Time for a new case.

**Adretheon** · 12-08-11, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by Viktor_Olin

One step better: the Antec Three Hundred Illusion. IMO, best value in a mid-tower case, especially when Newegg has it on sale.

Like now: Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

That's actually the one I was looking at. It looks like it comes with all the fans cept the side fan, but I have one on this case I can just transfer over. If I would even need it.

**donfede692** · 12-08-11, 12:31 PM

Not directly, but sort-of on topic, I am also seeking a new case for my system - aiming for a very small footprint, ideally MicroATX. My current old system is an alienware netbook sized laptop (m11x R1), but with hopes of being able to run bf3, I am seeking to get something more current/powerful (with one of those "smokin' 6950" GPUs).

For my home linux servers I have some Antec minuet cases (mini atx Newegg.com - Antec Minuet350 Piano Black Steel MicroATX Slim Case Computer Case 350W 80PLUS Certified Power Supply), which work well for their limited purpose.

Hoping to go even smaller for the gaming rig, I see antec has this miniatx case: Newegg.com - Antec NSK1380 Black/ Silver Steel MicroATX Cube Computer Case 350W Power Supply .
Are my goals realistic?
Any other feedback?
Could this micro size form factor handle the current video cards? I expect I'd have zero chance of running a pair of video cards

...

thanks for the feedback,
donfede

**BuddyLee.** · 12-08-11, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by Viktor_Olin

One step better: the Antec Three Hundred Illusion. IMO, best value in a mid-tower case, especially when Newegg has it on sale.

Like now: Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Great case, I added a side fan with a filter. Now and then just a quick vacuum to the filters. Even the biggest video cards fit. Decent hidden cable storage.

BL

**DJ Ms. White** · 12-08-11, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by donfede692

Not directly, but sort-of on topic, I am also seeking a new case for my system - aiming for a very small footprint, ideally MicroATX. My current old system is an alienware netbook sized laptop (m11x R1), but with hopes of being able to run bf3, I am seeking to get something more current/powerful (with one of those "smokin' 6950" GPUs).

For my home linux servers I have some Antec minuet cases (mini atx Newegg.com - Antec Minuet350 Piano Black Steel MicroATX Slim Case Computer Case 350W 80PLUS Certified Power Supply), which work well for their limited purpose.

Hoping to go even smaller for the gaming rig, I see antec has this miniatx case: Newegg.com - Antec NSK1380 Black/ Silver Steel MicroATX Cube Computer Case 350W Power Supply .
Are my goals realistic?
Any other feedback?
Could this micro size form factor handle the current video cards? I expect I'd have zero chance of running a pair of video cards

...

thanks for the feedback,
donfede

That thing looks like it will overheat like a mofo. Get a mid. Also, get a regular sized mobo so you can add a second 6950 down the road.

**WileECyte** · 12-09-11, 10:22 AM

Side panel fans are less and less relevant now with how most graphics cards cool. In fact, my GPU temperatures went up when I put a side-panel fan in.

**kibner** · 12-09-11, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by WileECyte

Side panel fans are less and less relevant now with how most graphics cards cool. In fact, my GPU temperatures went up when I put a side-panel fan in.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think it is because the side panel fan ruins the air flow of an otherwise well-designed case.

Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk

**WileECyte** · 12-09-11, 11:35 AM

My suspicion was it created too much inward air pressure. I've got the Antec 1200. 3x120mm intake fans in the front. 2x120mm exhaust fans in the back and the 200mm fan in the top.

**BuddyLee.** · 12-09-11, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by WileECyte

My suspicion was it created too much inward air pressure. I've got the Antec 1200. 3x120mm intake fans in the front. 2x120mm exhaust fans in the back and the 200mm fan in the top.

I added a side fan to create a positive pressure air flow in my case. Also added this fan controller:
Newegg.com - Sunbeam PL-RS-6 Rheosmart 6 Fan Controller 5.25" Bay 6 Channel 30W Fan Controller Panel (Black)

It didn't change much on the max temps, but throttles back the fans even more when at idle. Quieter none the less.

Only filtered air is being drawn in, meaning less dust and cat hair. Only a 3 (51) degree C drop in my CPU and 2 (72) degree C in my vcard.

BL