PC Case Dilemma...

[JonC]

If you don't mind an "unconventional" case the best you can get for cooling is the Aerocool Strike X - Air. It's quite a big case, bigger than it looks in photos, but because it's open it doesn't hold heat. The big fan on top is very quiet and you can fit any MOBO you like in there. It's also designed with watercooling in mind and has a bracket for radiator at the back, mine is currently holding a 360x60mm Alphacool rad. Because there is no heat retention all fan speeds can be turned right down and it is virtually silent.

[outwar6010]

Is it very quiet? I was a put-off Coolermaster cases after previously having a Stacker which sounded like it'd take off!

I've looked at many youtube reviews and nobody has highlighted any issues with the noise levels. I think it should be somewhat quiet not sure about very quiet lol. Im picking it most in early January so I can let you know then.

[MrJim]

I've looked at many youtube reviews and nobody has highlighted any issues with the noise levels. I think it should be somewhat quiet not sure about very quiet lol. Im picking it most in early January so I can let you know then.

Thanks, I'll be interested to hear what you think I saw a video review on Kitguru, which was mostly positive but thought it was a bit expensive for what it offered. I don't think it has any sound dampening, does it?

[outwar6010]

It doesn't have sound dampening but I'm pretty sure setups with that stuff have higher temps. You do have a higher end system so it might be worth looking into how it effects such setups.

[MrJim]

If you don't mind an "unconventional" case the best you can get for cooling is the Aerocool Strike X - Air. It's quite a big case, bigger than it looks in photos, but because it's open it doesn't hold heat. The big fan on top is very quiet and you can fit any MOBO you like in there. It's also designed with watercooling in mind and has a bracket for radiator at the back, mine is currently holding a 360x60mm Alphacool rad. Because there is no heat retention all fan speeds can be turned right down and it is virtually silent.

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll definitely take a look at it

[MrJim]

It doesn't have sound dampening but I'm pretty sure setups with that stuff have higher temps. You do have a higher end system so it might be worth looking into how it effects such setups.

I tend to dynamically overclock, and even then only overclock to a moderate degree. My current system is set to range between 1.6Ghz and 4.4Ghz depending on the CPU load, so temps aren't usually a problem even though my current case has sound dampening panels.

[Noxvayl]

Sound>Cooling performance>Case looks

In that order. I prefer to take well insulated and very low noise cases and make them perform better because you can't go the other way around. Hence my interest in the FT02.

I currently have the Corsair 550D, which is exceptionally quiet. I've modded mine to take water cooling. Have fitted a 60mm wide 240mm radiator to the front and love the silence the case offers. Worth a look if Silence is your preference rather than the water cooler you mentioned earlier in the thread.

[herooftime796]

I'd personally recommend the obsidian series 750D. for an obsidian and full tower its rather inexpensive, there's plenty of room to play with and its great for both air and watercooling. plenty of easy cable routing and other installation features and tons of drive bays if you need them.

[Noxvayl]

So what did you do with your upgrade MrJim?

I am in the process of setting my PC upgrade budget and purchasing my new stuff. Your case is number one thing on my mind right now so thought I'd find out what route you took for your upgrade.

[MrJim]

So what did you do with your upgrade MrJim?

I am in the process of setting my PC upgrade budget and purchasing my new stuff. Your case is number one thing on my mind right now so thought I'd find out what route you took for your upgrade.

I actually decided to postpone the upgrade of my main PC for the time being, as it does pretty much everything I need of it. I did decide to upgrade my secondary PC to a 4690K processor though, as I already had a Z87 motherboard & DDR3 ram lying around unused. If I do upgrade the FT-02 in the future though, I'll definitely let you know

[TechZilla]

Fractal design define r5 without the window. that is very quiet and can fit a 280MM radiator.