Since I started college four long years ago, it's been a kind of unofficial tradition of mine to purchase a new computer each year. At the end of my sophomore year, that tradition was amended into me building the computer myself. In a couple of months, I'll be building my fifth computer/third custom rig.
Now, before you mistake this entry for yet another "rate my rig" post, let me assure you that nowhere will you find the entire specs of the machine I'm putting together. You will find one spec here, however - the case.
This blog entry is going to serve a couple of purposes. 1 - to see if anyone actually reads it. 2 - to see if someone can help me find a better case. I have my selection narrowed down to two... Selections...
Apevia X-Jupiter S Type
This is the case I'm most likely going with - as of now, at least. I used an Apevia case (back when they were still Aspire) for my first build, so they're a brand I trust.
The big hook with this case is of course its 250mm side fan, which is quickly becoming a trend. I'm going high-end SLI with this computer, and I'm not totally sold on water cooling, so lots of air movement is a must. One thing that's irksome, though, is that this fan is a smidge higher than I would like it, and would only blow directly onto the top card of my setup.
Also, because of the size of the cards, the case has to be full-tower. I don't have enough room on my desk for a full-tower case (there's a shelf thingy that runs above it), so an unfortunate consequence is that it'll be located on the floor under the desk - it's a big desk, though, so that's not a huge deal. It does need to be taken into account as far as the configuration of the case goes, though.
This case also has mounting space for a top 120mm fan. In the world of air cooling, a top exhaust fan is the absolute best thing you can have.
The "front" I/O ports (USB, audio) for this case are located on the top, as are the power/IDE lights. Since it'll be on the floor, this is a big plus.
It has a couple of temperature sensors with a swanky blue-backlit LCD display, which is nothing decision impacting. However, it also includes a copule of nice looking fan controllers, which, for the monstrosity on the side, is a must. Yes, I know that the bigger fan can move more air at a slower speed (and therefore with less noise), but I still want to be able to set it myself. I plan on using the other controller for the top fan, and letting the motherboard handle the other three (one in front, two in back).
XClio Windtunnel Advanced
This guy has two 250mm fans on the side, blowing directly onto the graphics cards. Each fan is hooked up to a controller on the front side of the fan housing.
There's also a 200mm fan on the top of the case, which is great. A controller is also included for that fan, but it's on a PCI slot bracket, which kind've annoys me.
XClio is a brand I'd never heard of until I started case shopping. They apparently don't have the best rapport as far as documentation goes, either, but then again, it's a computer case...
The thing that really turns me off to this case is the location of the USB/audio ports. They're located low on the right side of the case, just behind the front panel. Now, let's think this through... The left side of the case will be left away from any surfaces to let the fans suck in air, so which side of the case is likely to be butted up against a desk/cabinet? Also, seeing as how the case will be on the floor, the ports' lower positioning is rather inconvenient.
In short, compared to the Apevia case, the side fan positioning is a big turn on, but the controller for the top fan and the location of the USB/audio ports is a turn off.
Alright, my challenge to the readers. See if you can find me a case that has the best of both worlds. Necessary parameters are that it be full-tower, that it have a large side fan, and that it have front fan controllers for all larger than normal (> 120mm) fans. A top exhaust fan isn't absolutely necessary, but it's definitely a deciding factor.
Thanks!