Characteristics of computer case? Steel vs Alum [Archive]

wasabisashimi

10-23-2009, 12:56 PM

Hi, I was told a steel case will be quieter than aluminum case. But Aluminum case will be ligher.

Summary,

noise: Steel< Alum
weight:Alum< steel
Cooling:Alum<steel
Price: Steel<Alum

If i am not not modding/overclocking cpu, and play some games like WC3 and WOW.

I am thinking about getting a full size tower with steel construction and save the money. I have seen and heard someone's crazy OCed computer with watercooling and a dozen fans in an high end aluminum enclosure, and that is loud as a construction zone.
Is my logic ok? please advise

TOPEC

10-23-2009, 01:23 PM

wait, why would an alum case be better at cooling than steel?
if ur not a crazy overclocker or into computer modding, then any case will DO as long as it provides adequate cooling. ie. big intake and exhaust fans in the case that pushes alot of air but is quiet at the same time.
go online and read up on reviews made by well known manufactures, not some cheap cases.

wasabisashimi

10-23-2009, 01:25 PM

I think aluminum is a better conductor of heat, so it dissipates heat to the surface and that allows air cool. Steel traps heat i guess.

Gonna take a look at some brand name cheap cases, like antec..etc

ShyGuy

10-23-2009, 03:25 PM

a well designed case will make a bigger difference then the material its made out of..

!MiKrofT

10-23-2009, 04:42 PM

As long as you buy a quality case it doesn't matter. Aluminum is lighter but does tend to resonate a bit more. That's about it.

ImportPsycho

10-23-2009, 09:52 PM

if you buy some $50 sht box, case is steel but it's lighter than the cardbord box it came in it... amazing!!!

twitchyzero

10-23-2009, 10:47 PM

why would weight be important in a computer case? You're not racing with it.

If you're not overclocking then what's most important is noise..given it has adequate cooling

bcedhk

10-23-2009, 10:49 PM

go with acrylic..

TOPEC

10-24-2009, 12:55 AM

why would weight be important in a computer case? You're not racing with it.

its resonance, the more material, the less likely it is to vibrate or rattle.
also, back then, people like to haul their computers around to lan parties, not sure if anyone still does tho.

Ikkaku

10-24-2009, 01:04 AM

I have the antec 300 and the fans are pretty adequate... though the top fan is somewhat loud but not unbareable

Ulic Qel-Droma

10-24-2009, 04:09 AM

SpuGen

10-24-2009, 04:52 AM

You need this
6xsOzJfgzFY

Manic!

10-24-2009, 06:32 AM

why would weight be important in a computer case? You're not racing with it.

If you're not overclocking then what's most important is noise..given it has adequate cooling

Lan parties.

.Renn.Sport

10-24-2009, 07:49 AM

lan parties is for fags that can't get laid

but this is the case i wanna get
http://www.gadgetmeter.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/thermaltake-bmw-pc-case.jpg

kchan

10-24-2009, 08:54 AM

get the Antec Sonata series, known for their quietness, and keeps your pc cool as well

i have the sonata 2, and i cant hear it even when i sleep, and its in the same room

Jmac

10-24-2009, 10:45 AM

I usually get a steel chassis w/ aluminum front, mainly because most steel chassis that don't have an aluminum front have too much plastic for my liking.

TOPEC

10-24-2009, 11:54 AM

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?category_id=18&product_id=2810

that's what i have, it's huge, it's super quiet, it's got wheels at the bottom for me to roll it around in, it's awesome, with a subtle bit of rice.

hey i have the same case too, but for some reason, mine has a bit of rattle going on. does urs rattle too? i suspect its the hard drive trays.

underscore

10-24-2009, 01:18 PM

^ thats a slick looking case. I want to build a desk in a couple years using a sheet of either clear or frosted glass, supported by two huge towers that are either black or brushed aluminum-esque, 1 as a desktop and the other working as a server.

Ulic Qel-Droma

10-25-2009, 08:17 AM

hey i have the same case too, but for some reason, mine has a bit of rattle going on. does urs rattle too? i suspect its the hard drive trays.

no rattling in mine whatsoever. the only thing i don't like about it are the blue lights infront of the computer. they're way too bright, so i took some electrical tape and just put it over, haha.

Mugen EvOlutioN

10-25-2009, 12:30 PM

why would weight be important in a computer case? You're not racing with it.

If you're not overclocking then what's most important is noise..given it has adequate cooling

because i live my life a 1/4 mile at a time

Razor Ramon HG

10-25-2009, 12:47 PM

no rattling in mine whatsoever. the only thing i don't like about it are the blue lights infront of the computer. they're way too bright, so i took some electrical tape and just put it over, haha.

:lol

My old Antec Sonata case LEDs had to be plugged into the PSU, so maybe yours is the same too?

underscore

10-25-2009, 12:58 PM

because i live my life a 1/4 mile at a time

for those 10ms or less, nothing else matter

skyxx

10-25-2009, 02:08 PM

It doesn't matter what you use as long as the Case has sufficient air flow it's good enough. Manufacturers use aluminum cause it's much lighter than steel and is easier to mold, plus it looks better esthetically than steel.

dhawes

10-26-2009, 09:53 PM

nice info thanks

wasabisashimi

10-27-2009, 08:47 AM

lan parties is for fags that can't get laid

but this is the case i wanna get
http://www.gadgetmeter.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/thermaltake-bmw-pc-case.jpg

this case would be loud as hell i think