Looking for A Smaller Case that Can House a 1080GTX & Cooler

[chriscshunter]

I am looking for a newer more compact case. I got this one (https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352020) back in 2013 and its been great, but its super bulky and taking up a ton of room. I still need the case to be able to house a GTX 1080 and hopefully this cooler: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KBXKP8W/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1. That cooler sticks out about another half an inch further than the 1080. Also my current motherboard is a ASRock Z87. In the next year I plan to upgrade to the latest processor/motherboard.

I would really appreciate as many options at low-medium budget range.

 

[Barty1884]

What motherboard do you have specifically? Motherboard form factor will limit your choices.

The 212LED is 160mm tall - the R4 has 170mm CPU cooler clearance.
So, any chase capable of housing that cooler is going to save you ~10mm if it's super snug with the cooler, and a max 26mm (which is the cable management space in the R4).

Best case, you'd save 36mm in width (<1.5") BUT, you'd sacrafice all the cable management space.

A realistic "best", would probably save you <1"

You probably *could* save on depth.... depending on the specific 1080's length.


Now, with a smaller form factor motherboard, you should be able to save on height too, dropping to a mITX or mATX designed case..... but if you have an ATX board, that's not really a viable option.

 

[chriscshunter]

Currently have this one: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157369
In the next year I will probably ask on here what motherboard I should upgrade to that can house the latest recommended processor. So hopefully it will be a case that can be convertible to whatever new motherboard that ends up being.

 

[Barty1884]

That's a full ATX motherboard.... so you're really limited with your "smaller" options right now.

Personally, I'd hold off until you're ready to buy a new motherboard. Opt for either mATX or mITX and it'll open your options to much, much smaller cases (Although the 212 LED could still be a problem if you're keeping it).

 

[chriscshunter]

Okay then... I currently have a i5- 4670k that I also got in 2013, so I am definitely due for an upgrade. I was holding off because of this Spectre/Meldown thing and I wasn't sure if it was a good time to buy a new processor. What is the deal with that anyway? What motherboard and processor would you recommend on a medium budget? Then with that, what are my case options?

I am not looking for a tiny case, just something much smaller than my current case. For example, my current case has a ridiculous 8 Internal 3.5" drive bays and 2 external 5.25" drive bays. I only need maybe 2 internal drive bays and 0 external 5.25" drive bays. If you cut that waste of space out alone, my case would literally be 30% smaller.

 

[Barty1884]

Personally, I have a Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ITX
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/nTJkcf/phanteks-case-phes215psrd

mITX support only, no 5.25", 2x 2/5" bays, 2x 3.5" bays. 13" GPU length support, still supports 200mm Coolers.

Would shave off about 4" in height, 5" in depth. Width is very similar (9.13" vs 9")


You don't have to drop to mITX though, there are decent mATX offerings too, that'll cut down on the bulk.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/rnGxFT/cooler-master-masterbox-q300l-microatx-mini-tower-case-mcb-q300l-kann-s00

Similar savings, 3-4" in height, about 5" in depth.


As for CPU/MB combos, really depends on your specific budget ("medium" will mean different things to different people) and your intended use case(s).

 

[chriscshunter]

Thank you.. definitely the right direction.