Full Tower Case Help

[aithos]

I'm getting ready to build a new system in the next few weeks and am having a hard time picking out a new case.  I currently have a Corsair 750d that I absolutely LOVE, but I was hoping to get something a little different (tempered glass side, clean front with no visible 5.25, etc).  I've looked at a few different options but it sounds like the one I like the visual appearance of won't fit the AIO cooler and memory I've selected so maybe you all can give me some input.

 

Here's what I'm getting:

- Corsair H115i AIO cooler

- Asus ROG Maximus IX <something> (haven't decided which model)

- Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR3200 (55mm height)

- Noctua NF-A14 fans (IPPC or standard, TBD since I already have the standard ones and am not sure whether I want to pay to replace them just for the color)

 

The cases I've looked at:

- Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ATX TG (the memory clearance is 48mm without modification using a 280mm AIO)

- Corsair 570x (doesn't fit a 280mm AIO on the top)

- Be Quiet Dark Base 900 pro (mixed reviews and very expensive by comparison)

 

I also looked at the bigger Phanteks (Luxe?) but I don't like the way the front looks at all (I'd rather stick with the 750d) and I saw the Corsair 760 but it looks like a quality step down from my current case and IIRC has a plexiglass window as opposed to tempered glass and as with the other Phanteks I'd rather just keep the 750d (or get another) than downgrade the build quality and get a case that doesn't look as elegant as what I have now.

 

Any input or cases I'm missing would be appreciated.  I am mostly looking at full cases (not super towers) but a mid-full like the Evolv ATX TG would be ok as long as everything fits.  The 280mm AIO and 140mm fans are an absolute must, I will *NOT* go down to 120mm as they are both louder and move less air (I've gotten used to having a quieter pc, so no more aircraft taking off on my desk...).

[en1gMATIC]

enthoo cant have eatx

570x has glass over fuctionality and is (subjectively) not very attractive

if it has mixed reviews dont get it

 

look at the thermaltake view 31 tg

just a suggestion idk

[Squibbies18]

7 minutes ago, aithos said:

I'm getting ready to build a new system in the next few weeks and am having a hard time picking out a new case.  I currently have a Corsair 750d that I absolutely LOVE, but I was hoping to get something a little different (tempered glass side, clean front with no visible 5.25, etc).  I've looked at a few different options but it sounds like the one I like the visual appearance of won't fit the AIO cooler and memory I've selected so maybe you all can give me some input.

Have you looked at the NZXT S340 elite? quite a popular case nowadays 

[manikyath]

do you have a budget in mind for your case?

could always check out caselabs

[Doramius]

For the Aesthetics you're trying to accomplish, are you not wanting to try a custom made case?  It involves a bit of time, but getting the Full ATX mainboard holder with PCI slot grid is not that difficult.  Then you can just build it any style you want to fit in any environment.  DIY cases are not as difficult as many feel they are.  However, they may take some time, depending on how complex you need it to be.

[aithos]

5 minutes ago, en1gMATIC said:

enthoo cant have eatx

570x has glass over fuctionality and is (subjectively) not very attractive

if it has mixed reviews dont get it

 

look at the thermaltake view 31 tg

just a suggestion idk

It's a regular atx, not e-atx.  The reviews are from customers, not sure how reliable...

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll take a look at it.

 

[aithos]

5 minutes ago, Squibbies18 said:

Have you looked at the NZXT S340 elite? quite a popular case nowadays 

Unless I'm thinking of a different case I think that's a LOT smaller than what I'm looking at.  I don't want my build to be cramped, I prefer full towers and even the Enthoo Evolv ATX TG is what I would consider on the small side...

 

6 minutes ago, manikyath said:

do you have a budget in mind for your case?

could always check out caselabs

I don't have a budget per se, but if a case is going to cost more than the CPU I generally don't want to spend that much because it seems like a waste of money.  The reason I'm having a hard time is that I *LOVE* the 750d and can get another one for $150, but I've had it for a long time and I like to change things up with each build and my "wants" are pretty minor.  If I could throw a one-piece front and a TG side panel on the 750d I'd be good to go.  I mean I probably *could* do that but I'm not much into DIY.

 

3 minutes ago, Doramius said:

For the Aesthetics you're trying to accomplish, are you not wanting to try a custom made case?  It involves a bit of time, but getting the Full ATX mainboard holder with PCI slot grid is not that difficult.  Then you can just build it any style you want to fit in any environment.  DIY cases are not as difficult as many feel they are.  However, they may take some time, depending on how complex you need it to be.

I am building my PC the day my 1080ti arrives, so time is definitely a factor as once the build is complete in a case it's staying there.  I'm also not big on DIY because I tend to be a perfectionist and it's unlikely I'd be able to meet my own standards without a TON of time invested and I am already fairly limited on time with my absurd number of hobbies (LOL).

[manikyath]

Just now, aithos said:

I don't have a budget per se, but if a case is going to cost more than the CPU I generally don't want to spend that much because it seems like a waste of money.  The reason I'm having a hard time is that I *LOVE* the 750d and can get another one for $150, but I've had it for a long time and I like to change things up with each build and my "wants" are pretty minor.  If I could throw a one-piece front and a TG side panel on the 750d I'd be good to go.  I mean I probably *could* do that but I'm not much into DIY.

guess that means that caselabs is probably out of the running

[en1gMATIC]

7 minutes ago, aithos said:

It's a regular atx, not e-atx.  The reviews are from customers, not sure how reliable...

 

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll take a look at it.

 

there are e-atx maximus boards

[aithos]

6 minutes ago, en1gMATIC said:

there are e-atx maximus boards

Ok, well for me it's pretty much the Hero or the Code.  I've mostly ruled out the Formula since I've pretty much decided (again) not to do a custom water loop.  I want one really badly, but I don't want to spend ages making it perfect and then have to deal with additional cost and maintenance... not to mention the chances of catastrophic failure.  I'm basically deciding whether I think the armor and the wi-fi built in is worth the cost, since the armor is pretty much entirely appearance and it's extremely unlikely I'll ever *need* wi-fi since I don't travel with my PC where I wouldn't have a direct connection...

[en1gMATIC]

1 minute ago, aithos said:

Ok, well for me it's pretty much the Hero or the Code.  I've mostly ruled out the Formula since I've pretty much decided (again) not to do a custom water loop.  I want one really badly, but I don't want to spend ages making it perfect and then have to deal with additional cost and maintenance... not to mention the chances of catastrophic failure.  I'm basically deciding whether I think the armor and the wi-fi built in is worth the cost, since the armor is pretty much entirely appearance and it's extremely unlikely I'll ever *need* wi-fi since I don't travel with my PC where I wouldn't have a direct connection...

i think the armor is totally worth it but thats just me

idk about wifi depends on ur setup

 

[TVwazhere]

2 hours ago, aithos said:

- Be Quiet Dark Base 900 pro (mixed reviews and very expensive by comparison)

I dont know where you were seeing mixed reviews on the Dark Base 900

Amazon

Newegg

Pc Part Picker

I mean Hell, HardwareCanucks named it Case of the year! (Video starts at 11:27)

 

It's definitely expensive in comparison for sure though! I wont lie. Was gonna suggest the MasterCase Series but it only has 240 Top rad support