Micro ATX case only recommended for lower end systems? True?

[jiewmeng]

Recently, when I went to a computer hardware store to buy/build a PC, I was told not to get a MicroATX case, Cooler Master Elite 431 [http://www.coolermaster.com.sg/product.php?product_id=5426&category_id=20] since the case I wanted Fractal Design Define MIni [http://www.fractal-design.com/?view=product&category=2&prod=58] was not available. The reason given was that mATX might run into heat issues if I was building something mid end, like with a GPU (my selection was NVIDIA 630)

How true is this? Does more space = cooler? Heat will still be trapped isn't it, it just will be spread out abit more? I was looking at mATX as I like it compact, and not take up so much space. Anyways I dont usually use up much space in the ATX case anyways.

 

[nna2]

airflow=cooler

sounds like more of a misconception, i have a mid tower mATX case and it remains cool

 

[jiewmeng]

airflow=cooler

sounds like more of a misconception, i have a mid tower mATX case and it remains cool

Erm ... a mid tower case can accomodate a standard size ATX motherboard?

For example a Mid Tower from cooler master http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=31

vs a mini tower

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=5426

which size are you refering to?

 

[nna2]

Erm ... a mid tower case can accomodate a standard size ATX motherboard?

For example a Mid Tower from cooler master http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=31

vs a mini tower

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=5426

which size are you refering to?

it was an OEM case, and it rivals my Mid tower in size, and has 4 expansion slots (just encase that comes up)

 

[FinneousPJ]

It'll be fine but the GTX630 isn't a mid range card, it's inadequate for gaming.

 

[ko888]

If the Cooler Master Elite 341 is all that you have available to you then just add a 120 mm x 25 mm intake fan to the front of the case to increase the air flow through the case if you're so worried about heat buildup.

 

[jiewmeng]

If the Cooler Master Elite 341 is all that you have available to you then just add a 120 mm x 25 mm intake fan to the front of the case to increase the air flow through the case if you're so worried about heat buildup.

Ya, I asked the sales person and he recommends a mid tower instead citing a fan will not help as much. I am not a hardware expert but was just thinking if I imagine myself in a small room + fan vs big room with no fan, I imagine fans will help more than size?

 

[ko888]

Ya, I asked the sales person and he recommends a mid tower instead citing a fan will not help as much. I am not a hardware expert but was just thinking if I imagine myself in a small room + fan vs big room with no fan, I imagine fans will help more than size?

The size of the case does nothing to cool the case and its contents. It is the air flow through the case that cools the components inside the case.

A big case with insufficient air flow is also useless.

 

[FinneousPJ]

Don't worry as long as you get a quality mATX case. The Define Mini is among such cases. Green light all the way man

 

[jiewmeng]

@FinneousPJ, unfortunately Define MIni doesn't seem available in the shops I looked in my area ... so I am looking at SilverStone PS07 http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=314&area=en. Or http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=303&area=en, or 3rd choice CM Elite 341. Are they of good quality? I suppose the SilverStone ones are? Should I get the 2nd 1 if its available? It looks like a bad ass fan, but will it suck in all the dust too? Dust is something I dont like about my current CM Elite 335 Case

 

[FinneousPJ]

Can't remember reading any reviews but they look great!