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Futureproofing for cases?

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March 12, 2014 10:00:21 PM

I'm a little torn when it comes to cases. I have all my components for an upgrade to my XPS 8500 but I can't decide between the Corsair C70 and the NZXT H440.

Is there such thing as futureproofing for cases? Other than the sexiness of the H440, it's new, so I would think that to be a plus? The C70 is a classic, but it's been around for almost 2 years so I don't know if you guys consider that old? I like both of them (the C70 is sturdier and easier to carry while the H440 is cleaner and newer) but I'd like to replace the C70's side window if I get one with a clear acrylic panel and I'd like to know if the C70 is so old right now that no one will make a clear window for it anymore?

Leaning towards the C70 unless NZXT squeezes enough stock out of their factories so that I can actually buy the H440.

More about : futureproofing cases

March 12, 2014 10:03:28 PM

If you're are young and plan to play games, larger cases with 140 and 120mm case fan support and liquid cooling capability.

If you are not planning on playing games as much, you may consider downsizing to something small, clean looking and takes up less space.

Depends on you, I guess. I went with the Coolermaster HAF932, and I've had 2 builds in it. I doubt I'll replace it on my next build either.
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March 12, 2014 10:04:37 PM

That case is odd. It has 3 case fans on the front, than covers them all with a metal sheet. Not very efficient.
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Anonymous
March 12, 2014 10:11:33 PM

Honestly I would say it's better to abandon the concept of future-proofing. It's like sitting on a fence to me. When it comes to it, most of the time you lose money on electronics and things of that nature. I mean, honestly, most of the stuff is obsolete (read: not future-proof) before it even gets in your work space. It's just the nature of the beast.

As for cases, if your not into water cooling and aren't trying to overcompensate with a gigantic case (like the 900D or Cosmos series) then just get what looks good to you and will suit your immediate needs. As long as the case is compatible with the motherboard size (mATX and ATX being most common) and fits in your budget (honestly I wouldn't go past $60 on a case now a days) get what you like. Personally I've used the Antec 300 (and later 302) cases in over 6 builds professionally and love the clean lines, easy cable management (of the 302) and bottom mounted power supply.

Like I said, in the end forget future-proofing and get what you like today. Assuming you use normal (standardized sizes) components chances are high the case will be re-usable for a very long time.
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March 12, 2014 10:12:05 PM

I don't think there is such a thing as future-proofing a case. About the only change that's come about in the last 5 years that matters is USB3, which can be supported with a front panel addition on even an old case.

I think the main thing you need to look for is a case that fits your needs. For example i have an older Antec 902. It doesn't have front panel USB3 support, so i got a drive bay panel with a number of USB3 ports, to cover that inadequacy. Setting aside that small failing, this is a 3 year old case, that is still relevant. It has dust screens, great airflow and is sturdy like a tank.

Still looks good too.

in the end it all comes down to what you need and want.
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March 12, 2014 10:21:48 PM

My attempts to future-proof cases assume I will keep the same motherboard and power supply, but that everything else might be upgraded.

1. Look for a case that has lots of drive bays. My library of eBooks spans more than a dozen terabytes, and the largest hard drive in my case is a 2TB.

2. Look for a case that allows easy installation and removal. My 15-bay tower has hard drive bays that are blocked by the motherboard, RAM, and expansion cards. I would love to turn those suckers sideways, but that was unheard of in the 1990's when I bought this monster case (that has been through several motherboards.)

3. Look for drive bays, not built-in ports. My 1990's case obviously did not come with USB 3.0 or SATA 3.0 ports on the front panel, but I added them.

4. If You are future proofing Your case, You should be future-proofing Your motherboard. Buy one with lots of ports, and at least 7 expansion slots. Obviously, Your case should support at least 7 expansion slots.

5. Beware either sitting a case on the (dusty) floor or using rollers (that build static electricity.)

6. Use many different colored cables. It costs a few dollars more to have red, blue, yellow, and black SATA cables with P-Touch labels on them, but it makes future rewiring much easier.

7. Something about cable management, but I always screw that up.
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March 12, 2014 10:22:37 PM

OK, yeah I think I understand. I guess there's no point in trying to get the newest enclosures then. The H440 is the most practical for me in terms of size and cooling (it's hot and rather inefficient but on the same level as a C70) and I can put it on a desk.

My Z77 Extreme3 is an ATX motherboard so it will fit either the H440 or C70, but it's more snug in the H440. I really wanted to showcase my SSD 530, which I think has the sexiest SSD design in all the world, but it doesn't matter. I can do a mod and stick it up against the window of the C70 if I really wanted.

Thanks for the replies guys. If the H440 comes back in stock I'll buy it; if it doesn't, I'll go for a C70.
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March 12, 2014 10:23:18 PM

Alec Mowat said:
If you are not planning on playing games as much, you may consider downsizing to something small, clean looking and takes up less space.


Funny. I would have said if You were just playing games, to go with a uATX. If You were really computing with digital libraries, file servers, and/or databases to get a large case.

We each think we are the only group that pushes PCs to their limits.
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March 12, 2014 10:26:50 PM

Recycled said:
Alec Mowat said:
If you are not planning on playing games as much, you may consider downsizing to something small, clean looking and takes up less space.


Funny. I would have said if You were just playing games, to go with a uATX. If You were really computing with digital libraries, file servers, and/or databases to get a large case.

We each think we are the only group that pushes PCs to their limits.


Servers are servers and should be built as such. I wouldn't really class them with a Workstation, as they have different requirements, like being on 24/7.
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