@GummiRaccoon -I totally agree. It's why I still want info about mini ITX builds and such. It is apparent that doing two builds would be the BEST CASE scenario, but I think, considering the cost to me to do this minor upgrade, itd be a good idea that would satisfy my needs now, give me an overall upgrade, and allow me to see the benefits NOW while I can plan the porta-build for later. Literally, I have a buyer for my current case so the COST of the new case and accessories is in the ballpark of 60-80 dollars lol.
I'm interested to hear why you think so. Maybe I could specify. Currently I have a huge, heavy tower...with no more benefits than the half as heavy mid tower would offer me. I'm just trying to argue my point. There would even be and INCREASE in airflow in the new case I'm considering since the one huge flaw with my current one is poorly thought out airflow, especially for the HDDs. Plus I like how the new case would have back panel cable management. I'm not trying to bring you down JigglyWiggly_, just trying to see why you think it'd be a waste. I really want to consider what advice you have to offer. I just think its MORE portable than what I have now....by a lot, and with apparently ZERO drawbacks due to size reduction. Sell me on it lol.
@JigglyWiggly_ -compared to my current case, the CM Storm Scout 2 is practically the most portable thing available to me, keeping a tight budget anyways. This would be my example of a downsize rather than a purely portable build. But, before I stick my foot in my mouth too much more, I hadn't thought about the water cooling thing being an issue. Even with that self-contained WC unit it would be less portable? Are you talking because of added weight or is it necessary not to "jostle" the WC unit too much....if thats the case, scratch the WC idea. Just a thought. thanks.
@General_X -You have a great idea there. and as far as TLC, thats what I'm best at lol. Hence the reason why I am reaching out to other minds to help me make the best decision possible and well thought out to boot. thanks.
ok so I could use some more input on something for my build. IF i go with the CM Storm Scout 2....Instead of the 212 EVO CM CPU heatsink, what do you guys think about the h100 corsair watercooling unit? Would it mount well on the top portion of that case? or should I go with the h80 and have it on the back? Also, I know there are porbably MUCH better water cooling systems but here is the reason why I will stick with those options. I work for best buy and get them REALLY cheap...soooo....case and point.
Yeah, after....8 hours total now....researching this stuff....with darksusperia's recommendation and a lot of other "looking into it", I think I'm gonna go with the Scout 2. It is an AWESOME looking case, that seems to be really well thought out for airflow and such (I will be buying all new case fans and adding them where there aren't any). Its still a bit wide and kinda deep...BUT its still much smaller than my current case and has better cable management, HDD cooling setup, airflow design, etc. Plus...it weighs more than HALF what my current case weighs. That in itself makes it worth it. Thanks for all the input and feedback. I honestly couldn't have done it without the opinions of everyone to get me thinking outside the box (i.e. The whole "5 HDDS is too much" thing. Which I will still look into a less...."clunky" solution for storage.) If someone reads this and has other opinions. I am still gonna look back at this page. I have "MADE" my build in the form of a wish list so I wont be making it final for awhile, to let my decision sink in. So I'm still open to other solutions. This one just seems to be the best if I don't wanna have to buy too many new components to adapt to an even MORE portable PC. Thanks again!
@Daanyal -That Mini-ITX case would be PERFECT!!! With one downfall, I highly doubt I could get my HT Omega card in there as well....poop. But, again, if I decide to go with a different build along with the case swap, previously I ruled out mini-ITX but NOW, ITS BACK IN THE RACE! lol thanks.
Just wanted to add that I took a good look at that coolermaster scout mid case. Yeah, that is a great looking case, I like the design a lot. The HDD trays have the shock absorbing rubber grommets which I like, I could keep my precious HDDs lol. And it has good cable management possibilities and is much smaller with little downsides. Great recommendation!!! This would most likely (unless someone recommends something even BETTER) be my choice for a case swap if I choose not to drop bank on a complete revision. THANKS!
@LordEC911 -I have my main drive, 640GB WD Black, 3x 2TB WD Green, and another 1TB WD Black. @o0squishy0o -I definitely will keep sturdiness in mind. I'm not clumsy but I hadn't thought about that. I had been looking into Lanbox and stuff like that but I would have to get a whole new MOBO and downsize to fewer drives, which I already figured I am going to have to anyways. Definitely keeping that in mind though. @sSubZerOo -I know its ridiculous. I was trying to avoid a whole PC makeover, thats why I initially listed my entire drive list, but I am already figuring on downsizing to 3 HDDs and making the other two network drives or externals. I am trying to MODIFY my main build, not get rid of it or make a new one, so I'm trying to compact my build as much as possible without losing too much in the process. Storage is something I can get creative with anyways so I'm not worried about having to ditch some dries or something. @General_X -Yeah, like I said above, I have looked into a micro-ATX board and going with a unique case like a Lanbox-like type case. Has anyone heard much about these, I just worry about heat, I did forget to mention that I also have an HT Omega sound card so in the Lanbox I only worry about feeding the GPU with air as the PCI-based HT Omega would have to sit between the GPU and the side vent which could prevent some airflow, and going from a big case to a smaller one I'm trying to keep the added "cons" list to a minimum. @N8A -Handles would definitely help. Mine currently does too but....when it weighs over 70LBs (partly due to the HDDs, (I get it, I'll ditch some lol), it really doesnt matter.) @Daanyal -Yeah, like I said above, I had looked into a new mainboard so I appreciate the alternate ideas, I am looking for any recommendations on cases, even if its a different form-factor like the one you listed. I am just looking for something people will vouch for. ty. @JigglyWiggly_ -(sigggghhh) I know....I'm just gonna miss my storage warehouse of space for HD movies, TV shows, Games, FLAC music, etc.....but I will cope. lol Thanks for the insight. Keep it coming if you have anything else. Like I said, I forgot to mention I have that HT Omega sound card as well so if that changes your recommendations, let me know. Also, if anyone has a Micro-ATX MOBO that they can speak to off the top of their head, since thats been an option that was thrown at me, let me know. I just need one with a PCI slot fro that HT Omega. 1155 sandy bridge socket size. preferably the PCI-Express slot more than two slots away from the PCI, as to not sandwich my GPU too much. I realize this is a lot to ask, I don't expect much and am simply looking for ideas and people to bounce them off of. So far so good! =-)
Log in to comment