Need your help finding a new case! (Straw Poll Included)

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SubZeroFlsh

SubZeroFlsh

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Aug 6, 2014
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Hello!

Straw Poll: http://strawpoll.me/6490229

I have done a large amount of research into these cases, and I narrowed it down to the 400C and the 450D.


I really want to know what case is your favorite from my list. I decided to add others in case you didn't think either the 400C or 450D would be good choices.

Parts list:
Mobo: H97-PRO (ATX)
GPU: ASUS STRIX 970
CPU: i5 4690K (Stock Cooler)
RAM: 8GB Vengeance
PSU: CM V 650W
Storage: 1HDD and 1 SSD.

Thank you for reading!
 
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SubZeroFlsh

SubZeroFlsh

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Thank you for your reply Blackbird, if you do think that is the best I will go for it.

I will just wait to see if I get any results in my poll before I buy it.

Will be "compact" element matter do you think?
 
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SubZeroFlsh

SubZeroFlsh

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Yes, sorry I should have included that. I apologise.

Parts list:
Mobo: H97-PRO (ATX)
GPU: ASUS STRIX 970
CPU: i5 4690K (Stock Cooler)
RAM: 8GB Vengeance
PSU: CM V 650W
Storage: 1HDD and 1 SSD.

 
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SubZeroFlsh

SubZeroFlsh

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Okay, thanks for your input.

I will have to make sure my GPU is a spacious fit, because the cooler is larger then most.

If I am going to be using a compact case like the S340 or the 400C, I will need to look at if the size will compromise anything, regarding cooling. I'm probably worrying to much about this. I will take your advice, and pick the one I think looks best.

I've done some research into the 400C, and the build quality and liquid cooling customization is very good for a case this size and price. I will go ahead and order it after I collect a few more votes on my poll.

I personally like the look of the 400C, I just hope it won't take that long to ship.

 
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Chayan4400

Chayan4400

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Both the 400C and the S340 are very good in terms of cooling. The removal of the 5.25" bays makes air flow more uniform, and reduces the amount of stagnant air to next to none. This makes them fine for even more power hungry cards. Liquid cooling is also well done, as both support dual radiator AiO coolers in the front. This will make the GPU and rest of the system run a bit hotter, but such sacrifices have to made in smaller cases (And it won't be by a major amount either).

If you're looking at a custom loop on the other hand, the 400C is completely out of the question. There's no place to mount a reservoir and pump. The S340 also struggles in this area, but since it's a bit bigger it can be done. You're better off with the Define S if you're taking this route.

Don't worry about quality. Both cases are extremely well made. The S340 is 95% steel (Which means it's heavy at 15.5lbs), and comes with air filters, grommets (S340 has a cable management bar instead of grommets) and a PSU shroud that you would expect on much more expensive cases. The 400C has all of that as well, but that is expected from a $120 case.

 
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Chayan4400

Chayan4400

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Fractal Design Define S:

mxhDYfz.png


It's basically a Define R5 without any drive cages (Which aren't needed when water-cooling, and help to make it cheaper).

Corsair 400C:

04050800744l.jpg


The only real advantages the 400C has is that it's much more compact, and also has a bigger window. Other than that, the Define S wins hands down. It's bigger, and so has much better support for custom water-cooling (You can fit 2 triple radiators in there). Don't worry, there are mounts for 3 3.5" HDDs and 2 2.5" SSDs / HDDs at the back.

10949177


If you want to do a custom loop in the future, that's the case to get. Keep in mind though that it isn't easy. Custom loops are expensive (They start at ~$300 for starter kits to cool the CPU and GPU) and time consuming to set up. They require time to troubleshoot since often there are leaks the first time you fill it up. If you are fine with those trade-offs, then go for it! A custom loop is a very interesting project; it's also very satisfying when you have fine tuned it to work right.

EDIT: I just noticed your parts list; why an H97 board with a 4690K? You're seriously wasting potential there. What's your budget for this build? You can do better for the same price.
 
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SubZeroFlsh

SubZeroFlsh

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Sadly, I already have the parts; I'm moving it into a new case. Because mine at the moment is too small and cramped.

I know it was a poor decision, at the time I think it was a lot cheaper to get a H board over the Z and I never thought I would overclock. Until I realized how much more performance can be unlocked.

The main reason why I am leaning towards the Fractal here, is that it is actually cheaper. For a bigger and sound dampening. Sure the 400C looks better, but I think it's a bit on the expensive size for a compact case.

Now I have got to decide between the Define S or the Phantek Eclipse P400. Which is apparently a really good case as well.

Thank you so much for all your help!
 
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Chayan4400

Chayan4400

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No worries, you can always get a used Z97 board later. The 4690K is plenty for all current and next-gen games at stock speeds.

Both are perfectly fine. I prefer the minimalist look of the Define S, but at the end of the day the case is personal preference; go with whichever one looks best to you. All your cases are good choices.

You'd be surprised at how size works in PC building; Less truly is more! I've seen plenty of ITX cases and motherboards that are much more expensive than their normal sized counterparts. This is mostly because squeezing the same performance into a smaller package often is more expensive (Think of taking 2 cartfuls of groceries and try to fit it in the trunk of a Honda Civic vs. a VW Golf. That's basically what motherboard manufacturers must do with their motherboard components. It's similar for all PC components designed with size in mind: you pay a premium for compactness).
 
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SubZeroFlsh

SubZeroFlsh

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Yes, I understand.

The 400C doesn't come with any kind of noise dampening, which the define S has a window and noise dampening materials on the panels. This is why I feel the 400C is a little too expensive as of now. But taking into consideration that compact cases are usually more expensive, it makes the 400C's price reasonable.

There is the option of the Full Tower 600C, shame it is inverted though.

Thanks again guys :)
 
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SubZeroFlsh

SubZeroFlsh

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Thank you :D

The 600C does look like an option, however I'm not to sure about the inverted look.

It is still between the 400C and the Define S, would you Define S be a good choice Blackbird. Because I know you favor the 400C, I could still go for that if you think it'll be a better choice.
 
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Chayan4400

Chayan4400

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The inverted look looks quite nice to me, but then again it may differ for you. Only thing it really means is you'll have to keep the PC on the other side of the desk. Is size important to you?
 
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