any subtle cases with class anymore?

[exdeath]

Does anybody make a PC case that doesn't look like a Transformer or a Hot Wheels car or something off "The Fast and the Furious"?

Seriously I'm still using my (non windowed) Cooler Master ATC-110 from like 10 years ago. I was looking to go to something like a Shuttle XPCs if they come out with one in X79 but with PC parts so cheap lately I don't know if I want to restrict myself to two memory slots, one video card, not enough PSU, etc.

USB 3.0 front ports mandatory of course, and will *NOT* be using optical drives or mechanical HDDs ever again. I'll use my laptop to transfer install media to USB 3.0 flash and crack any software that insists I have a CD drive. I do not do mechanical media anymore, period.

Basically only needs 2.5" internal drive bays but I would like to keep the option for a large mainboard (8 memory slots maybe even dual CPU if a X79 SR2 type board is made) and SLI if I get bored. Havent decided yet. Part of me wants so splurge on this latest X79 generation just from the perspective of a technophile, another part of me says I don't even use my PC for games anymore and don't go too crazy (thanks to DRM chasing me to consoles after being exclusively a hard core PC gamer for the last decade or more).

Problem is any case that can fit SLI and large mainboards are going to be 10 feet in every direction and have 100 5.25" bays or be some kind of "gamer" case bristling with 100s of useless plastic knobs and neons and blinking dancing flippy rotating ADHD gimmicks.

If they made a slightly bigger minimalist looking XPC that could fit two GTX580 size cards with enough PSU to run that with an 8 core CPU and also had 6-8 memory slots, I'd be in heaven.

Just want something straight, minimalist, clean, and simple, reasonably compact and anti-bling that doesn't look like a melted down alien UFO or Transformer and doesn't light up the room like Christmas tree, but still has all the modern concepts like 90 deg rotated drive bays, tool-less, modular, SFF, etc.

If Shuttle has a X79 XPC coming around the corner that can fit a full size top end card, enough cooling power for a top of the line non overclocked CPU, and 16-64GB RAM (RAM drive backed by SSD RAID and UPS because screw the data storage and memory gap once and for all) I might just forget about SLI even.

 

[Ben90]

yes

 

[The Boston Dangler]

silverstone and lian li.

 

[Arg Clin]

Fractal Design

 

[Slugbait]

silverstone and lian li.

Agreed. I have a Silverstone Lacasa LC17-B, subtle class should be its middle name.

 

[GoStumpy]

I have no experience with the larger Lian-Li enclosures, however the PC-Q07 is a mini cube case, and I am blown away with the build quality! Real thick sturdy steel, riveted and reinforced corners keep it amazingly light but ridiculously strong. Classy on/off button and reset switch surprised me as well.

Just don't think you're going to get the best of all worlds in the sub $100-$150 category. That is filled with the younger 'cheaper' enthusiasts that don't mind some gaud and some bling on their cases. If you want classy and stylish with enthusiast capabilities, be prepared to be in the $200+ category!

How about this one?

Lian-Li PC-9F
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112304

 

[dasgooch]

Corsair makes some very simple and functional looking cases, they are also very easy to work in. I am currently using the 650D and have nothing but good things to say about it.

 

[HeXen]

Fractal Design

This...i just got their Define Mini last week or so, looks awesome and is already sound dampened.
My only complaint would be that its a bit bigger than i need. i don't need 6 HD's and 2 optical drives. so it leaves it longer than i need but still, awesome case, enough room behind mobo for good wire management, great cooling.

I also recommend the Cosmos S if OP like's mega huge cases and superior cooling while still not too edgy looking.

The case i always wanted though was the HP blackbird, wish someone would make a similar one and sell just the case.

 

[aphelion02]

Corsair Obsidian and Carbide series.

 

[nitromullet]

Lian Li PC-V2120X is probably one of the only classy looking cases that would accommodate an HPTX board. Most other cases that will hold a board like that are meant for extreme systems, like a Mountain Mods or CaseLabs case. These do have their own sort of form follows function elegance to them, but "classy" would be an overstatement.

Of course the PC-V2120X is pricey and huge. You probably aren't going to find a case that will hold a larger motherboard that doesn't also have a lot of drive bays. The two sort of go hand in hand.

If you wanted to look into something a bit more reasonable, check out Lian Li's mid towers. Lian Li did start to cheese them out with blue LED fans lately, but these can easily be replaced if you prefer something without lights. Stay away from the LanCool series if you want class and aluminum. The LanCools are Lian Li's cheaper line made with steal and plastic.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=1&srchInDesc=

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Yeah I am partial to Lian Li myself. I have gone through 3 of their cases so far (v600b that is old style supporting full atx and not the matx that's currently out there, 1020R, PC-A04). I also have the Silverstone FT02-WRI which is a nice case as well. The FT02 is a very classy case overall. Lian Li's PC series are pretty much all classy though.

 

[blackphoenix]

If you don't mind spending a little bit, the Silverstone FT02 no window version is very classy.

 

[kga943]

go with silverstone very nice and well made
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163075

 

[lsv]

Corsair Obsidian and Carbide series.

Not really subtle, more minimal.

And my pick is a Solo 2. Subtle/Classy should also be quiet

 

[mindwreck]

lian li.. there are cheaper cases that look good and classy but if you have the money. go lian li. you will be happy

 

[Nemesis 1]

Lian Li PC X2000F is as good as it gets even was able to install The latest and greatest 360 rad up front behind the front cover and a 280 on the back panel . That wasn't as easy as the front panel setup tho . Because of the fan layout . Using 7 of the latestest and greast Noctrul fans at medium speed 3 upfront pushing air threw 4 in rear push pull also allowed room for 580NV watercooled card its tight but its all class. I am hoping next gen gpu high end come in at 10" L.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNILdMwjrNY

For any that buy this don't pull the front cover off like he did without removing bottom thumb screw. We remove the bottom drive bays as the top 4 serve our needs we also use the rear power supply extension as it works vary well with the 280 modular rad and airbox on the rear.

After reviewing the link I should note that the lastest shipping models come with SSD mounts that plug right into the drive bays no fuss what so ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2hKnFVL0E4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScmEzATlzsM&feature=related