An update.. and a new set of questions
I eventually got the SG10 considering the overall quality, size and after noticing the 2X80mm fans at the P50 back...
Found an external ODD solution based on an old 5.25" external chassis I've had that I'll transform to eSATA.
I installed most of the HW inside to check compatibility and still have 2 things to figure out on whats left of my budget (I'll add some pictures later):
1) The CPU Cooler -
1st choice - The NINJA 4 is not yet available here (I'll wait another week or so...):
alternative #1: Noctua D14/D15 are available (at around X2 the expected price of the Ninja4) and I like the fact I can direct their fans toward the upper 180mm which was flipped to pull the hot air out of the case, or just directing them to the back 120mm.. that way the hot air will be quickly pushed out of the case.
Cons: These might be a VERY tight fit (even with only one fan), not to mention the high cost with small benefit over much cheaper options.
Alternative#2: C14 is available and seem to be compatible with no issues
Cons:Hot air will circulate around the case.. and the cost... same as the other Noctua's - very high...
Alternative #3: Installing a 140mm AIO (Kraken x41 / H90) instead/below the upper 180mm (In a push/pull). Or even compromise for a 120mm AIO on the back panel (less attractive.. if I go this way - so I better go as far as I can...)...
Certainly not the most "cost effective" but I wanted to try AIO's for a long time and it might be a feasible solution.. also.. the kids like the idea of "liquid cooling"... so I get some extra credit
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
- check this example:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1356389/sg09 ... t_21447508
2) The case fans combination:
- Top 180mm as intake - which I already flipped to exhaust...
- Back120mm exhaust which I left...
- Lower left - 2X92mm (optional) + 120mm intake - which I can't use due to PSU internal cable compatibility (unique "challenge" in this case due to the internal PSU position). - so basically 3X92mm lower left planned as Intake.
- Lower right - 1X80mm (optional) that I consider as another intake for the GPU as well...
My initial plan is like that :
My MAXIMUS IV MB has 3* 4pin Chassis fan connectors + 2 for CPU (I can probably use the OPT one for the fans).
I already installed in the lower left 2X92mm BeQuite temperature controlled, 3pin fans I have unused - but from a decade ago (connected to a 4pin IDE MOLEX)... still need to populate the 3rd 92mm spot below the PSU .. and the 80mm on the low right panel.
I was thinking about purchasing a NOCTUA A8 (or the cheaper Redux version) + an A9 PWM to complete the left side.
Optimally I'll upgrade the back 120mm and all the trio of 92mm lower left with a "pwm sharing" model from Noctua - but I'd rather reuse what I have around to start with.. and upgrade only if necessary after trying the system for some time...
I'm also not sure regarding the added benefits of the right 80mm - how significant it's contribution will be ontop of the existing configuration...
Alternatively - I can go for somewhat cheaper fans from Arctic/Scythe/Zalman - which goes for ~1/2 the cost of Noctua's cheapest offering... and allow me to upgrade the fans I already have at a similar cost w/o sacrifice too much performances/noise...
An example of local retailer variaty
So.. any thoughts? recommendations?
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)