Hailstorm case - airflow/heat with this config?

Hi guys,

Sorry to post but I didn't find answers by searching.  This config is in stage 3 now.  I'll use it for some gaming and HD video editing, and just general messing around.  I know the MB is overkill, but I wanted to play around with it, and money isn't a big issue (although I can't bring myself to pay for the hex-core yet).  Same for the graphics cards and liquid cooling - just want to have them to play around with (the dual card system is the first time since the Voodoo2 for me!).  I had a Vertex 2 SSD substituted for the Intel, and that's why there's no OS drive shown.

I really like the look of the case, but I've read some not-too-complementary things about heat and lack of airflow in the Obsidian 800D, and wondered if anyone knows whether DSO has already devised a solution, or whether it's even a issue for this config.  Also, where is their standard rad mounting for stage 3 cooling, and what direction is the airflow through it?

Thanks in advance!

System Configuration:
Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Black OPS HailStorm
Edition Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i7 930 2.8GHz (Quad Core)
Motherboard: ASUS Rampage III Extreme (Intel X58 Chipset) (Features USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s)
System Memory: 6GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series  (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)
Power Supply: 750W Digital Storm Certified (Dual SLI Compatible) (Silent Edition Recommended)
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: - No Thanks
Set 1 Raid Options: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: 1x (1TB Hitachi/Seagate (7200 RPM) (32MB Cache)
Hard Drive Set 3: Backup\Misc.: - No Thanks
Optical Drive 1: Blu-Ray Writer/Reader (Burn Blu-Ray discs and play them)
Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Video Card(s): 2x CrossFire Dual (ATI Radeon HD 5850 1GB)
Add-on Card: - No Thanks
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
Extreme Cooling: H20: Stage 3: FrostChill Cooling System: CPU Only
H20 Tube Color: White Tubing with High-Performance Fluid (UV Lighting Reactive)
Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: Internal Chassis Lighting System (UV) (Creates Glowing Effect for H20 Tubes)
Enhancements: - No Thanks
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks
Noise Reduction: - No Thanks
CPU Boost: FREE: Stage 1: Overclock the processor between 3.3GHz to 3.9GHz (Cooling Upgrade Recommended)
Graphics Boost: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Memory Boost: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory
OS Boost: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-Bit Edition)
Restore Kit: Digital Storm Specialized Recovery System (DVD Image Based)

the hailstorm case (corsair 800d) is a LC case, it is what it is meant for. it does not have the greatest airflow since it is a sealed case.

i see a few problems with your config....

mobo: the one you chose is fake usb 3.0 and sata 3.0, what they do is gimp the pci-e lanes to give you a boost for usb/sata. the controller for real 3.0 is not out yet, maybe this winter or next summer.

hdd:the vertex 2 is a indilix drive so when you start getting near full you are goign to see performance reduction, i would recommend a 160 gb intel they are faster, top rated, and they use a different controller which allows you to achieve 98% full and have virtually no performance degradation.

hdd2: this would be recommended because movies are generally large files and they require lots of space. the 64 mb cache would be best but 32 will do. 1 tb drives have no density issues unlike their larger brothers. this drive is for everything but your os games and apps.

also what resolution are you running? i want to make sure your going to get enough gpu power

psu: the one you chose i believe is a chieftek, the corsair psus are much much better ( more reliable, better warranty, built to last) and they are worth the extra money.

Raif, the Vertex 2 is a Sandforce drive.

About the SATA 6G and USB 3, Asus supposedly has implemented a solution that does not steal bandwidth.  There are some postings on this forum about that.  I'm not an expert, but those that know seem to think Asus has done a good job in that regard.  I didn't buy the board to use those features, so they aren't going to matter (yet).

I'm not really looking for config help here, just for answers to the questions about the case from people having experience with it.  I appreciate your comments.

Yeah, it's unclear.  I read a few reviews, but I didn't see where these issues were clearly explained or tested.  At least, not to my level of understanding (very low).  I wish I had the knowledge and equipment to test it myself.  But, it isn't a factor for me now, and probably never will be.  That board is, for me, just an interesting piece of technology to mess around with.  I'm sure its capabilities will be completely wasted on me, but it'll be fun.  And it'll likely be obsolete well before I need be concerned about those problems.