computer case questions

K

kenny1999

Member
1. Is there any difference between terms "Mini" case and "Micro" case? Are they actually the same?
I am confused. (My m/board is U-ATX form factor ,according to the user manual)

2. does a mini case or micro case have much poorer ventilation than a standard big case? or is the disadvantage
for a small sized case primarily that they couldn't accommodate as much internal devices (e.g. harddisks, DVD ROM etc) as that of a big case?

3. upper PSU or lower PSU design of case is better? I know the lower PSU design is newer, but some on forums commented that it was not as good as the traditional upper one. Any advice?

Any advice?


I only need one DVD RW ROM and one internal harddrives for system. If a mini /micro case has issue of heat accumulation or ventilation something, i would go for a standard case, but if it doesn't, i think i ll pick a small case for simplicity

PleaseGive me advice. Thansk
 
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uATX mean micro ATX. Usually mobo size of 9.6" x 9.6"

A small case usually have comparative poor ventilation than large case. But if you are not overclocking too much, and just install some case fans. I personally won't worry too much.
And it is true that a small case don't accommodate many device. But How many do you want? Most ppl would probably need 1 x 5.25 bay, 2 x 3.5 bay, 1 x 2.5 bay

I would suggest you go for bottom mount PSU case. And if you go for a small case, get a modular PSU. Also, it is important the case has good cable management than purely looking at size.

What is your budget?
Is there any size restriction or do you just simply want a small case?
What video card have you got?
And what kind of style do you like? E.g. Clean finish? Have LED fans/ side windows?
 
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daisymtc said:
uATX mean micro ATX. Usually mobo size of 9.6" x 9.6"

A small case usually have comparative poor ventilation than large case. But if you are not overclocking too much, and just install some case fans. I personally won't worry too much.
And it is true that a small case don't accommodate many device. But How many do you want? Most ppl would probably need 1 x 5.25 bay, 2 x 3.5 bay, 1 x 2.5 bay

I would suggest you go for bottom mount PSU case. And if you go for a small case, get a modular PSU. Also, it is important the case has good cable management than purely looking at size.

What is your budget?
Is there any size restriction or do you just simply want a small case?
What video card have you got?
And what kind of style do you like? E.g. Clean finish? Have LED fans/ side windows?
Click to expand...


Hi, thanks for detailed reply

1. budget, as minimum as possible.
2. no size restriction but i just want it small because my bedroom is small.
3. I don't and I'll never use video card.
4. clean finish, led fans, doesn't matter.

My friend said I shouldn't use a small case because a small case requires a very good cable management which requires lots of techniques.



I prefer small case, i don't need upgrade or too many internal drives, i don't use video card as well.　I am hesitated.
 
You can get modular PSU to reduce cable.
Corsair CX430M is good value

You would probably better to go for atx mid tower if you don't want to spend a lot. You easily find decent budget case at $40 - 60
e.g. Rosewill CHALLENGER-U3, ZALMAN Z9 Plus, NZXT Tempest 410, Corsair 200R.

If you want a smaller case. You would probably need to spend $100 for a decent one
 
daisymtc said:
You can get modular PSU to reduce cable.
Corsair CX430M is good value

You would probably better to go for atx mid tower if you don't want to spend a lot. You easily find decent budget case at $40 - 60
e.g. Rosewill CHALLENGER-U3, ZALMAN Z9 Plus, NZXT Tempest 410, Corsair 200R.

If you want a smaller case. You would probably need to spend $100 for a decent one
Click to expand...


hi , do you know if Antec Eco 400W use modular cable as well?
Another thing is , why $100 for an expensive one? Isn't every case more or less the same? It should be common sense that cases have no affect to functionality of PC, isn't it?
 
Not true at all. There are so many subtle differences between good cases and entry level cases that will change the price. Build Quality, Materials, ease of use, cable management, airflow, compatibility, sound are just some of the benefits of a better case.

Yes. You could pack a $1500 PC in a $30 case and it would work but it would not be as good as if you just put it in a $100 case.

Also the Antec Neo 400W is not modular.
 
salvage-this said:
Not true at all. There are so many subtle differences between good cases and entry level cases that will change the price. Build Quality, Materials, ease of use, cable management, airflow, compatibility, sound are just some of the benefits of a better case.

Yes. You could pack a $1500 PC in a $30 case and it would work but it would not be as good as if you just put it in a $100 case.

Also the Antec Neo 400W is not modular.
Click to expand...

if i choose a smaller case, is it "much" better to use a PSU with modular cable?
lots of people on other forums suggest me using Antec Neo 400W i don't know if it's more or less the same as Antec Neo 400W, both are very similar in price.

by the way, if i am looking for a low price case , what brand is of the best choice for me
 
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Modular is nice for smaller cases. Especially if you are not using a dedicated GPU. You can take out the cables you don't need and make cable management easier. I would say that if you are going for a low cost system, I would get a non modular. They just cost more for less hassle. Cable management is not impossible without one. Just harder.

Just to expand on what Daisymtc mentioned above, the budget cases are usually not geared towards a specifig group of users. Just the general public. Ultra small cases are usually for HTPC, Lan boxes or home users that want a smaller case. So the market for those cases have a certain set of features that the manufacturers want to achieve. The price goes up for those added features.

Here would be my recommendation. Get a good non modular PSU, a mini-ITX board and this case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119261

Since you are not going to use a dedicated GPU the space that has been set aside for one can be used for the leftover cables from the PSU. Also as long as you do not have a huge or CRT monitor, you could have the monitor standing on top of it. That will save space.
 
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