My computer project is slowly coming together and now I have to decide upon a case. Aluminum sounds appealing because it's lightweight, but I wonder if it's better for the parts inside heatwise than steel. I'm wondering what the pros and cons are of steel v aluminim cases.
Also, are there any smaller than mid tower ATX cases that use an ATX mobo? I'd like to be space efficient if possible, but not at the cost of expansion/upgradeability and temperature.
2006-07-21 05:00:53 · 9 answers · asked by xicanaocelotl 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Another idea: is there an ATX mid-tower size case that is designed to lay flat (sideways) and that could have a flat-panel monitor on top of it?
2006-07-21 05:08:47 · update #1
no question....aluminum is the way to go...better heat disapation, and it is very sturdy,,,just go with a well known case manufacturer such as... coolermaster, antec...to name a couple.
2006-07-21 05:14:38 · answer #1 · answered by icon057 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Aluminum cases offer better heat control than steel cases. Heat generating from the motherboard is absorbed by the case and then dissipated to the air. Aluminum dissipates heat better than steel.
As for your question regarding ATX cases, have you tried using the barebone kits from Shuttle? Shuttle uses small form factor(i.e. small footprint). They are roughly the size of a shoe box.
2006-07-21 05:18:30 · answer #2 · answered by What the...?!? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aluminum disperses heat better than steel. It's lighter also, but that makes it more subject to damage.
Steel is more heavy duty, and cheaper.
If you got the dough, and are going to take care of it, get aluminum... else steel. it is.
There are mini-atx cases... but i would just stick with a mid-tower. You can find come nice ones on newegg.com
2006-07-21 05:04:16 · answer #3 · answered by Duds331 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should limit your search to TAC approved cases that is an Intel Spec thermally advantaged chassis; Antec makes several I have the Antec tx640b http://www.antec.com/us/pro_enclosures.html
even with a TAC case you will need a good cpu cooler if you use a fast P4 scythe ninja fanless; and an improved exhaust fan http://www.nexfan.com/ panaflo 120 X 120 X 38
2006-07-21 05:22:38 · answer #4 · answered by johnman142 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aluminum case better but must with two cooling fan in it can find it in sim lim cost about $70++
2006-07-21 05:21:12 · answer #5 · answered by nick_wu22 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Steel, aluminum, it doesn't really matter. Its not going to effect the performance of your computer. Steel is more durable but its heavier.
Check xoxide.com There the best place for cases.
2006-07-21 05:06:33 · answer #6 · answered by metal_head_3767 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if u really want to save $ go with plastic and make sure the case is vented
2006-07-21 06:24:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
aluminum is lighter, but plastic will keep it cooler.
2006-07-21 05:14:38 · answer #8 · answered by shuta you face 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HEY STELL IS BETTER RECOMMENDED BY PENTIUM SO USE IT
2006-07-21 05:10:41 · answer #9 · answered by HERMIONIE 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋