Aluminium cases, how good?

[mataus]

Hi all,

I'm considering upgrading to an aluminium case but am wondering just how good they are at reducing temperature. My current system is

P4 3.06Ghz
1Ghz PC3200
ATI 9800 Pro 128mb
LG DVD-rom
LG CD-RW
2x Seagate 120Gb S-ATA
1x Seagate 40Gb IDE

I have 4 case fans to keep the temperature undercontrol, but how much would an aluminium case help?

Any comments grateful,

Thanks, Mataus

 

[RichPLS]

Aluminum has a lower heat coefficient than steel. So it dissipates heat better. A cost is that they allow more noise to escape, compared to steel, but they are generally lighter, made better, and look coool.
My favorite current case I own is ...
http://www.directron.com/201tblk.html
and I love it...


========================
Try everything...
Do not be afraid of failure, for this is how we learn and grow...
Live life to the fullest...
Do not regret what you have not done!!!

 

[Mr5oh]

RichPLS is right they do disappate heat better. However I'm not sure you will notice a temperature difference between a steel and an alumminum cases. I have gone back and forth from steel and alumminum and haven't ever noticed much a difference.

Also in my expeirence, the quality is sort depends on which case you get. I have gotten a few cheaper steel and alumminum cases that could be considered just slightly better than crap. However I have had both that were very sturdy. It does seem that it is easier to find steel cases that are sturdy, than the alumminum.

If you are buying a new case, it might as well be alumminum, if you are just buying a case to lower your temps, it isn't necessarily going to help. A case with good air flow is more important than the material.

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[Crashman]

Your fans do most of the cooling, I prefer steel for durability and low noise. Now if I was going to LAN parties on the weekend, I might change my mind. But then again, I'm a fairly big guy, so I might not change my mind.

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[mataus]

Hi guys

Many thanks for the advice. If I opt for steel then it means i have more money for a better PSU, but aluminum is the new way forward.

Brgds
Mataus

 

[Crashman]

Not really a way forward, more of a diversion. Most cases will be steel and plastic for the forseeable future, or at least until some fad comes along.

<font color=blue>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to a hero as big as Crashman!</font color=blue>
<font color=red>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to an ego as large as Crashman's!</font color=red>

 

[Mr5oh]

Most cases will be steel and plastic for the forseeable future, or at least until some fad comes along.

Only because lead is a little to soft, and poses health risks!

Anyways the steel case is a better choice. It will tend to hold up better.

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<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Mr5oh on 09/05/04 06:43 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[Guest]

Steel is better.

 

[Ned_Flanders]

lead surely is a close second? :lol:

_______________
STFU

 

[Crashman]

Nah, but Aluminum would be better if it weren't so soft, an anodized aluminum chassis 2mm thick would be nice!

<font color=blue>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to a hero as big as Crashman!</font color=blue>
<font color=red>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to an ego as large as Crashman's!</font color=red>

 

[HardWareBoss]

Real men use steel cases.

 

[Mr5oh]

I think the problem with the Aluminum cases right now is that they are too thin. Same goes for steel cases as well, but at least steel is stronger.

I'm with you Crashman, I'd love to see a beefy anodized alumminum case.

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[Crashman]

Tom's reviewed an Superpower case made of extruded aluminum panels. I had a Coolermaster case made of 1.0mm thick steel, it weighed around 28lb empty.

<font color=blue>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to a hero as big as Crashman!</font color=blue>
<font color=red>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to an ego as large as Crashman's!</font color=red>

 

[RichPLS]

Best Aluminum Case I have ever owned...
http://www.directron.com/201tblk.html
going on 3 years now...with 2nd mobo in it...


========================
Try everything...
Do not be afraid of failure, for this is how we learn and grow...
Live life to the fullest...
Do not regret what you have not yet done!!!

 

[Mr5oh]

I looked for the Superpower case review, the only case I saw was sort of ugly, when you said extruded aluminum, I had imagined nice thick straight pieces of aluminum.

As for the CoolerMaster case, wow 28 lbs empty. Thats awesome, that would be a case that would truely last forever.

I wish some shop would get that case in that RichPLS linked to. I would like to see one first hand. From what I have seen of it, I think seems to be one of the best (performance/looks) cases I have seen yet.

My Desktop: <A HREF="http://Mr5oh.tripod.com/pc.html" target="_new">http://Mr5oh.tripod.com/pc.html</A>