Choosing a (cheap) gaming case

[Pob255]

Yes it'll fit in the z3

[Ttaskmaster]

Should've mentioned the CPU, sorry!
It's going to be an FX-8320/8350.

With something like that (which, to me, is pretty expensive), I'd get the best cooler I could to take care of it. I usually save up and buy higher end, rather than getting just whatever I could afford at the time. That also means I get something that does everything I want, instead of whatever will merely suffice, which is always a good feeling!

[jimbob9713]

I agree on the 'not-skimping-out' attitude, but
a) there's a limited budget on this particular build,
b) there's no OC and
c) The temperature difference between a £20 cooler and a £60 cooler will be smaller, or similar to the difference between stock and the £20 cooler.

I've got a NH-D14 on my main rig (for a 3770k), but this is for someone else who's trying to get a solid gaming rig, while not spending a penny more than necessary!

Edit: If you look at the graph here,
from stock --> TX3, it's 28C difference (for £16)
from TX3 --> NH-D14, it's 9C difference (for £44 more!).
On another note... Is that graph right? Howcome the Hyper 212 EVO is way-ahead of so many higher-end coolers? I knew it was always meant to be great value/£ but not that great, right?

[jimbob9713]

What would you (by that I mean anyone ) choose out of the Z3 Plus or the Cooler Master Elite 431 Plus??

I know for the price of the 431 Plus I could get a 200R, but I can get it from a friend for £30.

Z3 Plus has cable management holes which I like, but I've read in one or two places that it's built "cheaply", but it looks fine to me, so I'm unsure.

Edit: I've read some of the comments on PCPartPicker about the Elite 431 Plus. While all the reviews say it's built well/nicely, the lack of cable management does sound a problem, so I'm going to stick with the Z3 Plus. (any comments suggesting alternatives would be welcome).

[Pob255]

I'm not a big fan of the 431 esp at the normal £45-50 price tag, but for £30 that's not a bad option