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Deciding Between Corsair 650D vs NZXT Phantom

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Hey guys,

Soon-to-be first time builder here. Planning on using air cooling for my build and have been looking at both these cases:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

I've picked out these based on my personal preference on looks, some reviews, and both include at least 3 fans. The price isn't too big of a concern.

I know the 650D is mid while the Phantom is full- do I really need all the space of a full tower? Or will a mid be enough for now and future upgrades?

More about : deciding corsair 650d nzxt phantom

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I'd say the NZXT Phantom would fit your build most appropriately. Note, you will not be able to mount an interior side fan on the Phantom if you are going to use popular air CPU coolers such as the Cooler Master Hyper 212+ or EVO, Noctua NH-D14, and Thermalright Silver Arrow.

The 650D does not have any openings on the side panel, which means your graphics cards will heat up. This case looks nice with a custom water loop:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/269692-29-water-cooli...

Don't fuss over the "mid" and "full" terms. Look at the dimensions and builds by others to judge how your build will look like.
Power supply Master

steadywaters said:


The 650D does not have any openings on the side panel, which means your graphics cards will heat up. This case looks nice with a custom water loop:



completely inaccurate understanding of airflow. lets hold off giving incorrect advice to posters on this forum until you learn something.
Power supply Master

blaqkhail said:
Hey guys,

Soon-to-be first time builder here. Planning on using air cooling for my build and have been looking at both these cases:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

I've picked out these based on my personal preference on looks, some reviews, and both include at least 3 fans. The price isn't too big of a concern.

I know the 650D is mid while the Phantom is full- do I really need all the space of a full tower? Or will a mid be enough for now and future upgrades?


what will your build consist of? a simple one video card build with an upper mid tier card (GTX 570) will easily fit in most mid size cases. the 650 is a rather large mid size case but really with cases at equal price points, the differences are minor. Get the case you think looks best in your home.
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Thanks for the replies guys.

dirtyferret said:
what will your build consist of? a simple one video card build with an upper mid tier card (GTX 570) will easily fit in most mid size cases. the 650 is a rather large mid size case but really with cases at equal price points, the differences are minor. Get the case you think looks best in your home.



Here's my build in progress:

CPU: i5 2500k
Motherboard: Asus P8Z68-V
GPU: Sapphire 6870 1GB (Not completely decided yet)
PSU: Corsair 650TX V2
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600
SSD: Crucial M4 64GB
HD: Samsung Spinpoint F3:


I don't think either case will have a problem fitting anything.

I don't plan on overclocking or Crossfire just yet, but it may definitely be an option in the future. I plan on using stock cooling initially, would there be a large difference between using either case? Steadywaters mentioned no openings on the side panel, but you disagree.

Also, the Phantom is made using a lot of plastic, while the 650D - steel. Does the Phantom have a "cheap" feel to it because of this?

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Power supply Master

blaqkhail said:
Thanks for the replies guys.




Here's my build in progress:

CPU: i5 2500k
Motherboard: Asus P8Z68-V
GPU: Sapphire 6870 1GB (Not completely decided yet)
PSU: Corsair 650TX V2
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600
SSD: Crucial M4 64GB
HD: Samsung Spinpoint F3:


I don't think either case will have a problem fitting anything.

I don't plan on overclocking or Crossfire just yet, but it may definitely be an option in the future. I plan on using stock cooling initially, would there be a large difference between using either case? Steadywaters mentioned no openings on the side panel, but you disagree.


the 6870 is not a long card at all, even with two in the case (if you decide to CF) the 650D will have plenty of room.

Ive built plenty of gaming builds and tested various video cards (open and closed cooling) with side panel fans, open ports, and closed ports with noise blocking foam. I saw little to no difference in temp (as do most people who test their cooling), in fact fans sometimes increased temps. If you do want a similar case to the 650D with a side port, check out the corsair 400r and 500r (comes with side fan). If you want a smaller phantom, check out the phantom 410. all the cases mentioned are good cases and will do the job, get the case you like the most.


http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NZXT/Phantom_410/

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/315669-31-antec-hundr...
Power supply Master

Yes i'm also in agreement with the dirtyrascal's advice.
A well designed case with proper airflow doesn't need to rely on side fans for gpu cooling.
A 6870 isn't exactly a firebreather either.
Go with what you like however.
I like the Corsair cases personally,the Phantom is too plasticky for me.

@dirtyferret and davcom
Thanks for the replies!

I think I'm leaning towards the Phantom now, I do like the look of it more. I have looked at the 410, but I'd rather get the Phantom over it. Hopefully I won't find the plastic as too much of a problem.

Perhaps in a later build I'll use the 650D.
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