm waiting on my GPU block still, I figured I'd save the hassle of draining and re tubing part of the loop and just wait for my EK block before setting up my loop. So to further answer your question I'm not looking for a new case because I want to cram more rads in because of temps, I just mentioned if I did go with something huge like a Primo or 900d I would probably throw one in there anyway, just because well I could. I'll post some pics in a day or so when I get some time open up the PC. The problem is that I went with a serparate pump/res instead of a combo, so I'm hard pressed for space. I made it fit and found a decent place I can mount the pump to the floor, however the tubing is pretty tight. I'm forced to lead the tubing from my res and lead it behind the HDD shield and spiral it down to the pump, it's just like one full spiral going down. & the way the pump has to be mounted doesn't give it a ton of room between the intake and the case wall, so the tubing is kinked a little bit. I highly doubt it would affect the flow at all, it's just really bugging me and I'm trying to find something more optimal or possibly a new case..

I really don't see how you will need more radiator support than a Phanteks Luxe without going to a large full-tower like the 900D, Case Labs SM8, or Enthoo Primo. A 360 and a 240 is more than enough with two GPU's and a CPU.

Not for rad space, I'm finding a hard time fitting my external pump into the works without tubing being a nightmare.

 

What about the Corsair air 540? It's not tall, but it's wide. You can fit a thick 360mm rad and a 140mm, or a thin 360mm + 240mm.

The second compartment makes cable management a dream.

 

Some examples from Google:

http://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_2759.jpg

http://www.sweclockers.com/image/gallery/2013/07/31/Cube2.jpg?t=original&k=e93f7122 

http://forum.corsair.com/v3/attachment.php?attachmentid=14734&d=1396830553

I've though about it. I would have to mount my pump in the back chamber somewhere. I do like that case, but somehow having my pump sit directly on top of my power supply just makes me feel a bit nervous

[jollander]

 

 

I've though about it. I would have to mount my pump in the back chamber somewhere. I do like that case, but somehow having my pump sit directly on top of my power supply just makes me feel a bit nervous

 

I have my pump a few inches away from the power supply. But to be fair, if you're worrying about water components being too close to the power supply, then a regular cases should worry you even more  

 

I've seen a lot of builds where a pump/res combo has been used in the main chamber on the 540 so no part of the loop goes anywhere near the power supply.

[pdv789]

Is there a reason people don't like pumps touching the power supply?

[Spev]

Is there a reason people don't like pumps touching the power supply?

LOL. I don't expect it to leak. I have 3/8id 5/8OD tubing stretched on the MCP655 with 1/2inch barbs I think, and they are secured with a couple of those metal clamps that you screw on to tighten, pretty solid. I'm just kinda paranoid about stuff, it just makes me nervous!

[Spev]

I have my pump a few inches away from the power supply. But to be fair, if you're worrying about water components being too close to the power supply, then a regular cases should worry you even more

 

I've seen a lot of builds where a pump/res combo has been used in the main chamber on the 540 so no part of the loop goes anywhere near the power supply.

Yeah a pump/res combo might look nice in the 540, I have seen those too. I doubt my setup with a separate pump would look very good in the main chamber, the Swiftech MCp655 isn't the most beautiful pump unless you get one of those mod kits!

[Muatez]

 

So what you think about this, it is not expensive, with your setup you just buy another 360 and you have ( 2x360+240=2x480) same rad space, also seperate compartment for rads and pump away from psu. This is what i came up with. On second picture just ignore top 915.