Help with picking out a case

[Joey Sun]

Hello, I'm miniaturizing my PC build because carrying around a mid-tower is really annoying and takes up far too much space in my college dorm room.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/rJ3htg

I have this build here planned out but I'm not too sure about the case. I like how slim it is but the "maybe 3.5 inch drive?" seems a bit...iffy.

I'm wondering if anyone can check over the build, maybe find a case that's =<100mm width that supports a 3.5" drive? I'd slowly comb over the cases myself but I don't know all the best cases. I'm also not sure how good the PSU I picked out is. JohnnyGuru gave it a 9.5 but I'm not seeing it on the tier list.

 

[JoeMomma]

With that case you get 2x 2.5" drive bays.
A 3.5" drive will not fit with the full sized card you own.
In order to fit a third drive (2.5" or 3.5") you must use a mini video card.
The cheaper option is to get a high capacity 2.5" drive.

$330
https://www.amazon.com/ZOTAC-GeForce-ZT-P10600A-10L-Compact-Graphics/dp/B01IA9FEOO/

 

[Joey Sun]

Hmm. I know that GPUs are still overpriced as of current date (thanks bitcoin) so if I really have to I'll use the Bitfenix Portal here. https://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/chassis/portal

I'd still like a slim case, though, hopefully. I also don't really want tempered glass windows; I don't trust myself with those.

 

[Joey Sun]

Okay for some reason on PCPartPicker the Windforce OC card is "incompatible" with the Portal despite the manufacturer site's support document saying right there "Yes it is compatible."

Thanks, PCPartPicker.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

Just 1 change : ram to this https://pcpartpicker.com/product/24prxr/gskill-sniper-x-16gb-2-x-8gb-ddr4-3600-memory-f4-3600c19d-16gsxk

And yes, changing ur storage option would be for the better. Go with a crucial mx500 M.2 ssd and a 2.5" 7.2k hdd. Then you can go for the rvz03b case

 

[Joey Sun]

Sadly I'd rather not spend that much money on a computer upgrade, so I, unfortunately, can't really have the luxury of getting new storage options. (Of course if you'd like to prove me wrong, go ahead.)

I did however have a build before using the RVZ03 where I simply got a 2.5" HDD, but I don't know if I can transfer the data from a 3.5" HDD to a 2.5" HDD only without breaking my system somehow.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

Transferring the data is no problem at all. U can reinstall win 10 since ur Microsoft account will be synced.

 

[Joey Sun]

I mean like, keeping the SSD the same but moving all the data from my 3TB HDD into a new one. Is that possible?

In any case I might be forced to go with the Portal. I like the really small size of an RVZ series case, but I know for a fact eventually I'll want to upgrade and the Portal gives me the most room to play around with upgrades. I can even bump up the processor a little on my shopping list.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

For moving data, first install win in ur ssd, connect both the HDD to the pc, then just transfer them. U even have hdd cloning apps if you are that concerned.

 

[Joey Sun]

So with those suggestions I now have written up two builds. One of them has more expansion room in the future but is bigger, the other is the RVZ03 case which won't have much room for expansion but it'll be tiny. The hard drive is also slower because I couldn't find a 7200RPM drive that was 2.5inch.

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/META_mahn/saved/Fschqs
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/swk6r6

After thinking about it I'm not too against a bit bigger case, so long as it fits inside my suitcase with room to spare. I'm a bit iffy about airplane travel, though, so...turning back to all of your collective infinite wisdom, what's the best idea? Both cases look great, and I'm a little indecisive now.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

Go with the rvz03b, but 1 small change : get a USB 3.0 external hdd instead of that 5400 hdd. Works faster.
The model that I would suggest : Toshiba Canvio Premium

 

[R0GG]

Your case choice is great, it supports and optional case carrying handle which would be practical in your situation with a fitted all around cover.

 

[Joey Sun]

USB 3.0 external hdd

Can I just buy a 3.5" enclosure instead?

 

[madmatt30]

The rvz01 & ml07b will both take a 3.5 inch drive irregardless of gpu size.

Not as fancy aesthetically as the newer models but just as functional.

 

[Joey Sun]

I’ll keep that in mind, but because I don’t trust the people at the airport to handle my luggage very safely I’ll probably go with an HDD enclosure if that’s a viable solution.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

it sure is. u can get an enclosue.

 

[Joey Sun]

So I assume the computer will still detect my hard drive as its two partitioned drives and all shortcuts should still work? I know things can be funky sometimes.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

Ur data will be detected and will be safe, but u have to re enable those shortcuts if it's to an outside source.