A case of decision agony regarding chassis

[taskdask]

So, I have already blown my 1500 USD limit to the center of the galaxy and have decided to pretty much go all-in at this point. I will be rocking the i7 7700K with a kit of G.Skill TridentZ RGB 3200MHZ (2x8GB) RAM, on the Asus Z270E, cooled by the NZXT Kraken X62 and graphics will be produced by the Asus GeForce GTX 1080 (yes, I have fallen for the RGB LED fad...).

Now, I've been on the hunt for a quality chassi since I first began planning this build. At this point, I'm know what I'm looking for. Namely, a chassi that allows for a top mounted 280mm radiator, a 120mm or 140mm rear exhaust fan and 2x140mm front intake fans. I imagine that this configuration will allow for excellent airflow, allowing me to simultaneously cool the CPU and GPU. Later on, I'm sure I will look into custom water cooling, but I'm not ready for it right now. I am, however, completely love struck by the looks of the Kraken X62. With that said, you'll be able to figure that I'm also looking for a chassi with a side window (preferably tempered glass... it's just so sexy).

These are the chassis I'm currently looking at:

Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ATX (tempered glass)
Pros: allows top mounted radiator, 140mm rear fan and 2x140mm front fans, integrated HDD mounting brackets, super sexy
Cons: reports of airflow issues through top vents

Phanteks Enthoo Luxe (tempered glas)
Pros: allows top mounted radiator, 140mm rear fan and 2x140mm front fans, super sexy
Cons: HDD cages will disrupt airflow (however, only one is needed for this build)

Phanteks Enthoo Pro M (tempered glass)
Pros: cheaper than Evolv and Luxe, allows top mounted radiator, 140mm rear fan and 2x140mm front fans, integrated HDD mounting brackets
Cons: unfiltered front side vent allowing dust particles to enter

Fractal Design Define C (window)
Pros: cheaper than Evolv and Luxe, sound dampened, allows top mounted radiator, 140mm rear fan and 2x140mm front fans, integrated HDD mounting brackets
Cons: scratch friendly acrylic window

Corsair Obsidian 750D (window)
Pros: allows top mounted radiator, 140mm rear fan and 2x140mm front fans, integrated HDD mounting brackets
Cons: scratch friendly acrylic window, no PSU shroud

So far, I think either the Enthoo Luxe or Define C are my best options at this point. While the Enthoo Luxe is very good looking with its integrated LEDs and tempered glass, the Define C looks clean and includes sound dampening. I am, however, not very fond of the acrylic window... It's almost half the price of the Enthoo Luxe and Evolv ATX though.

If only Phanteks would have made the Eclipse P400S a little taller to allow a top mounted radiator I would have picked that case without any hesitation whatsoever.


Opinions would be much appreciated!

 

[patrick47018]

Personally I'm considering the Corsair Crystal Series 570X RGB for my next build, what do you think of it? http://www.corsair.com/en-us/crystal-series-570x-rgb-atx-mid-tower-case

The Define C is a good choice to keep costs down though, but you've already spent a lot on the main part of your build and you should probably get a case to match, one that you'll be happy with not just something you buy because it was cheap.

 

[taskdask]

Personally I'm considering the Corsair Crystal Series 570X RGB for my next build, what do you think of it? http://www.corsair.com/en-us/crystal-series-570x-rgb-atx-mid-tower-case

The Define C is a good choice to keep costs down though, but you've already spent a lot on the main part of your build and you should probably get a case to match, one that you'll be happy with not just something you buy because it was cheap.

I think the 570X is an interesting chassi, but there's a bit too much tempered glass for my personal taste. It's the same issue I have with the 460X that I also had an interest in a while back. I think Dimitri at HardwareCanucks brings up a valid point in his review of the 570X, however, and that is that there seem to be a few oversights here and there. The PSU shroud seems to be better implemented in the 460X for example, but, it's a minor issue if you can make the cable management look clean!

I agree with you regarding the Define C. It is a great case for such a low price! I wish they could've released a tempered glass edition though haha! It would've been an instant purchase then!

 

[patrick47018]

Definitely have to put a lot more work to make your cable management look acceptable when you have a case with tempered glass panels on all sides.

 

[taskdask]

Definitely have to put a lot more work to make your cable management look acceptable when you have a case with tempered glass panels on all sides.

Agreed!

On a side note, I just sent a message to Fractal Design requesting that they release a version of the Define C with a tempered glass side panel to make everyone satisfied lol! :lol: