Mod Cooler master rc 310 or buy a new case

[swiftor]

I have a cooler master elite rc 310
I really like this case but it doesn't provide adequate cooling for my parts anymore.
120mm front intake fan and 120mm rear exhaust fan (adding a 120mm to the side panel doesn't affect my temps).

I'm planing on replacing a core i3-530 with a i5 2500K and getting a second 6950.

Option 1. Mod the case.
120mm top exhaust fan.
2x 120 mm bottom intake fans.
This would be the hardest option, this being my first mod, but it would be the cheapest.

Option 2. Get a cooler master storm scout and slightly mod it.
I really like this case but I would have to remove the hard drive cage in order to fit my 6950.
I would also have to throw in one of these to fit hard drives.

Option 3. Get an antec nine hundred v3 and call it a day.
This would be the easiest but most expensive option.
The only problem I have with this case is that it's 13lbs heavier than my rc 310.

Let me know what you think.
I'm open to suggestions. I'm looking for good cooling and I want a side panel window.
Water cooling is not an option. I don't mind dabbling into modding if it's worth it.

Thanks a bunch.

 

[jsc]

Yep. Steel cases tend to be heavier than aluminum cases.

I like the Antec 900 - have 3. Great cooling; awful cable management.

Unless you are prepared to put a little work into the case, I'd suggest something else - maybe one of the CoolerMaster cases.

Antec 900 case mods for cable management:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/264112-28-antec

 

[swiftor]

Yep. Steel cases tend to be heavier than aluminum cases.

I like the Antec 900 - have 3. Great cooling; awful cable management.

Unless you are prepared to put a little work into the case, I'd suggest something else - maybe one of the CoolerMaster cases.

Antec 900 case mods for cable management:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/264112-28-antec

Sorry for the confusion jsc , I meant the 900 v3

 

[walterm]

Corsair case? Lian Li? Silverstone? Zalman Z7?

 

[cronos177]

CM storm enforcer, or this Lian Li, which is somewhat similar to the 900 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112320 , I'd get that.

 

[davcon]

Yeah a 902 V3 is a great case i have the original 902.
Cable management is ok but not terrible.
Other options.
COOLER MASTER RC-692-KKN2 CM690 II Advanced - good case i have the Basic model
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216
COOLER MASTER HAF 912
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233
You can buy windowed side panels from the CM Store for either case = $25
Or check out the Bitfenix Shinobi. $70
https://store.bitfenix.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=57
Available at many well known etailers =click where to buy at main Bitfenix site

 

[swiftor]

Thanks for the suggestions but how about some advise on the 3 options I listed?

PS: I'm looking for a small and light case (ideally about the size of the my rc 310 or the antec 300).
It must have a side window and great cooling.
Not looking for full towers or space ships.

 

[davcon]

Buy a CM 430 Elite then it's cheap.

 

[swiftor]

Thanks Davcon. I was considering that case but I don't trust the build quality of such a low budget case.
Besides, since I already have a low budget case, if I'm going to get a new one instead of modding, it would make more sense to get a more expensive case (not corsair expensive) and get much better build quality and other useful features in the process.

 

[HEXiT]

all i would suggest is if your happy with your case get some high cfm fans 75+. this will push more air though the case and help cooling. you may want to invest in a fan speed module so you can controll them and reduce case noise when you dont need them maxed out.

 

[swiftor]

If I keep the CM elite rc 310 I'd have to mod it to get decent cooling.
I tried all the fan configurations I could and saw no significant drop in temps.

 

[cronos177]

Actually I have a CM 310, the one with no windows, and you got me thinking about modding mine, it is a good looking case, the only problem is that it does not have cable management, but it fit everything fine, and cooling is not that bad at all. If you decide to mod it, I would appreciate if you show your work. Thanks

 

[swiftor]

Cooling was not that bad for me either until I got a 6950 (these things get really hot).
I ended up having to get an aftermarket cpu cooler.
Now that I want to add another 6950, I absolutely have to mod the case or get a new one.

 

[cronos177]

I think you can probably fit one or two fans on the bottom of the case, and one on top. If you decide to mod it, Some nice black paint on the inside is what am thinking about. Not 100% sure but maybe a fan, on the DVD slots. But that's almost the price of a new case.

 

[cronos177]

Check this thread: http://www.overclock.net/case-mods-general-discussion/689360-cooler-master-310-elite-updated-2.html , he put a fan on top with a fan duct.

 

[swiftor]

I don't really like the idea of fans sticking out of the case but very useful link. Thanks cronos 117.

 

[walterm]

Zalman Z9 Plus ?? 16 LBS
I have the CM HAF 912, not light and somewhat crude. Very good air.
Fan costs add up, especially with the 200 mm's added.
The Corsair Carbide 400R seems the best bet but its out of stock from the Corsair website and no other retailers listed. A June release item.

 

[swiftor]

Zalman Z9 Plus ?? 16 LBS
I have the CM HAF 912, not light and somewhat crude. Very good air.
Fan costs add up, especially with the 200 mm's added.
The Corsair Carbide 400R seems the best bet but its out of stock from the Corsair website and no other retailers listed. A June release item.

Thanks for the suggestions walterm.
I don't really like the Z9 plus, but the haf 912 and 922 are cases I have considered.
I just wish they were painted black on the inside and had a side window.
The 400R is gorgeous but has no side window either.
If I picked up any of these cases I'd have to do some modding to get them to look the way I want.

 

[cronos177]

I think you should go with either the Storm enforcer, or a Lian Li Lancool http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112239 , http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112320. A little more would get you a Silverstone RV03

 

[swiftor]

I decided to go with option 1 and mod my rc 310.

I know that I should use a 4.5 in hole saw do drill 120mm fan holes.
Unfortunately, I only have a 4.1 in hole saw.

How would that affect the mod?

 

[cronos177]

Nice, I'd like to see that! I have seen few more mods on the 310 , I'll post them, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWurM3D00vU , here is part 2 , i'll post if I find something else about the CM 310, http://www.youtube.com/user/CustomGamingSystems#p/search/0/xRfRCqhbmn4 , I'll probly mod mine eventually. Post back.

 

[Motopsychojdn]

Re:Holesaw question,
Mark out the 120mm circle where you want it (best to use masking tape to protect the rest of the panel)
get a small (2-3mm) bit and drill round the circle (about 2mm inside it)
snip the inside out with pliers, like dot to dot but with tools
file/sand the edges of your nice 120mm hole
Moto

 

[cronos177]

This is a good place to look at, they painted and added fans, from the inside.(lots of pictures) http://www.overclock.net/case-mod-work-logs/933865-budget-cut-paint-job-cm-elite.html#post12277993

 

[swiftor]

This is a good place to look at, they painted and added fans, from the inside.(lots of pictures) http://www.overclock.net/case-mod-work-logs/933865-budget-cut-paint-job-cm-elite.html#post12277993

Thanks for suggestions. The pictures are really useful.

I will post pictures showing my work as I progress.
I've already taken out the hard drive cage (that was the easy part).

 

[swiftor]

Re:Holesaw question,
Mark out the 120mm circle where you want it (best to use masking tape to protect the rest of the panel)
get a small (2-3mm) bit and drill round the circle (about 2mm inside it)
snip the inside out with pliers, like dot to dot but with tools
file/sand the edges of your nice 120mm hole
Moto

What do you say I use the 4.1 in hole saw and dremel out the remaining 10mm?
I'm wondering if the last step will even be necessary.
I'm a bit worried about the noise that would result from those extra 10mm obstructing the fan.