Phantom 630 or Corsair 750D?

[R0Y]

Well, this is embarrassing...
I was so happy to hear about the Corsair 750D... I thought it would be a wc-friendly upgrade to the 650D. But now that I have seen the pictures and read the specs, I have to say I'm a bit disappointed. There's no latch on the side panels for quick removal, gone are all 200mm fans, no external hot-swap dock, and the colour doesn't even look black Of course it's too early to speculate, as it's not even officially announced, but I'm really in a hurry. I live in Calcutta, and there's only one 630 (the cr@ppy gun metal one) left here. The price of our currency against USD is deteriorating by the day, and the importer told me that the next batch will be priced significantly higher here. I don't have access to custom wc stuff here. XSPC, Phobia etc etc are not available... one needs to import those for 3-4 time the US/UK price. The "best" option available here is the Swiftech H320. I have ordered the Asus Maximus Hero and intend to get the 4670K and may be (later on) a GTX 760 or 770. I don't intend to wc the GPU. All I care about is that the CPU (which I plan to run @ 4.4 - 4.6GHz) stays usable for a long time. Now, you all know about Haswell's temps, and ambient temps here range from ~10C in winter to ~40C in summer. Do I really "need" the 750D? I like the Phantom 630 since it comes with 3 200mm fans and a load of other options. If I get the 630, then I"ll put the front fan on the roof, and a 240/360mm rad on the under side in push-pull. What do you guys recommend?

 

[Feronix]

Ehhmmm. Why do you want such a watercooling friendly case if you're not going to be watercooling anyway?

What about the Fractal Arc Midi R2 or the Define R4?
Or maybe the NZXT 530 if you like the Phantom look.

You don't even need to spend that much money on a case if you're just going to be aircooling if I'm honest..

 

[Spiderz]

The other point to pick up on is why the big fuss over the loss of the 200mm fans when they are most likely replaced with 120/140mm mounts which have much more fan and radiator options. All speculation on my part but I'd rather see 2x120mm fans than 1x200mm mount. That said if you don't plan on doing full custom watercooling then this won't make that much of a difference.

My recommendations are the same as Feronix's.

 

[R0Y]

Well, I would gladly use a Noctua NH D14 if that could keep the temps down. But from what I have read since the launch of Haswell, it's even hotter than the Ivy Bridge, and MOST people have been unable to avoid throttling and even crashes with air cooling when the CPU is overclocked to about 4.6GHz. And to make things worse, most of the chips can't even get there without significantly boosting the voltages. So I intend to use a AIO closed-loop wc (which is what's available here) in push-pull (that does make a 3-4 deg difference, and that does matter over here). Most if not all mid-towers can't do push-pull with a 240mm/360mm rad. So my choices are very limited. You guys live in fairly cold regions, so the problem may not be immediately apparent to you. And I think the Swiftech H320 with it's "option" for further upgrade down the road (I do want to do that... somehow) seems like a viable solution, and that setup cannot be accommodated on any of the available mid-towers. Fractal Design is NOT available here. I'd have to import those and that would cost me more than what 900D costs here. I'd get the Phantom already if it wasn't that ghastly gray... urgh

Or maybe the NZXT 530 if you like the Phantom look.

I don't like the Phantom look at all. I just like the great many options on the 630 specifically.

 

[Dussan]

Well, I would gladly use a Noctua NH D14 if that could keep the temps down. But from what I have read since the launch of Haswell, it's even hotter than the Ivy Bridge, and MOST people have been unable to avoid throttling and even crashes with air cooling when the CPU is overclocked to about 4.6GHz. And to make things worse, most of the chips can't even get there without significantly boosting the voltages. So I intend to use a AIO closed-loop wc (which is what's available here) in push-pull (that does make a 3-4 deg difference, and that does matter over here). Most if not all mid-towers can't do push-pull with a 240mm/360mm rad. So my choices are very limited. You guys live in fairly cold regions, so the problem may not be immediately apparent to you. And I think the Swiftech H320 with it's "option" for further upgrade down the road (I do want to do that... somehow) seems like a viable solution, and that setup cannot be accommodated on any of the available mid-towers. Fractal Design is NOT available here. I'd have to import those and that would cost me more than what 900D costs here. I'd get the Phantom already if it wasn't that ghastly gray... urgh




I don't like the Phantom look at all. I just like the great many options on the 630 specifically.

NZXT H630 or NZXT Switch 810 maybe. I would wait for the 24th september when the NDA on the 750D is released.

 

[R0Y]

NZXT H630 or NZXT Switch 810 maybe. I would wait for the 24th september when the NDA on the 750D is released.

Yeah, I guess I"ll wait and see. Can't bring myself to like that gunmetal colour on the P630. The Switch 810 too is out of stock.

 

[Spiderz]

NZXT H630 or NZXT Switch 810 maybe. I would wait for the 24th september when the NDA on the 750D is released.

I'd forgotten about the h630, maybe because there is no TTL review on it. Everywhere else has had good words to say about it though.

 

[R0Y]

I'd forgotten about the h630, maybe because there is no TTL review on it. Everywhere else has had good words to say about it though.

The H630 isn't available here yet. Besides, I think it's too blocked in terms of airflow. 35-40C ambient temp isn't something I can ignore. I could do without the side fan, but at least the front should make up for that. Let's see how much they ask for the 750D here.

 

[Dussan]

The H630 isn't available here yet. Besides, I think it's too blocked in terms of airflow. 35-40C ambient temp isn't something I can ignore. I could do without the side fan, but at least the front should make up for that. Let's see how much they ask for the 750D here.

Honestly i have no idea why TTL haven't reviewed any NZXT stuff lately.

But you can mount X2 200mm /or 3 X120mm fans in the front so i doubt frontal airflow isn't really a problem.

 

[R0Y]

Honestly i have no idea why TTL haven't reviewed any NZXT stuff lately.

But you can mount X2 200mm /or 3 X120mm fans in the front so i doubt frontal airflow isn't really a problem.

Problem is that there's no way those fans can pull the air... there's just not enough openings.

 

[Vlada011]

Obsidian 750D is one excellent case and best case for that money on the world.
Option to install any motherboard size look cool even if you don't plan more than
E-ATX. Relly cool case. Have everything, Triple Rad on top cover with filter, filter on front, option to install radiators on 3 place (top, floor, front). Excellent case.
I still love my Obsidian 650D and it's to early for change him, I plan K70 Black before that and that's same price almost. At this moment only two models are interesting for me Merlin SM8 and Obsidian 750D, 900D is to big for me.

 

[R0Y]

Obsidian 750D is one excellent case and best case for that money on the world.
Option to install any motherboard size look cool even if you don't plan more than
E-ATX. Relly cool case. Have everything, Triple Rad on top cover with filter, filter on front, option to install radiators on 3 place (top, floor, front). Excellent case.
I still love my Obsidian 650D and it's to early for change him, I plan K70 Black before that and that's same price almost. At this moment only two models are interesting for me Merlin SM8 and Obsidian 750D, 900D is to big for me.

Wow. Looks like you're in love :lol:
I personally feel the Phantom 630 meets my requirements better.

 

[Vlada011]

What case is fantastic, both 750D and 650D. My 650D is nice because lock mechanism on door and sound of aluminium when you open and close side panel, but
750D is newer and have some things better. Internal USB 3.0 as CORSAIR decide not to make and put in shop for 600T and 650D. They could do that now in same time to order for both case same front I/O Panel.
SSD place, big window panel, and price is acceptable even for people who go for Carbider 500R or Vengeance C70,
can say Let's give little more for Obsidian Class Full Tower.
Nothing can compare with love of Obsidian owners, they love their cases after 5 years. Best case after 2-3 years sometimes you can't look him any more but Obsidian is even nicer after some time. When I saw 650D I wait exactly 8 months to buy that case, I didn't think on anything else, I looked him every day and moment when box in front of you and you know that is third or fifth in whole country can't compare with anything, I simply sit in look half hour in box.
You know exactly that you look over net and wish so much and is in front of you.
Because in Serbia you can't buy what you want, you pay what distributor want, for their choice. But not me, because of that instead in 20 August my 780 Classy arrived yesterday, but I'm happy because that is my choice and she is first in Serbia.
First because we are poor country and maybe 10 GTX780 sold in whole country, second because distributor such expensive cards order only when someone ask, and third worse of everything even then distributors try not to damage marketing of Golden Partners, ASUS, CM, Kingston.

 

[R0Y]

Well, nice to see someone so happy ... about anything! I liked the 650D too. And I would much prefer if this 750D was JUST a sizewise expansion (in terms of rads) and internal USB 3.0. If that meant a 20 - 30 USD premium over this, it wouldn't matter. But I guess Corsair has too many 650Ds to sell and they don't want a competitor.

Because in Serbia you can't buy what you want, you pay what distributor want

That's not particular to Serbia - it applies to every country. But some countries have tough laws/more taxes, like India.

When I saw 650D I wait exactly 8 months to buy that case

I can't wait that long, mate! I need it soon. The computers I use are not for show.

 

[NeverBackDown]

Between the 2 cases.. 750D over the Phantom 630.

My only gripe with the 750d is the window is way to f'in huge... needs to be a lot smaller(imo).

 

[Vlada011]

That's always happen... For someone is big for someone is window on 600T and 650D to small. I think this window is OK. We could discuss about that ...
Soon they will start to sell side panels and people can mod and make own acrylic window or even with smoke glass. But case is perfect...
Who don't like this he really no taste for PC case.
I was shocked with price.
Full Tower and all desktop motherboards formats supported.
Even for 200$ no to much options for SR-2, SR-X, Z9PE,
Big-Bang X-Power II, ...

 

[Surfie]

If you like large windows, or small windows, the NZXT Phantom 630 has you covered.

They've just released a windowed version of the 630, or, if you like small windows, you can get the classic. Where I am, they are priced the same anyway, so for windowing options, I'd go with that.

Not too sure why you would need a case this big if you aren't planning on using a custom loop though.

 

[Feronix]

The Phantom 530 would be a better price/performance for you and still offers watercooling options for the future.

That said, the Corsair case will probably be of a bit better quality compared to the plastic-y NZXT cases.

 

[Surfie]

Now that I've had a bit more time to research both options thoroughly (And really, THANK YOU: I pretty much thought the Phantom 530/630 was the only option for me, until I came across this thread - I now know better, and I have more food for thought for my own build which is being done)...

Edit: I really need to stop with the verbal diarrhea. Better grab a tea and biscuit folks!

The way I see it:

NZXT Phantom 630:

Pro/Con:
Marmite look (either you like it or you don't)
No option for external radiators

Pros:

• 630: Two version: small window and large window, giving choice to consumer
• Cheaper case (where I am by ~$40-$60 depending on version you are looking at)
• Uniform front panel, unmarred by use of 5.25 bays even if you DO use them (courtesy of a door)
• Drive cage customisation
• Water cooling friendly (Only BIG question mark is; can a 60mm thick rad fit in the roof? Answer is subjective based on Mother board size/heat sink size)
• Due to the fans included, is one of the better performing air cooling based cases going around
• Coloured case options (White, Gunmetal, Black)
• Internal fan combination options
• Cable management is a breeze - can even run tubing down the back if you want.
• Back panel I/O light

Cons:

• Plasticy
• Drive trays are flimsy, and pretty unreliable esp. in transit
• Removal of drive trays, and using a rad in the front is of questionable benefit due to the shape of the front shroud
• Is the larger of the two cases
• Questionable state of whether a 60mm thick rad can fit in the roof can be a problem for some
• Not all cable management holes are grommetted

Obsidian 750D

Pros/Cons
"Classic" look, which some love, some don't
The number and size of the included fans may or may not be to your tastes
Window may or may not be to your tastes

Pros:

• DEFINITELY enough room for a 60mm thick radiator with fans attached in the roof
• Otherwise to the first point, similar watercooling options to the Phantom 630
• Is a more compact case, and so can fit where the Phantom may not
• Customisable drive set ups (not as many options as with the Phantom however)
• Cable management is relatively straight forward
• Has option for External Radiators, but is blocked off with steel, not grommets.
• Really NICE placement for SSD's (IMO better than the Phantom)
• More solid drive plates (i.e. not flimsy)

Cons:

• Top "filter"is not really a filter
• No clips on the trays (I mean, really, this is a feature of the family! Why not have it?)
• Usage of any of the 5.25"bays can disturb the look of the front panel, and there is no front door to make it "uniform"
• Is the more expensive case
• The case seems to be a MAGNET for fingerprints and skin marks. Upkeep of this case may not be a simple matter (unless this doesn't matter to you)
• With stock fans is a worse performer for air cooling
• E-ATX board support: no stand offs for you, but the grommets have been moved to allow it - this screams to me of "we couldn't afford to support it properly, so we'll half ass it"

So, before I started looking at these cases side by side like this, I was very much in the Phantom 630 camp, only because it is the one I had heard of, and researched quite thoroughly in my quest for a case which suits my look and my needs.

Has the list above changed my mind? Well, i'm not really sure. It's given me personally something to really go away and think about. The Obsidian, for me, is a very good fit; I like the classic look, and my space for my case is not unlimited, so a smaller chassis, with confirmed 60mm thick rad support in the roof is a serious boost to the Obsidians chances. But can I look past the cons for me (E-ATX, fingerprints, 5.25" bay spoiling looks, lack of clips on the side panel)?

At the time of this writing, I don't think that I will go for the Obsidian. The cons are just too many for me compared to the Phantom. Perhaps with further thought, this will change.

Not trying to hi-jack the thread OP - more trying to show you where I am coming from with a similar question, and highlighting my own thoughts accordingly. Hopefully, they will help you in your decision making process.

 

[Feronix]

Honestly though, the Pros that you mentioned for the 750D should not be dealbreakers in any way.

More compact: Do you NEED a more compact case? Probably not, unless you really have a small room and need to shove it under your desk. But then you might be better off with an mATX setup

Customizable Drive Trays: Hmmm, you only really need one configuration that suits your needs. I'm assuming you're not going to play around with your drive cages every day :lol:

External radiators: Don't. Really. Just don't.

SSD mounts: Agreed they are nice, but the epic thing about SSDs is that you can place them wherever you want really. Can always use double sided tape or mount them on motherboard standoffs.

Personally, from the things you've mentioned on this list, I think the Phantom might be the better option for you. Even saves some money. Have you already purchased that 60mm rad? Otherwise you might just want to get a slightly slimmer one just to be on the save side of things.