Computer Cases with good air flow

Hi guys. Can you guys give me any suggestions on what's a good case with good air flow. I'm planning on changing my case since during my last build I was being cheap (spent $50) and I don't really have a good air flow.

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snadam

bogdan5 wrote:

Hi guys. Can you guys give me any suggestions on what's a good case with good air flow. I'm planning on changing my case since during my last build I was being cheap (spent $50) and I don't really have a good air flow.

I have always enjoyed cooler masters cases. They are cheap, but I think they have pretty good airflow. I like the front fans and perforated screens on the entire front panel.

here is the case Im rockin') It stays exceptionally cool, and for only $50

mine came with plexiglass door, but I couldn't care less. Function over form.

Slowhand

Cooler Master and Antec have always been my favorite manufacturers for cases. They'll usually carry models that are specifically designed for cooler operation, but most mid-to-high end cases from either company will keep your system nice and cool. . . with plenty of room for fans-galore.

bogdan5

Snadam, funny I have the exact same case. I don't know it seems like there is not enough cooling in it. Did you install any fans in the front of the case? Or do you just have the CPU and System fans? I was thinking about adding a fan to the side of the case, but I'm not sure if there is a point. Tonight I'm going to replace some cheap thermal paste with arctic silver paste with a stock heatsink. I was thinking about putting in a Zelman fan but I don't really have time to take the whole computer apart.

undomiel

What kind of temperatures are you seeing?

snadam

bogdan5 wrote:

Snadam, funny I have the exact same case. I don't know it seems like there is not enough cooling in it. Did you install any fans in the front of the case? Or do you just have the CPU and System fans? I was thinking about adding a fan to the side of the case, but I'm not sure if there is a point. Tonight I'm going to replace some cheap thermal paste with arctic silver paste with a stock heatsink. I was thinking about putting in a Zelman fan but I don't really have time to take the whole computer apart.

I run an AMD Operton X2, with its stock heatsink (which is really beefy), 120mm system fan in back, and an 80mm fan in the front. Oh wait, I just installed a new copper northbridge heatsink/fan, but it was running cool with the old one anyway. I'm running what came with my case. How hot is your PSU? I remember getting a fancy-shmancy modular PSU that was quiet and cool. I also regularly clean the front grill to maximize the airflow.

As long as the new door panel fan pushes all the hot air out (primarily from the CPU heatsink), then yea it might be worth an extra $6. I also find that good wire management improves airflow ALOT.

bogdan5

undomiel wrote:

What kind of temperatures are you seeing?

Well, the BIOS shows 42C but any other utility I tried shows average of 50C. Maybe I'm just being paranoid or something. I'm running Q6600.

tiersten

bogdan5 wrote:

undomiel wrote:

What kind of temperatures are you seeing?

Well, the BIOS shows 42C but any other utility I tried shows average of 50C. Maybe I'm just being paranoid or something. I'm running Q6600.

The difference in temperature is from a different workload when actually running your OS and because usually the BIOS will have a small correction applied to it which isn't taken into account by your utility.

Oh and regarding cases, leave the side panel off

royal

I just got an Antec Nine Hundred. 120m fans all over and a 200m fan on top to suck hot air out. Amazing cooling.

JDMurray

royal wrote:

I just got an Antec Nine Hundred. 120m fans all over and a 200m fan on top to suck hot air out. Amazing cooling.

+1

I have a friend that bought the Antec Nine Hundred just because it looked impressive and was on sale for $99US. He loves it.

I was strongly considering the Nine Hundred for my next rig, but it's being replaced by the newer and beefier Antec Twelve Hundred, so I may wait to see if a water cooling mod is released for this case.

Update: The Nine Hundred is available as a rebate special on NewEgg.com for $70. The Twelve Hundred is $100 off when purchased with an Antec PSU.

snadam

JDMurray wrote:

royal wrote:

I just got an Antec Nine Hundred. 120m fans all over and a 200m fan on top to suck hot air out. Amazing cooling.

+1

I have a friend that bought the Antec Nine Hundred just because it looked impressive and was on sale for $99US. He loves it.

I was strongly considering the Nine Hundred for my next rig, but it's being replaced by the newer and beefier Antec Twelve Hundred, so I may wait to see if a water cooling mod is released for this case.

Update: The Nine Hundred is available as a rebate special on NewEgg.com for $70. The Twelve Hundred is $100 off when purchased with an Antec PSU.

newegg's "most popular" case, and it has a $40 rebate going on now, bringing it to $69.99 after rebate, not too shabby! http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010090007&bop=And&Order=RATING

oh and if you want a crazy ass 250mm fan, check this one out by xclio

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811103010

ULWiz

I would get a Antec as well

JDMurray

snadam wrote:

oh and if you want a crazy ass 250mm fan, check this one out by xclio
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811103010

is right! Around that my dog would be in certain peril!

remyforbes777

I think that this case provides great air flow.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119138
The biggest key is the bottom fan. It pulls cool air from below and circulates it. There is also an air duct for your vid card. Killer case in my opinion.