case to replace cosmos

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gougoul

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Dec 31, 2013
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hi all,

i currently have a cm cosmos case. i kinda like the design, but would like to replace it with something new...

the new cosmos 2 is a bit big for me i'm afraid... i considered the corsair graphite , but i fear it would be too noisy/tacky...

whAt would you recommend ?

i would probably put in a lga2011 mobo, i7 with 2 r9 290x and 1/2 ssds and 2 hdds....air cooled...
 
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Jgriff

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Sep 13, 2013
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realchaos

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The OP can't use a mini-itx case because he's planning to go with socket LGA 2011 with crossfired 290X. Those are some high-end components and you'll need some good airflow to keep those within good temps. Not to mention that it won't physically fit. Here are some of my recommendations:
NZXT Phantom - http://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-phan001bk
Corsair 750D - http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-750d
Fractal Design Define XL R2 - http://pcpartpicker.com/part/fractal-design-case-fdcadefxlr2bl

I know these are all full-tower cases, but they are still smaller than the Cosmos II. I would recommend a full tower for better airflow and more room since you're going with such high end components.
 
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Jgriff

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Sep 13, 2013
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I have an i5 haswell and a gtx 770 in mine? Cpu idles at 35-40 with stock cpu cooler and in the 70s while gaming and the gpu never goes over 70 and that's with the fan speed locked to 37%!! for ultra quiet gaming. Air flow/ space is not as important as you would think. Prior to the node 304 I had my system in a fractal define r4 and the cpu and gpu were both running 10 degrees hotter. It's more about placement of components, vents, materials used, ect than it is space. And the node 304 does an amazing job at this. I'm going off my personal experience, but just noticed op wants TWO gpus lol. Yeah that's not gonna work in itx. Honestly I'd just go for one powerful one, sli has performance problems in some games, and all that heat, noise and electricity draw? Why not just one gtx 780? That'll last you a while.
 
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gougoul

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Dec 31, 2013
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First thanks for your replies.

I went the SFF route a while, but the components tend to overheat quickly, which isn't really cool.

For the GTX 780 (Ti), it's on my list as well, but i guess the 3gb ram are withholding me a bit, it's a step in the pastin a way, even if the card sounds very fast indeed.
I could wait -again- for the NVidia Maxwell be to out, but then i'd probably wait for haswell E as well, then for the whatever comes next etc.

The NZXT phantom isn't really bad looking, but isn't it too plasticky in real life ?
The corsair has way too big windows, not a fan of aquariums :)
The fractal isn't bad but almost too sleek no ?
Too bad they aren't making the cosmos anymore :(
 
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Jgriff

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The only other case Id really recommend other than the node 304 is the bitfenix prodigy. (They have a itx as well as a micro atx version of it, called prodigy m, both the same size. The mods that can be done to it mmmm, and dude...components don't overheat quickly in sff, atleast not in the node. I don't know what cases you've tried before but this is in a different league. If you want me to screen shot my temps I can lol. And if you go intel cpu with a Noctua cooler and nvidia gpu with an after market cooler from asus/ evga, ect, there in no way in hell your going to overheat, even if you some how fit it in a toaster you still wouldn't lol it's all about vent placements and the components, check out how slim the steam boxes are with i7s and gtx 780s they're even smaller than the node 304 http://www.sticktwiddlers.com/2013/12/16/valve-steam-machine-preview-unboxing-specs/steam-box-side-view/
 
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realchaos

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No he simply can't go with a mini-itx or mATX case because all of the motherboards for socket LGA 2011 at either ATX or eATX. The motherboards won't fit. Also, if you're getting better temps with a mini-itx case over the Define R4, you clearly did something wrong in the Define R4.

Anyways, back on topic. The NZXT isn't that plasticky. It still uses mostly high-quality steel and it looks great. You can also look at the NZXT H630: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-cah630fm1
But that may be too sleek for your liking as well.
You can also try out the Rosewill Throne: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147053&clickid=wXY1URUvo3LYRT1x27Sx42aoUkTw-L2h1Tir0o0&iradid=97618&ircid=2106&irpid=79301&nm_mc=AFC-IR&cm_mmc=AFC-IR-_-na-_-na-_-na
There's also the CM Storm Stryker: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-case-sgc5000wkwn1
I'm not a huge fan of these cases, but it's up to you.
 
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Jgriff

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They have comparison reviews of the define and node... Showing the node runs cooler, as well as the bitfenix prodigy also. Think it was anandtech who did the comparison, and it's correct. I did nothing wrong it's just the fractal define is insulated as a mother with all that sound dampening material and all of its vents are closed off by it, besides the back. And I wasn't gonna remove any padding, that'd defeat the purpose. The node is also quieter, in my experience anyway. Let me try and break it down...provided its a well designed case, a smaller case has less room for heat to build up, it's also going to get rid of heat at a faster rate because it doesn't need to travel as far, or work as hard to get it out. So provided the vents/ fans have good placements and it's made well. A smaller in closure can do just as good if not better than its bigger counterparts. My bad for going hard on the topic but it has to be said, I see people having doubts and misconceptions about sff and it may apply to a majority of them but it does not whatsoever apply to the node 304 or bitfenix prodigy, they have broken the mold and I just want people to know.

And op if you want a fractal design define mini or r4 let me know. I have both of them sitting here, the mini still has a asus gryphon z87 matx board in it, I'll let it go for 130, and I'll let the define r4 go for 70. Let me know if you want me to throw them on eBay. Both are fairly new and used for no more than a month.
 
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