Dual or Quad?

[UnderOpenSky]

The crap case really isn't up to the job of cooling, so it's a transplant job next week into a Coolermaster 335.

I did my last build in one of them and used on for a mates build last week. They are alright and very good value with the PSU deals they go, but since you have a PSU, I can't recommend the Antec 300 highly enough, build quality is much nicer and the PSU goes at the bottom of case and you have 160mm fan on the top of the case keeping your CPU cool. Your PC will love you for it.

 

[Jackobi]

Oh well, I had already bought the Coolermaster, with no PSU, it was a good price for what I needed; CPU and GPU vents and overall better cooling.

The Antec looks like a quality case but the top vent puts me off, it looks too precarious. If the CM doesn't do the job, I'll definitely consider an Antec, better quality but more expensive.

 

[Beanburger]

the PSU goes at the bottom of case

I've never built a PC with a PSU at the bottom. Any cabling issues?

 

[maldwyn]

I'm almost too ashamed to post this, complete with coffee(?) stains.
I never see it because it is under my desk, but it is a pathetic looking thing.

Still, on the bright side, no burglar will go stealing it.

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about your progress, well done.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

Oh well, I had already bought the Coolermaster, with no PSU, it was a good price for what I needed; CPU and GPU vents and overall better cooling.

The Antec looks like a quality case but the top vent puts me off, it looks too precarious. If the CM doesn't do the job, I'll definitely consider an Antec, better quality but more expensive.

The coolermaster should still serve you well, they're a great case for the cash and done several builds in them now. Doubt the cooling is better, its got the same vents as the CM, plus the top one, but tbh its not that much of an issue anyway.

I was worried about heat for my current build as was going for a decent overclock, so got extra front fans, but didn't even end up fitting them in the end as they weren't needed (maybe due to a better cpu cooler). I've actually put it back to stock now just didn't need the extra speed, the only taking thing I do is games and that's GPU dependent.

I've never built a PC with a PSU at the bottom. Any cabling issues?

If anything it makes it easier, closer to the hard drives and GPU and the Antec has an amazing cable management system to tuck them out the way. Having a modular PSU helps for this as well. The only one that's a slight pain is power for the CPU needs to go across the motherboard, although this could be solved with a longer cable.

I'd post a pic of mine, but ashamed of how much dust I've let build up in 6 months. Next task is to get some air dusters and fan filters to stop it happening again.

 

[Beanburger]

Having a modular PSU helps for this as well.

Fuck knows how we ever survived without them! Built a new rig recently with a modular PSU and all SATA drives (including optical), and I was stunned by how little cabling was visible compared to the bad old days.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

Fuck knows how we ever survived without them! Built a new rig recently with a modular PSU and all SATA drives (including optical), and I was stunned by how little cabling was visible compared to the bad old days.

Thank goodness no more IDE...horrible things. I've got 4 drives, it would have been a nightmare. This has meant I've lost most the benefits of going modular as I've used most of the cables. Just as well the case has good cable management system.

 

[Beanburger]

Thank goodness no more IDE...horrible things.

Wasn't so bad once they introduced the rounded cables, but SATA is still a huge improvement.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

Wasn't so bad once they introduced the rounded cables, but SATA is still a huge improvement.

I missed that period, had a long break from playing games, but its good to be back.

 

[Jackobi]

Still, on the bright side, no burglar will go stealing it.

This is true, I would keep it but it really isn't sufficient. I thought it would be fine, but it is the one thing I overlooked.

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about your progress, well done.

Thanks.

 

[Jackobi]

I was worried about heat for my current build as was going for a decent overclock, so got extra front fans, but didn't even end up fitting them in the end as they weren't needed (maybe due to a better cpu cooler). I've actually put it back to stock now just didn't need the extra speed, the only taking thing I do is games and that's GPU dependent.

Same here, I run everything stock apart from a small overclock to run the memory at 1600MHz, which both the memory and motherboard are designed for.

I will probably fit a front fan to the coolermaster at some point for a push/pull cooling system. I think two fans is the limit unless the CPU vent can be removed and a side case fan fitted, I noticed the Antec can take five fans, four 120mm and a 140mm, a great overclocking case.

 

[Bob_the_lost]

Pushpull doesn't work. Tests have shown it makes no difference at all. The only point is to guide the airflow if you've got a badly designed case.

 

[Jackobi]

Okay, I'm not doing it specifically for that reason, just that it will become a basic push/pull set up by adding a front fan. It is to cool the front of the case around the drive bays.

 

[Bob_the_lost]

Okay, I'm not doing it specifically for that reason, just that it will become a basic push/pull set up by adding a front fan. It is to cool the front of the case around the drive bays.

Yup, that's one of the only reasons to do it, I've got a similar thing going for my HDs.