Looking for well-built E-ATX case with *great airflow* for overclocking...

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Handi-Capable

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Feb 17, 2013
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The title pretty much says it all... the r4 seemed great, but didn't match up with the size of the motherboards I was interested in, which almost all (except ASUS' Z77 PRO model) were extended. I'm looking at the higher end ASRock and ASUS mobos right now, (Maximus, Extreme9, etc) one of which even needs that server-standard sized case. I probably won't end up with that model, though (going ASUS if I go that high with mobos)

The case needs to look good, too, as it sits next to the monitor. If it looks nasty and costs $200, it's a prostitute, not a case.

Required: Build quality and great airflow are key.

Would Like: Noise-dampening material in the case, such as the foam on r4 and many others.

Optional... a tough metal / aluminum door (if applicable)... with the LAN party abuse and constant USB port access, I know they'll break, so I'd prefer a model without them... lots of 3.5" bays would be nice (I'm a server/seeder) Handle(s) on top would be helpful.

I'm checking out Nzxt Phantom cases online right now, as they look unique and have nice cooling options (I may end up going cold later on)... But I need to know about airflow, quality, etc... A case with stock quality, silent fans would be nice, but probably not likely... they're cheap enough to upgrade, though, for -dB and power for overclocking.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146098

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146100

If you're listing a discontinued / hard to find case, please mention that in your reply.

Oh, budget... as above, $200 sounds nice - but if there's something exceptionally better, I'll go up to $300.

Thanks!!!
 
Solution
djangoringo
I linked only the Fractal Design Define XL R2 which is a quality and silent full tower case, it came recently, and if you'd seen the reviews, it's a good case for the money.
Check the post again :

Since you mentioned "Noise-dampening material in the case, such as the foam on r4", i suggest that you take a look one the Fractal Design Define XL R2 :
http://us.ncix.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=78226&vpn=FD-CA-DEF-XL-R2-TI&manufacture=Fractal%20Design&promoid=1276
http://us.ncix.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=78225&vpn=FD-CA-DEF-XL-R2-BL&manufacture=Fractal%20Design&promoid=1276

Reviews :

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Fractal-Design-Define-XL-R2-Case-Review/1733/7...
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solomaniac85

solomaniac85

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Jun 12, 2012
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The Rosewill thor v2 on newegg has really great reviews and is full tower for around 130$ on sale now. Besides that theres the Corsair 650D if Im correct thats about 280$ really good case it seems. I have the antec p280 and Its a super mid tower with e-atx capability and good cable management. Look into them though. Those are 3 that I can recommend highly.
 
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djangoringo

djangoringo

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Since you mentioned "Noise-dampening material in the case, such as the foam on r4", i suggest that you take a look one the Fractal Design Define XL R2 :
http://us.ncix.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=78226&vpn=FD-CA-DEF-XL-R2-TI&manufacture=Fractal%20Design&promoid=1276
http://us.ncix.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=78225&vpn=FD-CA-DEF-XL-R2-BL&manufacture=Fractal%20Design&promoid=1276

Reviews :

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Fractal-Design-Define-XL-R2-Case-Review/1733/7
http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/fractal_design_define_xl_r2_review,10.html
http://www.hitechlegion.com/reviews/cases/32763-fract-def-xl-r2?showall=&start=4
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/5171/fractal-design-define-xl-r2-black-pearl-full-tower-chassis-review/index8.html
 
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H

Handi-Capable

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@djangoringo: I remember the 1200 when building my last PC! Must be popular to have stayed around this long... I don't know many machines that have a 200/240mm (can't remember) fan on top! If that actually works well, why don't other companies do it? I've wondered that for years...

The other case you linked was a Nzxt. Are the phantom 630s or 820s I linked in then equally good cases? I love the 6 USB's on top of the 820 + the modular design.

If the 1200's fans really make a difference, I'll go for it, but (honestly) would prefer something else.


@Solomaniac85: I looked up their basics on NewEgg:

I've stumbled on this Rosewill earlier today, and it actually looks like a modern/custom build off of the Antec 1200. And, being Norwegian, how can I not go for the name Thor? I also see that Tom's Hardware rated it's little sister case *Top Cooling Performance For Value*. (It has blue fans, looks much more like an antec 600)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147107

Corsair 650D is a mid-tower. Onto...

antec p280: Another mid-tower... but you say it can take E-ATX?? Because it looks like a carbon copy of the Fractal r4 case that I *was* going to buy, but assumed would be too small!

The p280 looks nice, as well as the Rosewill... I'm wondering if I should ask the forum if the r4 can in fact hold an e-atx (it can't hold graphics cards longer than 12", I remember that...

Thanks for both of your replies!
 
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solomaniac85

solomaniac85

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My bad it was the 800D for 279$ very spacious, but the Antec p280 from what I know and my experience with the case i s that its very big to be honest. Much bigger than my old mid tower antec 300. Its got quite a few inches on it width and height. Super mid tower is what antec calls it. The thor and blackhawk are 2 very good cases they may not have the build quality as a corsair or antec case but they have the features at a nice price point. I would look at them and check which one you like, and maybe save a few bucks. I've never really been a fan of the fractals because of how wide they are but to each there own.
 
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djangoringo

djangoringo

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I linked only the Fractal Design Define XL R2 which is a quality and silent full tower case, it came recently, and if you'd seen the reviews, it's a good case for the money.
Check the post again :

Since you mentioned "Noise-dampening material in the case, such as the foam on r4", i suggest that you take a look one the Fractal Design Define XL R2 :
http://us.ncix.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=78226&vpn=FD-CA-DEF-XL-R2-TI&manufacture=Fractal%20Design&promoid=1276
http://us.ncix.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=78225&vpn=FD-CA-DEF-XL-R2-BL&manufacture=Fractal%20Design&promoid=1276

Reviews :

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Fractal-Design-Define-XL-R2-Case-Review/1733/7
http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/fractal_design_define_xl_r2_review,10.html
http://www.hitechlegion.com/reviews/cases/32763-fract-def-xl-r2?showall=&start=4
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/5171/fractal-design-define-xl-r2-black-pearl-full-tower-chassis-review/index8.html
 
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Solution
H

Handi-Capable

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Feb 17, 2013
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@djangoringo: Thank you for posting all those review conclusions! It made it simple to find this:

"I would have thought that the sound dampening material would reduce the performance of the case, but temperatures were well within limits and performance was excellent. Fractal of course offers you the ability to remove some of the sound dampening material to increase airflow, but with the way it performed I don’t see why anyone would want to do that unless they were using the mounting locations for water cooling."

"Stock cooling on this full tower case includes three 140mm fans setup in a positive pressure configuration. The front intake can house two 140mm/120mm fans and has a removable dust filter. There is a 140mm fan on the bottom of the case also pulling cool air into the case and has a dust filter that covers both the PSU intake and this fan. Exhausting air of the case is a 140mm fan located on the rear of the chassis. Additional fan mounting locations include the side panel, front intake, and top of the case, all supporting 120mm/140mm fans for a total of four additional locations. There are also plenty of mounting options for water cooling radiators. A 120mm radiator can be put in place of the rear exhaust or the bottom intake. 240mm radiators will fit in the top mount location, as well as the front intake location with the HDD cages adjusted."

last post FTW. Thank you both!!! =)
 
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