[GTALUG] Custom build: Which case?

[Scott Frederick]

On 2019-09-18 11:51 p.m., William Park via talk wrote:
> I built all of my computers, last one being a basic i3-4170.  There is
> one part that I was never satisfied with, and that is "computer case".
> Selections at Canada Computers and Newegg are disappointing.  If you
> were building a full-tower computer, which case would you buy?  And
> where?

I just build a graphics workstation recently and used the Fractal Design
Define R6:

https://www.newegg.ca/black-fractal-design-define-r6-atx-mid-tower/p/N82E16811352091?Description=frectal%20design%20r6&cm_re=frectal_design_r6-_-11-352-091-_-Product

I don't know where the cutoff between "Full tower" and "mid tower is"
but this case is pretty big. It can fit most long video cards and tall
CPU coolers.

My needs were:

1. Low noise. This case has integrated sound dampening (bitumen infused
foam)
2. Room for 185mm cooler.
3. Mounts for 4 - 3.5" hard drives. This case has trays for 6
4. No windows  - no LEDs except for Power/HDD. All my builds are plain
black cases.
5. Top mounted USB slots, because the case is under a desk and I need to
see the slots
6. Front panel USB C. A want not a need, (thinking of future proofing)

The integral sound dampening attenuates mainly low frequency noise
(spinning hard drives etc.) The high frequency noise from fans and
airflow can be reduced by choosing large fans, which can move the same
air as smaller fans at lower speeds. The R6 comes with 2 - 140mm fans (2
front intake 1 rear exhaust). I was a bit leery of not being able to
pick my own fans but the supplied fans turned out to be pretty good. The
CPU cooler I chose is the Noctua NH-U14S:
https://www.newegg.ca/p/N82E16835608041?Item=9SIAB984BD8391 which comes
with a 140mm fan. In normal operation the 4 fans all spin at about
600rpm (nearly silent)

Overall I am very pleased with the result. The case was one of the
trickiest components to choose, mainly because it has to accommodate all
the other previously made choices.

My only real disappointment was not with the case, but the Mobo. The
board specs claimed USB C support, and it does, but only on the back. To
connect the cable from the front USB C slot to the Mobo I will need an
adapter to connect to the USB 3.0 20Pin header on the board (about $30
on eBay). I won't do this until I have something that plugs into USB C.

I paid $200 not the $220 Newegg is asking for this case now. A bit more
than I was planning to spend on a case but features such as lots of
drive slots and the sound dampening add to the cost.

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