How small is too small for a mATX?
Posted: Mon Oct 07, 2019 6:59 pm
Thought that title would get some attention. I have a Ryzen 2600 I'm putting in a smaller case. Downsizing from big towers. I have a couple cases in mind but wonder if 16 x 8 x 16 is going to be too cramped for airflow. Not for parts in the case.
Deciding between the CM NR400 and something similar to an NZXT H500 but with a mesh front. Now that's 18 tall by 8 by almost 17" and there's ample space in it. I'm using a tower cooler, and only 1 HDD tucked under the PSU shroud. Would like dual 140mm fans up front. In the NR400 one would be partially blocked by the shroud b/c I use the ODD up top. I could go with 1-2 of those bays however but really don't want anything taller than 18".
Found something even smaller but it's too tight. I want to be able to go with better cpu's in the future so I plan on a pretty good air cooler. But if the case is too small, even with airflow I figure I'll need something bigger than the NR400. I wish it was 1 inch taller. At 17" x *8 x 17 (or longer) I could fit two 140mm fans under the ODD.
I know you can't OC the 2600 much but I believe 8 cores will need more air, and I don't want to cool with water.
Any input or case suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mac
Deciding between the CM NR400 and something similar to an NZXT H500 but with a mesh front. Now that's 18 tall by 8 by almost 17" and there's ample space in it. I'm using a tower cooler, and only 1 HDD tucked under the PSU shroud. Would like dual 140mm fans up front. In the NR400 one would be partially blocked by the shroud b/c I use the ODD up top. I could go with 1-2 of those bays however but really don't want anything taller than 18".
Found something even smaller but it's too tight. I want to be able to go with better cpu's in the future so I plan on a pretty good air cooler. But if the case is too small, even with airflow I figure I'll need something bigger than the NR400. I wish it was 1 inch taller. At 17" x *8 x 17 (or longer) I could fit two 140mm fans under the ODD.
I know you can't OC the 2600 much but I believe 8 cores will need more air, and I don't want to cool with water.
Any input or case suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mac