*SOLVED* New case for EKWB loop and room to expand

[Hosenburg]

Hello, I'm currently rocking an NZXT S340, however, I am looking to do some upgrades my case can't accommodate. Basically, I wanna get a liquid-cooling loop from EKWB with a 360mm radiator. I've also used up all my hard drive slots and SSD cages. I had decided on the Fractal Design Define R6, as it was perfect for all my needs, however as far as what I can tell from pictures and videos you need to remove the drive bays in order to put in the pump (pic related). Please correct me if I'm wrong here. So basically what are some good case options that suit my needs? I'd like to refrain from going full tower if possible, please.

[DailyProcrastinator]

It is my understanding that those hard drive bays are easily removable though. You won't need to 'mod' your case in order to remove them. The issue then being that you will lose those hard drive bays.

[Hosenburg]

7 minutes ago, JM21 said:

It is my understanding that those hard drive bays are easily removable though. You won't need to 'mod' your case in order to remove them. The issue then being that you will lose those hard drive bays.

The way its setup is it has, a plate if that's the right term, that holds the drive bays, it also blocks the entire area that my pump would go, I'd have to remove the entire thing and I'd I'd have nowhere to put my drive bays, hence why I'm looking for a different case.

[DailyProcrastinator]

Just now, Hosenburg said:

The way its setup is it has, a plate if that's the right term, that holds the drive bays, it also blocks the entire area that my pump would go, I'd have to remove the entire thing and I'd I'd have nowhere to put my drive bays, hence why I'm looking for a different case.

 

 

Ahhhhh I see.

[DailyProcrastinator]

Are you opposed to specific case brands, or full towers?

[Hosenburg]

I'm not really opposed to any brands, as long as they're reputable. I'd prefer mid tower, but It's looking like I may have to settle and get a full tower.

[Hosenburg]

*Update* The Cooler Master MasterCase H500P is basically perfect, however, it only has two 3.5" bays, other than that it seems like everything will fit perfectly.

[For Science!]

16 minutes ago, Hosenburg said:

I'm not really opposed to any brands, as long as they're reputable. I'd prefer mid tower, but It's looking like I may have to settle and get a full tower.

You can see in the picture you posted, the case has a 360 mm on the top as well. It is my understanding that if you top mount the radiator, you can still use the plentiful 3.5" bay mounts. This is my preferred mounting for a single radiator setup anyway, fresh unobstructed intake, and radiators on exhaust.

 

P.S. pump and reservoir can go anywhere, for example, underneath the graphics card horizontally.

[Hosenburg]

3 minutes ago, For Science! said:

You can see in the picture you posted, the case has a 360 mm on the top as well. It is my understanding that if you top mount the radiator, you can still use the plentiful 3.5" bay mounts. This is my preferred mounting for a single radiator setup anyway, fresh unobstructed intake, and radiators on exhaust.

 

P.S. pump and reservoir can go anywhere, for example, underneath the graphics card horizontally.

yeah, the pump is what concerned me, but if I can put it under the GPU it'll work. Thank you

 

[DailyProcrastinator]

4 minutes ago, Hosenburg said:

I'm not really opposed to any brands, as long as they're reputable. I'd prefer mid tower, but It's looking like I may have to settle and get a full tower.

I think the best option for water cooling in a mid-tower footprint is a Thermaltake case. All of these allow for dual 360mm rads and 3.5" hard drives can be stored behind the motherboard tray. The downside is if you want a PSU shroud you will need to buy it separately. 

F31 Suppressor TG

Core X31 TG

View 32 TG

View 31 TG

 

The Corsair Crystal 570X is probably the best fit for 3.5" hard drives and rad support while not giving away other creature comforts.

 

If you are looking to mount a single 360mm rad up front then you could use these cases, but in most of them you will lose any 3.5" hard drive support.

Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV TG

Phanteks  Enthoo Pro M TG 

Phanteks P400 TG

Fractal Design Meshify C TG

NZXT H700

 

 

[Hosenburg]

Thank you guys, I'm probably gonna hold off til black Friday or some other sale to get my case so I'll have plenty of time to think it over. It's looking like the R6 will work if I mount the pump horizontally but I'll make sure to check out those Thermaltake cases since I'm still not 100% decided

[DailyProcrastinator]

2 minutes ago, Hosenburg said:

Thank you guys, I'm probably gonna hold off til black Friday or some other sale to get my case so I'll have plenty of time to think it over. It's looking like the R6 will work if I mount the pump horizontally but I'll make sure to check out those Thermaltake cases since I'm still not 100% decided

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I would seriously consider the Corsair Crystal 570X as well.