Aluminum Case suggestions...

[AnoTech]

I'll be in the market soon to add a new system to my collection. For the past year it seems, I've read repeated reviews on Lian-Li, and I
really like the PC-70. In short, I'm looking for a good aluminum case, is Lian-Li still on top?
Anyone have any good reviews to some other competitive brands?


thx in A,

ano

 

[DoOLiE11]

i suggest a coolermaster atc-110

it has a door to hide those ugly non-silver facepleates(cdrom etc)

 

[Mavrick007]

There seem to be alot of aluminum cases now, from Coolermaster to Lian Li, to Enermax.
Lian Li does make a very nice case though, but all aluminum cases are rather pricey for what you get(usually w/o a psu).

 

[Neuroanatomist]

LianLiPC65 - Nice all-around aluminum case with useful features (removable motherboard tray, adjustable fan speed, nice 80mm fans included, thumbscrews)

Lian Li PC7, same overall like the PC65, but without the extra features (no fan control, no removable tray, less thumbscrews, no plexiglass sidepanel).

I'm actually waiting for the release of the new Coolermaster 710. Appears to be an aluminum case on the exterior with clean Coolermaster design lines, but with the internals of an Antec 1030 on a steel frame. $179
link to coolermaster 710

 

[Ganryu]

I just got a coolermaster 410, which is one of the best looking cases I've ever seen. The only thing I don't like about it is that there is no reset button and its expensive, around $350 dollars (without a power supply). Its nice because it is short like a midtower but its deep so you can access the mobo easily without drives or cables in the way, and it has a really cool grill that covers the front. Check it out at: http://www.coolermaster.com/products/atc/atc410.html

 

[Daniel]

That ATC 710 looks sweet I've been lusting at it for awhile, still the cost is out of my range for some time.

 

[mjolnir2k]

another vote for Lian Li.

I did an exhaustive search of reviews b/f settling on my Lian Li case.

 

[Woodchuck2000]

I would heartily recommend the Lian-Li PC-60.
It was about £80 cheaper than the cheapest Coolermaster model and has most, if not all of the features.

 

[IGBT]

Is it true that CoolerMaster Alum.cases are of a heavier gauge then other alum.cases which makes them a sturdier structure??

 

[KouklatheCat]

I just got a Lian-Li PC60B USB and I love it. It is the cadillac of cases. Everything goes in nice and easy. I love the slide out mobo tray with the back piece for your cards attached. The PS mounts onto its own "bracket". And the thubscres are great. It has plastic mouldin on the sharp edges.

I guess what im trying to say is, my vote goes for Lian-Li

 

[sodcha0s]

Here is a site with some alternatives to the coolermaster's and enermax's. They have a few Lian Li's, but I really like the A-pro TT 201A's. I bought the black one, it is an outstanding case, great looking and all the features of the Lian Li PC60, with 2 more fans. No fanbus though, but who really uses it anyway? There are also some links to reviews there, check it out!

 

[jayboal]

What's the big deal with aluminum cases? They're a lot more expensive than the standard (steel?) variety.

 

[Neurofreeze]

<< What's the big deal with aluminum cases? They're a lot more expensive than the standard (steel?) variety. >>



They're lighter, they look cool, and they're better for modding (you can do more intricate work without losing as much structual integrity as a plastic case). Also, manufacturers that build aluminum cases tend to put a lot more thought, research, and good design into them than plastic ones (most likely for two reasons, first off the higher expectations of its intended market, and second, aluminum is easier to work with than plastic). I doubt you'll find a plastic and steel case that has a removable motherboard tray and backplate, has a removable 3.5" bay and hard drive cage, adjustable fan speeds, 11 total drive bays, with most major parts held together with thumbscrews (PC6x series).

I'd have to say Li-Li's are the best for value, but CoolerMaster has some better (or at the very least, a much larger variety) high end cases. Unfortunately, the CoolerMaster stuff is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE. Yeesh. So I'd recommend Li-Li, unless they somehow don't suit your needs and you can actually afford a CoolerMaster.

 

[KouklatheCat]

jayboal,

I was thinking the same thing as you before I got my Lian-Li. I thought how could this case be better then my Enlight 7237? I bounced the idea around of getting one for a while. Finally I had the cash and I bought one. I had heard how cool they were but I was impressed. I think about the only thing my case didn't come with was fine corinthian leather bucket seats with heaters.

Go check one out and compare it to a steel case.

 

[CubicZirconia]

Anoter vote for lian-li. Got my pc-65 awhile back and love it. You might think that all cases are the same, but once you go lian-li you'll never go back.

 

[JSang]

love my lian li pc65 as well, and i felt that the extra money for the coolermaster was much better spent on some extra ram

 

[ChrisADuffy]

http://www.coolermaster.com/products/atc/atc410.html


That is a nice case, how much??

 

[adamfelker]

I got a PC-75 about a week ago, and I'm absolutely loving it. It has tons of space and is light! Build quality is nice. I'd definitely recommend the PC-7x series.

 

[Akira13]

I have a Lian-Li PC60, and I love it; great form and function. If I had $400 to drop, I'd get one of those Enermax cases (the ones that look like droids from Starwars). Yes, I know many people don't like the look, but I think it could be very functional. I also like the finish on those cases.

 

[Chaotic42]

Wouldn't standard drives look really stupid in an aluminum case?

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: ChrisADuffy
http://www.coolermaster.com/products/atc/atc410.html


That is a nice case, how much??

$319 on pricewatch.com

 

[MC]

<--- Getting an Aluminum Case also

 

[KouklatheCat]

Chaotic42,

Yeah I agree (IMHO) that standard drives look kinda crummy in an aluminum case. I had my drives painted black before I got my case and I think black looks good. Im going to order new drives and ordering adhesive carbon fiber stuff to put on my drives.

 

[Neuroanatomist]

The look of standard drives *can* be improved to better match aluminum case.

1) use of Lian Li aluminum stick-on bezel (Lian Li C-6 plate for Teac drives)
CD drive 1

2) cut-out/router of original 5 1/4" coverplate to accomodate DVD slot loading drive (Pioneer slot loading DVD)
DVD drive 2

3) use of original 5/14" cover plate to "stealth cover" the CDRW drive (Philips CDRW)
CDRW drive 3


see sig for more rig pics

 

[ArvinC]

Hey everyone...my $0.02 worth says to go with the Lian-Li. I have a Lian-Li PC-65 and would not go with any other brand of case for my own, personal rigs. I LOVE CoolerMaster cases, BTW...but they are very expensive. I can't say they're not worth it, but they are definately pricey compared to Lian-Li.

Went with Lian-Li PC-65 for four main reasons:
1.) Brushed-aluminum industrial look
2.) Has a factory plexi-glass window (My feeling is, when you spend $150.00+ on an aluminum case, get it as "modded" as possible straight out of the box. Nothing is more painful than f'ing up a new case or marring its finish.)
3.) INCREDIBLE owner feedback and reviews
4.) Performance/Price ratio: You can buy cheaper, but you won't get the level of detail or engineering. You can pay more, but you're beginning to pay for very minor details that may not be that important to you in the long run.

A great site for Lian-Li's is a-pro.com Check them out, they have really nice prices and GREAT service. I called them up to order mine, 'cause I had questions...they were awesome.

Hope you enjoy what ever case yo decide to go with!

ArvinC