Comparison Aerocool LS-5200 without PSU vs Raidmax Delta I without PSU

The maximum length of a graphics card that can be installed in this case.

Modern mid-range and top-end video cards with high performance often differ in considerable length, which is why such a card can not fit into any case. So before collecting components, it is worth evaluating the length of the proposed graphics card and choosing a case in which it is guaranteed to fit. This forethought is useful anyway, but it's especially true if you're building a system that requires a powerful graphics adapter, such as a high-end gaming PC or 3D design workstation.

The highest cooler height allowed for this case.

In this case, we mean a cooler used to cool the processor — such a component is found in the vast majority of modern PCs. Height is measured relative to the motherboard.

The thickness of the side walls used in the case. When choosing a thickness, manufacturers have to compromise between several points at once. On the one hand, thin walls are inexpensive and heat dissipates faster through them, which has a positive effect on cooling efficiency. On the other hand, powerful systems inevitably require thick walls, otherwise the case may simply not withstand the weight of advanced high-performance components. Thirdly, steel is a fairly durable material even with a relatively small thickness. In light of all this, in most models this indicator does not exceed 0.7 — 0.8 mm, and more often it is about 0.5 – 0.6 mm.

The type of illumination provided in the body design.

The backlight plays mainly a decorative role, it gives the computer an original appearance, which is appreciated by fans of external tuning. Lighting can be mounted separately, but it is easier to purchase a case where it was originally provided. The types of illumination can be as follows:

— Illuminated fan. One or more coolers are illuminated, facing the side or top surface of the case.

— Cases with backlight. Separate parts of the body are illuminated, usually from the inside, in such a way that the illumination can be seen through a transparent window / windows or a lattice surface. Sometimes external lighting can be provided.

There are cases in which both types of illumination are provided simultaneously. And for office needs , cases without backlight are suitable.

The ability to use special latches (instead of screws) to mount peripheral devices in 3.5" and 5.25 bays, as well as cards in expansion slots. This screwless mounting greatly simplifies the installation and replacement of system components.

The number of fan slots on the front of the case, and the size of the fans these slots are designed for. The presence of the fans themselves in the kit should be specified separately.

The larger the fan, the more advanced it is considered: a large diameter allows you to work efficiently at relatively low speeds, which reduces the noise level and energy consumption. Case fans are available in several standard diameters; specifically for the front panel, the size up to 92 mm is considered relatively small, 120 mm — medium, 140 mm — large, and in the most advanced solutions, fans of 180 mm or even more can be installed.

Also note that most often the holes for installing fans are designed for one specific size, however, there are also “multi-size” seats, for 2-3 options. Moreover, these options may differ both in diameter and in quantity: for example, it may be possible to install two 140 mm fans or three 120 mm fans.

The total number of places for installing fans provided in the chassis design.

The more performant the system, the more components it includes — the more powerful cooling it will need; therefore, the number of places for fans, usually, is directly related to the size and purpose of the case. It is also worth considering that with the same number, the installation location of individual fans may be different — behind, on the side, on top, etc.

The size of the mounting space for the liquid cooling system provided on the front side of the case. In cases with support for LCS, water-cooling radiators are installed in the same slots as traditional fans. In other words, either a fan (or fans) or an LCS radiator can be installed in the same mounting space. The size of the mounting space for LCS is specified by a single number — the length (on the longer side); the width can be determined based on these data. The fact is that modern LCS radiators usually use fans of one of the standard sizes — either 120 mm or 140 mm; and if there are several such fans, they are arranged in a row. As a result, the radiator length is a multiple, and the width is equal to one of these numbers: for example, 280 mm is 2x140 mm with a width of 140 mm, and 360 mm is 3x120 mm with a width of 120 mm. Generally, a front radiator size of 240 mm or less is considered relatively small, 280 mm is medium, 360 mm is large, and in some models, it reaches 420 mm and even 480 mm. Note that the same nuances apply here as for air cooling: a larger fan occupies more space and costs more, but it is considered more advanced because it can work efficiently at a lower speed — reducing noise and vibrations.

The size of the mounting space for the liquid cooling system provided on the top side of the case.

In cases supporting LCS, water cooling radiators are installed in the same slots as traditional fans. In other words, a fan (or fans) or an LCS radiator can be installed in the same mounting space. The size of the mounting space for LCS is specified by a single number — the length (on the longer side); the width can be determined based on this information. The fact is, modern LCS radiators typically use fans of one of the standard sizes — 120 mm or 140 mm; and if there are several such fans, they are arranged in a row. As a result, the length of the radiator is a multiple, and the width is equal to one of these numbers: for example, 280 mm means 2x140 mm with a width of 140 mm, and 360 mm means 3x120 mm with a width of 120 mm. Overall, an upper radiator size of 240 mm and below is considered relatively small, 280 mm is medium, 360 mm is large, and in some models, it reaches 420 mm and even 480 mm.

Note that the same nuances apply here as for air cooling: a larger fan takes up more space and costs more, but is considered more advanced since it can work effectively at a lower speed — which reduces noise and vibrations.