Top Mounted PSU Cases

Jimbobsey

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Mar 4, 2013
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Hello everyone.

Im planning a new build at the moment and need a case with a top mounted PSU due to the shape of the back of my desk. (new desk not an option).

I have heard a lot of conflicting information for and against top mounted PSU cases and was hoping you guys would be able to clear it up for me.

Also any case options would be much appreciated. ATX mobo.

Thank you all in advance.
 

marshallbradley

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Sep 24, 2012
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The 2 problems most people have with top mounted PSUs are A) that they make the computer quite top-heavy, which increases the likely-hood of it tipping over (never a good thing) and B) the airflow through the PSU is simply better when it's bottom mounted, since it has it's own supply of fresh air from the bottom of the case, rather than internal air which has already been heated up to some extent.

What is it exactly about the shape of the back of your desk which makes bottom mounted not an option? Can you not simply run the power cord vertically up from the back of the case?

M
 
Choose any top pc case and then look where the PSU goes. Heat rises and we want it out of our cases. Bottom mounting PSU achieves this. Also the PSU has its own fan that blows air out the back.

zzz There are cases for everybody... small, quiet, lots of fans, portable... if you never move it and space is ok then get a mid tower.
 
Since you don't have a choice, why are you concerned with the mounting of the PSU? Are you building an ultimate gaming system? An advantage of top mounted PSU cases is that they don't pull dust from the carpet if the system is on or close to the floor.

How large can the case be? Do you need a quiet case or one that provides maximum cooling? What's your budget?
 
Unless you look at very top end or the very bottom end of the mainstream case market, you wont find support for top mounted PSU's.
Agree with Marshall points on the downside of top mounted PSU's and question, what would prevent you from just running the cable vertically?

I guess have a look at the Silverstone Raven RV03, it has a fairly unique mounting location for the PSU which might solve your problem, while not breaking the bank or being utterly horrible.
 

Jimbobsey

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Mar 4, 2013
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Thanks everyone.

Where the case its in my desk, there is a 10cm lip of wood that prevents a PSU cabel from being inserted correctly (current system is like this). I end up having to stack other pieces of wood under the case in oder to make the socket available. This makes the space at the top of the desk minimal.

I understand all your points - thank you.

Im looking for a case to be well ventillated rather than quiet.
 

Jimbobsey

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Mar 4, 2013
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I didnt even think of a right angle power cable. I have also thought of modding the desk - but was looking at that as a last resort.


A smaller case wouldnt solve the issue unfortunately, Ive currently got antec 300/600 (cant remember which - 300 i believe though)
 

loligo

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Nov 21, 2011
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the new machine will be probably worth >$500, is the desk worth more than the computer? If not, I would say mod the desk, it should be such a small cut that when selling it (if at all) it will likely go unnoticed and not drop the resale price.

I would worry more about having the right case than trying to keep the desk in pristine shape... just my $0.02

But agreed... Bottom PSU is way better - make sure you get one with dust filters...