I'm looking at updating my ATX case - I currently have a
Corsair Carbide Air 540 which is an awesome case for my requirements, but I've had it for 4 years and it's getting a bit scruffy and the front panel USB ports are getting a bit touchy, so I figured it's time to replace it (and not with the exact same model case lol).
Dimensions are a
very big issue. Because I have a 'shallow' desk (front to back), I need to keep the case depth (front to back) down to 17" or less, and also width no more than 13" wide. Height doesn't matter. My existing Air 540 is 16.33" deep, 13" wide, and 18" tall.
Another requirement is needing a case that can handle a 280mm radiator and fans at the top of the case (for CPU), and a 120mm radiator and fan at the rear or bottom of the case (GPU). I prefer the intake fans located at the front as just case fans - either 2 x 140mm or 3 x 120mm.
I love the Air 540 because of the compartmentalization and cable management, and also the cooling set up. That is why my first choice so far (after quite a lot of looking) is the
Corsair Crystal Series 680X RGB Tempered Glass case. It's a nice looking case, although I don't need the RGB bling, but there's no 'non-RGB' version. Dimensions are 16.7" deep (good), 13.5" wide (meh), and nearly 20" high (no problem), so there's a heap of room, and layout is similar to the Air 540.. although width is more than I'd like, but it's doable if I have to. Reviews are ok - GamersNexus gave it a few negative points only because Corsair call it 'high airflow' when it's pretty much middle of the road, but otherwise the review was good. The only other issue is that it's expensive for a case @ $250...
I also looked at the
Lian Li 011 Air which is similar to both the 540 and 680X as far as layout goes (compartments), and is only 10.6" wide (good), 18.3" high (good), but 18.75" deep (definitely bad for me), plus the reviews I've seen say it has airflow issues because of the mesh, and a few other problems on top. Also no space for a rear exhaust fan.
My ideal case would be something like 17" deep, maybe 9" wide, and very tall - like 25"+ so the PSU can stack below the mobo. The problem is, it seems tall with shallow depth cases are really hard to find.. :( ..or they have really crappy air flow or they're ugly as sin (I usually search
Gamers Nexus for comprehensive case reviews).
At this stage the 680X has my interest, but if someone can recommend an alternative that fits the requirements above and isn't quite as pricey as the 680X @ $250, please respond!
Cheers.
post edited by Nereus - 2019/04/16 09:25:22