New to OCing, WCing, which case would suit?

[Shrubs]

Hi folks, this will be my first post on this forum so here goes:

After selling my old M-Atx PC and living off a laptop for the last 4 months, I just can't handle it anymore, so I'm going back to the world of desktop - but this time in full form Atx.

I've never OCed, or watercooled before, but I'd really like to. Nothing major however, I'll work my way up.

Anyway, to the details:
I'm deciding on what case to buy, I'd ideally like something that could accommodate water cooling, but the Corsair 700/800d just seem too large.

I will have a Gigabyte ATX motherboard, DD3 1600 8GB ram (2x4GB Corsair), Sandybridge intel I7, XFX Nvidia 9600 GT, Coolermaster 600W modular PSU, a couple of 3.5" HDDs, BR-player, and perhaps a dvd-rw. Maybe a Zalman fan controller, just for the shinys.

I've committed a cardinal sin and purchased a cheap Reserator XT, but over time will probably phase it out for a custom loop. Only problem is I rather like the look of the larger tubing and so would someday like to convert from 3/8 to 1/2 or more.. but does that mean buying new blocks etc?

Anyway, to the cases.. I was originally looking at the Zalman GS-1200:
http://www.zalman.com/eng/product/Pr...ad.asp?idx=424

The Zalman GT-1000 (I can get a good condition second hand one):
http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/...ad.asp?idx=188

The CoolerMaster HAF-X (But I really don't like the look if it...)
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6653

The Corsair Obsidian ranges..
http://www.corsair.com/cases/obsidia...ries-800d.html

Ideally I'm looking to spend no more than 200 on the case, including PnP.

I've done a fair amount of research, and will continue to do so, but I'm happy to let myself be pushed and pulled by the clearly superior beings in this matter.. Which are you guys!

Thanks for any assistance and 2c you can give me.

P.S. The PSU and GPU were salvaged from my old rig, which is why they're a little behind on the rest of the specs. Will the PSU be enough for the system?

[Fuganater]

I just finished modding a HAF-X case and it is amazing. Had to do some cutting and drilling to fit my 2x140 rad in the top but it worked out fine in the end. I would deff recommend that one.

Although, I have heard great things about the Obsidian. It also looks amazing with a WC setup in it... if you do it right.

If your gonna WC then up your GPU. I went from 2x XFX 260 Black Editions to 2x EVGA GTX 560Ti. Its not worth it to buy a $100+ block for a 2 year old GPU. Other than that it looks like you will have a good setup.

[Shrubs]

I was planning on using air cooling for the GPU until I upgrade, or stop using the Reserator. I've read too many threads about the reserators limited capabilities at GPU included loops. My current intentions are to look at a second pump in the loop, then radiators, and eventually remove the need for the Res XT by using a fully internal setup. At which point I'll look in to a GPU block.

The problem I have with the HAF-X is the looks, it's just not really my style, I quite like the simple cuboid layout. The problem with the Corsair cases however, are they're just too large. The size of the Zalman GS1200 is about right I think, maybe something a little bigger, like a Silverstone T07.

In terms of looks, I would ideally love to get the Zalman GT1000, but it's getting dated. The only thing I really would miss with the GT1000 is the cable management though. The size of the case doesn't lend itself to great modding capabilities either, or so I would assume(?).

If there is an effective way of water cooling the GT1000 I'd love to hear about success stories? As it is beautiful.

How do you find a 2x140 radiator performs? I keep reading threads were the need for a horrendous amount of radiators is becoming more and more necessary with the modernization and heat of parts increases. Is it adequate are you finding? I'd be very interested to hear about temperatures.

[Fuganater]

2x140 does great. I have the 2x 200mm fans in the top of the case and 2x140mm yate loons on the rad. (rad is right below the 200mm fans). At full load folding the water is at 33-37 C. Never seen it higher yet. i7 2600k at 4.8Ghz and 2x 560Ti OC'd to 990Mhz. Single loop too.

You could always paint your case. Its what I did, well the grills I painted. Here is a quick shot of it.





Makes a world of difference when you change it up from all black.

[Shrubs]

That's a huge improvement, it looks nice. I like what you've done there!

[Fuganater]

It is a very simple easy mod to do and you can do any color you want. I have the interior to match but I won't thread jack. I'll put up a worklog of it this weekend.

[sysigy]

Fuganater your HAF-X looks good

Shrubs, If you're planning an internal loop and want 1/2" ID tubing then you will need a large case. I've just finished my build using an Obsidian 800D for the same reason, I wanted an internal only loop. I managed to find the case for £204 instead of the £225 rrp. Play.com currently have them at £199.99, they're currently out of stock but accepting preorders.

As you say, the Obsidian 700/800D are big cases but a large case offers many advantages, loads of room for your tubing and hardware, this also gives you the ability to manage your cables well and leaves the case more 'open' for airflow. The 800D also has a hot-swap HDD mount in the front which was a selling point for me.