Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question
Solved

Mid tower or full tower?

Tags:
  • Cooling
  • Cases
  • Optical Media
  • Components
Last response: in Components
Share
April 3, 2014 10:20:17 PM

Hi Toms,

I can't decide on which case to buy, there are so many options, yet none seem to be perfect for me.

I feel like a mid tower would fit my storage needs better, as I will only have 1 500gb SSD and an optical drive (no hdd) so I certainly don't need the space a full tower provides.

I will have a powerful 780 ti in my rig so I want the best cooling possible. I won't SLI my 780 ti because my psu isn't large enough.

I don't want to watercool which also makes me lean towards mid towers, but I can't say I won't want to watercool 5 years from now, so a full tower would be nice for future upgrades.

So if you were in my position, would you go with a mid tower or full tower? Any specific case recommendations?

Thank you for your time!

More about : mid tower full tower

April 3, 2014 10:56:10 PM

You've sort of answered your question I think. You will easily be able to handle cooling and expansion needs in a mid tower. A full tower will be extra money and extra space that you don't really have a need for. Plus, the term "mid tower" is extremely loose. There are some very spacious mid-towers out there. The corsair 600T is what I have, and it is more than enough to handle a similar setup to what you are going for.
m
0
l
April 3, 2014 11:00:10 PM

You will be fine with a mid tower. Just get one you like that is well laied out and has the airflow you need. i just got the apevia x sniper2. its more than large enough to hold a SLI config/ watter cooling, w/e. Just don't spend to much. there are plenty of cases in the 40-80 range that will have everything you need.
m
0
l
Related resources
April 3, 2014 11:02:41 PM

Yes I think you are right. A mid tower would be more practical for my needs. But it just bugs me thinking I might not get the best air cooling performance with a mid tower (maybe I'm wrong).
Btw the price is not a factor for me, only looks and performance. Especially when I can get a storm trooper for $130 at a local frys whereas the 600t is $150+.
m
0
l
April 3, 2014 11:02:44 PM

if you have enough room for the case, a bigger one can make things a bit easier, easier to work with. this is helpful if you tinker often.

my 2 cents, shop around for a case, for mid and full. Then if you like one, you will know it, regardless if its full or mid
m
0
l
April 3, 2014 11:10:28 PM

just because a case is bigger doesnt mean it will stay cooler. it comes down to a good push/pull setup. Push air in and pull it out where it builds up heat. i built my buddy a mini about the same as my mid and it stays 5-10 cooler just because i had a better understanding of airflow when i built it.


When buying a case think about where the parts will be. Where do i want to pull air in at and where do i want to push it out.
m
1
l
April 3, 2014 11:21:02 PM

I don't think you need to worry about the size of the case too much. In all honesty you could probably fit all of that stuff in a mini-ITX case, and manage temps. The biggest reason to increase case size is to make SLI a possibility, but with an 780 ti you have no need for years to come. Even the average mid-tower will offer space for a combo of 4-6 hard drives with no modifications.

At this point just go with whatever catches your eye. You have a lot of choices :) 
m
1
l
April 3, 2014 11:21:56 PM

I have a large desk so I have the space for a full tower if I desire.

I kind of understand how case air flow works, but could you suggest me a solid mid tower case with very good airflow?

I've shopped around a ton btw lol, these are the cases I'm leaning towards.
Mid towers:

Corsair air 540
Corsair 500r
Haf xm

Full towers:
Cm storm trooper
Haf x

m
0
l
April 3, 2014 11:35:19 PM

i think the 540 looks pretty awesome but any of those will be fine honestly. get the 540 one its sweet.
m
0
l

Best solution

April 3, 2014 11:39:27 PM

Bellaflica said:
I have a large desk so I have the space for a full tower if I desire.

I kind of understand how case air flow works, but could you suggest me a solid mid tower case with very good airflow?

I've shopped around a ton btw lol, these are the cases I'm leaning towards.
Mid towers:

Corsair air 540
Corsair 500r
Haf xm

Full towers:
Cm storm trooper
Haf x



I really like corsair. I think they make incredibly solid cases. The 540 air is really interesting and unique, and I'm sure has amazing air flow. I am tempted to put my NAS in one of those, but they only offer 2 HDD slots and 2 SSD drives. Easy enough to create more HDD space though.

I know it's not the most technical answer, but maybe just go with the one that you think looks the best lol. No matter what you'll have enough room to fix any deficiencies in airflow, and gives you an excuse to play with your computer and buy more parts.
Share
April 4, 2014 12:05:26 AM

Alright, thanks for your help guys. I really appreciate it cause I'd been undecided on this for months lol. I really wanted a full tower but you guys convinced me a mid tower is better for my needs.

I really liked the look of the cm trooper if only it was a mid tower!

I will probably go with the air 540 unless the 500r outperforms it.
m
0
l
!