Help Me Choose A Case

[LukeTim]

I currently have an air cooled PC in a very old case. I want to upgrade the case because it's not suitable to what I am using the PC for now. It was originally built as a beefy HTPC/TV Gaming machine, but I now use it as a desktop, having acquired a SFF PC for HTPC use. The current case cannot fit particularly large GPUs in and is absolutely terrible for cable routing so the whole thing looks a mess.

So, I want to get a modern case with good cable routing options, plenty of GPU space, and some other modern features like front mounted USB 3.0.

I've narrowed my choices down to three cases.

The Air 240 I like because of its dual chambers, making cable routing easier for somebody like myself who is not so experienced with building. Plus I don't have a modular PSU so I need space to put all the spare cables. I also like the Air 240s aesthetics the best. The white version looks really nice, imo. However, being a mATX case I am limited in motherboard options for future upgrades.

The H440 I quite like the look of, especially the white version with the big window, and it will fit full ATX boards. However apparently space for cable routing behind the motherboard tray is pretty limited, which puts me off a bit.

The Define R5 I'm thinking about for similar reasons to the H440, but I believe it has more cable routing space. I just don't like so much how it looks.

 

I've not considered the Air 540 as it is simply too expensive.

[Smooth Bunz]

Fractal define S good case and will save you some money

[Enderman]

the air 240 is the only one of those cases that is actually small

 

you should never do a dual GPU system for HTPC anyway so matx is perfectly fine

[MLG Doge]

Enthoo pro m for the same reasons as above.

 

Its basically a smaller enthoo pro.

[NinjaJc01]

Enthoo pro m for the same reasons as above.

 

Its basically a smaller enthoo pro.

The Evolv mATX is quite nice too/

[LukeTim]

the air 240 is the only one of those cases that is actually small

 

you should never do a dual GPU system for HTPC anyway so matx is perfectly fine

 

It's not a HTPC anymore. I am using it as a Desktop. It used to be a HTPC and so it is in a mATX case at the moment. So I am considering an air 240 because I can fit my current mATX system in there. I don't mind that much, however, it'd be nice to be able to consider ATX board for future upgrades.

[ImBleu]

Fractal define S good case and will save you some money

 

This.

 

Even though I "upgraded" from the more expensive Corsair Obsidian 750D, I'm in love with my Define S.  I don't need a hundred thousand HDDs and I've barely populated my Storage on the back, but it's super easy to cable manage and gives you literally 400mm of GPU clearance, uninterrupted airflow and frankly is better than the R5 while being less expensive. Like the H440 though, it has no Optical Drives - if that matters.

[TheCaptain53]

Enthoo pro m for the same reasons as above.

 

Its basically a smaller enthoo pro.

This

The Enthoo Pro M is a nice looking case, and can fit a massive air cooler.

[Patrick Bateman]

im sort of a fractal fanboy

i love there cases 

simple, but sexy looks

great functionality

great quality..

[LukeTim]

This.

 

Even though I "upgraded" from the more expensive Corsair Obsidian 750D, I'm in love with my Define S.  I don't need a hundred thousand HDDs and I've barely populated my Storage on the back, but it's super easy to cable manage and gives you literally 400mm of GPU clearance, uninterrupted airflow and frankly is better than the R5 while being less expensive. Like the H440 though, it has no Optical Drives - if that matters.

I do have an optical drive that I use from time to time, but a lack of a bay is not a deal breaker.

[ImBleu]

I do have an optical drive that I use from time to time, but a lack of a bay is not a deal breaker.

 

Then you should love the Fractal Design Define S.

 

ATX - big enough for any upgrade path within reason.

 

Big window - much like the H440

 

Amazing airflow & cable management - much like the R5.