Question Full Tower Cases

[Jrw363]

Hello everyone looking for some insight from those who know more than I about cases. I want a full tower case, my budget is $350. Looks and lighting are not really my concern. Airflow is my main concern. I plan on air cooling but may do water down the road. Any input is highly appreciated. If there was a big mid-tower that had room for all I want I would consider it as well but I prefer full towers. I like cases with a lot of fan options. Thank you in advance for anyone who takes the time to respond, input is always appreciated.

 

[Wrecker75]

Meshify S2 ?

Kind of depends on what else you plan/need to install but it's a pretty roomy "mid" tower.

 

[Jrw363]

I have looked at the s2 and read multiple reviews about and it seems that airflow compared to other cases is limited in the stock configuration. Is it possible to improve airflow to be on par with other cases with proper fan setups and such?

 

[Jrw363]

I was looking at the enthoo primo but was concerned that the front intake fans would not bring in enough air considering they are somewhat blocked.

 

[Wrecker75]

Stock fans (3 that you get) are pretty lackluster as with most stock fans, they aren't even PWM. The S2 can take up to a total of 9. My current build is Meshify C Mini with only 3 Noctua fans and I have no problems keeping my 8700 and 1080Ti under 70 on air with a VERY quiet fan profile. Though I am using a NH-D14 and Arctic Accelero.

 

[Wrecker75]

Enthoo Pro M or maybe even the old Corsair 750D (the 750D with the open front)

 

[Jrw363]

thank you for the input, you have given me some alternatives to look through

 

[FurryVengence]

I really like my NZXT h700. Its last years model which I believe is around 100 bucks. The case is large and probably more room than anyone person really needs. I have ogre hands and have had nightmares fitting components into majority of cases. This case gave me the fewest issues. There is a cable management system that will help those who are decent a that. Personally I am not that great at it. So that didn't help me much.

Outside of that, the case has great airflow. I believe the case has 4 fans built in. The case also has a see through door if you care about RGB lights. The case has a ton of I/0 support. Not to mention its one of the nicest looking cases I have ever seen.

 

[Jrw363]

yeah, that 700 is really nice looking, really nice. I was looking at the luxe 2 what do you guys think about the fan setup for air cooling?

 

[Phaaze88]

yeah, that 700 is really nice looking, really nice. I was looking at the luxe 2 what do you guys think about the fan setup for air cooling?

UGH! That(Enthoo Luxe 2), and the O11 Dynamic XL are what I'm looking at for my next case(also want to get my feet wet)! Neither is available yet in the US...

Ok, that was sort of off-topic.
The general setup for air cooling is front to back; bottom to top. Filtered intakes - no air filters at the exhausts.

 

[Jrw363]

Between the Enthoo primo and the luxe 2 anyone have any input on which setup would provide superior airflow? Does the extra fans in the front of the luxe 2 provide anything that the primo would be lacking because of the drive bays?

 

[Phaaze88]

Between the Enthoo primo and the luxe 2 anyone have any input on which setup would provide superior airflow? Does the extra fans in the front of the luxe 2 provide anything that the primo would be lacking because of the drive bays?

I ended up getting the Luxe 2 over the O11 Dynamic XL: https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/lian-li-pc-o11-dynamic-xl-v-phanteks-enthoo-luxe-2.3523571/

IMO, either of the 2 cases would suit your needs. There's more to proper air cooling than just the number of fans.
But since you mentioned wanting to 'get your feet wet', I'd say the Luxe 2 gives you a little more flexibility with what you can/want to do with AIOs/custom loop.

For strictly air cooling, smaller cases tend to be more effective. It's the opposite for liquid - not to say you can't put an AIO/CL in a smaller case, but the options are limited.

 

[Jrw363]

Are smaller cases better for airflow because its easier to direct with less space in the case?

 

[Phaaze88]

Are smaller cases better for airflow because its easier to direct with less space in the case?

Bingo.
Especially the front case fans, as they will be much closer to the mainboard.
It's a slight advantage, nothing gamebreaking, but I wanted to throw that out there just as an FYI.

 

[Jrw363]

I am newish to the case game I have just had a Haf X for the last ten years so any information is welcome

 

[Solidjake]

I am newish to the case game I have just had a Haf X for the last ten years so any information is welcome

I have a HAF X for my other rig that I gave to my brother. Still have the stock fans in front/up top, one rear exhaust and one fan on the EVO 212 cooler. Might one on the side for more of a positive pressure inside. No issues with temps

 

[Phaaze88]

Mid towers:
Fractal Design Define S2 Vision RGB
NZXT H510 Elite
NZXT H710
Corsair Obsidian 500D RGB SE

Full towers:
be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 Rev. 2
Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic(The XL version does improve upon the base model, but - IMO - a major turn-off of the XL is the 'ROG Certified' ETCHED into the corner of the tempered glass side panel... it's added to the overall price, I'm sure. 🙄
Phanteks Enthoo Luxe TG
Corsair 780T
Cougar PANZER EVO RGB

Also the Phanteks Enthoo Luxe 2, I'm going to start moving my current parts into this case within a couple of hours...