Steel vs. Aluminum

[aggieliberal]

I've been trying to decide on whether to get a steel or aluminum case, and in my research, I found that the only issue most people have between the two is transportation (steel being heavier). Is there a difference in how the two metals stay cool?

I could look up which metal conducts heat faster (or slower) but wouldn't know what to make of the results. Does anyone have a preference regarding cooling? (I'm looking to keep my unit cool with standard fans - not a water based cooling system.)

Thanks in advance!

[TwoRails]

Hello aggieliberal,

Welcome to PC Mechanic !! Aluminum conducts heat very well, but I would not let that determined what case I would want to use. There are many very nice cases out there in various price ranges and I would pick one that meets my storage needs in a price range I can afford. Other things can make a difference, too, such as if you need a power supply or not. Often I will pick a case that comes with a power supply whether or not I need a power supply, simply because it's only a dollar or two more than a case without one.

TwoRails

[XenaWP]

Originally Posted by aggieliberal I've been trying to decide on whether to get a steel or aluminum case, and in my research, I found that the only issue most people have between the two is transportation (steel being heavier). Is there a difference in how the two metals stay cool? I could look up which metal conducts heat faster (or slower) but wouldn't know what to make of the results. Does anyone have a preference regarding cooling? (I'm looking to keep my unit cool with standard fans - not a water based cooling system.) Thanks in advance!

Aluminum conducts heat better than steel. (Pretty much any steel cookware has aluminum or copper in the bottom.)

[Cricket]

I really don't think there's that much of a difference between steel or aluminum cases as far as cooling goes...as long as you have the right amount of fans properly located for best air flow either case would keep your computer temps under control. Aluminum cases do "look" cooler though.

Cricket

[jer888]

Unless you are carrying it around, don't even worry about it. Yeah ok aluminum conducts heat better then steel but so what? How many parts do you have that are outputting heat directly to the case? Also, because aluminum is less dense, it vibrates more and easier. Besides mobility, there arn't any advantages of aluminum and your usually going to pay more for it. Get a well built case that fits everything you need and has a good airflow path

[tomster2300]

You won't see a difference in the two, just pick the one which you feel is the best for you. Make sure all your components fit well inside and you like the design. If it's in your price range and you like it, then get it. Don't let the material its made from be a consideration.

[amigo]

If money is not an issue I would pick the best case I could get. But personally won't spend so much on cases. Just get the best PSU. I guess the aluminum case craze has gradually died down.

[yoloksky]

hello,

i don't know alloy material is an issue particular in heat. unless it gets wet then aluminum does not corrode easily compare with steel.. if it gets kicked and beaten by kids and you need a much stronger case. . i say you have to get a good design (with dust cover doors for your DVD/CD) and heat exhaust/vent for fans.. and it all boils down to the price too.

[tomster2300]

You guys have to remember this is simply a computer case. We're not performing rocket tests or controlled explosions inside (well at least I'm not)...it's made to hold computer parts that really don't get that hot. Keep it vented and stick some fans inside (or water) and just about any kind of box will do.

Now, I suggest this box myself:

http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/windowsxpbox/

[Hazaro]

You're going to put dents in your aluminum case >.>'

No, but really Case temps are always really close to ambient, so it's no problem. If you want cooler, add more fans!

[bd1886]

I have both aluminum and steel cases and I don't think the difference is even noticeable. Now if you are talking about a hard drive enclosure or a small form factor lan case, the aluminum is better. There sure are some nice looking aluminum cases out there.