Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Cooling
Inexpensive cases often make no special provisions for better cooling, and
may even lack mounting positions for supplemental cooling fans. What
fans and mounting positions they do include are often small—60 mm to
80 mm. (Of course, small cases are limited in both the number and size of
fan positions.) Better cases have multiple fan-mounting positions, usually
of larger size—typically 90 mm up to 250 mm (!), depending on the size
of the case—and may have fans already installed in some or all positions.
Midrange cases usually include inexpensive fans, which are not the quiet-
est or most durable models available. Premium cases are often supplied
without fans, on the theory that you'll want to choose your own fans, but
those that have fans installed usually include midrange or better fans.
Some high-end gaming cases include provisions for installing liquid cool-
ing, and a few of those have a radiator and tubing preinstalled.
Because larger fans move more air at slower (and quieter) rotation speeds,
we recommend that you choose a case with as many and as large fan
mounting positions as possible. If you'll be running hot components, such
as a gaming video card (or two) or an extreme processor, look for a case
that includes ductwork designed to exhaust hot air from those compo-
nents directly to the outside of the case.
Quiet PC technology
Many premium cases include various quiet PC technologies, such as
sound-deadening panels, vibration isolators in the drive bays, thermally
controlled case fans, and so on. Although some of these features can be
added via third-party products, if noise level is a major consideration we
suggest that you purchase a case that's designed from the ground up to
minimize noise.
Recommendedcasebrands
There are many good case brands, but
Antec
(
http://www.antec.com
) stands
out from the crowd. Antec offers a huge range of cases, from inexpensive basic
cases to premium special-purpose cases, with or without bundled power sup-
plies. The bundled power supplies, most of which are actually made by Sea-
sonic, are generally excellent. Over the last decade, we've used Antec cases for
probably 95% of the systems we've built, and we've never been disappointed.
Cooler Master
(
http://www.coolermaster.com
) is Antec's major competitor
in the PC case segment. It's a well-respected brand that's particularly popu-
lar amongst gamers. Cooler Master offers a broad selection of case types and
styles, although not quite as broad as Antec. The Cooler Master cases we've
seen are similar to Antec cases in quality and features, although we generally
prefer Antec's bundled power supplies.
Lian Li
(
http://www.lian-li.com
)
makes one or two entry-level cases but is pri-
marily known for its high-end cases, most of which use aluminum construc-
tion and sell for premium prices. Construction quality is excellent on every
Lian Li case we've seen, and they're particularly popular for portable gaming
systems and media center/home theater systems. Most Lian Li cases are sold
without a power supply.
