Need Advice for Case and PSU

[AceofSpades117]

[strike]EDIT: Ignore the poll. I accidentally pressed the Enter key to go to the next slot instead of the Tab key and it posted the message before I was done.[/strike]
DOUBLE EDIT: You can vote now; I figured out you can edit the poll and fixed it.

Hi all,

I'm looking for advice on what case and PSU to get. Here is my parts list so far.

CPU: Intel i5 3570K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837

RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) 1600 MHz CMZ8GX3M2X1600C8B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233255

GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 2GB OC
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102984

Monitor: Asus VE228H 1920x1080 LED Backlight
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236100

Case Possibilities:
USB 3.0:
Antec 302
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129180

USB 2.0:
CoolerMaster HAF 912
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233

CoolerMaster HAF 912 Plus
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6674 (I couldn't find it on Newegg or Amazon)

CoolerMaster CM 690 II
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216&Tpk=cm%20690

Antec 300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

Antec 300 Illusion
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

I did not include a keyboard or mouse because I already have a set that I will use.

[strike]Is USB 3.0 necessary for anything other than large data transfers? Will it work better with USB mice, keyboards, etc.?[/strike] You can forget about that question; I forgot that the motherboard has 4 USB 3.0 ports anyway. :lol:
Which case is best and why? I will not be doing any water cooling.

 

[Raiddinn]

Corsair CX600 or one of the 550w or 650w XFX PSUs should be fine.

HAF 912 is probably the most popular low end case and for good reason.

USB 3.0 isn't a big deal atm, but it might become more valuable in the years to come.

 

[amuffin]

690 II advanced!

I've owned the 912 and currently own the 690 II Advanced.

690 II Advanced is just much more versatile than the HAF 912. I also feel like the cable management is easier to use within the case.



690 II Advanced:

I sold the 912 to my friend....his build is below.
HAF 912:

USB 3.0 won't effect anything at all for mice etc, it will be good for drives. That is, if those drives support USB 3.0. You can always plug them into the motherboard....

 

[AceofSpades117]

I seem to have forgotten the fact that my motherboard already has 4 USB 3.0 ports :lol: Anyway, how is the cable management on the Antec 300 Illusion? It seems like a good deal because it comes with more fans than the regular 300. Also, anyone know the difference between the HAF 912 and HAF 912 Plus and where to buy the 912 Plus?

 

[geofelt]

What do you value most about any case?
From a functional point of view, any that you listed will do the job.
All are of decent quality.
1) It will hold all of your parts.
2) It will have adequate cooling.

To my mind, cable management is an overblown feature.
It is not difficult to tuck away unused psu cables, more so if you use a modular psu.

All of those cases are large, much larger than is necessary to hold the parts you listed.
I happen to like small cases, and quiet ones too.
Also, I like positive pressure cases with washable intake filters.

If that is what you like, I can suggest the Silverstone TJ-08E
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163182

You will need a M-ATX sized motherboard which will be a bit less expensive. Here is one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157306

As to usb3.0, remember that your motherboard will have a couple of usb3.0 ports on the rear i/o panel that you can use.
If you will be plugging devices into the front of the case, then yes, a usb3.0 front port or two will be good. Most cases now include that.

Among the cases you listed, I like the Antec 300 illusion. Along with a large number of other positive reviewers.
I have build using Antec cases many times in the past. The quality is good, and customer support is very good if you break something, they will send you a replacement free while still under waranty.

 

[AceofSpades117]

What do you value most about any case?
From a functional point of view, any that you listed will do the job.
All are of decent quality.
1) It will hold all of your parts.
2) It will have adequate cooling.

To my mind, cable management is an overblown feature.
It is not difficult to tuck away unused psu cables, more so if you use a modular psu.

All of those cases are large, much larger than is necessary to hold the parts you listed.
I happen to like small cases, and quiet ones too.
Also, I like positive pressure cases with washable intake filters.

If that is what you like, I can suggest the Silverstone TJ-08E
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163182

You will need a M-ATX sized motherboard which will be a bit less expensive. Here is one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157306

As to usb3.0, remember that your motherboard will have a couple of usb3.0 ports on the rear i/o panel that you can use.
If you will be plugging devices into the front of the case, then yes, a usb3.0 front port or two will be good. Most cases now include that.

Among the cases you listed, I like the Antec 300 illusion. Along with a large number of other positive reviewers.
I have build using Antec cases many times in the past. The quality is good, and customer support is very good if you break something, they will send you a replacement free while still under waranty.

Since this is my first build, I don't know what to value. I also don't like small cases and didn't like what you suggested. I'm thinking I might go with the HAF 912 because it definitely looks the coolest in my opinion and I can get more fans later. Also, I can't find where to buy the HAF 912 Plus. The Antec 300 Illusion is $69.99 and comes with 3 fans, while the HAF 912 is $59.99 and comes with 1 fan. I can buy this decent CoolerMaster 2 in 1 fan pack http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103022&SortField=1&SummaryType=0&PageSize=10&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo for $11.99 before rebates and stuff, bringing the total for going with the HAF 912 to $71.98; about the same as the Antec 300 Illusion.

 

[geofelt]

The haf912 is a very popular case, along with the Antec 300.
I see that the illusion model is out of stock.

But better, yet, look at the plain antec 300.
It is not as flashy as the haf, but it is probably more functional.
It sells for a bunch less@$40!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

I like the front intake fan positions of the 300 better.
Just add two intake fans and you will have a positive pressure case.
That will keep your case clear of dust because all of the intake will come in behind the washable front air filters.
For fans, see if you can't find a couple of 120x25 yate loon fans. They sell for $7 and are very good.
They come in slow/medium/high speds. I think low(1300rpm) is plenty.
Here is one source: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/10457/fan-687/Yate_Loon_120mm_x_25mm_Fan_-_Open_Chassis_D12SL-12.html?tl=c15s60b119

 

[AceofSpades117]

The haf912 is a very popular case, along with the Antec 300.
I see that the illusion model is out of stock.

But better, yet, look at the plain antec 300.
It is not as flashy as the haf, but it is probably more functional.
It sells for a bunch less@$40!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

I like the front intake fan positions of the 300 better.
Just add two intake fans and you will have a positive pressure case.
That will keep your case clear of dust because all of the intake will come in behind the washable front air filters.
For fans, see if you can't find a couple of 120x25 yate loon fans. They sell for $7 and are very good.
They come in slow/medium/high speds. I think low(1300rpm) is plenty.
Here is one source: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/10457/fan-687/Yate_Loon_120mm_x_25mm_Fan_-_Open_Chassis_D12SL-12.html?tl=c15s60b119

What do you mean by "positive pressure?" Also, how many watts should my PSU be? I know I need at least 500W because that's the minimun requirement for the 7850 according to AMD. Also, what are the best brands for PSUs?

 

[geofelt]

What do you mean by "positive pressure?" Also, how many watts should my PSU be? I know I need at least 500W because that's the minimun requirement for the 7850 according to AMD. Also, what are the best brands for PSUs?

Positive pressure happens when fans, usually in the front draw in fresh air and(optionally) pass them through a washable front air filter. That brings in dust free cool air into the case. Where it exits is immaterial. It may be out open vents, or the exit air flow may be helped by exit fans which should be weaker than the intake fans.

In a negative pressure case, it is the exit fans which draw in cool air through the other openings and exhaust the hot air out the back and top of the case. This works just as well as positive pressure for cooling, but has the disadvantage that unfiltered air can be drawn in throuh any opening in the case.

While the proper metric of a psu is 12v amps, not watts, a quality 500w psu will deliver sufficient amps for a 7850 which includes the usual array of periperal and cpu loads. Yhe most power hungry component will be the graphics card. Usually, even a 150w-200w psu will be sufficient without a discrete graphics card.

My short list of quality psu's would include Seasonic, Antec, PC P&C, XFX, and corsair.
Or... pick a tier 1 or 2 unit from this list:
http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

 

[prototype18]

Get the Cm 690 II

If u search on Tom i posted a thread like this time ago. Even cuz i ended up with a Nzxt 410 Elite (Budget reason,Shipping was to expensive)

I decided to go for the 690 II cuz it has a better look , blue led , more Bays and also it has a lot of room for cable managment.

Instead haf 912+ is more like army look or aggresive.

Cm 690 II is the way to go. Also search if u can get it with window

Edit : About the psu . Do u intend do CF in later future ?

 

[AceofSpades117]

I may Crossfire but not anytime soon. Possibly in about 4 years, but I am not certain, so I don't want an expensive, high-capacity PSU. Which of these PSUs are the best? http://support.amd.com/us/certified/power-supplies/Pages/listing.aspx

 

[geofelt]

Pick a supported psu from tier 1 or two from this list:
http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

 

[prototype18]

Get an XFX/ Corsair / Seasonic /Antec

I recomend u to get a Xfx Pro Core 550W

http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=59615&vpn=P1550SXXB9&manufacture=XFX&promoid=1257

 

[AceofSpades117]

Most of the PSUs in Tier 1 and 2 of the list geofelt gave me have a wattage far higher than I need. So I went to Newegg and looked at 500-600W PSUs and came up with these.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%2050001697%20600014021&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=58%7C17-341-017%5E17-341-017-TS%2C17-341-022%5E17-341-022-14%23%2C17-371-016%5E17-371-016-TS%2C17-151-094%5E17-151-094-TS%2C17-151-093%5E17-151-093-TS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%2050002177%20600014021&IsNodeId=1&name=Rosewill&Order=REVIEWS

Any recommendations or reasons not to buy any of these?

By the way, I decided to get the Cooler Master Storm Scout as my case. The handles will really help with mobility and it looks great and has good reviews. It seems that the PSU will have to be bottom-mounted.

 

[geofelt]

Most of the PSUs in Tier 1 and 2 of the list geofelt gave me have a wattage far higher than I need. So I went to Newegg and looked at 500-600W PSUs and came up with these.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%2050001697%20600014021&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=58%7C17-341-017%5E17-341-017-TS%2C17-341-022%5E17-341-022-14%23%2C17-371-016%5E17-371-016-TS%2C17-151-094%5E17-151-094-TS%2C17-151-093%5E17-151-093-TS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%2050002177%20600014021&IsNodeId=1&name=Rosewill&Order=REVIEWS

Any recommendations or reasons not to buy any of these?

By the way, I decided to get the Cooler Master Storm Scout as my case. The handles will really help with mobility and it looks great and has good reviews. It seems that the PSU will have to be bottom-mounted.

I don't think Seasonic makes any bad psu's, one of them would be my pock.

 

[prototype18]

I would go with S12II 520W . Its a great PSU but right now i found you a great deal.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139020&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

 

[AceofSpades117]

I have decided to purchase the SeaSonic M12II 520W. It's got great reviews and seems to be very reliable. Modularity also helps. Looks like my build is done! Thanks to everyone for helping! Don't worry about a HDD, optical drive, keyboard, or mouse; by the time I realized I had forgotten to include those, I was too lazy to edit the original post.

 

[Raiddinn]

I just wanted to leave a note to tell you that bottom mounting the PSU is the best possible setup. Its less of "I have to do it" and more of "I get to do it".