Case Choice

[abellack1]

Hello, I am a new system build rookie. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on picking a fan cooled computer case for 120 dollars or less (I'm a student). Any new or old schools of thought on cooling strategies related to fan and hardware placement would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Crashman]

Hello, I am a new system build rookie. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on picking a fan cooled computer case for 120 dollars or less (I'm a student). Any new or old schools of thought on cooling strategies related to fan and hardware placement would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

There is no new technology in ATX case cooling. The old techniques are still the best. Here's an old article on picking a case:

http://www.sysopt.com/features/cases/article.php/12024_3611871_1

Basically, you want big holes in the fan grilles, a small amount of offset between the fan grille and the fan, and most importantly...

MOST importantly...

A power supply on TOP with the exhaust fan pulling hot air away from the CPU from beneath. Power supplies are normally installed with the lid facing downward, and lid-mounted fans pull air into the power supply to force it out holes in the back.

 

[abellack1]

There is no new technology in ATX case cooling. The old techniques are still the best. Here's an old article on picking a case:

http://www.sysopt.com/features/cases/article.php/12024_3611871_1

Basically, you want big holes in the fan grilles, a small amount of offset between the fan grille and the fan, and most importantly...

MOST importantly...

A power supply on TOP with the exhaust fan pulling hot air away from the CPU from beneath. Power supplies are normally installed with the lid facing downward, and lid-mounted fans pull air into the power supply to force it out holes in the back.

Thank you very much!

 

[Outlander_04]

A number of cases today use a psu mounted low in the case and top and rear fans to deal with heat from the cpu and gfx .
That way the psu is also getting cool air .

The antec 300 , and 900 are popular with gamers . Both have excellent cooling .

 

[aevm]

Check out the RC-690 and the NZXT Tempest too.

 

[nerrawg]

There is no new technology in ATX case cooling. The old techniques are still the best. Here's an old article on picking a case:

Sadly for the most of us this is true - however if you had $4000+ and felt like something other than a standard ATX case, you could consider this baby:

The Hardcore Computer Reactor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or4F4KfgUOU

Otherwise it's just cool to see what these guys managed to make, and dream about it - lol

If you are interested you could mod your new case and make a cheap case cooler in many ways, check out mnpctech here: http://www.mnpctech.com/ and here: http://www.youtube.com/user/MonsterMawd for ideas.

 

[Crashman]

A number of cases today use a psu mounted low in the case and top and rear fans to deal with heat from the cpu and gfx .
That way the psu is also getting cool air .

The antec 300 , and 900 are popular with gamers . Both have excellent cooling .

That's true, but then you have an extra fan facing upward where you can hear it. I normally use that design when I'm mounting a liquid cooling system with the radiator on top, but otherwise I'd rather have all my exhaust fans facing the wall (with enough space for heat to rise up the wall, of course).

 

[geofelt]

You might find it interesting to read this review of the Antec 900:
http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=996&pageID=2747

What is really interesting is the table of results at the end, comparing the 900 with the Antec solo, and the lian-li G70.

Each case cooled the cpu and vga card identically, and with the same noise level.

As a suggestion, the Antec 300 is a very good inexpensive (about $50) case that cools well. Try to find a vendor with free shipping. Cases are heavy, and will cost about $20 to ship.