Case recommendation?

[jhammer569]

Here are the components:
MB = ASUS P5Q-E
CPU = Intel Q9550
CPU HSF = ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm
GPU = 2 Sapphire 100237L Radeon HD 3650's
Mem = 2x2GB DDR2-800 Mushkin
HD = 2 x WD 640gb hard drives
PSU = CORSAIR 550VX
OTHER = TEAC Floppy drive; Possibly 1 internal DVD-RW

Usage:
-No games or OC'ing
-Home video editing
-Trade for a living across 3 LCD's
-Basic web/email/etc.

I don't plan on changing much around once I get it all together, it should last me at least around 5 years without much changes (maybe down the road I'd add 1 more Hard drive or something). I don't need an overkill case, just relatively quiet if possible, relatively cool (temp.), and able to fit all the above comfortably w/ cable ties & stuff. See-through side panel would be a plus, but no biggie.

I read the FAQ at the General Hardware forum and it stated the CoolerMaster 690 w/ stock fans is a good mid-range tower, so I guess that's my basis for comparison...

Also, do I need to purchase/add dust filters for the intake fans? How?

 

[shingletingle]

Antec 1200

Thread done.

 

[RallyMaster]

Pretty much every single Antec case I've come across has shortcomings that make them worthless to me. I would say you go for either the CM690 or if you're daring, an even smaller CM534. The more fans you have, the noisier it becomes. I am currently running an Opteron 165 + 6800GS inside a CM534 and I'd have to say I like that much better than my E7200 + HD4850 inside the CM590.

 

[jhammer569]

thread not done, you are obviously kidding....

 

[jhammer569]

One thing about the CM690 after looking closer is the ports are on the top which stinks because it goes under my desk and it'll be a pain to plug things into the top of the unit.

I'm looking at the COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW, that has all the ports in the front....any opinion on that vs. maybe the Antec 300? I think the CM690 may be a bit too large for my needs?

 

[RallyMaster]

The Centurion 5 employs a 80mm fan in the front of the case, which IMO is not enough if you're using that for cooling a bunch of hard drives and maybe a video card as well. The 690 does have those top ports, which definitely broke the deal for me. The Antec 300 is a very barebones model of a case. Its internals are very simple and have no screwless mechanisms at all compared to the Cooler Master cases. I compared the 300 to the CM590 and ended up with a 590 in my computer room. I would suggest taking a look at the CM 534 if the CM590 does not suit you.

 

[Zepper]

I'd also suggest taking a look at the Rosewill R-5600 series. Well over 90% of what most users need in a case for a nice low price. See my review here: http://www.techimo.com/reviews...roduct.php?product=431 ... The R5605 is my current fave and is at a good price right now (only lacks a reset button, but that's easy to resolve if necessary - the other versions all have one). I like the 5601 too (it reminds me a bit of the Firefly craft from the Firefly TV series & movie just as the 5604 reminds me of the spacer craft from the original Dune movie) but it has a dedicated floppy bay which may not affect you as you plan to use a floppy drive. You may need to remove the FD's faceplate and/or eject button to fit to the panel as has to be done with many cases with dedicated bays. Hard to find a sturdier case with more features and room (11" of card space), while taking up less space than these. Mine had decent cooling as delivered too. Note that all the R5600s have 5-egg ratings. Not easy to find in this price range.
. The Rosewill R6A and R6X models are also good choices for folks not using long vid cards as they don't have quite the room of the R5600s and for those models with a door, they don't have the clearance behind the door that the R5600s do. You don't list anything that needs the space, but a fan controller might be on your agenda for the future... I do like the "normal" orientation of the HDD rack on the R6As, but on the R6As you do have to remove the whole rack to add/remove HDDs (luckily that's a one thumbscrew job). Most of those have a 5-egg rating too. Few if any of the other Rosewill cases are made as well as these except the new Conqueror models which are the same as the Silverstone PS01, and are on special right now too.

Good luck on your build.

.bh.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

I agree with Zepper and RallyMaster.

 

[jhammer569]

Ok, been reading ALL the reviews on the CM 534, CM 590, and the Rosewill Conqueror (can't find the 5605 for sale anywhere, incl. newegg so that's out).

Rosewill seems nice overall except for the flimsy front from what I hear and the ports on the top (which knocked out the CM690 for me). So I'm leaning towards not getting it because of the ports mainly.

So I guess it's the CM 534 vs. CM 590. I've read complaints about PSU placement on the 590...but it's tough to decide between the two cases...

Rally, what made you choose the 590 vs. the 534? Judging by my component list, would either be enough space for me?

Once everything is installed, I'll probably never open the case again unless something goes wrong...can you offer any last help on this one? Tnx.

 

[RallyMaster]

Originally posted by: jhammer569
Here are the components:
MB = ASUS P5Q-E
CPU = Intel Q9550
CPU HSF = ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm
GPU = 2 Sapphire 100237L Radeon HD 3650's
Mem = 2x2GB DDR2-800 Mushkin
HD = 2 x WD 640gb hard drives
PSU = CORSAIR 550VX
OTHER = TEAC Floppy drive; Possibly 1 internal DVD-RW

Usage:
-No games or OC'ing
-Home video editing
-Trade for a living across 3 LCD's
-Basic web/email/etc.

Alright, let's start with your CPU. Your CPU will be a 45nm chip which means it shouldn't run that hot (even if it is a quad). If you employ the standard Intel cooler, you'll even be able to use the duct that comes with the CM534 which will continuously feed a direct line of cool air into the CPU given that the side duct lines up with your cooler. However, seeing how you chose a F7P, that should fit fine anyway and will do perfectly fine. I've seen a Q6600 run passively with the Scythe Ninja so given that you don't full load all four cores all the time, you'd do very well with the F7P.

Your two video cards should be adequately cooled given that you mount a 120mm fan up front near the hard drives. If you're not intending on getting any more hard drives other than those double 640s, I don't see why you would need a bigger case than the 534.

If you would like extra cooling (especially if you're using the tower cooler idea), you might want to try obtaining a Scythe Kama Bay or a similar product to mount inside the bottom three 5.25" bays. It essentially is a 120mm that blows air into your case.

The VX550 will fit perfectly fine within both the 590 and the 534. There are really no fitment issues related to the 590 because it fits PSUs both ways (intake fan can face up or down but recommended is that it faces down).

If you're looking for a simple, clean and quiet case, the 534 is easily the better choice. You won't need filters in the front of the case because it includes a small bit of filtering in the front bezel (you won't really be able to fit any in the first place). The 590 comes with craptacular filters that let dust in. If you get either case, you should probably open up your case every three months or so just to clean out dust if you find any.

 

[xObliviousx]

If you're considering the Antec 900, I'd just go with the Antec 300 and modify it...I've added customer coolers and fans and the temperatures are better than my old 900..I also can't stand the eerir LED lights of the Antec 900.

But the Antec 1200 is a great case too if you don't mind having a large full tower case and paying for it.

 

[Zepper]

Rosewill R5605-BK

.bh.

 

[CDC Mail Guy]

I love my Antec 900. And to actually make a suggestion instead of a statement, I will suggest it for your use.

 

[RallyMaster]

Why does everyone (except a select few) recommend the Antec gaming cases even for applications that DON'T have gaming aspirations?

 

[jhammer569]

Looked at the 5605, tnx for link, but i think i'll go w/ the 534, tnx rally.

one last few questions specific to the 534:
-I'll add a fan to the front like you suggest, I still can load the 5.25" bays in front of the fan though right?
-Will I have room to add a fan controller for the 3 fans given my above list?
-Finally, if I DO decide to add just 1 more hard drive, given my above component list, would it fit? You seem to indicate it wouldn't? That's probably the only change I'd ever make down the road.

I'd like to order EVERYTHING today to get all the (by aug. 31st) rebates, tnx!!!

 

[jhammer569]

Forget the above, I changed my mind, and yes, this is final. I'm buying the 590. It's got plenty of room so I should have no worries, there are a lot more people who bought that vs. the 534, so that's probably a good thing, and it should be easy to place in the fans, etc... It should give me everything I need and I'll just have the PSU fan going down like you suggest.

My ONLY questions is it comes with a front & rear fan, should I go ahead & add an exhaust 120mm for the top? And is there a link to somewhere that shows you how to add a reset button? Is it easy? And will just about any fan controller do (for the front/rear & top that I'll add), so 3 control dials?

Tnx finally. Gonna order once I get a reply, if no reply, I'll order after the market closes today anyway.l

 

[RallyMaster]

Originally posted by: jhammer569
Forget the above, I changed my mind, and yes, this is final. I'm buying the 590. It's got plenty of room so I should have no worries, there are a lot more people who bought that vs. the 534, so that's probably a good thing, and it should be easy to place in the fans, etc... It should give me everything I need and I'll just have the PSU fan going down like you suggest.

My ONLY questions is it comes with a front & rear fan, should I go ahead & add an exhaust 120mm for the top? And is there a link to somewhere that shows you how to add a reset button? Is it easy? And will just about any fan controller do (for the front/rear & top that I'll add), so 3 control dials?

Tnx finally. Gonna order once I get a reply, if no reply, I'll order after the market closes today anyway.l

I own both the 590 and the 534 and I'll really have to say the 590 is overkill. I sealed up the rear 120mm exhaust because I've placed two fans at the top of the case. I have not added a reset button to my 590 since I barely use that computer anyway. I do not utilize a fan controller because the included fans with the 590 as well as the Yate Loon D12SL-12s that I added are quiet enough to run at full speed.

Regarding the quesitons on the 534: You can use two 5.25" bays even if you put in a Scythe Kama Bay. The Kama Bay takes up three 5.25"s. There is enough space to place four hard drives inside the 534 unless you get a 4-in-3 hard drive cage such as this one: http://www.directron.com/stb3t4e3gp.html . It will 1. allow you to store four more hard drives and 2. give you a 120mm fan inside your 5.25" bays.

 

[jhammer569]

I think I'm all ready to go now. You've been a tremendous help, thanks for taking all the time, take care!

 

[Zepper]

The Kama Bay is a ridiculously expensive way to add a front fan plus the included fan is a weak-sister that hardly moves any air.

I also don't know why they call it the Centurion 590 as it has no similarity with the Centurion series at all. The 690 and 590 are a series unto themselves.

Go to froogle.com and enter- reset switch -into the search field, reorder the hits from low to high price and you'll find dozens of types. All are the same idea - a normally-open, momentary contact pushbutton switch with a two pin header connector to go on the reset header pins (the first one I saw claimed to be a normally-closed switch, but I KNOW the description is wrong - I've only been doing this stuff for 25+ years). The way to mount it would be obvious from the design you choose. In any case, the idea is simple and the solution is easy whether you get the 590 or the R5605 (which I agree with RM would be a better solution for you than the 590. The 590 and 690 are dust magnets and pretty big for your needs also nigh impossible to block all the extraneous venting to achieve positive pressure - with all that porosity the 590/690 would be perfect for one of those 250mm fans on the left panel. Then you would only need the one other fan to ensure some flow over the HDDs. I would probably mount a compact type behind the front panel with a drilled hole to press the switch with a paper clip, etc.

I don't much care for the regular Centurion series of C-M cases for reasons I've posted before. The main reason is that it's nearly impossible to control the air flow to your own plan on "mesh"-front cases.

.bh.

 

[imaheadcase]

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
The Centurion 5 employs a 80mm fan in the front of the case, which IMO is not enough if you're using that for cooling a bunch of hard drives and maybe a video card as well. The 690 does have those top ports, which definitely broke the deal for me. The Antec 300 is a very barebones model of a case. Its internals are very simple and have no screwless mechanisms at all compared to the Cooler Master cases. I compared the 300 to the CM590 and ended up with a 590 in my computer room. I would suggest taking a look at the CM 534 if the CM590 does not suit you.

The CEntiruion works fine for me, have almost the exact same setup as he does minus the quadcore, but core 2 duo overclocked. Temps are great, the airflow from grilled front makes the smaller casefan in front not noticable.

 

[RallyMaster]

Originally posted by: imaheadcase

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
The Centurion 5 employs a 80mm fan in the front of the case, which IMO is not enough if you're using that for cooling a bunch of hard drives and maybe a video card as well. The 690 does have those top ports, which definitely broke the deal for me. The Antec 300 is a very barebones model of a case. Its internals are very simple and have no screwless mechanisms at all compared to the Cooler Master cases. I compared the 300 to the CM590 and ended up with a 590 in my computer room. I would suggest taking a look at the CM 534 if the CM590 does not suit you.

The CEntiruion works fine for me, have almost the exact same setup as he does minus the quadcore, but core 2 duo overclocked. Temps are great, the airflow from grilled front makes the smaller casefan in front not noticable.

Ah yes, I forgot about the porous front on the Centurion 5. I have a Cavalier 3 myself that is internally the same as the C5 but has no porous front bezel which results in really hot air inside the computer.

 

[Zepper]

To make a reset switch if you can't find a preassembled unit you could use something like this adapter cable/extension (I've seen these for as little as 99 cents)

and cut the header connector (leave an inch or so of wire attached, so you could easily use it to make some other cable) off one end and solder the wires to any SPST momentary, normally open switch of your choice (Radio Schlock carries several). Mounting the switch can be done by drilling a hole, hot glue, double sided foam mounting tape, etc., etc... I'd place it where it couldn't be easily pressed by accident.

While I was deciding what to do, I'd fire a paper letter off to whichever case company you end up with, and ask for their rationale for leaving off the reset switch (we all know it's just saving costs on the parts and assembly, but who knows they may come up with a convincing lie...). I know I still use my reset button all the time and I have a fairly modern (but inexpensive) mobo now. I just had to temporarily reinstall my SCSI stuff and I nearly wore that thing out!

One final note on this: many mobos have optional actions for the power switch settable in the BIOS setup. You can choose between immediate off or immediate reset/then off if you hold it down for some delay (4 sec. is a common delay) and perhaps other options. Personally I would consider having immediate reset to be dangerous on the power switch as they are so exposed, especially if you share your house with ankle munchers. Check your mobo manual for your options (you can usually DL the manual if you don't have the mobo there yet) which will be somewhere in the BIOS setup section.

.bh.

 

[videogames101]

Originally posted by: shingletingle
Antec 1200

Thread done.

not if he wants quiet....

I love my 1200, but it's a high performance case, not a quiet case, like, at all.


It's loud.


(i don't care though, headphones + gaming = can't hear computer at all)