Hopefully, narrowed case selection down to 4

[vwcrusher]

After a few hours of research, comparing features and sole searching on what aesthetics are 'really' important, I believe I have culled the herd to 4.....I hope. The criteria is as follows:

- Aesthetics: really the only thing I liked was seeing a couple of helo fans on the front of the case.
- Cooling is a priority; the ability to rid the interior of the case of heat efficiently, and....
- quietly; although fan noise is less important than cooling functionality
- ATM my mb, cpu, etc are not in general very hot (they are older technology: i7-3770); however,
- eventually, they may be replaced with i7-8700 level technology, which runs a bit hotter
- I would like to stay below 19" overall height, so that it fits where my current box is, but not a deal breaker if it doesn't


Anyway, below are the four cases that I would greatly appreciate feedback on:

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/3ZnG3C/cooler-master-mastercase-h500p-atx-mid-tower-case-mcm-h500p-mgnn-s00

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/vbL7YJ/corsair-cc-9011101-ww-atx-mid-tower-case-cc-9011101-ww

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Y6Crxr/fractal-design-meshify-c-atx-mid-tower-case-fd-ca-mesh-c-bko-tg

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/KnWrxr/phanteks-ph-es515ptg_swt-atx-mid-tower-case-ph-es515ptg_swt

Thank you very much in advance.......

 

[tejayd]

At the range your looking at all of those will be more than fine. For what you are doing just pick what you like. Going for aesthetics and front fans a few other options I know of https://pcpartpicker.com/product/t7Jkcf/thermaltake-view-31-tg-rgb-atx-mid-tower-case-ca-1h8-00m1wn-01
Also the fractal design focus G if you don't want to spend as much. I wouldn't say either of those are better than your choices. Just other options incase you missed them.

When it comes to cases it's a lot of personal preference. As long as it has the features you want. It's a good design and has quality parts. And all of those sound like they fall into that category.

 

[hotaru251]

I'd go with the Fractal.
I have never heard any complaint about it.

also should have the room for a quality heatsink/AIO for when/if you go to a better CPU in future.

 

[SkyNetRising]

All those enclosures support 2x 3.5 drives only.
Do you really think, that will be enough for you?

 

[vwcrusher]

Thanks for the replies and advice.....
I will look at the cases suggested...thanks.

Regarding 3.5" drives, I currently have one SSD for OS and Apps, and one HDD for data (although at some point, perhaps during system upgrade I may swap in a SSD for data)
I do employ an external drive for backup.
Honestly, I cannot think of a reason why I would need more disk drive space.....what am I missing?

A general question regarding cases: I typically follow the rule that you get what you pay for, so I wonder if a $100 case has twice the capability, features, whatever than a $50 case......

 

[hotaru251]

the more expensive cases are typically made of a sturdier material, have RBG, removable insides, larger size, etc.

doesn't mean it will beat a lower cost one in cooling capability though.


also if you are not in a rush for a new case...check sites like newegg and amazon for deals on cases.

I got my dg-73 for $40 (its a $90 case) by waiting for sales.

 

[geofelt]

My criteria for a good case would include:

1. At least two front 120/140mm intake fans that are filtered.
That is sufficient to feed a good air cooler and a hot graphics card.
Concentrate on air intake.
Whatever comes in the front will exit SOMEWHERE, taking heat from parts with it.
As a plus, if all of your intake air is filtered, your parts will stay cleaner.

2. The case must hold all your parts.

3. 160mm available for an air cooler.
A good air cooler like the noctua NH-D15s will cool just as well as an aio, be easier to mount, be quieter, more reliable, and will not leak.

Past that, let looks be your guide. A good case will last several generations of builds. You will be looking at it for a long time.

 

[vwcrusher]

My criteria for a good case would include:

1. At least two front 120/140mm intake fans that are filtered.
That is sufficient to feed a good air cooler and a hot graphics card.
Concentrate on air intake.
Whatever comes in the front will exit SOMEWHERE, taking heat from parts with it.
As a plus, if all of your intake air is filtered, your parts will stay cleaner.

2. The case must hold all your parts.

3. 160mm available for an air cooler.
A good air cooler like the noctua NH-D15s will cool just as well as an aio, be easier to mount, be quieter, more reliable, and will not leak.

Past that, let looks be your guide. A good case will last several generations of builds. You will be looking at it for a long time.

Thanks for the guidance!

Regarding space for drives, as I noted above I currently have both W10 and all the applications residing on one SSD.
Would the system speed benefit from obtaining another SSD and putting W10 on it?

Again, thanks.