Build Advice Need help picking the right case for my build.

[LAOK]

Hey guys, I'm in the process of planning a new build and I'm struggling with finding some information about cases.

I'm hoping to pick something small in size, but not so small that it becomes impractical to build and/or keep properly cooled. I've narrowed my choices to either Fractal Meshify 2 Compact with stock fans or the ASUS Prime AP201 MicroATX + 5-pack of ARCTIC P12 Max fans. Price wise it comes out to about the same 105-110 pounds.

One of my main concerns is dust build up. Fractal has multiple filters, Asus only a bottom one. I'm wondering how much do the filters actually help? Because if I'll have to clean the case up often anyway, then I might as well go for the smaller, easier to clean one.

I also heard in some reviews that the fans get really loud in the Asus, because they are mounted straight onto the metal mesh. Is that the case?

Here's the build in question.

Fractal version - https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/QcGZ28
Asus version - https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/wRnRFs

Oh, and of course and C&C about the build in general is more than welcome.

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

I'd opt for the Fractal on any given day.

If you decide with an matx board, you could also look at the mini range of cases from Fractal. Like these;

Pop Archives

Experience a fusion of style and function with Pop Series. Open up for more airflow with Pop Air or cut down on sound with Pop Silent. Whichever path you choose, Pop Series will provide you with a solid build, a straight-forward layout, and will serve as a stylish addition to your desk space.

www.fractal-design.com

Define 7 Mini

The Define 7 Mini offers the same stylish appeal and many of the life-improving features of its larger siblings, in a streamlined form factor.

www.fractal-design.com

but keeping everything in your PCPartPicker list as is, you could look at this;

Torrent Compact

The Torrent Compact is built to air cool your compact build as efficiently as possible. Main standouts include an inspiring layout, the open front grille and two of our 180 x 38 mm Dynamic PWM fans (or Prisma ARGB PWM fans for the RGB version) custom-made to achieve maximum air cooling while...

www.fractal-design.com

if ATX motherboard route.

 

[LAOK]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

I'd opt for the Fractal on any given day.

If you decide with an matx board, you could also look at the mini range of cases from Fractal. Like these;

Pop Archives

Experience a fusion of style and function with Pop Series. Open up for more airflow with Pop Air or cut down on sound with Pop Silent. Whichever path you choose, Pop Series will provide you with a solid build, a straight-forward layout, and will serve as a stylish addition to your desk space.

www.fractal-design.com

Define 7 Mini

The Define 7 Mini offers the same stylish appeal and many of the life-improving features of its larger siblings, in a streamlined form factor.

www.fractal-design.com

but keeping everything in your PCPartPicker list as is, you could look at this;

Torrent Compact

The Torrent Compact is built to air cool your compact build as efficiently as possible. Main standouts include an inspiring layout, the open front grille and two of our 180 x 38 mm Dynamic PWM fans (or Prisma ARGB PWM fans for the RGB version) custom-made to achieve maximum air cooling while...

www.fractal-design.com

if ATX motherboard route.

Hey, thanks for having me.

My current one is the Define R5 I believe, so I'm very much inclined towards the brand. I'm just making sure I can find the best option.

I'm still keeping an eye on the Pop, but I think Meshify just fits my needs a little better.

I've been looking through all of them pretty much. As much as I like my Define, it does not have the best airflow plus the mini, isn't even all that much smaller than other cases I'm looking at. I'm not set on Micro ATX just for the sake of having one. It seems that I won't really get any meaningful size reductions with this board size and smaller boards seem like too much hassle. So I'll probably just stick with full ATX.

Torrent does have great airflow, but it is bigger than the Meshify, I'm not too keen on the top plastic panel and apparently the cable management space is somewhat cramped.