Downsizing Existing PC (Case CPU Clearance Help)

Villainthropy · February 11, 2017

So, roughly 2 years ago I built my first PC. Here's the PC Part Picker List.

Now, there's nothing WRONG with my PC. She runs like a dream, considering I built her from scratch after just a month or so of research and came from a background of only using Macs. However, I've found that the choices I made for this PC aren't exactly the best. I move my PC more than I anticipated, and the case I chose is simply too big to move around as often as I do.

Long story short, I want to downsize my case. This wouldn't be that big of an issue if I wasn't insanely picky, aesthetically, and if I hadn't gotten a freakin' Cooler Master V8 GTS CPU cooler. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE how it looks and works. I wanted my rig to be themed red/white/black, and I loved how badass the cooler looked. However, now that I'm trying to downsize, preferably to something mid-tower sized, it's becoming more of a hindrance than anything else.

The biggest issue I have is that I live somewhere that doesn't have a lot of stores that sell PC components. I can't simply go into a store and test for myself if my cooler will clear, and so I have to be 100% sure before I order one. I have one local Fry's, and that's it.

Now, the cases I'm bouncing around atm are the NZXT S340, S340 Elite, InWin 303 and Phanteks P400.

My parameters are:

a white case,
side panel window,
and that it weighs less / is smaller than my current Storm Stryker. ( HWD 23.80" x 9.80" x 22.80" ; 30.20 lbs. )

I'd also not like to break the bank by buying another $150 case - I'm hoping to sell my old case to help offset any costs, but I'm still trying to not spend an arm and a leg, especially since I'll have to buy new fans, since my current Storm Stryker came with fans. My local Fry's supposedly has the InWin 303 in stock, so I'm going to check it out today. But it's also a bit heavier than I would like, so it isn't my first choice. ~~(Plus, the blue lighting on the front would kinda clash with my preferred color scheme.)~~

So, am I just royally screwed unless I give up my beasty cooler? It's been fine for my needs, and I'd rather not get rid of it, but if I have to then of course I will. I've read mixed reviews about the clearance of these cases. For example, this review claims that they could fit into the S340 a cooler that, with fans attached, measures 170mm where mine is ''only'' 167mm. I was hoping maybe people who own these cases could tell me first-hand experiences with height issues? Or maybe there are other cases you'd recommend? Or you can just tell me to suck it up and get a smaller cooler -- perhaps even go for a liquid CPU cooler. Just, keep it civil, okay?

Dezs · February 11, 2017

Bad news, sort of... http://www.coolermaster.com/service/faq/n400/

" Step One: Go to the Spec page of the cooler, and determine the Dimensions of the Cooler, pay attention to the height, which is 166.5 mm for our Cooler Master V8 GTS air cooler. "

NumLock21 · February 11, 2017

Did you know that pcpp not only let you do your very first build, but it also helps you answer some of the toughest computer question out there such as the one you're having.