Last piece of new build: Which Full Tower Case To Buy?

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Boyo

Gawd
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Apr 10, 2006
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Hi and thanks for reading my post. I am in need of some help for the last and also important piece of the puzzle to building my new rig. Which full tower case to buy? I'm looking at 2 high end cases that should last me at least for the next 2-3 builds. That should last me until at least 9-10 years. Money isn't the issue.

I am purchasing either case from Performance-PC's, and both cases are already well moddified to suit my needs.

Lian Li PC-A70A

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...b9b50b8528accb

Cooler Master ATCS 840

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...56c46be73d4c08

Please take the time to give me your input. It really counts to me. Thanks.....
 
Why only Performance-PC's ? There are better stores with a cheaper selection elsewhere.
 
Xilikon said:
Why only Performance-PC's ? There are better stores with a cheaper selection elsewhere.
Click to expand...

I like Performance-PC's because of the modifications they provide. You mention that there are better stores, but do they come with the case modifications that Performance-PC's provide? If so, can you suggest one of the stores you consider better than P-PC's? Thanks
 
If you're willing to pay a bit more, P-PC's is certainly a great place to buy from - and, as you said, they offer a wide range of custom stuff which you can't find at most other retailers. Of the two choices, I'd go with the Lian Li for the better build quality. I had a similar LL case and it's HUGE so it'll give you plenty of room to do whatever you want in it - just be aware that it is a LARGE case! Air-cooling was also very good in this case. Generally speaking, in terms of build quality and style, CM is definitely a step below Lian Li.
 
oldbrave said:
I'm really surprised that no-one has recommended the Corsair Obsidion 800D.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...=product_info&cPath=103_106&products_id=26372
I think it's safe to say that it is one, if not THE, most well thought out cases to come down the pipe in a while.
Before you ask, YES I have one and YES, I'm bias ! :)
Click to expand...

x2 on all counts. Cable management alone sold me. (Though I think they could have shaved an inch or two off and it still would have been a spacious case. It is freakishly huge.:eek:)

In my opinion for the price, they should have included the top 3 120mm fans also. *shrug*

(I have yet to build in it. I'm waiting until I can get my new mobo/RAM in 2 weeks.)
 
I too have to recommend the 800D. hands down best case I have ever had the pleasure of owning.
 
I have the HAF932 and understand that the internal design is identical to the 840 and I can safely say that it's the best case I've ever worked it. It's so roomy inside you could rent it out to a small family for $180pw.

1000
 
I recently bought the ATCS 840, and while the 800D was incredibly intriguing, I saved myself $120.

I cannot speak for the 800D, but eh 840 is very spacious, and over cable management options, a removable MOBO tray, and the big 230 fans are very very quiet. Needless to say I have no regrets about getting the 840.
 
ATCS would be my definite favorite out of CM range but Lian Li.
More HDD bays with flexible mounting which allows as easy use of dual SSD adapters as normal 3.5" drives. You can also turn main HDD cage around depending how you want cabling/inserting direction of drives. (or if you need just couple drives you can keep them in top cage and remove whole main cage)
Also normal 5.25" screw mounting works equally with any kind 5.25" device.


Especially for the price Corsair doesn't have features with such real utilitarian functionality but more like buzzword features like those chambers (in the way of working) and hotswap cage. (limiting versatility)
 
Thanks guys for the input. I am leaning towards the Lian Li, but what I like about the CM 840 is the ability to hide cables behind the Mobo tray, and the big fans for cooling. It's a tough decision, but I need to make one. Still up in arms about which one to buy. I looked at the Corsair and it's not for me, but thanks for the recommendations......any more input would help. Thanks.
 
Lian Li may have better build quality but the ATCS 840 has better performance and function than the Lian Li. The 840 is a great case, some things may not fit perfectly but they fit. Having pretty cases like the Lian Li's and 800D, modifications start from the beginning, cutting holes and adding fans. To make those cases look so pretty there had to be trade-offs. Almost every feature was included in the 840 so build quality will suffer some but not much. I had one and I'm looking for another.

Form vs Function. I always go with function because that's what I'm paying for first, looks come second.
 
WorldExclusive said:
but the ATCS 840 has better performance and function than the Lian Li.
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While ATCS being great case that part is actually the otherway around with ATCS going for less functional buzzword features, like tool-less 5.25" bays:
In Stacker STC-T01 that 5.25" tool-less system at least had all normal screw holes directly available allowing easy attaching of short devices but I guess its need for those rails just wasn't fashionable enough and that system was scrapped.
Same for HDD mounting, fashionable wrap around plastic trays vs. functional screws with rubber grommet for decreasing vibration.


Boyo said:
ability to hide cables behind the Mobo tray.
Click to expand...
Think creatively, that's not the only place with space.
http://www.nordichardware.com/Reviews/?page=5&skrivelse=532
(thick main ATX cable would loop behind HDD cage as easily)
 
E.T said:
While ATCS being great case that part is actually the otherway around with ATCS going for less functional buzzword features, like tool-less 5.25" bays:
In Stacker STC-T01 that 5.25" tool-less system at least had all normal screw holes directly available allowing easy attaching of short devices but I guess its need for those rails just wasn't fashionable enough and that system was scrapped.
Same for HDD mounting, fashionable wrap around plastic trays vs. functional screws with rubber grommet for decreasing vibration.
Click to expand...

What's wrong with tool-less bays? Lian Li now uses them on all of their newer cases i.e. PC-P50/B70. The plastic 840 trays also uses rubber grommets and are easier to remove since it's not attached to the case frame or HDD cage.
 
Well, there is only a $30.00 difference between the two towers. This is the hardest decision I've ever had to make on a case. I am thinking of going with the Lian Li case. It looks like there is plenty of room for cable management, and it is a qaulity tower. Am I making the right decision? And what fans do you recommend for the case? Please help me get over this hump......
 
Boyo said:
Well, there is only a $30.00 difference between the two towers. This is the hardest decision I've ever had to make on a case. I am thinking of going with the Lian Li case. It looks like there is plenty of room for cable management, and it is a qaulity tower. Am I making the right decision? And what fans do you recommend for the case? Please help me get over this hump......
Click to expand...

Can't go wrong with the Lian-Li. It's the one I would purchase of the two.

Fans? Bit-tech compiled a comprehensive report on a ton of fans to choose from.

80MM & 90MM
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cooling/2009/10/15/whats-the-best-80mm-and-92mm-fan/1

120MM:
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cooling/2009/09/28/what-s-the-best-case-fan/1

140MM and beyond:
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cooling/2009/10/09/whats-the-best-supersize-case-fan/1

Follow your gut instinct. :cool:
 
Boyo said:
And what fans do you recommend for the case?
Click to expand...
For vertical position (sleeve bearing doesn't like horizontal position) case fans Scythe SlipStream works well. It has near 30% higher airflow per rpm than normal geometry fans which isn't bad thing to start with, excellent overall acoustics and is also very affordably priced.
What model you want depend on what kind noise level you're after and/or do you have/want to use fan controller.
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article832-page6.html
(just no PWM chopped voltage for these, it makes them whine)

WorldExclusive said:
What's wrong with tool-less bays? Lian Li now uses them on all of their newer cases i.e. PC-P50/B70. The plastic 840 trays also uses rubber grommets and are easier to remove since it's not attached to the case frame or HDD cage.
Click to expand...
While nice idea these various quick install/tool-less methods often make attaching short devices (like fan controllers and such) securely harder. So from pure utilitarian viewpoint which method is more functional? One which works equally well all the time or one with some problems with certain devices?
No doubt Lian Li went for them in latest cases simply because some people made it such "Jesus" feature.
Having minimal number of separate parts (especially if they're of light material) is beneficial for minimizing vibrations and can you fully guarantee drive isn't touching that tray wrapping around it? Rubber grommets do their job only if drive isn't touching anything else directly.
 
fochkoph said:
Can't go wrong with the Lian-Li. It's the one I would purchase of the two.

Fans? Bit-tech compiled a comprehensive report on a ton of fans to choose from.

80MM & 90MM
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cooling/2009/10/15/whats-the-best-80mm-and-92mm-fan/1

120MM:
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cooling/2009/09/28/what-s-the-best-case-fan/1

140MM and beyond:
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cooling/2009/10/09/whats-the-best-supersize-case-fan/1

Follow your gut instinct. :cool:
Click to expand...

Thanks for the fan info. I'm going with my gut and that says the Lian Li. Thanks again for all the input from everybody.
 
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