Good Cases for Gaming - Great looks, spacious, airflow, dust resistant, quiet, no need for extra fans

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Ransome

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Hello,
I'm researching good cases for a future build (No predicted date).
I really like white or black and white designs, so that's a preference.
My current case is Corsair Graphite 600T White Special Edition. Beautiful, slick and elegant case!
I thought the natural "evolution" will be Corsair Graphite Series 780T or maybe the 760T.

I am also looking at something entirely different:
Corsair Carbide Series Air 540 White
I heard from a buddy that this case is very quiet and very cool. With linear airflow.

What do you think about these two cases? Something else you can recommend?

I live in a hot country (Israel). I rather not to go through the hassle of adding extra case fans and messing with airflow, if possible. So having good out-of-the-box fans and airflow design is important for me!

I am also looking at going with Water Cooling for the CPU for the first time. Because my current Air Cooler (the giant Noctua) is taking too much space inside the case - and making handling, plugging/unplugging things like RAM, or CPU power - IMPOSSIBLE. Also very hard to clean top of GPU, etc: My palm gets scratched and blocked by the heatsink.
So I am thinking of Hydro 110i or Hydro 115i (No idea what's the difference!).


The build will be 4K Gaming heavy, with high end hardware. SSD only (so good, space saving SSD mounts are important!).
It will probably have: 1080ti, i7-8700K , Asus ROG Strix Z370-E / Prime Z370-A, Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4, AX860/RMX850) ----> Or higher generation equivalents (might not upgrade this year at all).

I like cases with great aesthetics and modern design. I don't like all the cases we see nowadays that look like blocky, 90s squarish box of metal, with industrial looking air holes and fans.
It should be spacious; quiet; easy to clean; dust resistant; with strong airflow and good heat exhaust.

Thanks
 
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Hello!

You have done a great research. The Air 540 is indeed cool. You can find a high airflow case review here. The Thermaltake Core X5 and Cooler Master HAF series are also worth mentioning. The graphite is a bit pricey...

Hydro 110i and Hydro 115i both have 280mm radiators. Both have copper radiators and 5 years warranty. There is a similar product with extendability called Alphacool Eisbaer 280. Check it out!

As for white case variants look for these models with top radiator mount space and dust filters:
Cooler Master CM 590 III
Corsair Carbide Series Clear 400C
Phanteks Eclipse P400S
Nanoxia Deep Silence 1
NZXT H440 V2
BitFenix Aegis Core
Fractal Design Define R6 White

I hope...

zoltan.boese

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Hello!

You have done a great research. The Air 540 is indeed cool. You can find a high airflow case review here. The Thermaltake Core X5 and Cooler Master HAF series are also worth mentioning. The graphite is a bit pricey...

Hydro 110i and Hydro 115i both have 280mm radiators. Both have copper radiators and 5 years warranty. There is a similar product with extendability called Alphacool Eisbaer 280. Check it out!

As for white case variants look for these models with top radiator mount space and dust filters:
Cooler Master CM 590 III
Corsair Carbide Series Clear 400C
Phanteks Eclipse P400S
Nanoxia Deep Silence 1
NZXT H440 V2
BitFenix Aegis Core
Fractal Design Define R6 White

I hope you find something refreshing in the list above. To spice it up you can always add some Corsair ML Series fans!

Cheers!
 
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Ransome

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Is the Graphite 780T that expensive?
It's 150$ in Amazon.
And Carbide 540 Air is 140$. Similar prices.
If price wasn't an issue- do you think 780T is a solid case that answers my requirements?
How's the cooling and airflow ?
Do you need to add 2 fans on top?
I am a huge fan of the doors and latches like the 600T. Not having to use screws. Corsair 540 Air has hand screws that don't require a tool but still needs to be removed and mounted back.
I like the design and airflow seems like it doesn't require extra fans. But I am not sure if it's easy to handle beings short, low and compact cube. Maybe space is an issue too?

Define R6 costs around 200$ in Amazon And White is hard to find.
The one that caught my attention and I liked the most is NZXT H440 V2 White - because it looks modern and comes with 4 fans out of the box - 3 120 front and 1- 140 back. That sounds good
The other cases seems to lack default fans..
What so special about Corsair ML Series Fans?
 

zoltan.boese

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The best review I found on the 780T here states: "This chassis is suited for any need, whether it's multiple hot video cards or an overclocked processor; this can do it all. With the included fans and the decent temperatures, the price on the chassis can be justified even if you're not taking advantage of the water cooling support."

However the Air series and the predecessor 760T have better airflow out of the box. A further advatage to the cube design of the Air series is that you can display your cool components such as AIO water cooling and graphics cards and hide your PSU and drives in the back compartment. Side panel removal is only an issue if you open the case frequently. It is up to you. You have space enough.

In continental Europe the Define R6 costs less than the corsair cases. The NZXT has somewhat restricted airflow due to the narrow slits on the side of the front door, though it looks neat.
 

Ransome

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Hey man. Thanks for helping out.
Can you please explain how the Airflow of the 760T is better than 780T? They have roughly the same interior design that's based on 600T.
But they both have the "new" back-side sideways (vertical)SSD mounts - that's a really good thing and allow you SSD to not block the airflow path.
So in my case I would removed the drive bays altogether.
On my current 600T - I don't have that sideways SSD mounts on the back, so I am forced to leave 1 drive cage
Anyway, both seem similar. The 780T looks stronger built to me.

I like the NXZT but something about the design makes me part like it and part not. And yeah I heard it has some cooling issues.

I am really skeptical about the closed front "door" - with slits on the sides. It seems to really block the airflow. Doesn't it?
But I researched cases for hours and it seems many cases including some of Corsair Carbide has that sealed flat looking front. That hides the front fans.
Isn't that a major hit to airflow? (In favor of quiet operation maybe and less dust?)

Finally I really like the Air 450 White.
It's a smart looking case.
Biggest cons is not having dust filters tray for the sideway PSU vents. Which also looks dated.
Plus there are no dust filters on the top either (only a grill) but I think it's the same with 760T, 780 and definitely 600T.
Finally the Air 450 doesn't have that cool sideways SSD slots that 780T and 760T seems to have.
But it's behind the motherboard (in an odd place) so it's probably not a big problem.
Oh and it's a bit short. So I wonder if a tall guy like me who likes to put his case on the floor next to him (below the table usually) will have a hard time to manage the case. The 780 is massive and spacious (which is a pro and a con I guess).

The Corsair 400C Carbide looks good - but I have Corsair only including 1 puny front fan that isn't even shooting air on the GPU. Why being so stingy on that?
NZXT has 4 fans which leaves a lot to be desired without the 400C.

The Carbide 6 isn't available in Amazon's site. Only 5. However I don't think I can buy Cases from Amazon anyway because shipping to Israel costs too much. I found the Carbide 6 in Israel but it's just the Black version.
I am also partial to Corsair because I like their products, their designs and some have experience with them.

About Water Cooling:
Noob question - how/where do you mount the Radiator and fans? In the inside or outside of the case? And say if I buy Air 450 or 760T or 780T - I figured you need to put the Radiator on the ceiling but inside of the case, right? And if I place that on the top - do I need to add 2 fans on the top outside as well? I find it confusing.

Thanks.
 

zoltan.boese

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About Water Cooling - fans and radiators go inside.
[video="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNAMxZgvves"][/video]

Top mount as exhaust works if you have horizontal clearance and the RAM or VRM heatsinks do not interfere with your radiator. Front mount is influenced by the length of your graphics card and of course the drive bays need to be moved away. Both mount will probably work with the Corsair cases.

Dust filters are cheap to come by, eg: https://www.amazon.com/ThreeBulls-Cooler-Filter-Dustproof-Computer/dp/B01N952K7P/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521024920&sr=8-3&keywords=dust+filter+120&dpID=51DXpgW6EbL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Front doors function well as long as the slits on the side are wide enough. There are reviews on the topic at gamersnexus.com No straight way is needed for the air to flow, but a given transection area must be provided.

And the airflow difference between the 760T and 780T I just derived from the measurements the reviews published. Both cases come with 3 fans pre installed and the 780T has a mash top, so that should be just as good. Still the charts showed some difference in CPU and GPU temperatures. The difference can be marginal, feel free to choose by the looks!

 

Ransome

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Interesting stuff. Appreciate the help.
Find making this decision really hard. Fortunately I am not upgrading right now, so I can put it aside for now.
Will probably go with one of the Corsairs.

I found the White versions of 760T, 780T, 540 Air, 400C, H440 - in Israel.
760T is the most expensive one: I'm worried the closed top cover will block air exhaust for the Water Cooling radiator. But this issue applies to some of the other cases as well (like Fractal Define R6). Also its a bit flimsy and flexible.

Define R6 isn't available because supposedly (according to one supplier) they were shipped with bad packaging - so some cases arrived with broken window panels. They plan to re-issue and resupply them in the near future in better packaging.
What I didn't like about it is removal of filters and covers in order to clean - seems a bit difficult and inconvenient.

I've watched many reviews (some repeatedly), and read feedback - it seems like no case is flawless (naturally).
It's just unfortunate that Corsair has some issues that are mostly an inconsistency with their other build quality and design choices. Some great features from other cases are simply missing across others.

By the way, what case are you using, and why?
Between Full, Mid and Compact what's your preference?
What kind of cooling have you installed or have you kept it at default setup?


 

zoltan.boese

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I had fun building my rig and I am happy to help with technical issues. The same time appearance is a matter of personal taste. I try not not to influence others too much in that regard and always recommend several alternatives. I know, it makes things sometimes just more confusing :)

I do not have to cope with hot Mediterranean climate and went for a silent build. Also I hid my case below my desk, it will not be showcased. Therefore I myself use this Nanoxia Deep Silence case. Yes, it has a front door, and it lets enough air in, and I mounted my 240mm radiator there so I can keep the top closed. Since I got my 1060 and more heat inside the case I consider tweaking the airflow. I will experiment with a side panel fan or opening the top for the summer.

A good compromise between airflow and sound dampening is the SilverStone Kublai KL07. Maybe I would build into a be!quiet case if I were to rebuild my rig. But the white variant costs $100 more.

If you plan to place your rig where you can see it, choose one with pleasing aesthetics and spend some extra on fans, and magnetic easy to clean dust filters. Use cable combs and customise it. It does not have to be perfect, but if you look at it every day, and spend much money on it you better fit it to your taste the way many do with their cars.

You can also purchase an open case, and wall mount it under your AC. The possibilities are numerous. Keep on watching reviews, collect inspiration and and let it settle. Maybe you find a neat motherboard or water cooling AIO that changes your whole colour scheme.

 

Ransome

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Zoltan, mate, that looks like the case I have been looking for!
I was pretty much locked between 780t, air 540 and Define R6.
But this changes it.
It's a shame they only included 1 front 120mm fan... It looks very stingy and ruins the overall premium feel of the case.

But I guess I can just buy and add two 140mm fans or 3 120mm in the front.
What's better?
I read someone saying x2 140mm gives better airflow and less noise.
In addition, Can you recommend good case fans and rpm speeds?
Will go with white LED or maybe green/gold.

I would probably put the Radiator (hi100/110/115 - not sure what's better?)on top.
Then leave the default rear exhaust fan as is. (Unless replacing is preferable).

I really like it the simple elegant look. The direct airflow, open air design of this case. Especially the front angular mesh, and the top magnetic filter and bottom.
All 3 filters look easy to remove and clean uo. Just how I like it. Because I clean my 600T like a crystal mirror.

I like the simple shroud and room inside. The HUGE simple window side panel.
Also love the cable tunnel on the back, and 3 SSD mounts. Neat

Only issue is how to get it and where to buy from... but I guess it will arrive eventually one day.
 

Ransome

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Also, about my case fans question:
I know there's something called High Airflow Fans vs Static Pressure. I don't understand the concept too well.
I want to keep it simple and focus on optimal AIRFLOW.
I really like these Corsair ML fans you mentioned earlier, however.
Perhaps buying 2 of these 140mm and 1 120mm:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01G5I6MSE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521189330&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=corsair%2Bml%2Bfans&dpPl=1&dpID=51qgppVNQPL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1
Really appreciate giving me options and ideas.
I might eventually still go with the Cube Air 540 White, or even the massive 780T... but I think the FD Meshify C White would be a really solid choice and I look forward to it becoming available.
 

zoltan.boese

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Hey, it feels great being part of the project. I am glad if I can help!

Yes, the Corsair ML fans will look great. I also use magnetic bearing fans and like them a much. I imagined the white gold scheme, and I am really looking forward for you post some photos =) An RGB led lit motherboard with would fit flawlessly. Maybe the prime z-370 P

I hope the white meshify becomes available in your region soon. I guess these are the product codes you can google EAN 7340172700104 SKU FD-CA-MESH-C-WT-TGC

Until then, stick to 140mm fans and 280mm rad. So eighter H110i or H115i. I fancy the 115i´s tubing. Compared to 120mm the slightly larger fan blades allow higher pressure and lower noise. It is simple physics. I also agree on buying a case under or around $100 and invest into quality pressure fans. Those are a must for radiators and also help creating a dust poor, positive pressure environment inside the case.

Fan speed and noise do correlate. Above 1200-1500rpm the noise becomes high pitched and more audible. Below the frequencies are more likely to be absorbed by your case and rubber dampening. Tweak the fans below these rpm values when in idle. And let the fan curve hit 1800-2000rpm only if your cpu reaches 60-65°C.
 

Ransome

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Hey, how do one tweak fans RPM per temps? Is it a mobo bios setting?

So I checked some video reviews for Meshify C and read comments - people point out that long aftermarket GPUs will have issues fitting in. My 1080Ti (or a future aftermarket card) will fit but with very few cm to spare.
Front Rad is impossible but I am not going that way.
https://youtu.be/qampVzPsoxE?t=549 This moment shows a Strix card (AMD) with similar build to my 1080ti OC.
I will be honest with myself- I am a big tall guy, with big hands. I'm used to having somewhat plenty of space with my 600T; and even that feels small and tight in some instances!
The case feels tight and dense in this video. So I kinda wary going compact.
The 780T is enormous and dwarvens the components inside. Plenty of handling room, but a space eater.
The Air 540 is smaller - but seems to be wider and deeper inside than most compact cases.
Furthermore with a top mounted H115i instead of big bulky Air Cooler it might be a lesser issue.

Regarding my planned future project, thinking about:
I7-8700K
Asus Prime Z370-A or Strix Z370-E (I prefer the plated looks of the Prime).
16GB (2X8) Corsair Vengeance LPX White 3200 MHz (probably, because 32GB is too much?).
Corsair Hydro H115i ; Corsair ML case fans White/RGB LED.
Samsung 860 EVO 1TB SSD
AX860 or RM850x PSU (very uncertain here don't want to spend too much).

However by the time I actually decide to purchase the hardware and build- it might already be an i7-9700K, a compatible mobo, faster RAM- or even something higher. Might not happen in 2018 at all.
The thing is, I'm actually not in a hurry to make this new build. I want it, don't get me wrong... but I feel I can still squeeze my current rig.
I'm quite pleased with it. It's running very strong (specs in my signature), even on i5-3570K, and even with some 4K 60FPS games.
There aren't that many demanding or interesting games in the nearby future. I don't want to buy a mostly "idle" rig in it's first years. Most of my anticipated games are actually on PS4 PRO.
With that said, if one of those cases arrive (like the Meshify C White) and at a decent price- I might just buy it and store it for later.

Pictures of my gaming rig, if you are interested:
https://i.imgur.com/l5jlR4l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BUHItyx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ips4AfM.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kKBUaZj.jpg
(Btw - much of my time I actually sit in a different room (beyond that wall)! So I don't even hear my PC humming :D.
 

zoltan.boese

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Yes fan curves can be set in motherboard applications or BIOS. As far as I know Asus boards come with "Fan Xpert 4" software.

AX860 or RM850x - the RM is very silent and has a white variant, I do not know much about the AX. Both seems to be high quality PSUs. NZXT and Fractal design sell white PSUs as well, but you will have a shroud covering it anyway. If 750W suffice, you can consider the Seasonic Prime Gold 750W (SSR-750GD) too, it comes with 12 years warranty. Or just reuse the old one.

If you are not streaming your games, 6 physical cores get you future proof with or without hyperthreading in gaming. The i7-9700K should come with 8 cores and HW patches for spectre+meltdown.

Thanks a lot for the photos. Post some from your new rig later this year when you get it built! Have a nice weekend!
 
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