Best Case...help me choose please?

[mcurphy]

OK, I have my whole system picked out but I can't decide on a case. I am hoping that some of you can offer some helpful advice.

I keep changing my mind between a few different ones including:

Chenming X-Pider
Thermaltake Xaser II 6000A
Antec 1080

I have issues with each of these cases that keeps me from making a definite decision. First, I heard that the X-Pider case was a bit flimsy, especially the drive cage. Does anyone recommend this case and why?, because other than that I really like what it has to offer. Second, I like the thermaltake, but I really don't care for the fan controller thats included. For the price of the case, I feel I can get similar quality and buy a fan controller that I like. I also like the Antec. But this case seems like everyone has it, its yesterdays news, and I really would like to have an aluminum case.

What I really want is an aluminum case with a drive door and front USB 2.0 ports. A side window would be nice, as well as a side fan to help with the cooling of my video card. Anything under $200 is in my budget. I DON'T need a power supply. I already have the Antec 480watt. I want a case for optimal cooling.

Components going into the case:

Gigabyte SINXP1394
Intel P4 2.53 GHz w/ Vantec Aeroflow
ATI Radeon AIW 9700 pro
4 sticks 256MB PC2100 RAM
2 Maxtor 30GB ATA133 hdd's in RAID0 array
1 Maxtor 120GB ATA133 hdd
Lite On CDRW
Memorex DVD +RW/+R

I would like to try overclocking, so a nice cool case is almost a necessity. Looks are also important to me.
So what do you guys suggest for a top of the line, high quality, low noise, good looking case?
Are the ones I have picked out decent? What cases are better?

I appreciate any comments,
Cheers,

Mcurphy

 

[mrman3k]

I would HIGHLY recommend the Cooler Master ATC111 case ($180 at Newegg). It looks utterly stunning in the flesh and is of the highest build quality. It does not come with front USB ports, but you can get them in an internal bay drive.

If you want it to really be spiffy, then buy the extra side panel with the window, trust me it is well worth the money for this setup as I think most people would agree with me when I say that it is probably the best looking case around.

 

[mcurphy]

WOW! What a fantastic case!! Thats exactly why I posted here, I was looking for something like this. Your right in the fact that I can always add the ports via a drive bay. And I really did want the slide out motherboard tray, definitly a plus.

The only concern I have...will this keep my system cool enough? My video card in particular? I was told to look for a side fan if I was purchasing the AIW 9700 pro to keep the temps down. Also I notice it has only 1 rear exhaust fan. Is this going to be ok?

Other than that, this case is absolutely awesome! Thanks for pointing it out.

Cheers,

Mcurphy

 

[damonpip]

I would reccomend the Antec PerformancePlus PlusView1000, it doesn't include a PS, and can be had at amazon for an amazind deal at 71.99 shipped.
While the fans in this case are already fairly quiet, you could replace them with L1A Panaflos which would make it almost silent.
You may also want to invest some money in a SLK-800 with another Panaflo on it. Not sure what the noise level on the Aeroflow is, but the Panaflo is probably quieter (if you want a really quiet computer)

 

[Dreadogg]

Originally posted by: mrman3k
I would HIGHLY recommend the Cooler Master ATC111 case ($180 at Newegg). It looks utterly stunning in the flesh and is of the highest build quality. It does not come with front USB ports, but you can get them in an internal bay drive.

If you want it to really be spiffy, then buy the extra side panel with the window, trust me it is well worth the money for this setup as I think most people would agree with me when I say that it is probably the best looking case around.

I like the inside the best on the case, just looks like a dream to work on!

 

[RyanM]

Those cases are all crap. The ONLY, and I mean ONLY non-full-tower case I would consider purchasing is the Enermax CS-B031 series. You can get them in a variety of colors, and with almost no modification, begin using a bottom-to-top cooling method. Not only that, you can put your hard drives right down by your ATA/SATA connectors, right behind a intake fan, so even the most anal cooling person could have cool hard drives without utilizing bay coolers.

They're not made of aluminum, but the only MAJOR advantage aluminum has is weight. And a case this size isn't going to weigh that much.

Hell, if you have trouble lifting a 30 lb computer, then maybe you need to work on those biceps. ;-)

Here's the linkage.

http://www.maxpoint.com./pc_cases/pccases_cs-B031.htm
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=11-124-036&depa=1

 

[Fallen Kell]

Thanks MachFive, nice cases.

 

[RyanM]

No problem man.

I suppose I should clarify (I have to do this alot). I'm not saying EVERY case on the market is crap, but my tastes tend to be a bit more....eclectic than most. I'm also strongly opinionated. So what very well could be the most perfect case in the entire universe for you, very well could be one I'd rather see banished to the internetherworld.

Nonetheless, like I said, that's a damn good case all around, and it's something I'd actually consider buying. It's up to you to decide if that counts for anything. ;-)

 

[Viremia]

I have the CoolerMaster ATC-201-SX, which is very similar to the 111 but without the front door. It does have 2 front USB connectors and is extremely well constructed. I didn't want the front door because on my last case that had one, it got in the way a lot. It's really a personal decision.

 

[beatle]

I echo what Viremia says. The ATC-201sx looks like one of the best cases imo. Excellent cooling, looks, and NO DOOR! My current case, a Nikao XJazz has a door and it's a nightmare when using my cdrw.

 

[toant103]

Originally posted by: mcurphy
OK, I have my whole system picked out but I can't decide on a case. I am hoping that some of you can offer some helpful advice.

I keep changing my mind between a few different ones including:

Chenming X-Pider
Thermaltake Xaser II 6000A
Antec 1080

I have issues with each of these cases that keeps me from making a definite decision. First, I heard that the X-Pider case was a bit flimsy, especially the drive cage. Does anyone recommend this case and why?, because other than that I really like what it has to offer. Second, I like the thermaltake, but I really don't care for the fan controller thats included. For the price of the case, I feel I can get similar quality and buy a fan controller that I like. I also like the Antec. But this case seems like everyone has it, its yesterdays news, and I really would like to have an aluminum case.

What I really want is an aluminum case with a drive door and front USB 2.0 ports. A side window would be nice, as well as a side fan to help with the cooling of my video card. Anything under $200 is in my budget. I DON'T need a power supply. I already have the Antec 480watt. I want a case for optimal cooling.

Components going into the case:

Gigabyte SINXP1394
Intel P4 2.53 GHz w/ Vantec Aeroflow
ATI Radeon AIW 9700 pro
4 sticks 256MB PC2100 RAM
2 Maxtor 30GB ATA133 hdd's in RAID0 array
1 Maxtor 120GB ATA133 hdd
Lite On CDRW
Memorex DVD +RW/+R

I would like to try overclocking, so a nice cool case is almost a necessity. Looks are also important to me.
So what do you guys suggest for a top of the line, high quality, low noise, good looking case?
Are the ones I have picked out decent? What cases are better?

I appreciate any comments,
Cheers,

Mcurphy

Best case?

Check out my pic.

 

[RyanM]

Mmmmmmm...server box..../me drools

 

[1ManArmY]

Viremia
What kind of power supply do you have in the Cooler Master ATC 201-SXT ? Can an ANTEC True 430w fit in it?

 

[John]

Originally posted by: 1ManArmY
Viremia
What kind of power supply do you have in the Cooler Master ATC 201-SXT ? Can an ANTEC True 430w fit in it?

Sure, no problem.

 

[Vash341]

I think Lian-li makes some sweet cases. You might want to check some of them out.

 

[Bojangles139]

AMS makes nice looking cases, including a nice looking alt to the shuttle.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...ctory=1671&catalog=7&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1

brandon