Question Case recommendation.

[Angel Fernandez]

Hey everyone. It's been a while since I've been on here. Life, the wife, kids and the mortgage. Lots of you can relate.
It's time for me to build another Frankenstein Monster, that will last me a long time.
I'm going to try and reuse some of the older components. Gently used and still working fine!
The issue I'm running into is that most cases companies have done away with optical drive slots.
That's a problem because I have a large Blu Ray Collection, some from before they gave you a free digital version. Yeah that old!
The case needs to be full size ATX, and has to have 2 USB C connectors on the front and 2 slots for my Blu Ray Burners. A third slot for my dedicated card reader would be a bonus.
I called a few case companies. So surprised, (NOT), that they didn't answer. Instead it was leave a msg with your email. Sure I'll get right on that.
I get that the companies don't want you having physical media, but FORNICATE that EXCREMENT!
See you can cuss clean!
I want to go with Non Integrated graphics. I've got 2 XFX 8 GB cards and 1 Asus 8 GB cards. Plus 4 flavors of SoundBlaster 5.1 surround cards and the matching speakers.
I want to go with a Noctua Air cooler. Keep that in mind. I've had too many service calls on leaking Fluid Cooling systems.
Keep it Simple Stupid, less stuff to screw up.
1-0-0-1-0-0-1
S.O.S.
1-0-0-1-0-0-1
In distress
1-0-0-1-0-0
As always I appreciate you guys.

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

2 slots for my Blu Ray Burners. A third slot for my dedicated card reader would be a bonus.

you would probably be much better off these days just getting an external USB burner & card reader.

but, why would you need 2 separate Blu-ray drives? any data that you would be burning could be saved as a single profile/ISO and burned multiple times without needing to copy the same disc over and over.

the majority of newer model cases i see with available optical drive slots are usually cheaper construction with much less airflow.
though one system i've built recently with similar needs actually turned out pretty nice in regards to quality;
check out the COUGAR MX330-G PRO

I've got 2 XFX 8 GB cards and 1 Asus 8 GB cards.

what models exactly?

and what would you be using them for?
if any sort of modern gaming, they will most likely need to be upgraded for decent performance with later titles.

I've had too many service calls on leaking Fluid Cooling systems.
Keep it Simple Stupid, less stuff to screw up.

you're some sort of service tech working on modern systems with liquid cooling, but need info on a new case kept stupid?
that doesn't really make sense.

are you just looking for a new case and that's it, or looking for a whole new system base;
motherboard, CPU, RAM, etc..?

 

[dwd999]

Hey everyone. It's been a while since I've been on here. Life, the wife, kids and the mortgage. Lots of you can relate.
It's time for me to build another Frankenstein Monster, that will last me a long time.
I'm going to try and reuse some of the older components. Gently used and still working fine!
The issue I'm running into is that most cases companies have done away with optical drive slots.
That's a problem because I have a large Blu Ray Collection, some from before they gave you a free digital version. Yeah that old!
The case needs to be full size ATX, and has to have 2 USB C connectors on the front and 2 slots for my Blu Ray Burners. A third slot for my dedicated card reader would be a bonus.
I called a few case companies. So surprised, (NOT), that they didn't answer. Instead it was leave a msg with your email. Sure I'll get right on that.
I get that the companies don't want you having physical media, but FORNICATE that EXCREMENT!
See you can cuss clean!
I want to go with Non Integrated graphics. I've got 2 XFX 8 GB cards and 1 Asus 8 GB cards. Plus 4 flavors of SoundBlaster 5.1 surround cards and the matching speakers.
I want to go with a Noctua Air cooler. Keep that in mind. I've had too many service calls on leaking Fluid Cooling systems.

The 2 USB connectors on the front is a bigger problem than the drive slots. If your budget will allow you can get a Fractal Design Define 7 XL which will hold your 2 optical drives.

Define 7 XL

The Define 7 XL sets a new standard for what you should expect from a full tower case in terms of modularity, flexibility and ease of use.

www.fractal-design.com

but it only has 1 usb c port (the 20Gbs x 2 version) on the front panel. Since most motherboards these days only support 1 20Gbps socket the case manufacturers don't have more. Worst case scenario you'll have to run a 20Gbps USB C cable around from the back of your motherboard to the front of the case when you need 2; that's what I do. I use the regular size version of this case with 1 optical drive and its a good performer. I've also prepared for the future when I won't be using internal optical drives with these:

https://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-Portable-Blu-ray-Optical/dp/B079LTC6ML/ref=sr_1_8?c=ts&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5uIk8cMNVArGK8KwSrxzHHmv2gjxlLBAoGtl03cOMPZUMeqMik-ZWJbhLHsP4sipnDHx0KgpILamCStAQMQ7G092K0xtIr12JySf_F4p5orLumFxORGZJV4v5FWkHeKbEg6ov5hT8divwyDLLjrhoJzjUjwR-mWp35MLk6Z-kTibYq_sOOW87gDllGx9mGbLExNCkdLCpNA96b6qLkBNMYJap08n-FOAJ95oHICNKyLye_z3G56ms6GSKzuR3EhNKvNSAkZcm6k3_Gy39RjuQCa85IoCZi31yWxhW00enr4.HBV99AyBF-N-QFfsit_Cu6NMWMKCBlV4EHCffNp73Z8&dib_tag=se&keywords=External+Blu-ray+Drives&qid=1709190021&s=pc&sr=1-8&ts_id=1292123011&th=1

or you can mount your existing drives in cases from companies like this:

https://www.amazon.com/OWC-Mercury-...id=1710557823&sprefix=owc,aps,133&sr=8-8&th=1

 

[35below0]

Like dwd999 above said, more than one C type USB in front is going to be a problem. One in the back and one in the front is the most you can get in most cases.

What flavors of Sound Blaser do you have/intend to use? I'd wager they're all supeerseeded by audio codecs on motherboards. Even the X-Fi is obsolete, as nice as it is. They're not difficult to use though and require little space so no problem if you want them.

You can reuse older GPUs, no problem i think except size. How thick and long are the GPUs? Physical space might be an issue.

If you're going with a Noctua cooler, again please tell us the model or how tall it is. If it's the NH-D15, it will not fit into any case but most good cases will accomodate it.

 

[geofelt]

I think what you want is a case with three front 5.25 " front bays.
Two for your burners, and the third for a front adapter of some kind, perhaps with two usb type c outlets and perhaps a card reader or other such combo.
Here is one which gets you the second usb C and other readers:
https://www.newegg.com/p/0DS-00DC-00001

Look at the Phanteks Enthoo Pro:
https://www.newegg.com/black-phanteks-enthoo-pro-atx-full-tower/p/N82E16811854003
It can handle any height cpu cooler up to 185mm which includes noctua NH-D15 or NH-D15s.
Your ram and motherboard will determine if the NH-D15 has any issues,

I like the 200mm quiet front intake.

 

[35below0]

The 2 USB connectors on the front is a bigger problem than the drive slots. If your budget will allow you can get a Fractal Design Define 7 XL which will hold your 2 optical drives.

but it only has 1 usb c port (the 20Gbs x 2 version) on the front panel. Since most motherboards these days only support 1 20Gbps socket the case manufacturers don't have more. Worst case scenario you'll have to run a 20Gbps USB C cable around from the back of your motherboard to the front of the case when you need 2; that's what I do. I use the regular size version of this case with 1 optical drive and its a good performer...

I was actually thinking of a slightly different Define model, the Define XL R2:

Define XL R2

www.fractal-design.com

It has four 5.25" trays. Enough to fit 2 burners, a dedicated card reader, and a front panel adapter (for two USB-Cs).
This would require a motherboard with two USB-C gen 2x2 headers! And they don't seem to exist. Most will have one header, and one gen 2x2 port at the back.

Otherwise the case has a ton of space, and is probably overkill for most needs/purposes. It does have the important 5.25" trays though.

 

[punkncat]

Not for nothing, IDK if you can find them around much any more, but the NZXT H230 Silent should be a shoe in for your requirements.

 

[35below0]

Not for nothing, IDK if you can find them around much any more, but the NZXT H210 Silent should be a shoe in for your requirements.

You sure? A mini ITX case? OP mentioned full size ATX.
What did the H210 Silent offer? The H210 and H210i seem like compact, liquid build oriented cases.

 

[punkncat]

You sure? A mini ITX case? OP mentioned full size ATX.
What did the H210 Silent offer? The H210 and H210i seem like compact, liquid build oriented cases.

I must have the model number wrong...one moment...

(walks into other room)

H230, my mistake. Yes, it is a HUGE behemoth of a case with loads of room for expansion, (3) 5 1/4 bays, (6) 3.5" HDD bays.

I will correct above, thanks for the catch.

 

[dwd999]

I must have the model number wrong...one moment...

(walks into other room)

H230, my mistake. Yes, it is a HUGE behemoth of a case with loads of room for expansion, (3) 5 1/4 bays, (6) 3.5" HDD bays.

I will correct above, thanks for the catch.

Unfortunately as an older design the H230 does not have any usb C ports on the front panel and the OP wants 2. So he would have to use an adapter like the one listed below which would split the 20Gbps signal from the motherboard into 2 10Gbps type C sockets. So the issue now becomes which is preferable, 1 20Gbps socket or 2 10Gbps sockets.

https://www.newegg.com/p/0J2-00MB-00032

Ironically I had one of those cases and since I hadn't used it in a couple of years I threw it out a few weeks ago.

 

[punkncat]

Unfortunately as an older design the H230 does not have any usb C ports on the front panel and the OP wants 2. So he would have to use an adapter like the one listed below which would split the 20Gbps signal from the motherboard into 2 10Gbps type C sockets. So the issue now becomes which is preferable, 1 20Gbps socket or 2 10Gbps sockets.

https://www.newegg.com/p/0J2-00MB-00032

Ironically I had one of those cases and since I hadn't used it in a couple of years I threw it out a few weeks ago.

I had seen reviews of the case some years ago and it just sort of went under my radar. I was very impressed with every aspect of the case aside from wire management. It was very well put together, very well laid out, and was honest in its claims of reduced noise. I honestly considered keeping it for use here but was going to have to make up a valid case to do so. I didn't need it at all.

 

[Angel Fernandez]

Hey everyone. It's been a while since I've been on here. Life, the wife, kids and the mortgage. Lots of you can relate.
It's time for me to build another Frankenstein Monster, that will last me a long time.
I'm going to try and reuse some of the older components. Gently used and still working fine!
The issue I'm running into is that most cases companies have done away with optical drive slots.
That's a problem because I have a large Blu Ray Collection, some from before they gave you a free digital version. Yeah that old!
The case needs to be full size ATX, and has to have 2 USB C connectors on the front and 2 slots for my Blu Ray Burners. A third slot for my dedicated card reader would be a bonus.
I called a few case companies. So surprised, (NOT), that they didn't answer. Instead it was leave a msg with your email. Sure I'll get right on that.
I get that the companies don't want you having physical media, but FORNICATE that EXCREMENT!
See you can cuss clean!
I want to go with Non Integrated graphics. I've got 2 XFX 8 GB cards and 1 Asus 8 GB cards. Plus 4 flavors of SoundBlaster 5.1 surround cards and the matching speakers.
I want to go with a Noctua Air cooler. Keep that in mind. I've had too many service calls on leaking Fluid Cooling systems.
Keep it Simple Stupid, less stuff to screw up.
1-0-0-1-0-0-1
S.O.S.
1-0-0-1-0-0-1
In distress
1-0-0-1-0-0
As always I appreciate you guys.

Hi everyone!
First THANK YOU ALL!
As always everyone gave great feedback.
Let me try to address everything.
Yes I am building a new system. The only reason is because my old server board, based workstation will not handle Windows 11. Yes, I know there is a workaround. I used it and guess what? It's a pain in the butt.
I'm trying to save money.
Card Length is 270 MM.
The 2 Front USB C connectors is a mistake I made from misreading PC parts picker.
I'd like to stick with the Sound Blaster Cards because they have Optical Audio connectors which I use.

BonhamsGhost. You used a COUGAR MX330-G PRO and installed 2 Optical drives? If so you may have the best recommendation. I'm double checking because the specs sheet from the company site says it only has ONE 5.25 drive bay.

CPU			AMD Ryzen 9 7900X 4.7 GHz 12-Core Processor From parametric selection: AMD Ryzen 9 7900X 4.7 GHz 12-Core Processor
CPU Cooler			Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black 82.51 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard			Asus PRIME X670-P ATX AM5 Motherboard From parametric selection: Asus PRIME X670-P ATX AM5 Motherboard
Memory			Corsair Vengeance 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-5200 CL40 Memory From parametric selection: Corsair Vengeance 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-5200 CL40 Memory
		Add Additional Memory

Maybe this will clear things up.

 

[Angel Fernandez]

Hi everyone!
First THANK YOU ALL!
As always everyone gave great feedback.
Let me try to address everything.
Yes I am building a new system. The only reason is because my old server board, based workstation will not handle Windows 11. Yes, I know there is a workaround. I used it and guess what? It's a pain in the butt.
I'm trying to save money.
Card Length is 270 MM.
The 2 Front USB C connectors is a mistake I made from misreading PC parts picker.
I'd like to stick with the Sound Blaster Cards because they have Optical Audio connectors which I use.

BonhamsGhost. You used a COUGAR MX330-G PRO and installed 2 Optical drives? If so you may have the best recommendation. I'm double checking because the specs sheet from the company site says it only has ONE 5.25 drive bay.

CPU			AMD Ryzen 9 7900X 4.7 GHz 12-Core Processor From parametric selection: AMD Ryzen 9 7900X 4.7 GHz 12-Core Processor
CPU Cooler			Noctua NH-D15S chromax.black 82.51 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard			Asus PRIME X670-P ATX AM5 Motherboard From parametric selection: Asus PRIME X670-P ATX AM5 Motherboard
Memory			Corsair Vengeance 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-5200 CL40 Memory From parametric selection: Corsair Vengeance 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-5200 CL40 Memory
		Add Additional Memory

Maybe this will clear things up.

I had to change the entire build to ensure upgradability. It was not without challenges but all is well. Thank you to everyone.
Oh and I went with Phanteks Enthoo Pro update model with USB C connector!

 

[Angel Fernandez]

I had to change the entire build to ensure upgradability. It was not without challenges but all is well. Thank you to everyone.
Oh and I went with Phanteks Enthoo Pro update model with USB C connector!

If you want to see the new build see AsusTuf gaming x570 plus wifi post. It works like a dream.