Case for air cooling CPU/GPU/MB

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lemming9

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I wasn't entirely sure which section to post this under as it covers 3 components in 3 different sections, but I figured overclockers in the CPU section would be most concerned about cooling.

I see now that the current trend of new components highlights efficiency without diminishing performance (eg NVIDIA Maxwell, Haswell Refresh) and that this is a trend likely to continue into the upcoming releases next year.

Given this, is case cooling something that I should not be concerned about at all so long as I have a basic intake/exhaust setup and I'm within the thermal limits of a component by way of a aftermarket CPU and non-reference GPU cooler? Or should I still be looking to remove a few additional degrees with a decent case?

Is there some performance benefit to be had with a new case / extra fans on top of having a decent aftermarket CPU cooler and non-reference GPU cooler removing heat from such efficient components?

I'm keen to stick with air cooling throughout and am aware that proper cooling can help with stability and longevity of components. To that end, is there a case that is particularly recommended for cooling all the components on air?

Thanks.





 
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ewok93
You don't have to spend $300 on a case for good cooling. There are quite a few options, and aesthetics are generally the deciding factor. Corsair, CoolerMaster, Thermaltake, and NZXT all make good cases. Generally, you just want one that looks good and has plenty of spaces for 120mm+ fans. Some brands like Raidmax may look nice, but most of their cases have cheap, easily bent metal/plastic and a couple 80mm fan ports in terrible locations. I have a Thermaltake Urban T31 and have no issues with cooling. Another option that I like to suggest is the NZXT Source 210, it's pretty cheap, but has good cooling and it looks nice, basic enough to go in an office or look like a nice gaming rig.
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jaimelmiel

jaimelmiel

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The case is Important yes. If you have the right one for you needs and it is capable of moving sufficient to help keep your components as cool as possible it will be for the better. What also comes into play is what you will use your computer for. Average stuff or things that will stress your cpu and overclocking. The case should be chosen by design. How you set up your fans is important also. Not just set up but also control.
 
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lemming9

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CPU and GPU will likely have a minor OC and their usage will also likely be stressed. I was hoping the newer efficient components would allow for less emphasis on cooling but that's probably not wise.

Any recommendations on cases with good air cooling would be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
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Xibyth

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Corsair Carbide 540 Air is an excellent case particularly if you don't want to spend too much time on cable management. But is is quite wide, and also very quiet. The biggest thing for me was to be able to install the best possible aftermarket CPU coolers and for the most part size matters. I have not found a cooler yet that wont fit in this case.
 
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ewok93

ewok93

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You don't have to spend $300 on a case for good cooling. There are quite a few options, and aesthetics are generally the deciding factor. Corsair, CoolerMaster, Thermaltake, and NZXT all make good cases. Generally, you just want one that looks good and has plenty of spaces for 120mm+ fans. Some brands like Raidmax may look nice, but most of their cases have cheap, easily bent metal/plastic and a couple 80mm fan ports in terrible locations. I have a Thermaltake Urban T31 and have no issues with cooling. Another option that I like to suggest is the NZXT Source 210, it's pretty cheap, but has good cooling and it looks nice, basic enough to go in an office or look like a nice gaming rig.
 
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Xibyth

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I forgot to mention the price, the Air 540 is between $120 and $150 depending on the color you choose.
 
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lemming9

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Thanks for the recommendation Xibyth on the Corsair Carbide 540 Air. But as you say it is quite wide. From the pictures it looks almost twice as wide as a standard case and although the dimensions indicate it is 50% wider, I don't think it would be ideal for its intended location.

Again, as you say it is excellent for CPU cooling options, but my other reason for considering a new case was for keeping the GPU cool too.

I figured a case with a side fan would be a good idea for that, but again a side fan seems to only shed a few small degrees so maybe a case with better standard front to back/top is more effective.

In any case, I think something like a 10 degree drop would be useful, but if the difference is only 5 degrees or less, is it still beneficial?
 
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lemming9

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Thanks ewok93. I looked at the Thermaltake Urban T31 and it has a nice top loaded hot swap HDD bay which looks unique and potentially quite useful. Have seen NZXT/Antec cases that have extra internal/external fans but I'm now beginning to wonder how much of a difference all that makes.

My case has the standard 2 Front 1 Back as well as blocked off side and top. I added a side fan which did lower GPU temps by only 2 degrees, and opening the top vents seemed to actually increase GPU temps which was unexpected.

Some other cases have an additional pair of internal fans behind the HDD cage. Perhaps they would help? Or do you think since my case already has a side fan that a new case without a side fan but 2 extra internal fans would be better?

Thanks
 
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Xibyth

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Generally speaking no, it would be invaluable to an overclocker however. The only reason a standard user should usually upgrade their case is for size limitations, either regarding large components or small workspace.
 
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lemming9

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Not really planning to OC the CPU/GPU much if at all. I was actually thinking that rather than investing in a new Case/PSU I'd just add the cost to the GPU, which has a known benefit, but then spending more on a GPU makes me want to ensure it remains well looked after and cool, hence the thought of a new Case. The biggest problem is that with a Case it seems somewhat guesswork if there will be any benefit and how minor/substantial that benefit would be.

Thanks for your replies.
 
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ewok93

ewok93

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A case is really just a case. An expensive one will look nice, but it will only drop your temps a few degrees. With good enough wire management, sufficient fan placement, and a good CPU cooler, a $20 case will give you within 5c of a $300 one.
 
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