I'm trying to decide on a case and cooler for my PC setup, which includes a 9800X3D CPU and a 5080 GPU. I'm leaning towards an AIO cooler for aesthetics, but I've heard they may not be as reliable long-term. I want excellent thermal performance and quiet operation, but I'm also considering many cases are quite expensive in Canada. For instance, the Havn BF 360 costs nearly $450 CAD locally, but I could save money driving to the U.S. to get one with extra fans. I don't want a tiny case like the Lancool 206 because I'd like the option for RGB, which I can turn off if needed. Currently, I'm thinking about the Lancool 217 INF but I'm worried about the 170mm fans potentially failing and not being replaceable. I also looked at the Fractal Torrent, but that's around $500 CAD. My planned motherboard is the Asus X870E-E, and I'd love recommendations for cases that offer upgrade options as well as coolers, since I feel like if I go for the 217 INF, I'll need to stick with an AIO for looks. Overall, my priority is 70% on thermals and 30% on aesthetics.
4 Answers
If you're looking for long-term reliability, consider a case that accommodates standard 140mm fans, like the Montech Air 903 BASE/MAX. Aesthetics can be quite subjective, but this case can support a 360mm AIO or a large air cooler. Personally, I tend to go for air cooling for silence, which has worked wonders for my previous builds—using a solid heatsink with low-speed fans gives you that quiet performance with minimal fuss.
You're right to consider aesthetics with the AIO, but the 9800X3D is pretty easy to cool, so you might not need a massive setup. I've used a Thermalright cooler in a Fractal North case, and my temps have been solid. Unless you're going for a specific look, many cases with good airflow should work just fine for your build.
I have the Montech XR, and it's a solid choice! Great airflow even on a budget; I added a few extra fans to enhance it further.
Have you thought about the Asus Pro ART PA401? It's a great option with good build quality.
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload