Question Case for my next build? Suggestions please

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pcm81

Senior member

Mar 11, 2011

597

13

81

• Feb 9, 2025

• #1

I am currently using antec 1200 case, pc specs in signature, it was a 2011 build.
I am using coolance watercooler that sits ontop of the case and cools cpu plus the two Radeon 6990s.
It is about time to build a new system. Will be building in about 6 to 12 months from now, once the 5090 cards actually become attainable. I will have a separate thread for the build specs in appropriate subforum later. For now I am looking for recommendations for the new case. I like the antec 1200 I am using now, but wouldn't mind getting a case with built in water cooler. I use removable drive bays and a blue ray burner for backup as well as card readers for photography, so need a case with plenty of bays in the front panel.
Suggestions? This will be a $3kp-$5k build, so looking for quality.

 

T

Tech Junky

Diamond Member

Jan 27, 2022

3,825

1,342

106

• Feb 9, 2025

• #2

Just keep it and spend on other stuff instead, Unless there's something specific you want bult in. WCs AFAIK don't come built in as they're 3rd party options unless the company making them also makes cases. It really doesn't make sense to drop $200 for an extra port on the outside unless you'll can't get it on the backside or live without it.

 

P

pcm81

Senior member

Mar 11, 2011

597

13

81

• Feb 9, 2025

• #3

I won't be building new computer in my current case. If I use antec 1200 for new build, it will be a new antec 1200 that I would have to modify by building in a water cooler.

 

In2Photos

Platinum Member

Mar 21, 2007

2,401

2,620

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• Feb 10, 2025

• #4

Use PCPartPicker.com to help you find a case that suits your needs. https://pcpartpicker.com/products/case/

Not sure how many 5.25" bays you need, "plenty" is kind of vague, especially these days as most people no longer use front drive bays. I stopped using internal card readers and just use a USB one when I need it. Fractal Design makes several cases with front drive bays. But use the link above to narrow down the cases based on the filters you apply.

 

Fallen Kell

Diamond Member

Oct 9, 1999

6,134

494

126

• Feb 11, 2025

• #5

Very few cases have 5.25" bays let alone front accessible/hot swap bays for hard drives. I ended up with a Fractal Define 7 XL. It at least still has 2x 5.25 bays that you can use one for a blu-ray drive and the other for a card reader. You may be limited on the hard drives with a large GPU (i.e. long) and need a water cooling reservoir or two, along with the 5.25 bays being used for 5.25 drive, so it really will depend on your actual build specs.

The 2.5" and/or 3.5" drives are easily accessible in that case by removing the sides (which is easy to do).