oshox
10-10-2006, 08:00 AM
I am planning a build with a custom water-cooling setup, using a Swiftech MCR-320 Triple Radiator. I have decided on most of my parts, exept the case. I am looking for a case with a silver metallic finish, and plenty (2-4) 120mm mounting holes. The number and type of included fans isn't important, since I'll be ordering three Yate 120mm SL's for the radiator and adding an additional few won't cost me much more. I would also like this build to be somewhat portable, and have a side-panel window. This will be my fist extreme pc, and I want to be able to show it off.
I'm on a pretty strict budget, too. I need to spend under $100 on the case. Here's what I had in mind:
CoolerMaster Centurion 534w/ External Top Mount
Not sure what revision is best, but here's a diagram from xoxide that shows what I was thinking as far as radiator mounting: http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/xoxide/xoxide-radiator-4.jpg
Pros: CHEAP, pretty, well-built
Cons: 534 w/ Window is no longer on NewEgg, no side panel fan vent, power supply might interfear with radiator mounting
CoolerMaster Mystique 631 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119108) w/ Swiftech Radbox
Pros: There is a silver version with the window, case designed for watercooling, no cutting needed, lightweight aluminum
Cons: Expensive, plastic parts in bezel, I hate front panel doors, How secure is a Triple Rad on a Radbox?
CoolerMaster Stacker (http://svc.com/stc-t01-ubk.html) w/ Internal Top Mount
Can use bottom PSU mount and have the Radiator mounted internally, cutting a hole for a radiator grill. OR, I can use either of the mounting options I mentioned before.
Pros: Large enough to make any mounting easy, tons of expandablitiy, maximum cooling and quality
cons: Huge and heavy, Expensive, limited availability
Alternates:
Antec Super Lanboy: Light and portable, but I have no idea how I'd mount the rad.
Gigabyte GZ (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811233007): Easy to use with radbox, but no side window
Sunbeam Silent Storm (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811166030) Tons of airflow, but tight fit for tubing and such
What do the experts have to say?
I'm on a pretty strict budget, too. I need to spend under $100 on the case. Here's what I had in mind:
CoolerMaster Centurion 534w/ External Top Mount
Not sure what revision is best, but here's a diagram from xoxide that shows what I was thinking as far as radiator mounting: http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/xoxide/xoxide-radiator-4.jpg
Pros: CHEAP, pretty, well-built
Cons: 534 w/ Window is no longer on NewEgg, no side panel fan vent, power supply might interfear with radiator mounting
CoolerMaster Mystique 631 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119108) w/ Swiftech Radbox
Pros: There is a silver version with the window, case designed for watercooling, no cutting needed, lightweight aluminum
Cons: Expensive, plastic parts in bezel, I hate front panel doors, How secure is a Triple Rad on a Radbox?
CoolerMaster Stacker (http://svc.com/stc-t01-ubk.html) w/ Internal Top Mount
Can use bottom PSU mount and have the Radiator mounted internally, cutting a hole for a radiator grill. OR, I can use either of the mounting options I mentioned before.
Pros: Large enough to make any mounting easy, tons of expandablitiy, maximum cooling and quality
cons: Huge and heavy, Expensive, limited availability
Alternates:
Antec Super Lanboy: Light and portable, but I have no idea how I'd mount the rad.
Gigabyte GZ (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811233007): Easy to use with radbox, but no side window
Sunbeam Silent Storm (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811166030) Tons of airflow, but tight fit for tubing and such
What do the experts have to say?