Full size ATX vs mid ATX?

Harrygc00

Commendable
Sep 22, 2016
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1,680
Hi, I would like to know if it's better to buy a full size ATX case or a mid ATX? And what the pros/ cons of these are. Thanks :) .
 
Mainly room, but also more hard drive bays/fan monuitng positions/gpu space etc. A good mid-atx is better imo because full ATX's are huge and bigger than they need to be (like the one in my avatar). Most important thing would be to check graphics card clearance for any GPU you intend to buy now/in the future.
 
Yeah sure but what do you plan on using it for? And putting in it? What would you rather.. quiet.. side window.. etc. Its hard to say as they are all personal to your needs if you see what I mean.

Partpicker is a good place to start as it'll warn you about any issues/incompatibilities.
 
Sorry about the late reply, but I would like a side window but it wouldn't be a deal breaker, the same with how quiet it is, I plan on using it for gaming, so Nvidia 1060 (hopefully) along with the same standard parts. I know it's not directly linked to the case but I would also like it to be as cooled as it can be, my current PC has a bad problem with this, so I want to avoid it in the future, I'll have a look at Partpicker, thanks.
 


The case is important for cooling, but the more vents you have the more noise escapes unfortunately. Unless its under heavy load the fans/cooler will stay relatively quiet anyway. Anything from Corsair, Thermaltake or NZXT are reliable, but make sure it has big enough radiator clearance if you plan on a liquid cooler as some mid-ATX's only support 120/140mm. High end coolers need 240 or even 360mm mounting brackets.

As for ones I have seen and/or used, the Corsair Carbide 400C (not the upside down one) or the NZXT Noctis 450 are v. good cases.

If you post ones you are interested in, I'm sure people will give you advice on the pros and cons of it.
 
Thanks again :) I'm interested in the NZXT H440? I'm not to sure about water cooling as I don't want to personally do it (if you hadn't guessed I'm new to this kind of thing lol) and I've asked a few computer places and they are hesitant to install it as well.

I'm currently thinking of this (work in progress) https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/ , any suggestions?
 


They might be referring to custom loop cooling systems. Nothing wrong at all with a good AIO setup
 


The two types you'll see are going to be AIO systems (all in one) that are sealed setups that you buy, install and just let run. Same sort of maintenance as an air cooler in that you just need to clean out the dust every now and then. The bigger liquid cooled systems are full custom setups, that you have to individually buy components, and are considerably more labor intensive.

For most people and AIO is fine, and in some cases is better for a system depending on form factor, as large air coolers can interfere with other components, usually those being RAM modules
 


Ok, thanks. Would you be able to suggest a aio water cooler that would fit inside a H440? (as it's what I'm thinking of getting?).
 


What other components were you considering? If we could get a budget or a parts list we can suggest a full complement of stuff for you.
 
the H440 is nice.
but usually you can get a Fractal Design R5 or a Thermaltake F31 Suppressor cheaper as the H440 tends to be a bit pricy.
don't know if these fit your desired looks though but it's worth looking into...
 


Nice to talk to you again lol (I remember because of the picture) I'll look at the cases thanks :).
 


https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/ This is a kind of work in progress list (that can change if you guys suggest anything better) I don't have a budget as such (less than £1,000 would be good). Do you think a Nvidia 1060 is a good idea along with the parts from pc picker? Thanks.
 


The NZXT h440 isn't exactly a mid-tower. Height wise it is but it has bays behind the GPU so is quite big. I know lol. It also isn't that quiet, but is nice and spacious without being huge. It isn't very mobile though.. It will support a top 240mm cooler. The all in one COrsair Hydro coolers are simple to install but again you probably wont need water cooling with an i3.

So far your build looks ok but you really don't need a z170 board with an i3 6100 as you aren't going to be overclocking it. The h110 chipset is more beginner level, with the b150 and h170 in between. Save the money on the board and put it towards other things.
 
I don't really need it to be mobile lol, unless I gave you guys the wrong link (which could be a possibility) I thought of a i5 6600k along with the h170, I may of just confused myself though. Thanks.
 
If you get a k-series processor it's best to get a z170 board as they are more compatible with overclocking. On your part list it said an i3 6100. Copy and paste the permalink on partpicker as I just realised your link was empty and it took me to the wrong build.
 


Sorry lol, I thought it may have been the wrong link. This should be it, https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/
 


m8 you have to copy what comes after /list/ as well
otherwise we can't see it

 


http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/xmyV4C Sorry :/ my mistake. That should be it.
 


I have a S340 (H440's little brother) and it has more than enough space. Mid Towers are a lot bigger than you expect them to be and if they're built well there's plenty of space inside for all your junk
 


From what I understand, the S340 is a good case, I was going to get it, but the H440 seems to have more room for cable management and has more dust filters (I think). I would prefer to go for the H440 personally, but thanks anyway :)
 


So https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gigabyte-Z170-GAMING-Socket-Express-Motherboard/dp/B01AUSEBHE/ref=sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1476207412&sr=1-2&keywords=z170 is ok? To be honest I don't know much about mobo's so it may be incompatible etc, but from what I know it seems to be good? And I would prefer to get a fan to cool my cpu as (for a first PC build) watercooling seems quite difficult.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/EVGA-SuperNova-Fully-Modular-Supply/dp/B0141B21JG/ref=sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1476207628&sr=1-2&keywords=550+watt+psu would this be good for a PSU? It's fully modular (which is good, right?) and gold certified.

Thanks.
I want to get a Nvidia 1060/1070 for my GPU although I haven't really got to that yet (sorry),