Case Input

Ferret_Style · Feb 5, 2009, 02:44 AM

Currently i am running a Antec 900 with all scyth 120 fans on a controler and noticing that my system is running hot by the second vidoe card, which is placed right near the power supply due to design of the case with about 1/2 inch of clearance. I have been running this for a while but i find i need to install more Hard drives for a project and the system i know will start to over heat. Bellow are my specs of my system and any input would be great. I would prefer a lighter case incase i have to move it but would take good cooling over weight.

My current Specs are:
Q9550 Quad Core Intel
Asus Rampage Formula
2 x Sapphire Toxic HD4850 (the over clocked ones with the VF7900s)
PC power and cooling 750W
3 x Seagate Barracuda 7900.11 500gb (raid 5)
2 x Seagate Barracuda 7900.9 80g (raid 0)

The other issue with the antec 900 is lack of space for cable management.

Mac Daddy · Feb 5, 2009, 03:05 AM

The best case I have tested or used to date is the NZXT Tempest. Roomy, lots of airflow and an excellent cable management system for around 100USD

NZXT. Products.

OldBuzzard · Feb 5, 2009, 03:28 AM

In a low cost mid-tower, the Cooler Master CM 690 (69.99 on Newegg)would work. It has enough room to fit everything you have, and plenty of options for extra fans, and 'decent' provisions for cable management. It puts the PSU at the bottom of the case which helps. Since you have the Antec 900 though, you might not like the styling, since it's pretty 'plain'.

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews/..._690/index.php

More in line with the 900's styling, if that's important, would be the Cooler Master HAF 932 (149.99 on Newegg). Full tower, a bit more $$ than the CM 690, GREAT cooling, and very good for cable management.

Cooler Master - Ultimate provider of Computer Chassis | Cooler | Power Supply

Ferret_Style · Feb 5, 2009, 05:59 AM

For me looks is not terribly important. I do like the look of the 900 but i bough it due to what i though would be really good airflow. While i am sure it is for some systems, mine due to the amount of hard drives and cabling makes it less so.

The NZXT looks nice but i have never heard of the brand... how is the quality?

With regards to the cooler master.... i had alot of problems in the past with their products for some reason. I would love to keep using 120 mm fans as i have 4 scyth high airflow, low noise fans that i love.

The last consideration for me would be something a little lighter then the 900 if possible, but not replacing weight for quality. The antec fully loaded for me is close to 65 pounds ... or atleast if feels that way.

funny i totally forgot to say the budget!

I want to keep it around 200 ish USD

Mac Daddy · Feb 5, 2009, 12:42 PM

I have a Coolermaster CM690 here as well under my desk running my secondary system. For the difference of about 30 dollars here are the differences I have noted between it and the Tempest.

1) The Tempest comes with 2x140mm and 4x120mm fans installed the CM690 comes with 3x120mm.

2) The positioning of the side fan locations on the CM690 make it almost impossible to use the top side fan with an aftermarket CPU cooler

3) If your planning on swapping cards and stuff on a regular basis the CM690's side panel is the worst piece of engineering I have ever seen I dread removing and replacing it.

4) With the same system installed the Tempest runs from 5-8C cooler ambient

Ferret_Style · Feb 5, 2009, 02:31 PM

Ahh ok then the Cooler master is definately out a i have a large zalman CPU fan / Heat sink that is love and it is good size.

CPU fan : Newegg.com - ZALMAN CNPS9700 LED 110mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

Hmmm so the Tempest sounds intresting for the price... the only question is the quality as i do not know the quality. Also are Laim Li worth the price? I have heard good things from friends.

OldBuzzard · Feb 5, 2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac Daddy

... 3) If your planning on swapping cards and stuff on a regular basis the CM690's side panel is the worst piece of engineering I have ever seen I dread removing and replacing it. ...

You know, that has always puzzled me. I see that a lot, but I've never had a problem with the side cover on mine. I just put a finger or two under the raised part, give it a slight tug, and it comes right off.

I can't speaketo the top fan/clearance issue, as I water cool, and don't have one of those huge HSFs cluttering up the inside of my case

Matth · Feb 5, 2009, 05:39 PM

Interesting, a case where the "PSU low" design backfires - also not helped by the card desgn, a dual slot cooler with no additional venting.

For that position, you either need a well placed side panel fan, or a cooler that fits over the slot area.
Zalman Overhead Fan Bracket Assembly BR123 - looks a rather fragile way to hold a fan, by only a single fitting.

The other way would be a slot cooler, but with two dual slot card, finding a useful placement could be a problem.

Vikingod · Feb 5, 2009, 05:49 PM

I did a review of the Tempest a while ago, check that out in the review section. I still use the case. An update: while the case cools very well, it has become increasingly louder as time has gone on. That, and the front panel (usb and power buttons) has begun to recess a bit, so periodically I have to take the side off and pop it back in. Other than that, it's a pretty solid case.

Ferret_Style · Feb 5, 2009, 08:33 PM

From what i am hearing the tempest seems to be the only case that fits the bill for my needs... As for noise... well i will replace all the stock fans with Scyth fans eventually as i have falling in love with them. I currently have 4 120 high airflow low noise and a fan controller that i will use in the new case. With the price of the tempest case i can afford to buy more of the scyth fans to keep the noise down.

How heavy is the case fully loads? Also with 5 hard drives does it restrict airflow too much?

Viking,
I read the review and it is part of the reason i am considering the case as i had never heard of the brand but i trust the opions from people here on DH. Been here so long i have never been given bad hardware advice.

OldBuzzard · Feb 6, 2009, 12:13 AM

When it comes to cases, I'm a SHAMELESS Cooler Master fanboi.

However, NZXT cases do get good reviews. They seem to be quality cases, and well worth looking at.

Mac Daddy · Feb 6, 2009, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferret_Style

From what i am hearing the tempest seems to be the only case that fits the bill for my needs... As for noise... well i will replace all the stock fans with Scyth fans eventually as i have falling in love with them. I currently have 4 120 high airflow low noise and a fan controller that i will use in the new case. With the price of the tempest case i can afford to buy more of the scyth fans to keep the noise down.

How heavy is the case fully loads? Also with 5 hard drives does it restrict airflow too much?

Viking,
I read the review and it is part of the reason i am considering the case as i had never heard of the brand but i trust the opions from people here on DH. Been here so long i have never been given bad hardware advice.

You will actually find the NZXT fans very quiet and as far as reliability I am set to review my 3rd case from them and have yet to have a single fan fail.

Another couple of notes on the 690 I forgot:

1) Using an aftermarket cooler you are also going to lose the use of your rear top fan. (Tempest top fans are recessed)

2) Using a video card with a large cooler such as my Accelero modded 9600GT you will also have to remove the bottom side fan.

As for the weight it weighs 11.2Kg without a PSU so it's not a lightweight. I figure I am about 20Kg or 40 pounds with my system installed but don't have scales here. On the HD's each 4 HD bay contains a 120mm intake fan so can't see that being a restriction for airflow .. a total of 8 HD's

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldBuzzard

You know, that has always puzzled me. I see that a lot, but I've never had a problem with the side cover on mine. I just put a finger or two under the raised part, give it a slight tug, and it comes right off.

I can't speaketo the top fan/clearance issue, as I water cool, and don't have one of those huge HSFs cluttering up the inside of my case

On the side panel it has always been a PITA here perhaps mine has a flaw or something? I am not really sure but lining up all those stupid tabs and stuff sure makes me want the NZXT method. Lock it into the tab of the front of the case and set it into place no sliding.

On the noise after time mentioned I have been running this rig 24/7 since I received the sample last summer and not one squeak or rattle.

Ferret_Style · Feb 6, 2009, 12:45 AM

For me having a 900 the coolermaster looks very similar to the design issues. I really like the design of the tempest. The size and room for the fans seems good for airflow and cleanliness. I do have the toxic version of the HD4850 from sapphire with VF7900 so the cards are not small so they need room. THe spacing from the review seems to show more room then my current antec 900 and with the weight difference of about 10 lbs fromt he 900 it will be lghter for me! I will regardless replace the 4 120mm fans with the scyth ones to make it even quieter. I really like te non color fans to make it more suttle.

Mac Daddy · Feb 6, 2009, 01:08 AM

I have the Diamond Viper 4870 here and no issues on clearance on all 3 viddy slots here on this ASUS mobo. Even the Accelero modded 9600GT clears the Tempest side fan with no issues and this is due to the tapered design. The case is tapered from front to rear allowing a lot of room for expansion on the mobo.

I noted in another thread a question regarding length of the GTX295. Well either HD bay is removable on the Tempest and givin the proximity of the PCI-Ex16 slots on most mobo's removal of the top HD bay will allow the maximum width of the case length

On the fans always a preference

Feb 5, 2009, 03:05 AM	#2
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 79 System Specs	Re: Case Input The best case I have tested or used to date is the NZXT Tempest. Roomy, lots of airflow and an excellent cable management system for around 100USD NZXT. Products. __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Feb 5, 2009, 03:28 AM	#3
OldBuzzard DH's oldest Geek Join Date: May 2003 Location: Oberlin, OH Posts: 2,783 Rep Power: 145 System Specs	Re: Case Input In a low cost mid-tower, the Cooler Master CM 690 (69.99 on Newegg)would work. It has enough room to fit everything you have, and plenty of options for extra fans, and 'decent' provisions for cable management. It puts the PSU at the bottom of the case which helps. Since you have the Antec 900 though, you might not like the styling, since it's pretty 'plain'. http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews/..._690/index.php More in line with the 900's styling, if that's important, would be the Cooler Master HAF 932 (149.99 on Newegg). Full tower, a bit more $$ than the CM 690, GREAT cooling, and very good for cable management. Cooler Master - Ultimate provider of Computer Chassis \| Cooler \| Power Supply __________________ When looking for a reason as to why things go wrong, never rule out sheer STUPIDITY

Feb 5, 2009, 12:42 PM	#5
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 79 System Specs	Re: Case Input I have a Coolermaster CM690 here as well under my desk running my secondary system. For the difference of about 30 dollars here are the differences I have noted between it and the Tempest. 1) The Tempest comes with 2x140mm and 4x120mm fans installed the CM690 comes with 3x120mm. 2) The positioning of the side fan locations on the CM690 make it almost impossible to use the top side fan with an aftermarket CPU cooler 3) If your planning on swapping cards and stuff on a regular basis the CM690's side panel is the worst piece of engineering I have ever seen I dread removing and replacing it. 4) With the same system installed the Tempest runs from 5-8C cooler ambient __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Feb 5, 2009, 05:39 PM	#8
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	Re: Case Input Interesting, a case where the "PSU low" design backfires - also not helped by the card desgn, a dual slot cooler with no additional venting. For that position, you either need a well placed side panel fan, or a cooler that fits over the slot area. Zalman Overhead Fan Bracket Assembly BR123 - looks a rather fragile way to hold a fan, by only a single fitting. The other way would be a slot cooler, but with two dual slot card, finding a useful placement could be a problem. __________________ Mary had a little lamb, Her father shot it dead Now Mary takes her lamb to school, Between two crusts of bread

Feb 5, 2009, 05:49 PM	#9
Vikingod Int'l Fish Liaison Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: By the light of lamp I sit and type... Posts: 16,197 Rep Power: 112 System Specs	Re: Case Input I did a review of the Tempest a while ago, check that out in the review section. I still use the case. An update: while the case cools very well, it has become increasingly louder as time has gone on. That, and the front panel (usb and power buttons) has begun to recess a bit, so periodically I have to take the side off and pop it back in. Other than that, it's a pretty solid case.

Feb 6, 2009, 12:13 AM	#11
OldBuzzard DH's oldest Geek Join Date: May 2003 Location: Oberlin, OH Posts: 2,783 Rep Power: 145 System Specs	Re: Case Input When it comes to cases, I'm a SHAMELESS Cooler Master fanboi. However, NZXT cases do get good reviews. They seem to be quality cases, and well worth looking at. __________________ When looking for a reason as to why things go wrong, never rule out sheer STUPIDITY

Feb 6, 2009, 01:08 AM	#14
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 79 System Specs	Re: Case Input I have the Diamond Viper 4870 here and no issues on clearance on all 3 viddy slots here on this ASUS mobo. Even the Accelero modded 9600GT clears the Tempest side fan with no issues and this is due to the tapered design. The case is tapered from front to rear allowing a lot of room for expansion on the mobo. I noted in another thread a question regarding length of the GTX295. Well either HD bay is removable on the Tempest and givin the proximity of the PCI-Ex16 slots on most mobo's removal of the top HD bay will allow the maximum width of the case length On the fans always a preference __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen