Best full tower case

[ComputerCustomizer]

What is the best full tower case for watercooling? I plan on a 3X120mm radiator. I would prefer to have the radiator inside the case, but it doesn't matter too much if it is external. I am not at all against modding the case so that the radiator fits. My budget is around $165 for the case. Please specify why you think one case would be better than the others. Looks matter, but functionality is more important than looks (within reason).
Thanks

 

[chookman]

Seems you havent done too much looking...

Lian Li A70, A71, P80
Silverstone TJ series

 

[ComputerCustomizer]

Seems you havent done too much looking...

Lian Li A70, A71, P80
Silverstone TJ series

Thanks, but those are all too expensive.

 

[FrozenGpu]

well if those are too expensive, did you look at the antec 900? Its an interesting case to say the least with lots o f cooling stock, I would assume you are better off leaving the radiator external for this one. I would leave it eternal just so I could get better temps b/c in my old w/c setup it was colder outside the case than it was inside of it.

 

[ComputerCustomizer]

well if those are too expensive, did you look at the antec 900? Its an interesting case to say the least with lots o f cooling stock, I would assume you are better off leaving the radiator external for this one. I would leave it eternal just so I could get better temps b/c in my old w/c setup it was colder outside the case than it was inside of it.

EDIT: I think I will go with the stacker TO1 instead of the stacker 830. Doesn't look as cool, but ZOldDude said it has tons of space.

 

[ZOldDude]

The CM TO-1 is still the best case for air cooling (cools better than the 830 or -any- other case) and the most useful. Just unscrew the exit fans grill and place the HD unit w/fan inline for dirrect airflow patern.
You can also get the optional Crossflow fan (gets outside air from side of the case and dirrects it across the MB from top-to-bottem towards the exit fan).

For WC it has LOTS of room!

It also has two positions to mount PSU so you can run two together with a interconnect wire like the one that PC Power & Cooling ships with the Turbo line...or you can buy one for $6.
You -could- mount 10 fans (no need for it) and it has EZ install slots for up to 11 drives/rom/controlers.

 

[Kamrooz]

I think I will go with the stacker 830. It looks simply awesome.

The stacker 830 is NOT meant for water cooling. It gets quite cramped in there. I've seen many water cooled Stacker 830's, and each time the owners state they are a nightmare when it comes to space, for internal water cooling that is. If you want a mac daddy of air cooling, they are great, but for WC, look elsewhere.

 

[ComputerCustomizer]

The stacker 830 is NOT meant for water cooling. It gets quite cramped in there. I've seen many water cooled Stacker 830's, and each time the owners state they are a nightmare when it comes to space, for internal water cooling that is. If you want a mac daddy of air cooling, they are great, but for WC, look elsewhere.

Thanks. I think I will go for the stacker t01 because it has so much room.

 

[Kamrooz]

Here is an image of one, was having some trouble finding one, till I remembered of one posted on a different forum I'm more dedicated too.

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/senor_bob/watercooling/inside.jpg

As you can see, not pretty =(. That was an external rad also, no way you could fit a 3x120mm rad without making it even worse.

 

[Evilonigiri]

Here is an image of one, was having some trouble finding one, till I remembered of one posted on a different forum I'm more dedicated too.

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/senor_bob/watercooling/inside.jpg

As you can see, not pretty =(. That was an external rad also, no way you could fit a 3x120mm rad without making it even worse.

You're not using the fan brackets! Oh well...

Anyways, I like the Stacker 830 because you can change parts quickly without using any tools. The side fans also helps the system keep cool.

 

[Kamrooz]

You're not using the fan brackets! Oh well...

Anyways, I like the Stacker 830 because you can change parts quickly without using any tools. The side fans also helps the system keep cool.

Indeed, I'm still leaning on picking one up for my next rig. I'm a fan of cooling as you can see ^_^, I'd probably fill all the fans up with low DBA fans, either Scythe S-flexes or Slipstreams. The rig I'm typing this on right now is a Q6600 rig I just built for a family friend, oc'ed the sucker to 3ghz, 5 slipstream fans in it, they are rated around 24 DBA. I even replaced the Tuniq Tower's fan with a slipstream, nice quiet rig in a antec 900 case that keeps everything DAMN cool.

I might end up going for a antec 900 now after I've seen it perform, at first I thought it wasn't pretty in the pics, but I've fallen in love with the design. If you are in the market for a great case at a great price, the Antec 900 should definitely be on your list, great stock cooling (although I replaced it) that can cater to low noise or high CFM with their 3 set modes. The massive exhaust fan ontop can also be set to 3 modes as well. Damn great case for the price. No real need to buy fans if you don't mind the noise on the highest setting, unless noise is an issue, then you can run them on the stock settings or replace them for better low noise fans..Over all great value considering what you get.

But yea, the Stacker 830 looks damn sexy...Trying to contemplate if I want a full tower, I kinda turned away from mid towers after my Lian-li PC65 (two 90 mm exhaust fans, very cramped with my hardware)....But coupling this Antec 900 with a modular psu, it's making me change my mind about mid towers ^_^.

 

[Evilonigiri]

Sadly, I have the Coolermaster 832

Oh well, I like fans too. I have 9 120mm fans outfitted in mine.

 

[Kamrooz]

Sadly, I have the Coolermaster 832

Oh well, I like fans too. I have 9 120mm fans outfitted in mine.

That's the way to go. How do you have yours setup? I'd end up filling the 2 hard drive mounts as exhaust fans, fan brackets as 4 intakes, and the top and rear fans as exhaust ^_^.

God, I need a new pc bad, but I'm broke -_-...and this 3.2 prescott of mind just does not do.

 

[ComputerCustomizer]

Here is an image of one, was having some trouble finding one, till I remembered of one posted on a different forum I'm more dedicated too.

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/senor_bob/watercooling/inside.jpg

As you can see, not pretty =(. That was an external rad also, no way you could fit a 3x120mm rad without making it even worse.

WOW. That's a serious mess. I definitely don't want a stacker 830.
Thanks for the picture.

 

[Kamrooz]

WOW. That's a serious mess. I definitely don't want a stacker 830.
Thanks for the picture.

Anytime ^_^, I'm a people pleaser after all =P.

 

[IH8U]

You could also try a cube case from: http://www.mountainmods.com/
otherwise I'd wait for the new Xaser VI

 

[barry_hhh]

silverstone tj09!! nuff said
check out this for lotsa different variations
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1080113

 

[LeonRa]

Look at Cooler Master RC 1000 Cosmos. Looks pretty hot, plenty of space and really user friendly. I think you can find it for a few bucks more then you mentioned, but i'm not sure.

 

[ComputerCustomizer]

Look at Cooler Master RC 1000 Cosmos. Looks pretty hot, plenty of space and really user friendly. I think you can find it for a few bucks more then you mentioned, but i'm not sure.

Thanks

 

[doubletake33]

my vote is for the cooler master cosmos 1000. inovative and just plain pimpin to me!

 

[Kamrooz]

It might look nice, but the prior cosmos had heating issues, not enough circulation, they did release a new cosmos intending for cooling, but they still disregarded the cooling aspect when it comes to the hard drives. Not a worth buy IMO. I was looking at the cosmos before and trying to weigh the benefits and the negatives, and even though there are more fans in the revision, they still left some of the flaws from the first go by unnoticed.

 

[Lavacon]

Look at the New thermaltake armor plus case. www.thermaltake.com
You asked for the best, well that is One of the best out now. It will be my next case in a few weeks about 230 shipped depending on where you buy it

 

[Kamrooz]

Although I'll admit the Armor is a great case for the price, am I the only one who thinks the Armor+ is ugly and not worth it's hefty 200+ price tag?

 

[Lavacon]

Well, the black plastic is a little to shiny for my taste, but the features on this case are well worth the money. The cable management, the room to work in and the air cooling definitely do it for me. The 10 grilled expansion slots in the back are a big plus if you ever plan on running more then 2 video cards.

 

[fatcat]

The Thermaltake Armor is a pretty nice case as well. Lots of space and decent cooling.