Case MODs & Cable Management

[TilDeath]

If Skuzzy will allow it I will show case MODs that I do to different cases.  This part is for the NZXT Tempest Case.  I use this case is most of my builds.  This is the first set of pictures of a case in its raw state.  The next Series will show components mounted and Final Series will show completed build.  I am currently working with NZXT's design team to incorporate my MODs into the manufacture of the Tempest Case.  The new design with a few other suggestions will be implemented in the cases being delivered this summer.  BTW no comment or spelling (speeling) errors please.

[Ack-Ack]

Why do you choose NZXT? 


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[TilDeath]

Why do you choose NZXT? 


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Fit n Finish, inside case size for a mid tower, its cooling ability out of the box.  I like the lines too on it.

[Getback]

Fit n Finish, inside case size for a mid tower, its cooling ability out of the box.  I like the lines too on it.

Just a look inside the case convinces me.

Thanks for the post Tildeath. Makes me want to jump on mine.

[AirFlyer]

Interesting read, though one thing I never got is you call the Tempest a mid-sized case, yet according to NE it's as large as my Antec 1200, the measurements are almost the same actually. 22" x 8.3" x 20.5" for the Tempest while 22.9" x 8.4" x 20.2" for the Antec 1200, is that small amount really the difference between mid and full sized towers? If so it seems kinda pointless.

None the less I do like the ideas and it gives me a few for my 1200, I'll be sawing it apart in no time I'm sure.

[TilDeath]

Interesting read, though one thing I never got is you call the Tempest a mid-sized case, yet according to NE it's as large as my Antec 1200, the measurements are almost the same actually. 22" x 8.3" x 20.5" for the Tempest while 22.9" x 8.4" x 20.2" for the Antec 1200, is that small amount really the difference between mid and full sized towers? If so it seems kinda pointless.

None the less I do like the ideas and it gives me a few for my 1200, I'll be sawing it apart in no time I'm sure.

NZXT calls it a mid-tower, so who am I to argue.  I have a 1200 I used in a build for me, now it is sitting here empty.  Good case just not my cup of tea.  I am always in my machine, on the 1200 it took some time to swap out components (HD esp), in the Tempest I can add or remove a drive in less then 3 mins.  I don't have to remove the GPU to remove the HD cage.  The 1200 is also insanely tall... the fans have to work hard to move the air is such a large case, meaning nosier operation.  The huge top fan works well but the CFM's in are greater then the CFM's out, so there is stagnet air flow. It took me some time to find the Tempest and for me when I find something that is not broke don't fix it.

[SKColt]

TilDeath steered me toward the Tempest when I built my new machine. I am glad! I did not perform all of the mods he does, and used the stock fans. It runs VERY cool, is quiet, and also looks VERY cool!

[AirFlyer]

As far as dimensions go it is big, no doubt about it. But it's not even an inch difference when compared to the Tempest, .9 of an inch actually. As far as CFM, mine is about equal so long as you install the optional fan on the left side of the case. It's not perfect but for me I have 316 CFM In and 292 CFM Out. If I were to get a slightly lower rated CFM fan for the left side it would even out actually, but the one I use I already owned so I didn't have to buy an other. I'm no thermo-dynamics expert or anything but 24 CFM seems trivial. As far as your swapping issue, that was never a problem for me, but thats because I rarely swap things in and out of my case, but I do clean the filters regularly so I'm very aware of the 40 thumb screws I have to go through to get to them. That aside I'm happy with the case, and the Tempest looks like a nice case as well that I wouldn't mind trying, but have no need to since the 1200 performance sufficiently.

[TilDeath]

...me I have 316 CFM In and 292 CFM Out....

If this were reversed this would be better, if you have more out then in then your creating a negative air pressure inside the case and drawing air in from all area's other then the Fans blowing in.  Negative air pressure should be no more then 40 to 50 CFM's

[Ack-Ack]

Fit n Finish, inside case size for a mid tower, its cooling ability out of the box.  I like the lines too on it.

Thanks for the info.  For some reason or another I seem to gravitate towards Antec, not sure why but it every machine that I've built I've used an Antec case.  I like the lines the NZXT myself and just wondered how they were.


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[ketinkrad]

Have you ever used an Armor case?

[TilDeath]

Have you ever used an Armor case?

Yes I have... not a huge fan of ThermalTake cases at all.  They look to Transformer-ish for me.  Cases similar to the NZXT is the Lian Li.  But there low end cases I dont like so much.  Its all a matter of personal taste for looks, but performance is my real (cooling ability) is what really matters to me.

[alskahawk]

  I just did a mod on an old computer case. It is a mid 90s Antec case that originally contained a 486. At 18.5 x 17.5 x 7 its on the small side, which is what I wanted. A simple single use build and easy to maintain. I modified it to take 3-120mm fans. 2 in the front and one optional top mount. By removing the HD mount, the two 120 fans in front have a strait shot to the VC. I found a HD mount in my parts bin to mount the HD in a 3.5 slot. The top mount 120 mm hole (I decided to use the top mount hole as a vent.) keeps the air at the top from getting too warm. And with the camouflage paint job it fits with my flight desk. Simple, maintenance friendly and cost efficient.  1 HD/1 DVD/CD Drive/1 VC/sound card (10k Raptor/8800GTX/E8400/GB MB) 

 I like the mods your doing. Its good to see a builder taking time to do it right. Most builders just throw the parts in and ship it out the door. I have never used a NZXT case but they look to be a good well thought out design.
   
 
 

 
 

 

[TilDeath]

Skullman's System is finished and boxed and awaiting FedEx.  The system has a Intel Q9550 2.87GHz OC @ 3.825 (1.32v to the core, idle temp 32^C full load 54^C
 FSB.  It scores on 3DMark06 17212.









Best wishes Skullman, hope your feeling better... enjoy

[skullman]

was having a crappy day.This just made me feel a whole lot better thanks TD.Man that sure is clean and neat looking