Craig Allen

6 hours ago, Matthew Sorrels said:

I built a new machine at the end of last year with a Fractal Design Define R6 USB-C Blackout case (product code is FD-CA-DEF-R6C-BKO) got it from Amazon.  It has everything you mention except no Thunderbolt on the top.  The blu-ray drive (one slot) lives behind the front door.  I'm using air cooling (Noctua) the end result is very quiet. 

3 hours ago, haydn12 said:

The Fractal Design Define R6 USB-C Blackout case is an excellent case.  We just received 2 AV systems where I work using these cases with the Noctua cooler.  Things are dead silent.  Wish I had this case for my DAW system.

Jim

Matthew and Jim --

Thanks so much! YES, this FD case looks like it will be just what I'm looking for!

Wondering if any of you who have completed DAW builds over the past year can recommend a Quiet Case.

I am noticing that many cases (i.e. Fractal Design and Be Quiet! in the $80-130 range) are not including bay(s) for optical drives. I still have reason to burn CDs.

So, I believe I'm looking for:

- 1 external access optical drive bay (5.25")

- External (top or front) access to USB 3, USB 3.1 (USB - C connection), ideally TB3

- 4+ SSD drives. 4+ SATA HDD bays

- 6+ PCI card external outs

- Well-ventilated, good airflow design

- Acoustical damping material

- super silent fans (2+ included); room for more (top and rear)

 - good, flexible routing options. So, not too small a case.

- I don't care about lights. 

Anything else I should be thinking about?

Thank you so much for any recommendations!

Craig

Jim,

I have heard that the 9900k runs quite hot. 

If multi-threading isn't such a big deal for DAWs, is the 9700k a strong option? (i.e. runs cooler, save $150).

Also, 

What's the best way to contact you for a consultation?

Craig