Case Question

[Bags]

Hey,

Turns out we'll be giving my old computer to my grandparents instead of reusing the case.

So now I need to buy a new case.

My psu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=17-139-021&SortField=1&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=100&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=5&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Keywords=%28keywords%29&Page=1#scrollFullInfo
My ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314
My CPU cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233082
My motherboard: http://www.thenerds.net/MSI.MSI_Z68A_G45_G3_Desktop_Motherboard_Intel_Sock et_H2_LGA_1155.Z68AG45G3.html?affid=24&gclid=CLWQkb3T5KwCFYXrKgodZCOWJQ
CPU: 2500k
GPU: MSI 460gtx
HDD: 2 7200 rpm HDs

Current case dimensions:

L = 18inches
W = 8 inches
H = 16.5

And will I need to buy a new CD rom drive or do cases come with those? Thanks. Haven't ordered a case before. If I need one of those, recommend one of those too.

PS: the computer my dad got for them, but will be returning to give them mine instead, is from best buy, and bought with gift cards. Therefore, if it's possible, we'd like to get a case from them to spend some of the giftcard money. However, they charge tax and won't have as good of selection, so this is not necessary. I'd also like to have the case in hand by next Thursday, so shipping time isn't an issue; I can order online from Tigerdirect or neweegg.

Budget is $60 - 80, might be able to go slightly over, if you can make a strong enough case (heehe) to my dad for me to spend more than that.

Thanks.

Is something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021


good? Idk, I have no idea what makes a good case, I've just been looking at ones with good looking airflow. Thanks again

[Goku]

Most Best Buys should have the Antec 902 V3 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Antec+-+Nine+Hundred+Two+V3+Mid-Tower+Case/1930063.p?id=1218309806408&skuId=1930063&st=antec&cp=1&lp=3)in stock. You linked the earlier version from Newegg, so if you have a good amount in gift cards I would go for that.

The 300 isn't a good case in my opinion the HAF isn't bad though.

[Bags]

So if he's alright with a $116 after tax case, that one, and if not, this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=5414526&SID=skim19668X770041X5566488ee1ae76560ec6c595da4fc 77b

Curious, what's wrong with the 300? And what does the 902 have over the HAF? just the bigger top fan? Would that make that much cooling difference? If it would, I'd go for the extra $20 case.
Edit: also can you recommend me a good dvd/ cd drive? thanks

Edit: it's a pity I didn't know I'd need a case sooner, four days ago newegg had it on sale for $70 instead of $100.

[Goku]

How much do you have in gift cards to BB? Check out the CM 690 Advance II. HAF is nice but everyone says it is over priced. Check the lian li lan cool and corsair carbide series too.

300 from what people say is overpriced for what it offers. Sorry I hate typing on my tablet lol.

[Bags]

Um, we have $600 but my dad views getting an expensive case a waste of money.
I'll check those cases out in the morning, thanks.

>The reason we have $600 in gift cards
My dad bought a $600 computer for my grandparents, which is far more than they need, all they do is browse the net, online poker.

So we decided to give them my old pc - minus the GPU and HDD, return the PC. Unfortunately, they will now have ~$600 in gift cards to use.

thanks!

[Goku]

Expensive cases far better quality some random low quality case. Easily worth the investment.

[Traak]

Yes, I agree with Goku. After all, a case is one of the most likely things to last the longest of all your computer stuff. It isn't like cases have a processor that goes out of date or something.

[Bags]

Aight. I asked my dad, and he said he'd really wants to use the gift cards so it's best buy only.

i can't find lian li on best buy, or corsair carbide.

Edit: this? http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Corsair+-+Carbide+Series+500R+Mid-Tower+Gaming+Case/3158412.p?skuId=3158412&id=1218380513857

vs

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Antec+-+Nine+Hundred+Two+V3+Mid-Tower+Case/1930063.p?id=1218309806408&skuId=1930063&st=computer%20case&cp=1&lp=2

vs

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Cooler+Master+-+HAF+MINI+922+Mid-Tower+Chassis/1510628.p?id=1218265771619&skuId=1510628&st=computer%20case&cp=3&lp=1

Which of these three do you recommend? I'm really liking the first one, good fans, good cable management, good looks. Bit pricy, but meh.

Quick question... a lot of these have PSU on the bottom.. how does that work out, doesn't heat rise?

[Traak]

Ona has one USB 3.0 port on it, and USB 3.0 is the future of USB, PLUS, and this is big plus to me, as I have made my own case air filters before, washable air filters, so much of the dust gets stopped before it gets in the case.

However, you could always cut some thing soft foam sheet and make your own air filters, and the one other case has no air filters and 2 USB 3.0 ports. I just dunno how much you plan on using external bandwidth-intensive stuff that you would use USB 3.0 to hook up to.

Then, one of them has NO USB 3.0 ports, so not as future-proof as the others. If that even matters to you at all.

PRODUCT FEATURES

10 drive bays
Features selectable system-building options, including three 5.25" (external) and six 3.5" (internal) or six 5.25" (external) and three 3.5" (internal) or nine 5.25" (external) bays. Also includes internal 2.5" solid-state drive.
8 expansion ports
Allow you to add graphics cards and other components.
1 USB 3.0 port and 2 USB 2.0 ports
For easy connection of peripherals.
4 fans
Include 1 rear 120mm TriCool blue LED exhaust, 1 top-mounted 200mm Big Boy TriCool blue LED exhaust fan and 2 front 120mm LED intake fans with speed control help keep components cool for optimal performance.
Washable air filters
Reduce dust buildup to keep the system cooler.
Perforated front bezel
Allows for improved air intake. CPU cutout provides easy installation of the CPU coolers.
Motherboard support
Includes mini-ITX, microATX and standard ATX motherboards.

And, the airflow in your case is fan-forced, so it doesn't matter what position anything is in.

What do you say, Goku?

[Bags]

Ooh, I found it at micro center for $20 cheaper (no shipping because I can pick it up)

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0369623

So yay or nay? I like the cable management, fans, and look. What thinketh thoust?

[Goku]

Read any reviews at all? Lots of people like the carbide series.

[Bags]

Read any reviews at all? Lots of people like the carbide series.

I have. The only complaints I've seen seem to stem from shipment issues (ie damaged product), but I plan to pick it up from a microcenter that's 10 mins away so that isn't a problem.

Other than that, I saw someone whining that there wasn't enough room behind the mobo (even though there seems to be 1 inch at least from the case bulge) and another few who don't like the LEDs, but I plan on turning those off as white ain't my color. The only credible (imo) complaint was it doesn't include screws needed to mount aftermarket fans, but i don't plan on doing so.

Rest of the reviews are good; 80%+ 4/5 star. All the low stars stem from the above issues. Only one complaint of poor fan construction quality.

[Goku]

The Carbide ones are indeed gamer orientated cases as you can tell from the LED fans and a few other looks.

In regards to the PSU. That is actually better for the entire system. The PSU has its own intake at the bottom, so it takes in cooler air and doesn't exhaust any into the case. Less interference around the mobo too due to PSU being at the bottom.

Just a couple more recommendations from Lian Li (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112344). Doesn't have as many fans, but it is an alumnium construction and has great clean looking craftsmanship. I have this Lancool (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112239)one that isn't a total gaming one, but offers less plastic and more steel on it at least. Still has the same quality as Lian Li, while also offering far better cooling options too then the other case.

[Bags]

So, given the choice between a case with a 200mm outtake fan on the top, and a 200mm intake fan on the side, which will cool better? Are they the same? Or is this gonna be on a case by case basis?

thanks

[Goku]

Probably will depend as you said. I can see the side fan helping if there is ever plans to go SLI due to putting fresh air directly onto the cards. Pretty sure the 902 has more overall fans though, so it may have better over all air flow.

[Bags]

Yeah, but the assembly with the 500r looks so easy with the videos I've watched. Guess I have to watch some for the 902.

Edit: alright, going with the 500r; you think I should get a 120mm fan or two for the top like how the 902 has top, side, front, and back fans, or you think it should be fine with front, side, and back fans only? thanks.



Probably gonna go buy it on Thursday and start the build then.

Any tips/supplies I should be sure to have? I've got a step by step build guide video from newegg, thermal paste (what is your preferred method of applying it? Newegg has one way, x guy has another, etc), a good work station, etc. Do you recommend building it and testing it outside of the case like newegg's Paul does? Le vid I'll be following: Newegg TV: How To Build a Computer - Part 2 - The Build - YouTube


Everything is new but the HD, GPU, DVD drive and peripherals. :)


thanks so much for all the help.

[Goku]

It should be fine in my opinion. If you want to get one or two fans for the top go for it.

Don't worry about building outside of the case then testing. That is really only good for new components to check everything works. I normally just assemble everything inside the case personally.

[Bags]

Coolio. If I have any more questions come build time or before thne I'll dump em here instead of making a new thread.

[Goku]

Sounds good, Bags. Have fun!

[Bags]

Hopefully it will be!

[Traak]

If you have one or two fans doing nothing but supplying positive air pressure for the case, and those fans, along with any that are bringing air IN are filtered, your case should remain far more dust-free than is usual. I just laid thin foam (as in, thin as about five sheets of paper or so) on my "roof" fans that drew air in.

Thus, I could easily see when they had become dusty. Then I would take them off, wash them with detergent in the sink, and put them back on.

[Bags]

blehg sorry

[Bags]

Sorry to double post, but I wanted to make sure Goku noticed this.

How do you recommend thermal paste application?

i've seen

- put a little in the middle, put heatsink on and let it spread
- put a little in the middle, spread with plastic baggy (seems unsafe)

What do you do?

[SKYeXile]

Sorry to double post, but I wanted to make sure Goku noticed this.

How do you recommend thermal paste application?

i've seen

- put a little in the middle, put heatsink on and let it spread
- put a little in the middle, spread with plastic baggy (seems unsafe)

What do you do?

i always spread it with a credit card or something like that...or just got somebody in the shop to put it together, spend $50, save me like a day a hell putting shit together.

[Goku]

There is multiple camps to applying thermal paste. The Credit Card and put down the HS method are most common. Some thermal paste recommends just putting the HS down and letting the pressure spread it. Credit card application can cause air bubbles that may cause higher temps. Just depends on what you want to do.

[Bags]

I don't know what I want to do.

I want the safest/bestest method.

[Goku]

I don't know what I want to do.

I want the safest/bestest method.

Neither is the best method in my opinion. Each has their own pros and con. The CC is going to take a bit of practice due to having to evenly apply the paste and cover the entire HS.

[Bags]

guess I'll go with pressure/heat spread. sounds cleaner. Thanks

[Goku]

guess I'll go with pressure/heat spread. sounds cleaner. Thanks

Just check the temps to make sure it is within the proper range. If not something went wrong.

[Bags]

Yeah, I planned on that. Any idea what the temp danger range is for a 2500k? I know my C2Duo wasn't supposed to go above 70C according to intel. They only list the case temp for the 2500k, TCASE
72.6°C, and I don't have any programs that measure case temp.

[Goku]

Idle around 30 *C and under load preferably below 60 *C. Depends on the heatsink and I don't know of any hard number with the one you have. You should avoid at all costs getting anywhere close to the peak temp. I see people getting these to 70 *C +, so they can take a beating if needed.

Don't worry about case temp either.

[Bags]

Cool beans. Or hot? hehehe

Anyhow, it seems that corsair is trying to screw me out of a rebate. I emailed them a few days ago about not being able to find the $25 rebate form and they won't respond.

Are there any companies that don't fuck with rebates?

Edit: I finally found them.

[Infektion]

Hey,

Turns out we'll be giving my old computer to my grandparents instead of reusing the case.

So now I need to buy a new case.

My psu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=17-139-021&SortField=1&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=100&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=5&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Keywords=%28keywords%29&Page=1#scrollFullInfo
My ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314
My CPU cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233082
My motherboard: http://www.thenerds.net/MSI.MSI_Z68A_G45_G3_Desktop_Motherboard_Intel_Sock et_H2_LGA_1155.Z68AG45G3.html?affid=24&gclid=CLWQkb3T5KwCFYXrKgodZCOWJQ
CPU: 2500k
GPU: MSI 460gtx
HDD: 2 7200 rpm HDs

Current case dimensions:

L = 18inches
W = 8 inches
H = 16.5

And will I need to buy a new CD rom drive or do cases come with those? Thanks. Haven't ordered a case before. If I need one of those, recommend one of those too.

PS: the computer my dad got for them, but will be returning to give them mine instead, is from best buy, and bought with gift cards. Therefore, if it's possible, we'd like to get a case from them to spend some of the giftcard money. However, they charge tax and won't have as good of selection, so this is not necessary. I'd also like to have the case in hand by next Thursday, so shipping time isn't an issue; I can order online from Tigerdirect or neweegg.

Budget is $60 - 80, might be able to go slightly over, if you can make a strong enough case (heehe) to my dad for me to spend more than that.

Thanks.

Is something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021


good? Idk, I have no idea what makes a good case, I've just been looking at ones with good looking airflow. Thanks again



YO BAGGIES! GO FOR THE CM 690 ii ADVANCED!

http://www.overclock.net/t/882408/official-xspc-rasa-750-rs-rx120-240-360-kit-club/11010#post_15889933

I'm "EMEIANOITE"

[Bags]

Sorry, a bit late.

Tonight, it begins! Gonna move that carpet though.

http://twilight.ponychan.net/chan/chat/src/132337442172.jpg

[Bags]

Progress so far...

http://twilight.ponychan.net/chan/chat/src/132341131932.jpg

Never buying from Xigamek again. I'll be amazed if I haven't damaged my cpu.

BTw, goku, know what I do with -P led? It's a wire from my case's front panel, but I can't figure out where on my mobo to plug it into. Nothing about it in case or mobo manual

http://i44.tinypic.com/246wgp1.jpg

[Goku]

I had a clean 10 minute install with that hs. Don't worry about the wire.

[Bags]

Really? It took me forever too hookup the fan to the heatsink. And they sent me the wrong manual Other than that it went fairly smooth.

Clips >>>>>> wedgging rubber through holes.

[SKYeXile]

thats a corsair case yea?

[Goku]

Really? It took me forever too hookup the fan to the heatsink. And they sent me the wrong manual Other than that it went fairly smooth.

Clips >>>>>> wedgging rubber through holes.

I just pulled them right threw. Can't take the pain Bags?

[Bags]

@ sky: Yes

@: goku: my 4 yr old CD rom drive has a cable that doesn't fit to my mobo.. uploading a pic now

is thre an adapter i can buy or should i just get a new $20 cdrom

http://i.imgur.com/bF1ke.jpg

this is the DVD drive http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=BLK-AD-7190A

[Goku]

Get a new Sata drive. Cheap. You can get one for $20 shipped.

[Bags]

Get a new Sata drive. Cheap. You can get one for $20 shipped.

Got one at microcenter for $18.


Progress so far: almost got everything plugged in:

http://i.imgur.com/x8lU2.jpg

[Bags]

nm

[Bags]

Everything is plugged in, plugged it in, flipped psu switch, hit case button, nothing.

Hah, had the +/- switched on the main switch. up and running now

[SKYeXile]

@ sky: Yes

@: goku: my 4 yr old CD rom drive has a cable that doesn't fit to my mobo.. uploading a pic now

is thre an adapter i can buy or should i just get a new $20 cdrom

http://i.imgur.com/bF1ke.jpg

this is the DVD drive http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=BLK-AD-7190A

ah nice, yea i was just looking at some of there cases, there cable management seems pretty good, i think one of theirs willbe my next case too.

[Goku]

Looking good, Bags.

[Bags]

Do USB 2.0 items not work in USB 3.0 slots? none of my front or back usb 3 slots work.

And yeah sky, I really love the cable managment so far. Once i get everything running ill go back and fix the cabling.

Edit: goku, every time i've posted after u it's been like 10 mins after... lol

[Bags]

Why is MSI trying to charge me $30 to donwnload moitherboard drivers?

[Goku]

You need to install the USB 3.0 driver for it to work properly.

That isn't MSI. Stupid driver program just listed on their site. Ignore it. I find MSI's site downloads to be awfully slow right now for some reason. Best off using the DVD to install the drivers.

[Bags]

Is driver tuner virus ware or is it safe?

do i need to reformat to avoid virus?

[Goku]

Hmm no idea. I don't plan on googling as I don't want it.

You can download Microsoft Security Essentials (free virus scanner) to make sure.

[Bags]

I can't find any information about it... might be easier to reformat dont want any keyloggers

what do you think?

Also, how do i get it to detect my gpu? the fans on it are spinning, and its light is on, but speccy says i have no dedicated GPU and i installed drivers

Also, I reinstalled windows 7 64 bit and I have 600gb used on my TB Hd... wtf I want my HD to be empty, how do I do this?

sorry im knd of out of it becaue of my meds

also, how do I get my ram to run at proper speeds / timings? it's 1600 mhz 9-9-9-24 and it's running at 798 dual channel 11-11-11-28

[Goku]

I can't find any information about it... might be easier to reformat dont want any keyloggers

what do you think?

You already did this by the sounds of it.

Also, how do i get it to detect my gpu? the fans on it are spinning, and its light is on, but speccy says i have no dedicated GPU and i installed drivers

If you install GPU drivers it should be detected actually. Did you try playing any games?

Also, I reinstalled windows 7 64 bit and I have 600gb used on my TB Hd... wtf I want my HD to be empty, how do I do this?

You do not want anything on the HDD for the install? If you want to completely wipe it when selecting the HDD to install windows on right click and delete everything in it.

sorry im knd of out of it becaue of my meds

also, how do I get my ram to run at proper speeds / timings? it's 1600 mhz 9-9-9-24 and it's running at 798 dual channel 11-11-11-28

You can find this under the overclock setting on your board. The 798 is actually running 1596 MHz, hence the dual channel (doubles the effective clock).


^^^^

[Bags]

Aight. Trying to fix the ram timings, reformatted and reinstalled win7 and my gpu is now detected.

When is a good time to overclock my CPU? Now, or should i install more things first? ARe there good guides?

Also, on the subject of ram, what all do I want to change? i've changed the 11's to 9, and the 28 to 24, and the command rate from 1 to 2 for my 2n ram, but there's a lot of other options. Should I leave those?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

http://i.imgur.com/LA1Lp.jpg

Is that all I need to change to get my timings to the advertised speeds? Do I need to change voltage or anything: I can't find it in my bios

[Goku]

Yeah leave the other timings. I don't normally tweak my ram, so I have no idea what those do. The auto voltage should be tuned to what the voltage for your ram is, should be all set.

[Bags]

Coolio.

When is a good time to overclock my CPU? Now, or should i install more softwares and programs first? ARe there good guides?

[Goku]

Whenever really. Just be ready to sit down for a few hours to do the trial and error process of finding a stable clock. I suggest googling to find a good source. I know how to do it from over the years, but you are best off doing it with a guide. Easier to go back and forth then waiting for me to respond.

[Bags]

prolly.

[Traak]

Does your mobo have a "one shot self-overclock" option to get things in the ballpark?

[Bags]

I don't mknow, my z68a-g45 G3 did not come with a manual that is in english

sorry im havign so many questions but hal;f my manuals are not the right ones or in english


Edit: okay, I just enabled OC genie II for now. It put it at 4.2ghz. That's good enough for me atm. IF i need more power, I can always manually OC on my own, right?


I'm running prime95 atm to stress it, and OC'd it's running cooler than my C2duo ran stock idle.

Should I leave this running over night to ensure stability?

[Goku]

I don't mknow, my z68a-g45 G3 did not come with a manual that is in english

sorry im havign so many questions but hal;f my manuals are not the right ones or in english


Edit: okay, I just enabled OC genie II for now. It put it at 4.2ghz. That's good enough for me atm. IF i need more power, I can always manually OC on my own, right?


I'm running prime95 atm to stress it, and OC'd it's running cooler than my C2duo ran stock idle.

Should I leave this running over night to ensure stability?

What kind of voltage is it putting into the CPU? That is the one thing I do not like about those auto overclockers as they tend to use far too much.

Anything around 8 hours stability is good in my opinion. Some shoot for 24, but I don't like my computer going for that long.

[Bags]

CPU z says1.336V. Is that too much? because I can't figure out how to do it manually because my manual is not in english

After 40 mins it seemed to hang around 60 C with the mobo ~63C. Also, I haven't installed my side panel with 200mm fans so im sure it will drop another C or two

Edit: i did some reading and apparently that's rather high voltage = lots of heat = do it manually, But i cannot find a good guide to follow for my msi z68a-45 g3!!! Gahhhh idk what to do...

I found this guide but it's not for my mobo!!! http://www.overclock.net/t/963798/msi-p67a-gd55-review-and-oc-guide it says that the OC genie is not good though

[Bags]

Can I use an OC guide for another mobo than the z68?

[Goku]

Settings should be identical, so go for it. Only major difference between the Z68 and P67 is being to use the onboard graphics and Intel's SRT.

[Bags]

Wahaha!

http://dash.ponychan.net/chan/files/src/132383409770.png

This case is amazing. So glad I chose to get a new case.


Thougj... I expected things to work smoother with a new computer. Things freeze left and right, and my network card keeps not being detected.

At least my gaming performance is good.

Goku, what can I do to trouble shoot this? Windows Explorer is constantly freezing, as is firefox. They unfreeze after 10 -30 seconds, but this is a PITa...

[Bags]

Edit: npw I can't even get into my bios.

[Bags]

Update: reset bios using a screw driver. Underclocked my ram, everything seems to be working fine now.

[Bags]

Network card now does not work at all after trying to install new drivers.

>net work appears for 1 split second
>Click
>5 bar strength
>Doesn't ask for password
>"canot conect"

I'm about to reformat at this point.