Chassis selection

[Izumanyan]

I'm currently running a mATX board in a mid-tower and thinking of changing chassis because my front panel mic port is damaged.

Should I go for mATX chassis or go for mid-tower ones? The chassis is going to be on the floor so I have space to accomodate a mid-tower chassis but I'm afraid future upgrades will have me using a ATX board or a long GPU which makes me hesitant about getting a mATX chassis. Is that a valid concern?

Also would like some recommendations for a new chassis!

 

[trento]

most matx chassis will fit long gpus. but of cos not atx mobo.

since it's on the floor, makes more sense to get atx chassis.

wats yr budget?

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Cooler Master N200, Fractal Design Arc Mini R2 got enough clearance for long graphics card.

 

[halnala]

If you are not tight for space, can stay with mid towers for future flexibility and better airflow allowance.

 

[Izumanyan]

Current budget is $200, leaning towards the Corsair 450D at the moment. Currently already using a Fractal Arc Midi, so I am a bit concerned about the weight when I have to move it down to SLS to repair (rarely).

 

[superzheny]

Waa you got a good chip there I need 1.29v to be stable at 4.5ghz

 

[OngHuatHuat]

I chose corsair 550d coz of the full metal casing and it is really spacious. More choices of motherboard and graphic cards can fit in.

 

[CCCustom]

First off, are you not able to get a replacement front I/O module from the distributor? And if not, whether you can write in to Fractal and get them to send you one? It's not an EOL model, so it should not be too big a problem.

Second, how important is the front mic port that you feel a need to change a case just because it's spoilt?

I don't know about you, but I always wish my builds could be smaller. And so I always try to look for the smallest possible cases that meet my requirements.

 

[Izumanyan]

Waa you got a good chip there I need 1.29v to be stable at 4.5ghz

Lol, thanks but I had to increase the voltage recently because my computer has been hanging/BSOD. I think it's degrading.

First off, are you not able to get a replacement front I/O module from the distributor? And if not, whether you can write in to Fractal and get them to send you one? It's not an EOL model, so it should not be too big a problem.

Second, how important is the front mic port that you feel a need to change a case just because it's spoilt?

I don't know about you, but I always wish my builds could be smaller. And so I always try to look for the smallest possible cases that meet my requirements.

I did try to contract Convergent about procuring a new I/O panel (and they were very helpful) but it cost around $39 for the panel and I was also thinking of getting a window panel at the same time but it also cost $59. Add together nearly a $100 liao. So I thought might as well get a new case lol. The front mic port is super important to me because I raid a lot with my headset =/

Thanks for all your replies! I've decided to go with the Phantek Enthoo Luxe. Yes, it's over my budget, but muh bling~ Could have gone with the Phantek Enthoo Pro but decided the aluminium front panel + LED + second SSD bracket were worth the +$60

 

[overcrash]

Looking at your requirements and your future concerns, I will say, just go for the 450D or 550D.

I am currently sourcing for a few new rigs for my new place and am quite bent on getting either a 450D or 550D.
My concern was very similar to yours: spacious, need to have clearance for long GPU cards, able to hide the cables well for a neat look, modular cages for HDD etc.

The only concerns I heard about these Corsair cases is how thin the metal is...
Otherwise they certainly fit my requirement and I got the feeling they will fit yours too.

Get a good case and you can reuse it for the next few rig going forward. And if any of the part breaks, there's always a spare you can order.

 

[OngHuatHuat]

Looking at your requirements and your future concerns, I will say, just go for the 450D or 550D.

I am currently sourcing for a few new rigs for my new place and am quite bent on getting either a 450D or 550D.
My concern was very similar to yours: spacious, need to have clearance for long GPU cards, able to hide the cables well for a neat look, modular cages for HDD etc.

The only concerns I heard about these Corsair cases is how thin the metal is...
Otherwise they certainly fit my requirement and I got the feeling they will fit yours too.

Get a good case and you can reuse it for the next few rig going forward. And if any of the part breaks, there's always a spare you can order.

My 550d like not very thin leh..... And quiet.