New case - Fractal Design R5 VS Define C

[Flogger23m]

I am thinking of upgrading my case. I am looking for a quieter build that offers decent airflow/cooling. I've narrowed down my options to either the Fractal Design R5 or Define C.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352048

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...1352066&cm_re=Define_C-_-11-352-066-_-Product

I plan on maxing out the front/rear fan slots and in the summer may mount a 120mm on the side. The R5 is more of a traditional layout, while the Define C cuts off CD/DVD bays. I honestly don't recall the last time I used one which is why I am thinking of going this route - there is nothing to block the cool air flow from the intake fans for the GPU and CPU. I can buy a cheap external drive for DVDs when needed.

Though I do have some concerns over the Define C:

1) The HDDs are kept in the bottom with the PSU. Will this result in warmer temps for the HDDs that may reduce life? Or is the lack of direct air flow over them a non-issue? I keep my drives for a while (5 years or so).

2) Overall width is 8.27", or 203mm. Will that be enough space to fit this cooler:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQCK1PJ/?tag=tec06d-20

6.3" or 161mm in height. Will the Define C have enough space when mounted to the motherboard to fit inside?

3) Does the PSU enclosure require longer PSU cables? I know with my current Earthwatts, stretching the cables across the back of my current Corsair 550D is a tight fit.

4) Should this be long enough for future GPUs? Hard to find a picture of this case with a large GPU inside; most of the images I run across are for the smaller Define C Mini variation.

Safe bet is to go with the R5, though it is more pricey and larger.

Any suggestions? Just go with the R5 or cut down on the size?

 

[thebluebumblebee]

*I'm currently building a system for a friend and I'm using the windowed Define C, my first time with this case. I have only gotten as far as to take the case out of the box and take a good look at it. It is quite small, being about the same height as my old Antec Solo, but about 3" less in depth. I'm not to thrilled with it's quality "feel". The thumb screws for the side panels are captured, but they feel like their going to strip out quickly - like they don't quite line up with the holes in the case.
*About the cooler, it is listed that the case will handle a 170 mm cooler - it's right there in the specs at Newegg. I selected the CRYORIG H5 Ultimate.
*About the case cooling, note that to install 3 fans in the front, that you have to take out the HDD bay and part of the cover that goes over the PSU. Disappointed with that. Of course they now make 2TB 2.5" drives....
*PSU: The Earthwatts are not know for long cables. That said, the case is quite small, and I would think that if they work in a 550D, they'd easily fit a Define C.
*GPU: Back to Newegg's listing: Max GPU Length Allowance: 315 mm Most GPU's are under 300 mm.