Cases and Coolers

[DefinitelyNotTom]

If I use either an i7 7700k or ryzen 1700x cpu, what are my best bets for a case and cooler for a combined less than $100 that will cool well enough and be quiet and not need more fans installed and a good case for a beginner to work in?

I thought about a define design mini c case, but saw bad reviews for airflow.

I have been thinking about masterbox 5 and mastercase 5 ones, but I think some people said you're about forced to add a fan in that too...

For cooler, I was wondering if the evo 212 or gammaxx 400 are good enough.

 

[Michael Valen]

I would say the Evo 212 is a safe bet for decent cooling. And for the case. Masterbox 5 is a decent case. The problem is sharp edges. So I wouldn't define it as beginner case. And it doesn't allow for a lot of cable management. But a solid case overall. But it fits your budget, so go for it.

 

[DefinitelyNotTom]

Also do about all of them already have the thermal paste applied? I am trying to have as few things to do as possible because I am already worried I will mess up building a pc.

I am starting to regret going this router. It started out where people and articles said it is oh so easy to build a pc. You pretty much just screw in a motherboard and the components are built for easy installation via snapping into place. Now everything I read says so many issues can happen.... things bending, some components interfering with others, and just tons of stuff nobody tells me can happen. And people recommending memory with 3000 or 3200 speed yet motherboard that is compatible only up to 2667. So I feel like I have to keep researching, even when recommended things or will end up in situatiosn like that where the memory wouldn't be fully utilized to its best.

 

[DefinitelyNotTom]

I would say the Evo 212 is a safe bet for decent cooling. And for the case. Masterbox 5 is a decent case. The problem is sharp edges. So I wouldn't define it as beginner case. And it doesn't allow for a lot of cable management. But a solid case overall. But it fits your budget, so go for it.

I think the master box is one where someone said you're practically forced to add a fan at the top because the included front one is on the bottom or something. I already have enough worries building the pc without having to add fans as well. So that is what worries me there.

Also after rebate, tax, fees, the mastercase one is like $76, I think.

 

[Michael Valen]

The Evo 212 does not have any paste on it. And don't worry. Building a computer is easy. The hard part is trying to troubleshoot... If you take your time and place the components carefully, there is nothing to worry about. And for the ram. Go for 2667, because you will probably not utilize the speed for anything. Again if you need any help. You can always pm me, and I will help you out.

 

[Michael Valen]

Well I did a build for my friend. And there was no need for a fan. But again it helps the airflow. So it is your choice if you want better temps. My suggestion is that you add it in later, when you have the money for it.

 

[DefinitelyNotTom]

Now newegg is having the define s case on sale for les than $70 and it has between a 4.5 and 5 out of 5 on newegg and amazon, but then I read a couple reviews saying it's not remotely quiet, while other reviewers say how quiet it is!

I don't know how I will ever find a case if it's like this where people say totally opposite reviews. I wanted to buy one down around $70 or so, this is normally ~$100, but then still issues, apparently...

 

[DefinitelyNotTom]

Hello? Nobody has any input on why all these cases have person after person saying they're quiet, then BOOM, it never fails, several people say it's oh so horribly loud?

That's what they said about he design define S case.

So then I read right on this very site a commenter saying the way to go is Phantecks. Same thing... I find a couple highly rated cases by them for under $80, tons of people saying they're great and quiet, boom one person says it's "not so sound proof" or something like that. Even though everyone else said the soundproofing is good and not cheap quality.

I'm not going to ridiculously spend $150-$200 for a freakin case. And heck even those have people whining about this or that and contradicting, as well.