Apparently I need a new case

[Octopuss]

FML.
I bought NZXT Kraken X41 and the damn thing does not fit in my case (Corsair Obsidian 550D) - not unless I break parts of motherboard off or something.
I was an idiot thinking that if 140mm fans can be used, an AIO cooler with "140mm" radiator would fit.

Recommendations please.
I'd like something of same type - middle tower or whatever is it called nowadays? I can only comfortably fit a 60cm tall case under my table anyway.
It should have dust filters over evert major (<1cm) hole.
Easy installation required - it doesn't have to be screwless, but I have to say I got pretty fond of Corsair's system.
140mm fan mounts, and obviously 140mm radiator possible
Does not need to have doors or any other useless stuff I immediatelly remove

Basically, I'd like most of the features the 550D has but with more room inside (but I don't want a full tower).

I like Corsair but brand doesn't really matter too much as long as it's of rectangular shape (nothing futuristic or super fancy) and meets my requirements.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I'd get a different cooler before a different case. If you have to break parts off your motherboard to make that cooler fit, that seems like a problem with the cooler, not the case.

I've been using Fractal Design Define cases recently and really like them. I recommend you check out the R4 and R5 cases.

 

[Caring1]

Seems odd that a case that can fit 6 * 140mm fans doesn't have the space for a radiator of that size as well.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I though that odd too - which is why I was looking at the motherboard (or maybe tall RAM sticks) and not the case.

 

[thebluebumblebee]

not unless I break parts of motherboard off or something.

Are you having problems with the rad hitting? You might have to mount the rad with the fan in the "pull" position, that is, the fan against the case and the rad inboard of it. (just my guess, no experience with the 550D)
If you're going to replace the case, the obvious answer is to look at NZXT cases.
Corsair lists their H90 cooler as compatible, and it's a 140MM cooler. Might want to poke around Corsair's site more.
Edit: Corsair wants their AIO's installed with the fan against the case, pulling air from the outside, and blowing in through the rad. That may be how they got the H90 to fit in the 550D.
Edit2: Sure would be nice to know what motherboard you are using.

 

[DeathtoGnomes]

So we're not gonna see some creative modding here? bummer.

 

[Octopuss]

The problem basically is that there is like 3-4cm space between the edge of the motherboard and to case. That's perfectly fine for a fan, but not for a radiator.
Well, that was stupidity on my side....

Took a lok at NZXT's offering, and nope. It's all fancy gamer cases with obscure shapes - nothing my conservative mind would like.
Took a look at Corsair's cases, and didn't find anything interesting either. The one case I seriously considered (Carbid Air 540) doesn't have dust filters in some important places, and that's unfortunately a no for me.

Solution: return the Krakens and wait for future development.

 

[thebluebumblebee]

What about the rear exhaust?

 

[Toothless]

If you REALLY need to get a case as last resort I'd recommend the Phanteks Enthroo Pro (iunno if i spelled that right but its the case i have in my specs)

Fits my Kraken X60 just fine.

 

[Octopuss]

What about the rear exhaust?

That's even more hopeless - a 140mm fan just about fits there with only a few milimeters around

 

[thebluebumblebee]

That's even more hopeless - a 140mm fan just about fits there with only a few milimeters around

That just doesn't make sense. Guru3d installed (what appears to be) a H100 when they tested that case: http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/corsair-obsidian-550d-review,8.html

 

[Jetster]

The H100 has 120mm fans not 140mm and will fit. The H105 will only fit if you mod the holes to mount it. The problem is the top fan mounts are centered not off set. So the 140mm fans with a rad will hit the mosfet heatsink. Only option is the front two 140 but I dont think so, I have the same case.

 

[jboydgolfer]

So we're not gonna see some creative modding here? bummer.

ikr?
i would likely bust out the Zip ties, and a drill, and really shit the whole situation up ..but i totally understand that "ugly" isnt for everyone.

COOLER 2.0 *this pic was the result of typing "awful modded radiator mount on PC"

 

[Caring1]

If the 550D didn't have the 4 Optical drive bays, it would fit there.

 

[Octopuss]

I have looked at several more cases, and seriously what are all the engineers smoking to design a case that only has dust filters in some of the holes? That completely kills the purpose. Just WTF?

 

[HammerON]

I just bought one of these cases for my second pc. Does have a lot of holes though. Lots of filters too.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NTQICRA/?tag=tec06d-20
Thermaltake Core V51 Mid Tower
Really easy to customize to meet your needs, like water cooling.

 

[Kursah]

There's always the compromise of airflow vs dust management. I will say having a positive airflow case makes a noticeable difference. My Corsair 600C stays MUCH cleaner than my Lian-Li PC-K62 for example. After almost 10 months of no cleaning, I spent maybe 20 seconds dusting out what little was in there. The filter wasn't even that bad. This case makes me wish I was more into water cooling and could afford to it is very roomy inside.

LOL @ the Antec 900 above!

Keep looking at cases and you'll eventually find the right one.

 

[slozomby]

I have looked at several more cases, and seriously what are all the engineers smoking to design a case that only has dust filters in some of the holes? That completely kills the purpose. Just WTF?

you only need dust filters on intake.
cheesecloth dyed black makes a good dust filter for about $2.

I had a heck of a time getting the h110I in the corsair 500. it fit. but its really a tight squeeze. made some cable runs interesting.

 

[Octopuss]

you only need dust filters on intake.

You haven't seen my room then We don't live in particularly dusty environment (I don't even live in a city), but I swear my room (and especially under the table where my bloody PC sits) is a dust magnet for the entire house. I have to vacuum the floor 3 times a week (unless I want to be disgusted), I shit you not.

I've been watching HardwareCanucks' review of Fractal Define R5 over and over this morning and it has started to grow on me.
I realized I didn't mind the doors all that much, because I threw the DVD drive away months ago (after not using it for good 5 years), and I will probably not be getting that 3,5" slot card reader after all.
Thing has dust filters and well organized insides, looking about as comfortable as Corsair.
I am just not sure where to mount the Kraken then - I guess I want to keep the rear hole for outtake fan, and if I want to keep the top covered (for dust purposes), I can only mount the radiator at the front. I have no idea how well would that work with the doors obstructing the airflow.

 

[slozomby]

I am just not sure where to mount the Kraken then - I guess I want to keep the rear hole for outtake fan, and if I want to keep the top covered (for dust purposes), I can only mount the radiator at the front. I have no idea how well would that work with the doors obstructing the airflow.

well if you aren't using the top for exhaust due to dusty environment. put the radiator on the rear. and fill the front with fans and 1 extra intake on the bottom ( if your power supply leaves enough room. that should force enough cool air in that the grill above the card slots would act as an exhaust.

 

[Octopuss]

well if you aren't using the top for exhaust due to dusty environment. put the radiator on the rear. and fill the front with fans and 1 extra intake on the bottom ( if your power supply leaves enough room. that should force enough cool air in that the grill above the card slots would act as an exhaust.

I suggest you start reading more than just the first post of a thread before creating completely useless posts.

 

[slozomby]

I suggest you start reading more than just the first post of a thread before creating completely useless posts.

I did read that you cant mount it in the back on your current case. the post was quoting your last reply on where to mount it in the Fractal R5.

 

[natr0n]

You can take off the i/o shield pass through mount rad externally to the back. Assuming if mobo i/o area allows it/has space.

 

[Bill_Bright]

you only need dust filters on intake.

You haven't seen my room then

It does not matter, you still only need filters on the intakes. Having them on the exhaust side will only restrict air flow unnecessarily.

If dust collects under your desk, put a deflector on the air conditioner vents in your room to have all that dust collect in a corner.

You can take off the i/o shield pass through mount rad externally to the back.

Sorry, but that is not a good idea. That plate has dozens of metal prongs surrounding each connector/port and is called a "shield" for a great reason - it is there to provide "shielding" against RFI/EMI. Don't remove it! In fact, double check to ensure it is securely snapped into place.

 

[Octopuss]

I did read that you cant mount it in the back on your current case. the post was quoting your last reply on where to mount it in the Fractal R5.

Oh ok, I am sorry then. Make use of quotes next time to avoid misunderstandings

It does not matter, you still only need filters on the intakes. Having them on the exhaust side will only restrict air flow unnecessarily.

I read you. However some of the cases I looked at didn't have dust filter for the PSU, which is pretty stupid. Like the Air 540.