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Looking for a case that may not exist.

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  • Level 5
    Tapper
    Posts: 67
    Oct 13, 2012 1:27 am GMT

    Hey guys.

    This is a random, and probably futile request, but I am looking for input for a new project I just thought of taking on.

    I want a new case for my PC. I currently have the Coolermaster Cosmos Full ATX case (yes, the original cosmos, not the S or 2).

    Here is what I want to TRY and make happen:

    1.Fit my 5 HDD, GTX 570, 600W Corsair PSU, MSI mobo (im blankingon the model # but its an ATX board BUT its slightly odd in that is is normal LENGTH but is shorter width wise).

    2. I only want and need ONE DVD drive slot.

    3. As portable and lightweight as possible (the whole reason for this is to change from my large and cumbersome case to something I can easily take to my friends house so I am not stuck only being able to enjoy my gaming rig at home, I DO like to get out of my man-cave every now and then lol.)

    4.Something that still have a smart design that will allow good enough airflow for gaming.

    5. I also really would ideally want something that leaves no wasted space, for example, my current case has the option for up to 5 more external drive bays....I don't need that lol.

    6. although I want something cheap, as this is more of a fun experiment and I in NO way want to get rid of my beloved TANK of a case, I am open to more off the wall and expensive options if they can satisfy my needs.

    I will honestly say I am posting here because searching the internet has been a waste of time and I want to pick the brains of anyone who shares my interest in PC builds and has any ideas to offer me.

    ok guys, shoot your comments my way. I look forward to seeing what I get back =-)

    Hey guys.

    This is a random, and probably futile request, but I am looking for input for a new project I just thought of taking on.

    I want a new case for my PC. I currently have the Coolermaster Cosmos Full ATX case (yes, the original cosmos, not the S or 2).

    Here is what I want to TRY and make happen:

    1.Fit my 5 HDD, GTX 570, 600W Corsair PSU, MSI mobo (im blankingon the model # but its an ATX board BUT its slightly odd in that is is normal LENGTH but is shorter width wise).

    2. I only want and need ONE DVD drive slot.

    3. As portable and lightweight as possible (the whole reason for this is to change from my large and cumbersome case to something I can easily take to my friends house so I am not stuck only being able to enjoy my gaming rig at home, I DO like to get out of my man-cave every now and then lol.)

    4.Something that still have a smart design that will allow good enough airflow for gaming.

    5. I also really would ideally want something that leaves no wasted space, for example, my current case has the option for up to 5 more external drive bays....I don't need that lol.

    6. although I want something cheap, as this is more of a fun experiment and I in NO way want to get rid of my beloved TANK of a case, I am open to more off the wall and expensive options if they can satisfy my needs.

    I will honestly say I am posting here because searching the internet has been a waste of time and I want to pick the brains of anyone who shares my interest in PC builds and has any ideas to offer me.

    ok guys, shoot your comments my way. I look forward to seeing what I get back =-)

  • Level 5
    Tapper
    Posts: 67
    Oct 13, 2012 1:28 am GMT
    BTW, the first request, that is supposed to say 5 Hard drives....yes, I have 5 lol.
    BTW, the first request, that is supposed to say 5 Hard drives....yes, I have 5 lol.
  • Level 43
    Sword of Sodan
    Posts: 6553
    User is Online
    Oct 13, 2012 2:54 am GMT

    coolermaster storm scout 2 That was the first i thought of seeing as you want to carry it to friends.

    [url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119263]coolermaster storm scout 2[/url] That was the first i thought of seeing as you want to carry it to friends.

  • Level 49
    Kidd Thunder !!
    Posts: 9888
    User is Online
    Oct 13, 2012 2:55 am GMT

    what size hard drives?


    what size hard drives?

  • Level 38
    DJ Boy
    Posts: 2622
    User is Online
    Oct 13, 2012 7:22 am GMT

    Honestly if you are wanting portabilit, you are better looking for as small case as possible, and those cases you have mentioned are BIG cases. Maybe take a look at the suggested Scout etc, but keep it around that size. I can understand portability, however there will be trade offs with being able to fit everything in neatly etc.

    Also I would maybe think about the stregnth of the case, I am not sure if that scout is quite plastic'y? so if you plan on shipping it around alot, you want to think how clumsy you are



    Lol

    Honestly if you are wanting portabilit, you are better looking for as small case as possible, and those cases you have mentioned are BIG cases. Maybe take a look at the suggested Scout etc, but keep it around that size. I can understand portability, however there will be trade offs with being able to fit everything in neatly etc.

    Also I would maybe think about the stregnth of the case, I am not sure if that scout is quite plastic'y? so if you plan on shipping it around alot, you want to think how clumsy you are :P

  • Level 58
    Death=Adder
    Posts: 42277
    Oct 13, 2012 8:08 am GMT
    ... Why would you need 5 hard drives in a build that is meant to be portable?

    ~~"Hands can't hit what your eyes can't see."~~

    Freespace 2, best game of all time.

    ... Why would you need 5 hard drives in a build that is meant to be portable?
  • Level 56
    Mr. X
    Posts: 8910
    Oct 13, 2012 12:26 pm GMT
    sSubZerOo wrote:
    ... Why would you need 5 hard drives in a build that is meant to be portable?

    This, with 5 hardrives and an ATX board, the best you can do is some sort of midtower case. If you could drop down to 2 HDDs and a micro-atx or mini-itx board, youll have a lot more options for portability.


    My complete picture guide to computer building and hardware installation.

    Capitan_Kid wrote:

    Im not saying those arent great games. Im saying they just didnt have the impact on gaming like console games in comparison. Halo pretty much kickstarted the FPS genre.

    [QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]... Why would you need 5 hard drives in a build that is meant to be portable?[/QUOTE] This, with 5 hardrives and an ATX board, the best you can do is some sort of midtower case. If you could drop down to 2 HDDs and a micro-atx or mini-itx board, youll have a lot more options for portability.
  • Level 40
    Abobo
    Posts: 21114
    Oct 13, 2012 12:31 pm GMT
    darksusperia wrote:

    coolermaster storm scout 2 That was the first i thought of seeing as you want to carry it to friends.



    the steel reinforced handle would sure help transport your rig.
    [QUOTE="darksusperia"]

    [url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119263]coolermaster storm scout 2[/url] That was the first i thought of seeing as you want to carry it to friends.

    [/QUOTE] the steel reinforced handle would sure help transport your rig.
  • Level 30
    Wicked Sick!
    Posts: 775
    Oct 13, 2012 3:36 pm GMT

    If you'd be willing to downsize your board to a Mini-ITX one, you could get a BitFenix Prodigy for $60. Only 1 Optical drive, fits a full size ATX PSU, Fits your graphics card with ease, space for lots of airflow (can fit 2 120mm fans at the top, 1 if you want to keep your optical drive), I think you can fit 2 120mm fans at the front, and its light, and easy to carry around, its got soft plastic handles. And it looks awesome. Clean lines, looks a lot like a mini Mac Pro.

    Edited on Oct 13, 2012 3:37 pm GMT

    The above information is absolutely, 100% true. Unless you prove it to be false, and then in that case, I really don't care.

    If you'd be willing to downsize your board to a Mini-ITX one, you could get a BitFenix Prodigy for $60. Only 1 Optical drive, fits a full size ATX PSU, Fits your graphics card with ease, space for lots of airflow (can fit 2 120mm fans at the top, 1 if you want to keep your optical drive), I think you can fit 2 120mm fans at the front, and its light, and easy to carry around, its got soft plastic handles. And it looks awesome. Clean lines, looks a lot like a mini Mac Pro.

  • Level 44
    Violence Fight
    Posts: 22286
    User is Online
    Oct 13, 2012 11:32 pm GMT
    No matter what case you put it in, it's going to suck to carry.
    You need a mini itx board or micro atx board
    And ditch the 5 hds

    3dslice.netis my home.Check mySHAFTout.

    No matter what case you put it in, it's going to suck to carry. You need a mini itx board or micro atx board And ditch the 5 hds
  • Level 5
    Tapper
    Posts: 67
    Oct 14, 2012 2:32 am GMT
    @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! =-)
    @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! =-)
  • Level 5
    Tapper
    Posts: 67
    Oct 14, 2012 2:38 am GMT
    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!
    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!
  • Level 5
    Tapper
    Posts: 67
    Oct 14, 2012 2:42 am GMT
    @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.
    @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.
  • Level 30
    Wicked Sick!
    Posts: 775
    Oct 14, 2012 2:42 am GMT

    GTABjr wrote:
    @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.

    The majority of people here will vouch for the BitFenix Prodigy as a well built, feature packed, good looking, thoughtfully designed bargain. Plus, you can keep your 5 HDDs, and it only has 1 optical drive, like you wanted.

    Edited on Oct 14, 2012 2:43 am GMT

    The above information is absolutely, 100% true. Unless you prove it to be false, and then in that case, I really don't care.

    [QUOTE="GTABjr"]@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.[/QUOTE]

    The majority of people here will vouch for the BitFenix Prodigy as a well built, feature packed, good looking, thoughtfully designed bargain. Plus, you can keep your 5 HDDs, and it only has 1 optical drive, like you wanted.

  • Level 5
    Tapper
    Posts: 67
    Oct 14, 2012 4:42 am GMT
    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!
    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!
  • Level 56
    Mr. X
    Posts: 8910
    Oct 14, 2012 10:22 am GMT
    If you would like to do something about the 5 HDD problem, you could look into making a NAS box to separate them out, and make your primary rig much much smaller. You could buy a relatively cheap prebuilt, or look for second-hand parts if you don't want to spend a whole lot of money on it, it doesn't have to be terribly powerful. Getting 4 of those HDDs (need one for your main computer) into a separate box would give you the option of making an incredibly compact computer without having to sacrifice any power. As others have mentioned the Bitfenix Prodigy, the Cooler Master Elite 120, and Silverstone Sugo-SG05 are all incredibly small cases that can accomodate powerful builds with a little bit of planning and TLC.


    My complete picture guide to computer building and hardware installation.

    Capitan_Kid wrote:

    Im not saying those arent great games. Im saying they just didnt have the impact on gaming like console games in comparison. Halo pretty much kickstarted the FPS genre.

    If you would like to do something about the 5 HDD problem, you could look into making a NAS box to separate them out, and make your primary rig much much smaller. You could buy a relatively cheap prebuilt, or look for second-hand parts if you don't want to spend a whole lot of money on it, it doesn't have to be terribly powerful. Getting 4 of those HDDs (need one for your main computer) into a separate box would give you the option of making an incredibly compact computer without having to sacrifice any power. As others have mentioned the Bitfenix Prodigy, the Cooler Master Elite 120, and Silverstone Sugo-SG05 are all incredibly small cases that can accomodate powerful builds with a little bit of planning and TLC.
  • Level 46
    Mutoid Man
    Posts: 10636
    User is Online
    Oct 14, 2012 10:31 am GMT

    Stick the hard drives in a Nas drive for your media then you can get a smaller case.

    Stick the hard drives in a Nas drive for your media then you can get a smaller case.

  • Level 23
    Super Bagman
    Posts: 809
    User is Online
    Oct 14, 2012 12:01 pm GMT
    bitfenix survivor?
    bitfenix survivor?
  • Level 44
    Violence Fight
    Posts: 22286
    User is Online
    Oct 14, 2012 2:22 pm GMT

    MuD3 wrote:
    bitfenix survivor?

    I have that case.
    Way way way too heavy.
    Also the handle breaks easily.
    Mine kindove works, and yeah.
    Badly made case.

    I swapped to the case below.
    If TC gets a micro atx board, get this casehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhWACrx9o6g&t=45s
    I have it, I ruv it.
    It's so light weight, and you don't have to make compromises on your install.
    Also small.

    Pics of my setup w/ the case
    http://www.gamespot.com/forums/topic/29087852/rate-my-setup?page=26

    Edited on Oct 14, 2012 2:22 pm GMT

    3dslice.netis my home.Check mySHAFTout.

    [QUOTE="MuD3"]bitfenix survivor? [/QUOTE]

    I have that case.
    Way way way too heavy.
    Also the handle breaks easily.
    Mine kindove works, and yeah.
    Badly made case.

    I swapped to the case below.
    If TC gets a micro atx board, get this casehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhWACrx9o6g&t=45s
    I have it, I ruv it.
    It's so light weight, and you don't have to make compromises on your install.
    Also small.

    Pics of my setup w/ the case
    http://www.gamespot.com/forums/topic/29087852/rate-my-setup?page=26

  • Level 5
    Tapper
    Posts: 67
    Oct 14, 2012 7:52 pm GMT
    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.
    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.
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ForumsComputer Hardware Discussion › Looking for a case that may not exist.