Was orginally planning on getting Antec 900, but I found out that it doesn't fit big HSFs like HDT-S1283.
So I was looking for another case which seems to have a larger dimension: CM 690. Will this case fit large coolers? I really don't wanna get small coolers due to the case design.

Any other cases with good airflow that would fit large HSFs are welcome.
Please help me out here.

CM 690 is about as good as it gets for $79.00.

My biggest concern is whether it will fit the HDT-S1283 or not. The dimension seems to be only slightly larger than that of Antec 900 and the CM 690 have two sidefans mounting inside. I want to get a good case that I could keep for a long time, so I could make a little more investment.
Any recommendations?

I use this.

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/prod [...] zartTX.htm

Oh wow, that looks nice. I'll definately check that out when I'm done playing a game.

EDIT:
Aww.. Too bad Newegg doesn't have it and it seems a bit too small. I'm planning on ordering all from Newegg- Thx anyway

You can get the antec 1200, it should be able to fit the heatsink.

Newegg has them. You need a fork lift to carry it around. I may move my system into an Antec Three Hundred soon.

http://microcenter.com/single_prod [...] id=0283272

I've been considering that... but a full tower just seems too big and unnecessary for me. I'm currently planning on getting 8800GT, GA-EP35-DS3L, Corsair 750W, E7200, one hard drive, one DVD burner, etc. Not that much. It would be great if there's a mid tower with a bit more width to it.

Found something interesting... The width of most cases look similar. the Antec 1200 and CM 690 at 8.4" 900 at 8.1". Is it like a standard or something?...

EDIT:
Let me get this straight... is it the width of Antec 900 that's preventing the HDT-S1283 from being installed? or is it some other factor.

I have built the Antec 900. It's kind of cramped. I would think the CM 690 is larger and easier to build. I have only looked at it and handled it at Fry's and I liked the case a lot. The Thermaltake Mozart I am using currently is huge. It would easily hold the HSF you want. I have 13 120mm fans in mine. Coolest running case I have built to date. I would go with the CM 690. I bought a second Antec 300 because I liiked it so much or I would definately get the CM 690.

@badge
Would you be kind enough to include that Mozart case link from newegg.
would help alot. thx

When you think about how the motherboard is mounted in the case - yes its the width that is the factor. Other considerations are the amount of space under the motherboard tray is greater in some cases than others. That would be why one case the same size doesnt fit a HSF but another might.

The CM RC-690 doesn't have a side fan above the CPU bracket. Its lower down over the video card and you can always move that side fan to the top if you have an extra tall GPU cooler. HDT-1283 fits in the RC-690 according to the Customer Review comments.

Or you could get the XIGMATEK HDT-SD964 92mm and use any case you want. Get the Xigmatek retention bracket for easier and tigher install and it the SD964 will perform close to the S1283. FrostyTech review

Sounds like a good idea, HDT-SD964... Will chek it out. Right now... game time.. hehe- Thank you

Since you guys insist that CM 690 is an awesome case, I'll get that one with HDT-SD964. Thanks badge and WR2

I have the cm690 and a Thermalright ultra extreme 120 in and it fits just fine... cant put a fan on the door as its to close, but otherwise it fits just fine

Wow, free shipping. The UPS dude better be a weight lifter to get this thing out of the truck and up to the door.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] _-11133027

I want that Thermaltake case myself, it would be perfect in my slot (while I love my cm690, I dont have the most convient spot for a largish case).

But would need to find a smaller mobo..........

You mention the 300, I picked up a return at my local Microcenter for $39. Couldnt find anything wrong with it, it was just a return.

My impressions is its a pretty nice case with good cooling options for only $50. I got this for my wife (had to twist her arm at that) but for the money, its not as nearly as nice or option rich as the cm690, especially considering the smallish price difference. I dont like the lack of cable management. They give you a space to hide the bulk of the wires, but no routing options for a neat layout...

Yeah, I have a second Antec Three Hundred I may swap my system into it. I think I would have bought the CM 690, but I saw it too late at Fry's. They had one without the PSU for $79 the day after I bought the second 300. I opened up the displayed CM690 and checked it out and liked it. I would have bought it. Yeah, you got a steal for $39. The Antec 300 has real nice cooling with the top fan and then front, rear and side 120mm fan capability. If you got the return, someone probably kept the extra 120 tri cool that comes with it!

My Thermaltake Mozart TX is the coolest running case I have ever built. I have like 13 120mm fans! It's just so heavy. I don't have the all aluminum model, mine is part aluminum. Ihave the remote control, but not the monitor that goes in the front. I want to swap my main system out some time soon. I do enjoy the cooling factor I get with it though.

@xringx
So the cable management feature for CM690 is just providing a hiding place for the bulk cables?

@badge
Do you have a fan controller for all those fans? I'm currently looking for one to use in CM690, since it could hold 7~8fans and the mobo takes only 2~3..

Antec tri cool 120mm fans have a three speed controller built in. I have my raptor OS drive installed in one of these.

http://www.directron.com/hdcooler.html

The Thermaltake Mozart TX comes with five 120mm fans (no speed control). I replaced all but the innermost one with Antec tri cool.

zerox,

the cm690 makes it fairly easy to hide the wires with space behind the motherboard tray.

Here is a blurry pic..