I just completed my first PC build in 15 years, using an old case that originally housed a Pentium 4 setup built by a late friend. It was a fun process, and surprisingly, everything posted without issue. However, when I tried to close the side panel, I discovered that the Thermalright Peerless Assassin cooler is too tall to fit. I'm wondering if there's a specific internal dimension I should consider when looking for a new case? I have the physical dimensions of my current case, but I need to factor in space for cable management, motherboard standoffs, and the CPU mount depth. Is there an industry standard "stack height" I might be missing?
4 Answers
I had a similar issue with an old case too. It seems to have bad airflow; you might want to check if your GPU will fit as well.
Most case manufacturers specify the max height for CPU coolers. If you're up for it, you could even mod the side panel by cutting some holes or slots for better fit.
This case looks ancient! Maybe cutting a hole in the side panel where the cooler hits could work.
Haha, I know right? This case is older than this forum! I guess I'll set it aside for now for a future basic build.
Most PC cases have a maximum height listed for CPU coolers, so make sure to compare that with your cooler's height. This should help you choose a case that fits your setup!
Thanks! Just to clarify, that height includes the motherboard thickness, CPU, and then the cooler on top, right?
Yeah, the airflow in this case is terrible. It used to just be an office PC, so it really needs upgrading.