Recently I decided to build a new desktop PC. I decided on using a liquid CPU cooler this time to help keep the CPU temperature down. The case I decided on buying supported a liquid CPU radiator in the size I was using, but when I was putting it together, I realized there wasn't enough clearance above the motherboard to properly mount the CPU cooler radiator. For that reason, I decided to look for a different case. Another (but more minor) issue was that one of the USB3 ports on the motherboard was angled forward, and the case had a lip right in front of the motherboard right there that prevented being able to plug in the USB3 connector. I needed to use both, and I ended up finding that there are low-profile USB3 extension cords available.

I looked online a little bit for cases and decided the other case to buy. It arrived and I started moving parts to the new case. The CPU cooler radiator fits above the motherboard, and with the fans installed on it, it just barely fits with the motherboard (one of its fans touches one of the heat sinks on the motherboard).

I continued to put the parts in the new case, and another small thing, I wanted to put an optical drive in this build (4K blu-ray burner), and the optical drive just butts up against the motherboard power connector in the newer case. Yes, I still use optical discs sometimes.. And, although I don't plan on putting in another 5.25" drive, the case has space for 2 5.25" devices but the front panel of the case only has one external 5.25" slot. This case has the USB & audio ports on top, so I had considered using the other 5.25" slot for front USB/audio ports, but I guess I can't do that. I'm already using the external 3.5" bay for an internal memory card reader.

It seemed like it used to always be fairly easy to find a PC case where everything would fit. These two cases I've tried are fairly well-known brands too (Cooler Master and Thermaltake). I'm starting to feel fairly frustrated at this point. I'm wondering if I've been wasting some time with these cases, and I'm not sure if I'd want to have to look for yet another case for my new PC build..

These cases tend to get fairly good reviews online, but often they don't mention small issues like what I've been running into.

Nightfox