Looking to get a new computer case. Suggestions?

stewie574

stewie574

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My current case is a bit to small I feel, and I want to get a bigger case. After a while of gaming, it gets a bit warm inside, and I think part of that is because of all the hardware inside.

Would it make sense to get a new case, or just get some better cooling? I'm just using the fans and coolers that came with the parts. I'm still kind of a noob when it comes to this sort of stuff.

Here's my current build right now, case included:

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/stewie574/saved/MtXypg

I don't need anything fancy like LED's or anything like that; basically what I have but bigger haha.
 
The case you picked is nice and should work, but you will find it cramped to work with, especially for a first-time (or relatively new) builder. The N200 comes into its own when you add water-cooling elements, as you then you would (theoretically) have a superior gaming platform with very quiet cooling in a small box.

A full size ATX case, while large and heavier, will provide a lot more room to work in, making it a lot easier to install parts, and also lessens the chance of having problems such as the case interior not being big enough for your video card, or not enough 3.5" or 2.5" HDD bays. Such cases can be used for a much longer amount of time as their design allows for the use of new products that can be much longer than today's standard (length of GPUs over time is an example).

How much are you looking to spend on a good case? That's step #1.
 
When I was installing everything I noticed it was kind of cramped, especially working around the video card.

I'm looking at about $100, but not much higher. $150 is probably my highest.
 
Almost any mid-tower case will work for you, while certain full tower cases will if they're in your price range. Cooler Master has the HAF 912 midtower that Wize recommended, and that's a good case. I'm using the Cooler Master HAF 932 full-tower case, though it's at $150. Rosewill Thor and the NZXT Phantom are very good and slightly cheaper ($140 and about $130) Those would be the top 3 full tower cases I'd recommend at $150 or lower (Thermaltake and AZZA also have some good cases, especially fan-based ones).

Mid-tower cases you have a ridiculously large amount of options. Thermtaltake, Cooler Master, Antec, Azza, Rosewill, Lian-Li... Corsair has a good case in the Carbide series that you may like aesthetically (while still doing a great job cooling/performance wise). Fractal Design has a number of good cases in the mid tower market...

Honestly, I'd go to newegg.com, sort by case design (Full tower or Mid-Tower, or both), set your price limit, any other requirements you may have, and sort by best rating and take a look around.
 
Turns out cases aren't as expensive as I thought haha. I just wanted some info and suggestions before I make any final decisions.
 
stewie574 said:
Turns out cases aren't as expensive as I thought haha. I just wanted some info and suggestions before I make any final decisions.
Click to expand...

The HAF isnt bad at all... It just feels cheap after a few years of use for me. Since I have been using it for almost 4-5 years constantly now...

A small case can produce plenty of air flow in all honesty. I wish I went with a Mini ATX case instead of the HAF because I got tired of having to move my PC to dust it out so much. Its heavy. Bulky. And generally just a square blob.

I'd say look at some of the bitfenix prodigy cases. I hear lots about those and I have seen tons of videos on water cooling solutions for it or just straight up push pull design with lots of high power fans. (Fans like Noctua would be an excellent choice.)

Thats my recommendation. Unless you dont plan on moving your case every 6 months, then I would probably discard this. I dust mine out with an air compressor every 3-4 months due to my dogs and cats.
 
Should I just look at maybe some better cooling as opposed to a whole new case? I'm just worried my case is getting super cramped inside so a lot of heat is being trapped...
 
stewie574 said:
Should I just look at maybe some better cooling as opposed to a whole new case? I'm just worried my case is getting super cramped inside so a lot of heat is being trapped...
Click to expand...

Of course. It'll be cheaper since most fans are anywhere from $20-$50 a piece and you can get an extra 2-3 fans for the price of a new case. If you're looking to keep it quiet, go with Noctua fans. They are on the expensive side but they are in my honest opinion the best fans on the market.

Just make sure if you buy fans that they are the correct sizes you need and that you have a push-pull configuration set up. Meaning it will either be pushing the hot air inside the case out the top or rear. Or through the front and have it draw fresh and cool air through the front, top, or rear of the case.
 
If I wanted to keep my case but look at some better cooling, where should I start? I was hunting around on Newegg, but I'm not sure what I should be looking for as far as size or fan speeds go.
 
NZXT Phantom is not a bad case, I have it. Nice and quiet, just big.
 
My advice would be to see if there are any local stores near you, like Fry's Electronics or Micro Center and just go shop for one... maybe one is on clearance...
 
Wizekraker said:
Go with bigger case (ATX). Adding more fans isn't going to help much.
Click to expand...

Adding more fans wont help dissipate the heat within the case? Thats about the most redundant thing I have heard all day. XD

Fans will replace the already very warm air inside the case and drag the fresh and cool air from the outside. In a push pull configuration you can get some CPU's (With aftermarket coolers such as the Noctua NH-D14) will perform just as well as a closed loop water cooling solution.

Honestly you will spend the same if not more on fans then you would on a case. Your case doesnt sound like the problem and since you've already dropped money into the case you'll be dropping even more money into another case that will most likely NEED more fans inside. So you're going to end up buying fans eventually. Why not just keep your current case and purchase the right fans for your case?
 
Also - If he is going the CASE route

Make sure your suggestions for cases allow for the use of MICRO ATX motherboards. Not all cases can use every size of motherboard available. :)
 
Cloakedsphere said:
Adding more fans wont help dissipate the heat within the case? Thats about the most redundant thing I have heard all day. XD

Fans will replace the already very warm air inside the case and drag the fresh and cool air from the outside. In a push pull configuration you can get some CPU's (With aftermarket coolers such as the Noctua NH-D14) will perform just as well as a closed loop water cooling solution.

Honestly you will spend the same if not more on fans then you would on a case. Your case doesnt sound like the problem and since you've already dropped money into the case you'll be dropping even more money into another case that will most likely NEED more fans inside. So you're going to end up buying fans eventually. Why not just keep your current case and purchase the right fans for your case?
Click to expand...

What Im saying it wont make significant difference, If everything is already cramped inside mini ATX. He is better of getting bigger case.
 
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