Best high end mATX case?

[Lexxikonn]

I want to build a high performance mATX machine which I can easily move around when I'm going from University back to home etc. Hopefully based around the 2011 socket and with a Nvidia GTX 680 in it. I'm pretty sure I can handle what's inside... but I don't know where to start with the case. My priorities are:

• Good quality construction, preferably black.
  
• Optimised for quietness and cleanliness (i.e. has dust filtered fans)
  
• A window would be nice (although this is not vital)
  
• USB 3.0 and space for pre-filled water cooling unit (probably one of the Corsair ones - I haven't had one yet and want to try them out).
  

The best case I've seen so far is the SilverStone TJ08-E... I'm not too concerned about price, but I'd say £150 is my maximum (at that price it would have to be something special).

NZXT Vulcan looks cool, but the dust would be too much of a problem.

Suggestions? And thanks.

 

[Jadarite]

bitfenix prodigy

My bad it's Mini-ITX not Micro ATX

 

[cerbrus2]

Silverstone fortres FT03, got my m8 to buy one, and its just an amazing case. only let down, well not a let down its actualy awsome, but it costs more. is that the only optical drive you can fit if you need to fit one is a laptop slim drive, but it has to be the slot drive variant, and they are a bit on the pricey side compared to others. and unless you pay for the silverstone version (£50) you need to perchase a adaptor to hook up a sata power and data cable. but once the slot drive is in it is awsome.

 

[Gilbert93]

+1 on the FT03

If it were my money i'd be torn between the fortress and the fractal arc mini

 

[Lexxikonn]

I love the look of the Bitfenix Prodigy 'Cram', but it's Mini-ITX not Micro ATX which is not what I'm looking for. The FT03 looks great, but I'm not sure about the interior layout, can you explain to me a little bit more about how it works and how the design is special? The slot loading drive looks really cool. And yeah, the Fractal Arc Mini and the Define Mini are both safe choices... great cases, but they don't excite me like the SilverStone ones do.

 

[kilobravo]

Have a look at lian-li,they have some nice lightweight(aluminium) m-atx cases.I like the Lian-li PC-V600FX,its windowed and dustfiltered.

 

[DIGITALI5]

I'm doing the same thing search for ft03 on the forums and it's called need help with an idea or something but im planning a similar watercooled and ivybridge based uni rig

Definately the ft03! And if ur not going to change the colour or put a window in get the titanium one!

 

[Jadarite]

What about the Silverstone GD06B

 

[cerbrus2]

I love the look of the Bitfenix Prodigy 'Cram', but it's Mini-ITX not Micro ATX which is not what I'm looking for. The FT03 looks great, but I'm not sure about the interior layout, can you explain to me a little bit more about how it works and how the design is special? The slot loading drive looks really cool. And yeah, the Fractal Arc Mini and the Define Mini are both safe choices... great cases, but they don't excite me like the SilverStone ones do.

How do you mean the layout? Its basically just flips your motherboard 90 degrees, Works wonders if you have air cooled GPU's as all the hot air ascapes out of the top rather than passing other components on the way.

And the fan layout makes for some great aircooling. My friend has a NH12 noctua in his, But the NHd14 does fit. And at a squeeze you could fit a corsair H50 or the likes of.

 

[Jadarite]

or there's the Thermaltake Armor A30

 

[Gilbert93]

I think the ft03 is like the rv03 in the respect that the motherboard is turned 90 degrees this means that your io panel will be at the top of the case rather than the back of the case, this is special because general thermodynamic laws of physics states that heat rises, so having the fans at the bottom of the case pushing air out of the top makes for a cool case. It also houses the hdd's on the back of the motherboard tray. I also found a link to a post where a guy is watercooling the fractal arc mini, he is also custom cut his own window using just a jigsaw, this could make the case a little more exciting and unique. http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1671756

 

[Lexxikonn]

Thanks guys, wow Gilbert93, that guy has a truly amazing rig there - makes the rather boring Fractal Arc Mini quite special indeed. Here are some amazing watercooling setups on the TJ08-E:

http://forums.overcl...d.php?t=1008047

http://www.overclock...0#post_15409303

Somehow the TJ08-E still has it for me.. Maybe its the simplistic design or the epic watercooling possibilities... But I want one. The only case to come close so far is the Fractal Arc Mini - I just don't see myself enjoying the unconventional-ness of the FT03. Thanks again.

 

[Stylazation]

Silverstone fortres FT03 for sure Good quality construction all the way around !