single best case for air cooling

[sabotawj]

i posted this on FS but didnt get a real big response maybe it will do better here.


im lookin to go all out on my case for my new pc as i figure it will outlast anything i put in it. so theres no price limit on this im just lookin for the best.
these are the cases im currently considering...

the U2-UFO and Twice7 from MountainMods.com i'm really leaning toward the U2-UFO ive yet to hear anything bad about it besides how expensive it is

the CM stacker STC-T01 http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811119042

the Stacker 830 http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811119103

the Antec P180 http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811129154

ThermalTake Armor series http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811133154

and the Silverstone TJ07 http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811163060

i MIGHT watercool in the future u never know but it probly wont be anytime soon


let me know what u guys think. thx!

[The Batman]

holy crap, the U2-UFO looks so badass. I would definitely want to see that in action.

How about the Gigabyte 3D Aurora 570? It has 3x120mm fans (2 in the rear). I guess a side fan couldn't hurt too.

[MrDeeds]

The mountain mods cases are just too damn big for me.

The build quality on the thermaltake armor cases is just paltry, the half doors on the front squeek and only the face is aluminum.

I havent seen that silverstone case in person but it looks interesting in reviews. But at that price i would just look at a lian li v2000.

The original stacker vs the stacker 830, the stacker 830 wins everytime. It looks great to me and has more than enough airflow for anybody to be pleased.

Black Stacker 830 is the case to get.

[Anemone]

Stacker 830 and the TJ07 are likely the 2 best. Tops, imo is the TJ07 which is what I went with, however "top" is not too much different between the tippety top that we are talking about here. Design makes a difference as well. For me the 1 weakness of the TJ07 was a bit more upper fresh air on the video card, which I solved by a front 120mm fan,
http://www.xoxide.com/scythe-kama-bay-cooler-black.html

However the Stacker is no slouch and was my second choice except that the thing weighs a ton.

:)

[clokker]

The original stacker vs the stacker 830, the stacker 830 wins everytime.

Black Stacker 830 is the case to get.
I would say just the opposite.
For an all-around (air OR water cooled) case, nothing beats the original T01.
IMO, no case is perfect right out of the box but the original Stacker has the least restrictive and most configurable basic platform from which to start.

If watercooling is a realistic option, the STC-T01 is still the cheapest option but the Silverstone TJ-07 is a very cool second choice, superior in every way to the much overhyped Lian-li V-series.

The P-180 sacrifices everything on the altar of silence and was by far the most difficult build ever. At one point I had a P-180 and a Stacker running side by side with nearly identical hardware and the Antec was a consistent 10C hotter.
At best, all I can say is that the P-180 is quiet.
Watercooling would appear to be far more difficult to shoehorn into it as well.

I know nothing about TT cases.

[M0b1us]

If you want a case that is very quiet dan having good airflow, consider Antec P180:toast:

[TheDro]

Instead of any of the choices you provided, I'd recommend the Silverstone TJ-06, but I am biased since I own one myself. Its much cheaper than the TJ-07, I got mine for $79.99+ tax at Fry's (not a returned item, just pricing error) but the other TJ-06's they had were at $129.99. Again the price for mine was an error, and was the last silver case they had, the others were black. My cpu (E6600 @ stock) idles at 35c and load is 45c (prime95, was curing my AS5) with a Scythe Infinity, its an OEM I purchased back on August 6th, and the IHS is flat, I didn't lap the hsf either.

[Anavel0]

I love my Lian-Li Pc-V1000 Plus II. The V1200 and V2000 are amazing as well.

[Shift]

Don't get a freaking Mountain Mods just for the air cooling. I don't think the UFO is not even worth its price. Get two nice cheap $50 cases, and a dremel and you could make a nice UFO style case while saving hundreds. Look at this thread. (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=114723) Just my :2cents:.

The best case for air cooling in the list is the Stacker 830 hands down. Can fit six 120 mm fans without counting the PSU. Get that for air cooling.

[MrDeeds]

I would say just the opposite.

I've seen what some have done with their original stackers and as far as customization you guys can do alot with that case. I just dont think its as sexy as the 830:p: . I wouldnt consider the 830 though if i were going with water, its kind of cramped in there.

If you are really going with watercooling soon then you need to take a serious look at the lian li v-series. The bottom compartment makes mounting a radiator and pump a much easier task.

[p0tter]

I hated my P180, very cramped.

blue leet ed. stacker ftw (http://svcompucycle.stores.yahoo.net/stc-t01-ubk.html) :)

[begundal]

well i've just bought a 2nd T01 few days ago
too bad couldn't find the blue nor the red one
this case rocks IMO :)

[Timmay]

Orginal Stacker... Can't wait to get my hands on one of them.

[Makubex_GB]

Strictly for air cooling and without modding? Definitely the Stacker 830.

[Serra]

+1 Vote for the original stacker.

One thing to consider about these larger cases is that if you're looking to air cool them, you may find that you don't get as much air movement over the motherboard as you may think. For example, as an experiment I set up a wind speed meter against my motherboard in my Stacker and found that without the side fan on the case, there is very little air movement there compared with everywhere else, and that was with 4x 120mm fans + 3x80mm fans + the PSU. There was movement, but less than I could have gotten from a smaller case because the air coming in was able to go out in more places (and did) and didn't have to go accross the motherboard.

That being said, I am still 100% behind the original Stacker - they made the crossflow fan (which I do not have) for a reason, and realistically I can't think of many people who wouldn't use the side-fan either.

Besides, if you're visiting these forums, chances are sooner or later you're going into liquid cooling or better and will appreciate a larger case like the original Stacker and its ability to hold two power supplies.

A bit of a jumbled rant, but I hope you got my points (or what was left of them).

[derektm]

On the newegg reviews for the stacker 830 it seems like there are issues with the motherboard tray and PCI brackets not aligning.

[smids]

Stacker T01 (original) FTW :D. I have one (blue trim) and it is great. I've done some moding to it ready for my whole new watercooling setup which will have a Thermochill PA120.3 running along the base (and it takes up the whole thing pretty much!). Pictures will be posted when I gather enough money to finally get my CPU and motherboard (only just finished Uni so need a job! :D).

[phelan1777]

best for Air cooling?


No case at all ;-)

Biased, Stacker.

2nd Biased, as mentioned the TJo6, I have one painted total Flat Black, could sell it to you if interested.

Basically we all can vote this or that, and each of use have different experiences. My Stacker thread has a variety of Stackers posted 830, 810 and 01, so figure out what you want to do with it in that alot of stacker useser air cool because the case is very open, I have not seen the 830 up close so I can't vouch for it.

I think the TJ06 is tight for space in comparison, so my .002 Stacker 01/810 for great air flow and number of stock fans, plus potential for modding, 01 for water coolimng as you can use it for IAr cooling, then mod it for water cooling if you want in the future.

[sabotawj]

are there any Lian Li cases that would compete with the stacker's in air flow?
i cant seem to find a whole lot of Lian Li reviews

also the stacker 830 does seem to have a hefty share of bad reviews while the originial stacker has very few, if i chose the originial what mods would i need to do to make it better?

[kimbo]

I vote for the TJ07 or the Stacker 810/830. As far asthetics go, I like the TJ07, it is very sleek and professional looking. Or if you want to pay a little less then look at the STC-T01-UW.

[smids]

I vote for the TJ07 or the Stacker 810/830. As far asthetics go, I like the TJ07, it is very sleek and professional looking. Or if you want to pay a little less then look at the STC-T01-UW.
Correction: Remove the 830 from the 810/830 ;) :p:. The 830 just isn't a good step for the Stacker. I don't know how they went wrong, but they did. I think the focus on aesthetics over functionality really cost them. The 810/T01 are the best Stackers - the 830 if you want looks but less performance. Paying less for the T01 is a good way to go, as it is the same as the 810 but has 2 positions for PSU rather than just the one... although the 810 I think may better as I like the fan positioning on the back.

[sabotawj]

after reading the CM forums and seeing all the posts about the problems with the 830 i think ill take it off my list :( just tons of complaints.
but the black 830 is suppose to be improved alot, i just cant find any reviews for the new black ones. any experiences with it here?

[GWillakers]

Don't just buy a case for the number of fans it can support.

About 4 years ago I built a system around the dual Pentium Xeon,
supermicro P4DC6+

Darn thing turned out to be more noisy than my electric razor,
but a little quieter than the vacuume cleaner.

From then on, paid attention to heat and noise.

There might be better than the Antec P180, but lowered my noise drastically, even with the addition of two extra case fans.

[BigDov]

For maximum air cooling, I'm still really partial to my Chenbro Genie...... I hogged out the front to fit a 170mm fan, a 120 on the side, dual 92's on top, and the 120 and 92 on the back. It was actually pretty balanced airflow

[anodynejd]

Instead of any of the choices you provided, I'd recommend the Silverstone TJ-06, but I am biased since I own one myself. Its much cheaper than the TJ-07, I got mine for $79.99+ tax at Fry's (not a returned item, just pricing error) but the other TJ-06's they had were at $129.99. Again the price for mine was an error, and was the last silver case they had, the others were black. My cpu (E6600 @ stock) idles at 35c and load is 45c (prime95, was curing my AS5) with a Scythe Infinity, its an OEM I purchased back on August 6th, and the IHS is flat, I didn't lap the hsf either.

I agree I use a TJ-06 and it is a wonderful case for air cooling and the price is too good to let go. My brother has a TJ-07 and that is a superb case the build quality is excellent and you can fit a semi truck inside of it. Both of them are very good in regards to air cooling. If you are wanting to go water cooling I highly recommend a Tj-07 you can fit a 3x 120 rad in the bottom and have the hot air go right out the case, unlike the lan-li where if you put a rad in the bottom the heat goes into the rest of the commponents.

The cooler masters look very good for air and also water. I love the edgy looks of the 830 series but I am not a fan of doors on computers. I can't give you any personal experience because I have never owned one. I have seen them in stores and just from opening them and looking around in them I like the build quality of the TJ-07 better. I don't like tooless drive clips.

TT I have never used, but I have set up a friends rig that used a TT Armor. I my self will never buy a product from them as the build sucks major. If you crave an Armor go with cooler master you will not be dissappointed.

From what you are picking as your picks I am guessing that money isn't a big issue. I would say pick up a TJ-06 and use the money saved to put a nice water cooling system in it, but that case makes water cooling kind of hard. My suggestion is to get a TJ-07 and have very nice air cooling with the possiblity to go to a very nice water cooling setup.

[D_o_S]

Lian Li PC343B.

[Vengure]

I'll just say this my black stacker 830 has no issue's and is one of the best air cooling cases period :) I'm a perfectionist so in every product I see things to improve upon but this case is a real gem :D

[sephiroth8748]

I like the Antec P180 for air.

[ReD.SkY]

U2-ufo

Ftuw!

[Phosphate]

holy crap, the U2-UFO looks so badass. I would definitely want to see that in action.

How about the Gigabyte 3D Aurora 570? It has 3x120mm fans (2 in the rear). I guess a side fan couldn't hurt too.

I like the idea of "cubes" like that u2-UFO although I have no personal experience with them. I also need to check out the Gigabyte you mentioned.

Why doesn't the Thermaltake Tai Chi get any love around here?

[SamHughe]

U2-UFO is the best case for air cooling. Period.
My temps went down 10C just for switching to this case from Lian-Li pc7077B. And Lian-Li had excellent ventilation too.
Is it worth paying close to 400 bucks? Thats another story. But, just to answer your question. It's U2-UFO. 9x120mm fans blowing all over. End of the story.

[LagunaX]

A lot of those cases just aren't worth the money. I have an aerocool ExtremEngine3t an it gets plenty of airflow with 2 120mm fans and the 250mm side fan. $100 or $106 depending whether you get the silver or black:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811196021

3 complaints though are:

1) some of the screw linings by the hard drives just don't line up,
2) no removable motherboard or screwless assembly,
3) you can't fit the huge tuniq towers, scythe ninjas, etc. (anything taller than 140mm) inside since the recessed 250mm fan gets in the way. However, a TT Big Typhoon or Zalman CNPS-9500 fit fine.

A cheaper version is the Mio Black Typhoon which does look quite elegant vs. the jet turbine look of the aerocool, $49 or $63 shipped at these 2 sites:

http://www.pctoys.com/840556029120.html
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556029120.html

Again, you can't fit the bigger air HSF's due to the 250mm fan, nor show off the inside of your case with a clear side, but the 250mm fans do add a considerable airflow into the case, especially when it comes to cooling your ram, northbridge, hd, gpu(s), etc. With my old opty 170 oc'ed to 2.9ghz on a DFI lanparty UT SLI-D the smartguardian never alarmed for high temps for my chipsets but when I switch to a thermaltake shark the chipsets did get significantly hotter since the 250mm fan wasn't there. You now can get the 250mm fan for thermaltake but only for the kandalf or other full size towers.

Scythe is coming out with a case housing 2 250mm fans but it is not out yet...

The Enermax Chakra has a 250mm fan also and has screwless installation ($69 plus shipping), while the Enermax Maxflow case has an interesting wind tunnel design (not sure how effective it is though...)

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5053/cst-434/Enermax_Chakra_Mid_Tower_Case_w_250mm_Side_Fan_-_Black_ECA3052-B.html#blank
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5056/cst-437/Enermax_MaxFlow_Full_Tower_Case_-_Black_CSX718B-1.html

[Chura]

no one suggest the New Aurora ?

[sabotawj]

now im stuck between the stacker 810 and the black 830 since its suppose to be improved. >.<

[kimbo]

The only thing I dislike about the Lians is their sharp edges. The thing looks so squared off and the design looks somewhat outdated imo. I have heard alot of good things about the stacker. I checked out the 830 the other day and it looks like a prime candidate for some serious airflow and its built like a tank. =]

[palese]

Who needs a stinking case;)


http://www.highspeedpc.com/Merchant2/graphics/LRG_TD360w.jpg

[Shift]

now im stuck between the stacker 810 and the black 830 since its suppose to be improved. >.<


The Stacker 830 is better for air cooling. Check out this thread for pics of the Stacker
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?p=1695241

A $400 UFO case for air cooling is not worth it, especially since the 830 will give you the same performance.

[mason123]

if u look at this case,
check out!!! maybe u do not konw this brand , but it does not matter, in asia this brand is as famous as lianli for aluminium case.....go to homepage ..then u can see some more amazing aluminium case......
http://www3.soldam.co.jp/case/black_knight/alcadia_xr3/index.html

[mason123]

i think dell xps computer case is also good one ...but it seems u can not buyjust one case from dell...

[starbuck8968]

all stacker versions are roomy and have potential for water due to space

[mason123]

it is a little harder to browse on japanese web,but still find a good one of that manufactory, the name is also cool ...windy jazz.....
http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-11632-X.html

[mason123]

prefer new dell xps case

http://www.techpowerup.com/img/06-05-13/xps4_thm.jpg

http://www.ichigo.se/noterat/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/dellxps.jpg

[irenic]

antec p180 has a very good airflow, i cant say it is the best since i never try the stacker (yet :D) but all i can say my WD sata 2 16mb remains @ 36c full load with this antec.. almost 18c cooler compared to gigabyte 3d aurora :D

[spacemanspliff]

Ufo is just a :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:ing looking case. If I didn't love the borgness of it I would just get a test bed b/c I hate working inside a case. Big ass hands ftw.

[Shift]

prefer new dell xps case

http://www.techpowerup.com/img/06-05-13/xps4_thm.jpg

http://www.ichigo.se/noterat/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/dellxps.jpg

Yea but Dells case is BTX, and no one sells that XPS case.

[spacemanspliff]

just cut and paste the dell case graphic on a thermaltake and voila!

[LagunaX]

The new xclio a380 (2 250mm fans) and antec nine hundred (3 120mm, 1 200mm) atx cases seem quite impressive also, both just arrived at newegg...

[nooh]

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/2708/img0066kv2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The case from the front , its huge and yes that fan is 250mm big , also I found out that its more quite than any fan I have inside , amazing :D

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/8012/img0067az6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Hi all I have done a review of this on a new site , It has a lot of pictures and they are big so I did not do it here. Anyway Its the first revieew of it in silver.

We have just moved websites and this is the new one.

I will have a 7900gs which I will do a short review here if its ok with the mods that is.

Anyway all take care and have a nice day

http://overclock247.com/index.php?board=22.0 New

http://www.day187.f2s.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=21 Old

Without doubt this case for cooling , 29c amazing

[sladesurfer]

Just get a Cooler master centurion 5 and call it a day:D Very good Ventilation:cool:

http://img349.imageshack.us/img349/4829/dscn1616hc6fr6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img349.imageshack.us/img349/9353/dscn1659fn4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/4296/dscn1665do1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Istasi]

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/2708/img0066kv2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The case from the front , its huge and yes that fan is 250mm big , also I found out that its more quite than any fan I have inside , amazing :D

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/8012/img0067az6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Hi all I have done a review of this on a new site , It has a lot of pictures and they are big so I did not do it here. Anyway Its the first revieew of it in silver.

We have just moved websites and this is the new one.

I will have a 7900gs which I will do a short review here if its ok with the mods that is.

Anyway all take care and have a nice day

http://overclock247.com/index.php?board=22.0 New

http://www.day187.f2s.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=21 Old

Without doubt this case for cooling , 29c amazing

That HDD rack looks incredibly restrictive, almost as if it would completely render any benefits of a 250mm fan useless.

[XSAlliN]

Enermax Chakra ATX Case with 250 Fan (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Pagesize=100&Page=1&N=0&Submit=ENE&Nty=1&Description=Enermax+&Ntk=all) for only 70$ ;)

Review (http://www.bigbruin.com/2006/chakra_2) :fact:

[AeroSquid]

I've had a lot of computer cases in the last 10 years. All air cooled I might add. Hands down there is one case that has better airflow and cooling than any other. The CM Stacker with a crossflow fan is unbeatable for air cooling.

[TSXmike]

what about the antec nine hundred?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129021

[Praxis1452]

PC-A10 4 120mm fans in the case. 1 as a blower type exhaust.

1 blowhole intake 1 back fan 1 fron intake 1 blower exhaust.

And it's Lian Li and looks amazing. Only Mid Tower however.

[mason123]

here come the king!!!
Silverstone Temjin TJ09.

http://www.pcper.com/images/reviews/260/silver07.jpg

http://www.pcper.com/images/reviews/260/silver08.jpg

http://www.pcper.com/images/reviews/260/silver09.jpg

[mason123]

PC-A10 4 120mm fans in the case. 1 as a blower type exhaust.

1 blowhole intake 1 back fan 1 fron intake 1 blower exhaust.

And it's Lian Li and looks amazing. Only Mid Tower however.
look at the second harddisk rack position in the middle, it will block the air from the front after u installed a harddisk!!! what's wrong with lianli's designer____?????????????

[mason123]

another low cost case but seems have same effect like silverstone tj 09

Sunbeam Silent strom!!!!under 50$

http://www.sunbeamtech.com/PRODUCTS/silent-storm/images/Silent%20Storm%20SVBK%20body%2001%20(600-450).jpg

http://www.sunbeamtech.com/PRODUCTS/silent-storm/images/BK-ASide-Window.jpg

[mason123]

another amazing product from antec

antec spot cooling, if u install 2 of this position ajustable fan (12cm), then u can arrange ur inside air flow as whatever u like, but first it should be reasonable.:p: :p: http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/4729/2001822488917542242_fs.jpg

[phelan1777]

That HDD rack looks incredibly restrictive, almost as if it would completely render any benefits of a 250mm fan useless.


That is why one invests in a dremel.

Restriction, what restriction? I see no stinking restriction!

[etherealrhythm]

Akasa Eclipse/Mirage claim to be the coolest cases ever - on the box are actually the huge words "COOLEST CASE EVER". I don't how true that is exactly but they get excellent reviews across the board, and i love my Mirage.

[sabotawj]

i think i finally decided on a black 830! thx for all the awesome replies!

what fans,controllers should i go for?

[Shift]

i think i finally decided on a black 830! thx for all the awesome replies!

what fans,controllers should i go for?

Sunbeam Rhobeus.

[Alchemy1]

The sunbeam is a great fan controller. I am in the market for a second one myself. Jab-tech seems to have the best price.

[Bad213Boy]

ive got the stacker 830 black and i love it. IMO, you can fit anything you want in that case. im using WCing and there's plenty of room to fit a dual rad. The only thing i might consider modding is by cutting out the bottom plate and placing the rad on the bottom of the case.

im not a big fan of the Silverstone Temjin TJ09 because you have the power supply on the bottom. doesnt it make placing a pump inside your case a little cramped? just my two thoughts.

[NO1B4ME]

I have 2 ThermalTake Armor series cases and love them.

[blargman]

those thermaltake cases look like the sex ;)

[pH(x)]

I would say just the opposite.
For an all-around (air OR water cooled) case, nothing beats the original T01.
IMO, no case is perfect right out of the box but the original Stacker has the least restrictive and most configurable basic platform from which to start.

If watercooling is a realistic option, the STC-T01 is still the cheapest option but the Silverstone TJ-07 is a very cool second choice, superior in every way to the much overhyped Lian-li V-series.

The P-180 sacrifices everything on the altar of silence and was by far the most difficult build ever. At one point I had a P-180 and a Stacker running side by side with nearly identical hardware and the Antec was a consistent 10C hotter.
At best, all I can say is that the P-180 is quiet.
Watercooling would appear to be far more difficult to shoehorn into it as well.

I know nothing about TT cases.

Good advice cokker, I'll have to keep that in mind. ;)

"The P-180 sacrifices everything on the altar of silence"

And :nono: to watercooling in a P-180 -- something I had considered briefly in the past. :nono:

[Shift]

Has the decision for the even been made yet? It's like people continue to just add cases when the thread was started nearly a month ago.....

[blargman]

how about an original stacker with a 25cm fan mod? :D

[quicksilverXP]

My favorite case of all time is still the Inwin/Akasa Mirage. Can never seem to find those at all.

[oOMichaelOo]

TT Armor :toast:

[Elton523]

CM Stacker 830 +1...
I like it~

[hmkim]

Since the PS is housed at the bottom of the P180, I'm worried that the power cable of the PS might not reach the power socket of the MoBo. I plan to use the Intel Bad Axe and an Antec PS (probably > 500W). Can anyone comment on the issue?

[gr8golf]

what about the antec nine hundred?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129021


I keep hoping someone will take the plunge with this case and report in - anybody?

[etherealrhythm]

Eugh, i don't like that thing at all. It's ugly.

Is noone sharing mine and quicksilverXP's love for the Mirage? I think it's possibly the most under-appreciated case ever.

[kcdrummer]

My experience with my silverstone tj05 is pretty good. Build quality is good except anything plastic on it breaks too easy. I have had to call them for replacement feet and the hdd holders break easily. The plastic they use is very brittle and doesn't hold up well.