Well, my problem is quite simple. I own a slight modded bitfenix Phenom (with front mesh panel and side panel with vents for gpu) that is damn good at cooling, both in watercooling or aircooling, but it's a bit big (28l with feets, 26l without) with a raw/rubbish style : (here is picture with plexiglas side panel)
In order to prepare AMD vega release, I've looked at many cases that could offer such cooling performance, but with nicer looking...however this search became a kind of saint graal quest as I've found nothing currently.
Specifications searched :
Let's revise what I've already reviewed :
In my personal quest, I consider mainly Ncase M1, Parvum systems, LzX or Bitfenix Phenom..
What would be your advice or guidance, please?
In order to prepare AMD vega release, I've looked at many cases that could offer such cooling performance, but with nicer looking...however this search became a kind of saint graal quest as I've found nothing currently.
Specifications searched :
- cpu cooling : Noctua U9S, dual fan or AIO
- GPU compatibility : Twin frozr VI card, with 360° exhaust vents/fan (horizontal fins on GPU) or GPU AIO (like fury X). 3 slots gpu will be more than welcomed
Let's revise what I've already reviewed :
- Fractal Design nano S : non blower GPU type fans are 30%/100% (in case of R9 Nano) blocked by PSU. Final size of FD Nano S of 26l is very similar to current phenom
- Phanteks Evolv ITX : Aircooled GPU are blocked by PSU cage, and it's too big. However, Black/red version is gorgeous
- Nzxt Manta : as Nano S and Evolv ITX, GPU is blocked by PSU...it's pretty good at watercooling, but far too big for aircooling
- Lian li PC-Q22 : presented @computex 2016, this revision of PC-Q17 (without ROG logo, but with true 2x120mm top fan and SF power supply is interesting. However non blower gpu could struggle due to missing exhaust in front
- Ncase M1 : 3 slots gpu is a very good feature, either to have bigger gpu (like gainward phoenix or gigabyte extreme). GPU compatibility could bit tricky (not sure twin frozr VI enters ncase M1). In case of dual slot gpu, ventilation is good as fan could be added at the bottom. Otherwise this case is wonderful, gorgeous and compact. My only remark is on gpu compatibility.
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- Thermaltake Core X1 : it has everything requested...but it's, by very far, too big..
- Thermaltake core V1 : GPU compatibility is too small
- Thermaltake core V21 : micro ATX, but too big, despite good cooling potential
- Silverstonetek sugo SG05/06/13 : GPU compatibility is too small
- Silverstonetek sugo SG07/08 : I already own one sugo 07, and it doesn't really like non blower gpu (moreover gpu exhaust air already killed one SSD and one psu..)
- Lz7 : Too small for big gpu, but features very nice 360° gpu exhaust vents. And it's gorgeous.. (nice job @K888D )
- LzX : Bigger brother of lz7. Could match a lot of criteria, but it's still under development, as lz7 has priority..
- Node 202 : ugly and features low cpu cooling potential
- Sentry : really nice but I'm skeptical about cooling efficiency with GPU I'm planning to use
- Dan A4 case : kick ass case but global cooling efficiency won't fit my requirements
- Silverstonetek rvz01/02 : Not enough cooling capacity for what I'm planning to build
- NFC S4 mini : @Josh | NFC Kick ass case, but pico psu has its limit.. I love this case, and I will definitely used it as htpc/living room gaming pc. (like lz7, too small gpu compatibility)
- Antec isk 600 : Nothing added vs Phenom
- Thermaltake core G3 : nice looking, good exposure of internal component. However, with first review, gpu cooling is not great
- Bitfenix prodigy/phenom (with front mesh and vented side panel) : pinnacle internal layout, huge airflow, huge compatibility but special style and a bit big
- Parvum systems X2.0 ITX/VEER 1.0 : 19l case, using acrylic and 3d printing, and nice customization possible. Like Phenom, reverse cooling is possible and effective. Potential customization possible
In my personal quest, I consider mainly Ncase M1, Parvum systems, LzX or Bitfenix Phenom..
What would be your advice or guidance, please?