NZXT Phantom Y/N

[CommanderCrazy]

Found it at a local store for $190. Seemed like a good looking case with a lot of interior space

So what I am asking you guys, should I get it, or stick with my current one? (Corsair Obsidian 800D)

[Vecna6667]

Though NZXT lists the Phantom as full tower, its height and width make it a mid tower that is long enough for long cards such as the Radeon HD 5970. It could also use a front fan. I'd say stick with the Corsair model if you already have it, but if you don't have either, the Phantom is a good choice but that store has it overpriced (I found it at $140 on Newegg.com.)

[CommanderCrazy]

Newegg dont ship here. Also, front fan intakes down the bottom. In that bit that sticks out slightly.

 

I do have the Corsair atm, but cable management is proving difficult. Twice now the CPU fan has been blocked by cables.

[gormonk]

1. its a full tower case

2. its cool looking and avlible in a range of colours

3. immence space...... if only one could fullit :psyduck:

[obobski]

If you can't wire-manage the 800D, the Phantom will not improve the situation - it's physically smaller and lacks a number of internal dividers that aid wire management. I would suggest looking into zipties, sleeves, loom, and similar products to improve the wiring in your (very expensive) existing case, rather than a new case. The 800D itself probably could not be better suited to wire-management out of the box - use that functionality (the idea is you run the wires behind the mainboard, not over it). Like this demonstration system:

http://www.legitreviews.com/images/reviews/1036/corsair_installed_complete.jpg

[CommanderCrazy]

The 800D I am using wasnt expensive at all. $40 from a guy on Ebay, with no damage.

[obobski]

The 800D I am using wasnt expensive at all. $40 from a guy on Ebay, with no damage.

 

That's an exceptional deal! You do realize that case retails for some $300 right?

 

I would keep it simply as a testament to the power of value hunting. 8)

 

And, probably lower on my list, the exceptional wire management and compartmentalization features it offers.

[CommanderCrazy]

I will leave my final issue with it here: The compartmentalization seems to trap some heat in. All fans are working and all, but the lowest section gets extremely hot.

[audioave10]

I have the Corsair 600T (white) and its the coolest case I've ever had. However, it seems the big 800D was more for water-cooling systems. You might try adding another fan or two in trouble areas if you have the room. That was a lot of case for the money.

[obobski]

I will leave my final issue with it here: The compartmentalization seems to trap some heat in. All fans are working and all, but the lowest section gets extremely hot.

 

Define "extremely hot", what you feel with your hands/skin to be hot may not reflect a problem for your computer's devices.

 

In your installation, is the bottom compartment stuffed with wires or other obstructions? Does your power supply have adequate ventilation? (How is its fan oriented?)