mATX case for water cooling

[GER_T4IGA]

I am unsure where to put this. It could fit new builds and planning, water-cooling or cases and PSUs as that is what I am most indecisive about. Mods, please have mercy

 

 

I bought some used parts to build my first water-cooled system but I don't have a case yet and no idea where to start. 

 

Components:

Asus Z77 Maximus V Gene

i5 3570k

2x4GB of Corsair RAM

1x whatever RAM(tested to work in mixed config)

EK Waterblocks Supremacy Evo nickel

GTX Titan (original / Kepler)

Kryographics GPU Block

EK Waterblocks D5(CSQ) 140 XRes Pump Combo 

EK Waterblocks Coolstream 240mm

Idk what brand of fittings, they are still on their way too. 

500GB Samsung 850 Evo

 

I still need:

Case 

PSU

Another radiator (360? 280? 240?)

Noiseblocker eLoop 120/140

Fan controller

Mounting 

Tubing

Phanteks Halos(maybe)

 

I have some Mayhems Pastel Red premix 1l coming. Some did I bought from trader me without asking that I should skip mayhem poster because of clogging. I got the bottle for free so I took it. Not sure if I want to use it. 

 

 

What case am I looking for?

Color: This is a fun build that will be done for looks. 

I think white is ugly, feel free to convince me otherwise. The motherboard is red and black and although that has been overdone and is no 2014 I wouldn't mind doing it. 

Storage:I will probably put a 256GB SSD in there and call it a day for storage but some more options. Cases with 5,25 inch bays are usually ugly or lack good rad support. I also don't need a Blu-ray drive nor ugly front panel fan controller. I would prefere a stealthy one for behind the Mobo tray. 

Space: From what I have seen the fitting a Titan + Res + Rad + fans can be hard in smaller chasis.

I also don't have much experience with top spacing for rads. When I have the Mobo I can measure the VRAMs for compatibility. 

Window: my R4 Acryl window looks pretty scratched even though I don't recall ever touching so I think tempering class is a worthwhile otpion since looks are a main focus. I feel like I prefere more heavily tinted glass since it gives me more options combined with LED brightness in later presentation. 

I would like some reasonable or good air flow. But I won't the case to look good primaryly. Imo the Meshify C really hits this on the head. 

 

Current ideas:

Fractal design Meshify c (maybe to small? Experienced builders here?)

Fractal design define R6 (expensive and ATX)

Define C (closedish front, no TG?)

Define S (closedish front, no TG, ATX?)

Lian Like Alpha 550(has stupid looking RGB fans with bad frames for radiators and is relatively expensive because of the freaking fans)

Cooler Master Master Case Series (but which one??)

Maybe a BeQuiet case? I was never really convinced with their products. They always appear overpriced to me when scientifically compared and I as a German guy even say that. I also don't enjoy their case design language. 

Thermaltake G31 Core also seems to fit the criteria but I am not a huge fan of their business practices. Unless this is my only option or someone has a legit killer argument for this I would like to avoid it for non functional reasons. 

 

I take suggestions for any missing parts mentioned, any other kinds of heads up and what to look for and especially case tips, stories and recommendations are appreciated

 

EDIT: Thermaltake G31 added

[Damascus]

29 minutes ago, GER_T4IGA said:

EK Waterblocks Coolstream 240mm

Which one? There are 3 variants (se, pe and xe)

 

I actually recommend you get a lian li o11 dynamic, $130 and it releases in March  it's insane value and the most classic showpiece case I can think of.  Lots of glass, lots of radiator support and very pretty.  Out of your options I recommend the r6 or mini c tg.

 

30 minutes ago, GER_T4IGA said:

Fractal design Meshify c (maybe to small? Experienced builders here?)

Totally reasonable if a little tight when using long gpus 

 

31 minutes ago, GER_T4IGA said:

Fractal design define R6 (expensive and ATX)

Great case with an insane amount of rad support but expensive

 

32 minutes ago, GER_T4IGA said:

Lian Like Alpha 550(has stupid looking RGB fans with bad frames for radiators and is relatively expensive because of the freaking fans)

The 330x is the same chassis without the fans and is a solid value at $100

 

33 minutes ago, GER_T4IGA said:

Define C (closedish front, no TG?)

Tadaaa, it's got a glass version.  Very nice but less rad support.

 

http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/define-series/define-mini-c-tg

[GER_T4IGA]

4 minutes ago, Damascus said:

Which one? There are 3 variants (se, pe and xe)

 

I actually recommend you get a lian li o11 dynamic, $130 and it releases in March  it's insane value and the most classic showpiece case I can think of.  Lots of glass, lots of radiator support and very pretty.  Out of your options I recommend the r6 or mini c tg.

 

Totally reasonable if a little tight when using long gpus 

 

Great case with an insane amount of rad support but expensive

 

The 330x is the same chassis without the fans and is a solid value at $100

 

Tadaaa, it's got a glass version.  Very nice but less rad support.

 

http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/define-series/define-mini-c-tg

45mm thickness I think. 

Thanks for the heads up about the 550 vs 330.

I would have bought the Lian Li 011 dynamic even for 200 without fans if it was available today. Looks killer and function appears to be huge too. I don't know if I can wait till March. Do we know anything more specific than March? I am in Germany. Should that negatively impact the release date?

Maybe I will build in a 'cheaper'(sub 100) case now and then switch once it releases. That thing in just such a beauty! 

[Damascus]

18 minutes ago, GER_T4IGA said:

I would have bought the Lian Li 011 dynamic even for 200 without fans if it was available today

M8 the superior all aluminim predecessor, the pc-o11 costs $200.  And it should still be in stock.

[TVwazhere]

16 hours ago, GER_T4IGA said:

Fractal design define R6 (expensive and ATX)

The define R6 does actually support E-ATX (I cant read, though the board was E-ATX though the title said mATX). Most of Fractal's lineup otherwise does not.Their Define C Series (Define C, Defien C TG, Meshify C) also re a bit difficult due to the space constraints unless you're really into smaller water cooling setups 

 

 video link

 

Perhaps the H400i? an mATX case with the Define R6 price tag (wish they would get rid of that smart hub and knock the price down) but it does come in black and red!

https://www.nzxt.com/products/h400i-matte-black-red

 

If you're set on 360mm rads, you most likely wont find that in mATX cases that are reasonably sized. (The Define C series are actually ATX cases)