Easiest to build in cases?

[SchumannFrequency]

Easy-to-use cases:

Zalman P30 black, Zalman S3, Zalman Z10, Fractal North, Antec P120 Crystal, Antec VSK 10 WINDOW, AZZA OBSIDIAN 270, AZZA ARC 241, Lian Li O11 Vision, Lian Li Lancool-205 series, InWin N127, InWin A5, InWin 315, InWin 805i

 

[AusWolf]

I can’t stand big cases, so much wasted space

I couldn't agree more. Unless you want to fill it up with expansion cards, a big case is completely pointless.

 

[Belfaborac]

I like a big case, hence it's not pointless. QED.

 

[kapone32]

I couldn't agree more. Unless you want to fill it up with expansion cards, a big case is completely pointless.

It is all about opinion but I agree that it makes no sense if the only x16 slot you fill is the GPU. Especially with M2 drives there is not really a need for all the cabling space.

 

[TPCEA]

I couldn't agree more. Unless you want to fill it up with expansion cards, a big case is completely pointless.

Big cases allow better airflow...

 

[wNotyarD]

I'm personally interested in building my next rig using a Lancool 216. Everything I've seen of it points to a great and easy-to-use case.

Aside from spaciousness, do any of these cases have features built-in to make it easier to build and change things (e.g. sliding/removable mobo plate, customizable features)? If so, what?

The 216 has a removable top bracket and rotatable backpanels: motherboard, so you can set it lower or higher; slots, for vertical mounting.

 

[freeagent]

Big cases allow better airflow...

You mean, you need more airflow in a big case, right?

 

[kapone32]

You mean, you need more airflow in a big case, right?

One of my favourite cases for Airflow is the Cooler Master HAF XB. I think you can even still buy it on Amazon.

 

[maxfly]

You'd be amazed at how small a big case looks after it's been filled with wcing gear.

 

[freeagent]

You'd be amazed at how small a big case looks after it's been filled with wcing gear.

That is the only reason to have a big case imo, you actually need the real estate. Seeing a big case with modest fans and a medium heatsink just looks.. wrong.

Edit:

I need a big case to run my OC Formula, so I still have my R4. But it might fit in my Torrent C, but I will never know

 

[Devon68]

side from spaciousness, do any of these cases have features built-in to make it easier to build and change things (e.g. sliding/removable mobo plate, customizable features)?

Be Quiet Silent Base 802 was my second option when I was debating between it and the Corsair 5000D

 

[kapone32]

Be Quiet Silent Base 802 was my second option when I was debating between it and the Corsair 5000D

The Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 is the most cavernous Case I have used. It is also a Watercooling dream.

 

[nomdeplume]

You mean, you need more airflow in a big case, right?

Sir, you've misspelled RGB and diagnostic screens.

As someone using a mATX case taller and deeper than most ATX. With a low profile air cooler installed. In most instances the two stock fans would suffice. Turning on the natural A/C would allow removing everything but cpu cooler fan and never triggering the GPU fans into action.

It seems to me small cases are where you always need more airflow. Always!

Seeing a big case with modest fans and a medium heatsink just looks.. wrong.

Majority of case heat that needs to be dispersed is from the GPU. Having a big case with entire top half jammed tighter than ITX is IMO the far worse look (sound/overall airflow). The exception being peak of efficiency and cooling that is a ported HP Z Workstation. Even they have a bit of struggle with powerful GPU.

Maximizing amount of free space surrounding a large GPU can be a solid option with lots of flexibility to adjust cooling. IF rear mounted mobo cabling w/ 90° connectors takes off it would allow PSU to have side mounts. Opening up front basement of cases for GPU to suck air from in NVMe (most SSD mounting options) systems.

 

[dgianstefani]

2000D Corsair is very easy.

Any SFF case that has removable panels is simpler to build in than the obese ATX cases.

Cable management is easier too, and the parts are faster since shorter traces.

 

[TPCEA]

I'm personally interested in building my next rig using a Lancool 216. Everything I've seen of it points to a great and easy-to-use case.


The 216 has a removable top bracket and rotatable backpanels: motherboard, so you can set it lower or higher; slots, for vertical mounting.

It is interesting. I'm drawn to the InWin ModFree but I'm not sure if I'm ready for that investment right now.

You mean, you need more airflow in a big case, right?

That, too.

It seems to me small cases are where you always need more airflow. Always!

True.

2000D Corsair is very easy.

Any SFF case that has removable panels is simpler to build in than the obese ATX cases.

Cable management is easier too, and the parts are faster since shorter traces.

Sure, as long as you make sure to buy stuff with short cables instead of spaghetti everywhere.

 

[AusWolf]

One of my favourite cases for Airflow is the Cooler Master HAF XB. I think you can even still buy it on Amazon.

That's a good-looking case, I admit. I just don't have any use case for the thousands of expansion slots.

 

[kapone32]

That's a good-looking case, I admit. I just don't have any use case for the thousands of expansion slots.

I hear you but you should see how this case performs with an Air cooler. The fact that you can put a 200mm fan on the top draws the heat out quite nicely. You can actually remove them and install a 240mm AIO on the bottom but the fact that you can easily fit a 280mm on the front top is the best feature. That provides so much air flow that it is the best cooling case in my inventory. It only fails at Water cooling but you don't buy a case of this size for WC.

 

[AusWolf]

I hear you but you should see how this case performs with an Air cooler. The fact that you can put a 200mm fan on the top draws the heat out quite nicely.

That sounds quite useful, considering that removing GPU heat is the most common heat-related issue one faces these days.

 

[67Elco]

I have a Montech King 95 on the way...may be worth considering.

 

[TPCEA]

I have a Montech King 95 on the way...may be worth considering.

What about it makes you feel that way?

 

[Night]

If you wish easier access to components, you should opt for a "bigger" mid-tower or maybe even full tower, lots of room there, and loads of fan options. My old CoolerMaster HAF XM was a breeze to work with, you can freely work and access all of the components. I'm not really sure what the equivalent of such case would be these days. It was considered a mid tower, but it was more of a full than mid sized.

 

[dgianstefani]

Any case where you can take all the panels off, sandwich cases are great for cooling and access.

 

[67Elco]

What about it makes you feel that way?

Check them out online and you will see the benefit.

 

[TPCEA]

If you wish easier access to components, you should opt for a "bigger" mid-tower or maybe even full tower, lots of room there, and loads of fan options. My old CoolerMaster HAF XM was a breeze to work with, you can freely work and access all of the components. I'm not really sure what the equivalent of such case would be these days. It was considered a mid tower, but it was more of a full than mid sized.

I have the Corsair 5000x, which is a fairly large mid-tower, and I agree that it helps... except for certain challenges, like when your AIO tubes are too short to reach where you want to mount it.

 

[P4-630]

But.. Meshify C can move hella CFM's

A little air flow

Noctua iPPC, Meshify C, Thermalright FC140

youtube.com

Hmmm, not good enough, I'm still missing an exhaust fan!..