New PC build, need case help

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum but have been following the LTT videos and stream for years now.  I'm not new to building computers as I've built a few in the past, but am hoping to build a cleaner looking rig this time with better cable management...and need some input. 

 

I'm looking to build a gaming rig with the following components and am looking for the best case to mount it all, size isn't an issue but I DO want something that looks classy or at least a clean look.  So I'm looking for input/advice on:

a) a good case to fit everything in

b) general input on the components I've chosen, I know everyone like different brands but if there's something obvious below that is not a good choice let me know

 

Motherboard - Asus Maximus IX (note that I'm not listing a specific model because I am not locked in to a form factor yet, that will depend on case)

CPU - i7 7700K

Cooler - Coirsair H115i (280mm radiator)

RAM - Corsair Dominator Platinum 16GB DDR4 3000

SSD - Samsung 960 EVO 1TB M.2 NVMe

GPU - eVGA 1080 SC

Power - Corsair AX750

 

I have looked at the Fractal Define R5 case, but apparently the 280 rad won't fit in the front and although it SHOULD fit up top there is no dust filter for those vents up top and that's a deal breaker for me.  If there's something I'm missing here let me know, but I'm not looking to get out the dremel to fit a 280mm rad up front.

 

I like the S340 Elite by NZXT, but air flow in that case doesn't seem to be superb.

 

The Corsair 570X and 460X both look fantastic, but sure my cable management skills are good enough to have BOTH sides ot the case exposed, and I don't like how the shroud on the bottom of those doesn't cover the whole area.  Also, while those both look awesome I think the lights may get old after a while.

 

I think the front runner right now is the Phanteks Evolv (the non TG version).  It says a 280 will fit up top and in front, so I have two questions for anyone more familiar with this case.

1 - Will a 280 rad with fans fit up top with my memory platinum RAM that I believe is taller than normal?

2 - If not I'd have to mount that rad up front, but would that mounted to those intake fans kills the airflow in the system?

 

TIA for any help guys

[mrzoltowski]

The  570X and 460X  are nice, but not sure about its thermal properties. 

I went with the Carbide 400c, its clean, easy cable management, and sits nicely on my white desk. + £12 for 2 magnetic RGB LED strips with remote control.

 

[jnkokseby]

If you like the look of Fractal Design Define R5, you should take a look at Fractal Design Define C, it has plenty airflow.

[Guest]

10 minutes ago, AsSiMiLaTeD said:

although it SHOULD fit up top there is no dust filter for those vents up top and that's a deal breaker for me.

If you are blowing OUT of your case, you don't need a filter up there? There shouldn't be any dust in your computer in the first place?

[V3gab0nd]

Killer system dude! I'm sure you'll crush some FPS's with it. 

If you like the Define R5, then you should check out the newer Define C.

But honestly if you plan on mounting the rad to the top of the R5 a dust filter wont matter if you will use it as an exhaust....

Best of luck.

 

[SeanAngelo]

16 minutes ago, AsSiMiLaTeD said:

 

Fractal Design Define S

[V3gab0nd]

4 minutes ago, V3gab0nd said:

Killer system dude! I'm sure you'll crush some FPS's with it. 

If you like the Define R5, then you should check out the newer Define C.

But honestly if you plan on mounting the rad to the top of the R5 a dust filter wont matter if you will use it as an exhaust....

Best of luck.

 

And if you really want, just buy a magnetic dust filter off ebay or something like that.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Well I didn't think about using the top as an exhaust, on my current setup I have the fans on the AIO up top as intake, would exhaust work equally as well?

[mrzoltowski]

3 minutes ago, AsSiMiLaTeD said:

Well I didn't think about using the top as an exhaust, on my current setup I have the fans on the AIO up top as intake, would exhaust work equally as well?

From Slicks video about fan placement and exhaust, it doesn't seem to matter that much, however you are pushing extra heat into the case, and if you graphics card is not blower style its also adding extra heat to the case.  If the case doesn't have great airflow that could be a bad thing, from what Slick said, they prefer top exhaust for AIO's i think.

[mrzoltowski]

5 minutes ago, AsSiMiLaTeD said:

Well I didn't think about using the top as an exhaust, on my current setup I have the fans on the AIO up top as intake, would exhaust work equally as well?

Here is the video for reference 

 

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Thanks for the video and the info, sounds like exhaust may be the way to go.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Does anyone know if any of the cases mentioned will fit my components with the 280 rad up top?

[TVwazhere]

20 hours ago, AsSiMiLaTeD said:

I have looked at the Fractal Define R5 case, but apparently the 280 rad won't fit in the front and although it SHOULD fit up top there is no dust filter for those vents up top and that's a deal breaker for me.  If there's something I'm missing here let me know, but I'm not looking to get out the dremel to fit a 280mm rad up front.

 

I like the S340 Elite by NZXT, but air flow in that case doesn't seem to be superb.

 

The Corsair 570X and 460X both look fantastic, but sure my cable management skills are good enough to have BOTH sides ot the case exposed, and I don't like how the shroud on the bottom of those doesn't cover the whole area.  Also, while those both look awesome I think the lights may get old after a while.

 

I think the front runner right now is the Phanteks Evolv (the non TG version).  It says a 280 will fit up top and in front, so I have two questions for anyone more familiar with this case.

1 - Will a 280 rad with fans fit up top with my memory platinum RAM that I believe is taller than normal?

2 - If not I'd have to mount that rad up front, but would that mounted to those intake fans kills the airflow in the system?

As previously mentioned, the Define S is the R5 but with less HDD trays and better watercooling support in the front ( a full 360 RAD could fit)

 

S340 Air flow is definitely limited yes. But It's the same song and dance for the P400, for those two cases it comes down to aesthetic ( The TG versions)

 

I'd like to clarify, the 460x does not have TG on the back panel. It only has TG on the front and side (It's also built better, so I'd never recommend the 570x) For example, the 460 x basement covers almost everything, while the 570 as you noted covers only 2/3rds of the bottom.

16 hours ago, AsSiMiLaTeD said:

Does anyone know if any of the cases mentioned will fit my components with the 280 rad up top?

All of these cases except the S340 will fit your RAD in the top. They also should have enough clearance for the RAM as well, as long as you're not doing push/pull

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Thanks for all the info guys, this helps alot