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Cases and fans advice (since these are often overlooked)

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  • Cases
  • Motherboards
  • Build Your Own
  • Build
  • Corsair
  • Compatibility
  • Systems
Last response: in Systems
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February 11, 2014 1:23:49 PM

Hi all, I'm here with some questions regarding my first PC build. This seems like a great community. I have already done quite a bit of research into PC parts, including reading the sticky guides on this board. But I have a couple of questions that are more specific.

I'm looking to build a high-end system with a Corsair H110 CPU cooler, and I'm looking for compatible cases. Except the cases that are suggested on Corsair's website all seem to be $150-$300. Researching around a bit I found that the Thermaltake Level 10 GTS Snow Edition seems to be compatible, and is only $69. Seems great, but is there a catch? How much should I be investing in a case? For the other components, I'm looking at an i7-4820K, GTX 780-Ti, RAID-0 SSDs, and a 750W PSU. Any advice on a case? Is $69 just too cheap for a high-end build?

Second question has to do with the fans. I'm assuming I shouldn't just use the stock fans that come with the case. About how many extra fans do I need to buy? Replace all of the stock fans or just a couple? And are the stock fans for the Corsair H110 good enough or should I replace those too?

Also, any advice on a motherboard that'll fit well with the components I listed?

Thanks!

More about : cases fans advice overlooked

February 13, 2014 1:01:11 AM

It's all about personal preference when it comes to cases, for the most part anyways.

Things to do before looking at cases...

+ Check the form factor of your motherboard (Mini-ATX, Micro-ATX, ATX, XL ATX)
- The motherboard has to be able to compatible in size/form factor
- You can put a motherboard in any cases bigger than it's form factor (most times)

+ Will you be using multiple HDD's (Hard Drives) & Optical Drives (CD Drives)
- Make sure their are adequate space for installation of those

+ Looking at your motherboard determine what parts you want for your system
- Check the specs such as average heat and dimensions (Heat is very important)
- Note rather or not you will be wanting a bottom or top installed PSU (Power Supply Unit) generally there are benefits in gaming computers with a bottom-end installed PSU (Not sure what they are just heard there is a reason for it)

- Check an see how many fan connectors your motherboard has installed (This will give you some idea of how many fans you might want or may need later on for the case decision)

+ How much space will you be using for the tower of your computer
- Make sure you are not crowding it with a bunch of books, paper, clothes, trash, or anything like that. (Obviously)

And well I can't really think of any more good tips. Though the most important thing to keep in mind through out your entire build is how much heat your system may put out once going at full capacity. Have a solution to dissipating that heat. Rather it be multiple fans, water cooling, or after market heat sinks an lower power using hardware.

Other than that its really up to you on doing the rest of the research. As it's hard for any computer savvy person to give you a definitive answer to this type of question. I've given you some pointers so I hope that helps. I'm kind of new myself to computer building.
a b V Motherboard
February 14, 2014 10:36:13 PM

My personal experiences are all bad for the longevity of builds. The two i tried didn't last more than six months before i ran into problems with fans mostly. They just died a slow death, so on my experience i'd replace them all. Keeping dust out via filters was another problem despite positive air pressure. Yes your on to it, there is catch and as you quite rightly assume you should be spending a bit more on some other case. Your H/W is all top notch so don't skimp on case unless there is cash flow problem leaving no alternative. Any mid to high range mobo would suit. My personal preference is Gigabyte or Asus boards but there are others that would fit the bill. Asrock extreme rings a few bells.
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February 14, 2014 10:54:21 PM

on the fans, i would replace them with the corsair sp brands...also , do yourself a favor and slow down just a bit and think your build through a clear head. wait till you get the case and then take a good look at where and how many fans you can fit and how you are going to "run the air" in your case. it may take a bit more time to get your build done but you will be glad you did if this is your first build.

slow and steady and you'll do fine.

if you love your case then go with it....doesnt matter as long as the stuff fits in. ive seen high end pc's with cheaper cases....
a b V Motherboard
February 15, 2014 5:26:09 AM

BTW, the Cosair stock fans are good, it's just Thermaltake ones that died rather quickly. I was kick starting the main exhaust fan at boot for awhile before it failed completely. LOL it was like starting a world war one aircraft manually by hand.
!