Best Case Choice (White) + Question about Heat Sink and Fan

kageryu01

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Mar 23, 2014
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Hi,

I thought I had decided to go with a Corsair 500r, when i started looking at other white cases. Now, I'm having a hard time picking. Here are top picks from my list (All are the white version):

Corsair 500r - My initial pick, but seems a bit conservative. Currently, the cheapest on my list.
Rosewill Thor V2 - I really like the look of this one, but I'm worried about the fins on top. Do they let in a lot of dust?
CM Storm Stryker - Another nice looking case, but significantly more than the 500r.
CM Storm Scout II Advanced - A lower priced option, but not as low as the 500r
Thermaltake overseer - Strange looking. It's growing on me.

I know most case choices are subjective, but I'm still looking for input. Would any of the above cases require more fans for my build if I'm not over clocking.

My build will include a ASRock Extreme4 motherboard with an i7-4771 processor. I initially planned on buying the CM Hyper 212 EVO as a heat sink, but I've been reading that if I'm not going to OC, and I'm not buying a K series intel, the stock fan may be ok. Any opinions on this? I guess the heat sink would not hurt anything.

I noticed a few cases come with fan controls that have manual knobs. I'm not sure I like this and planned to buy a spliter to have the system control the fans via the motherboard.

Fan splitter:http://www.frozencpu.com/products/13548/cab-464/Akasa_Flexa_FP5_PWM_5-Way_Splitter_-_Smart_Fan_Cable_AK-CBFA03-45.html

Is there anything wrong with this?

Thanks,
Phil
 
Solution


The best fan controller for you will depend on whether you are controlling 2 - 3 wire or 4 wire (PWM) fans, and if the 3 wire fans have the small Molex KK style or the big 4 pin Molex... or a mixture. Here are some fan controllers you can look thru to see what fits your case's location. Some fit 3 1/2" bays, 5 1/4" bays, and some take up 2 x 5 1/4" bays...

clutchc

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The problem with using a splitter to run multiple fans via the MB and controlled by its BIOS, is that most MBs fan headers are only good for .5a to maybe 1.0a. The typical case fan is .25a. So be careful not to load up the header with more than 2 fans.
When you parallel fan motors, the RPM feedback (3rd wire) can get confused. You can't really rely on the RPM that will be displayed. So keep that in mind. And if you are using a 4 wire header with 4 wire PWM fans, it can get even more tricky.
If you get a case with a fan controller, that would be the ideal way to control fan speed, in my estimation.

If you don't O/C and the case has good ventilation, there is no pressing need to change the stock cooler.
 

kageryu01

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Mar 23, 2014
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Both replies are good feedback. I did consider the NZXT cases, but I really don't like the front drive cover. Maybe the fan controller would be a better way. Any recommendation on a good controller? I would want one that can monitor temps and adjust the fans accordingly.
 

clutchc

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Ambassador


The best fan controller for you will depend on whether you are controlling 2 - 3 wire or 4 wire (PWM) fans, and if the 3 wire fans have the small Molex KK style or the big 4 pin Molex... or a mixture. Here are some fan controllers you can look thru to see what fits your case's location. Some fit 3 1/2" bays, 5 1/4" bays, and some take up 2 x 5 1/4" bays.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007585&IsNodeId=1&Description=fan%20controllers&name=Controller%20Panels&Order=BESTMATCH&isdeptsrh=1
 
Solution