Wanting to get a new computer case, but I don't know what type to get?

[moieu]

I've been using my ASUS CM1630 case and my ASUS CM1630 motherboard, I never swapped. But I've changed other things in my computer. I know there are different types of cases, like ATX, mini-ATX, and others. But I don't know the types that are compatible with my motherboard. How can I find out, or can someone tell me?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Does this pic match what you have?

Is it 16 inches tall and about 16.5 inches deep?

I can't find absolute confirmation, but I think it's an ATX mid or mini tower case. Most likely, any standard ATX case would work as a replacement.

An ATX mid-tower case would be fine. They typically are maybe 18 inches tall.

Not sure what motherboard you have. It could be micro ATX or ATX. Either of those will fit into an ordinary mid tower ATX case. A micro ATX case (uATX) requires a micro ATX motherboard.

If in doubt, get an ordinary ATX case, not micro ATX. Probably just a mid tower unless you like tall cases for some reason.

Decent brands: Antec, Fractal Design, Corsair, NZXT.

I'd make sure it used nothing smaller than 120 mm fans.

 

[moieu]

Yes that's exactly what I have! So should I just play it safe and get a ATX case?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I'd get an ATX mid-tower.

A smaller case might work, but you'd need to find out the dimensions of your motherboard. I can't find that online. Micro ATX motherboards are noticeably smaller than standard ATX.

Yeah, if you want to be safe, just get an ATX midtower. Otherwise, dig around on the net to try to find motherboard dimensions or some indication if that's a micro board inside.

Or open the case yourself and measure it. I think micro ATX boards are 9.6 inches square. Standard ATX boards are larger and not square.

 

[Digerati]

I agree, a mid tower is your best bet. But I wonder why you want to replace this case. Is it not meeting your needs?

 

[Layback Bear]

Hi moieu

Choosing a new case is somewhat time consuming because their are so many choices.

It would be helpful if we new exactly why you want a new case.
Are you having a problem?

Example:
Do you just want a different look?
Do you want more cooling?
Do you want more room for adding additional hardware?
Do you want the new case so you can replace the existing hardware?
Do you want a new case just for the fun of it?

What are the end results you are looking for and how much money do you want to spend?

 

[moieu]

More cooling, better cable management, more room for upgrades, etc. I'm currently reaching about 97C on a furmark benchtest and then after putting a room fan near the side of my computer and taking the side panel off I only get 77C max, so I really need better cooling. Also money isn't really that big of a problem. I'm a 16 yr old working a minimum wage job so the cheaper the better, but I can afford to spend some money on it if it's worth it.

 

[Digerati]

Who cares what Furmark says??? Benchmarking programs do NOT represent real-world scenarios. What matters is your temps when you are using your computer for your tasks.

And too that, Furmark is a graphics benchmarking program. It is important to understand that GPUs naturally run considerably hotter than CPUs. While 97°C for graphics is pretty warm but without knowing what card you have, we cannot tell if that is too hot. 77°C for most GPUs is not "too" hot.

after putting a room fan near the side of my computer and taking the side panel off I only get 77C

If you blast a fan into an open case and still have temps that are too high, a new case isn't going to help! You have something else going on causing your heat problems, not a lack of moving air.

If you are overclocking, STOP! At least until this is resolved.