Phanteks Enthoo PRO vs Fractal Design Define R5

[BROXGAMING]

Hey Guys, i'm on a $650 budget for my new PC but i was stuck on which case to pick. It was between the Fractal Design Define R5 and Phanteks Enthoo pro. I want a future proof case that will last me a long time so that's why i'm willing to spend quiet a bit of money on it. I'm gonna add a water cooler in the future. I'm willing to spend around $100. So what do you think i should get. Here my build just incase http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9JJHt6

 

[synphul]

Looks like a nice build. Couple of questions though, is this a new build you're going with or are these parts you already have? If it's a new build and you don't have the parts already I'd suggest a better psu like this one.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b20750vr

Also, unless you already own the z87 motherboard I'd recommend a z97 if you're planning to upgrade the cpu to a k series anytime in the near future.

In terms of the case, it's really up to you. They're both nice cases. I picked up the enthoo pro and I'm really happy with it. They had some issues for awhile with people getting scratched side windows during shipping though mine wasn't scratched. It did have a small area where the paint was flawed during production. A quick call to phanteks and they immediately shipped me a new side panel (part that had paint flaw). Great customer service, they're very interactive with the customers on some of the forums like at overclockers.

My main reason for the enthoo pro actually came down to the front panel connections for usb/audio etc. I had my heart set on the define r5 but the usb ports and audio ports are on top where the enthoo pro's are front facing and hidden behind a flip up cover. Not a huge variation, but I use things like usb thumb drives somewhat often and if I had to place the case under a desk or something it would put the thumb drive in a more compromised position where it may not fit. That and dust is just a fact of life, I'd rather not have dust dropping directly into the ports. It never blows completely out with compressed air. Honestly it's a very small difference and like I said personal preference.

As far as the window, I don't know if you're comparing the enthoo pro to the windowed r5. The windowed r5 version I've seen I think is a clear side panel window but you may want to check. The enthoo pro's side panel window is tinted a smoke gray color. It makes it really reflective. Even in somewhat low light (it's morning here and overcast with just an overhead light on in the room) I can barely read the name on my cpu cooler and the led lights from the motherboard are visible. The rest looks dark/mirrored without turning on the led lights I installed in the case. With bright white led's inside the case lit up everything is clearly visible but for instance the rear fan is actually white - and the tinted window makes it appear light gray. May or may not make a difference to you.

 

[Anthony_23]

It's a no brainer for me I purchases the enthoo pro and absolutely hate it. The side window is so easy to scratch it's unbelievable it's also a bit big for my liking wish I had bought the R5 instead. Will probably only keep the case for around a year before dismanteling it for a new case.