Best case under $100 ?

[DT4K]

I'm looking at cases for a new build (i5-2500k) and I'm overwhelmed with choices, so I'm hoping to get some input on what you think the best case is in that price range.

The system will be used for gaming as well as general office use.
I'm not doing SLI / Crossfire or water cooling.

I'm just looking for something that is easy to work with, has good cooling, and isn't super loud.

My budget can be stretched if needed, but from what I've seen, it looks like I can get a decent Cooler Master or Lian-Li for around $100 or a little less. I'm just not sure which to choose.

 

[DT4K]

Here are five that I'm looking at now based on recommendations I've read.

Cooler Master Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP
Cooler Master CM 690-II Advanced
Cooler Master HAF932
Lian Li Lancool PC-K62
Lian Li PC-7FN

 

[DrBoss]

Fractal Design R3
its $109.99 but thats close enough

Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-002-_-Product

Review
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cases/2010/10/29/fractal-design-define-r3-review/1

 

[deimos3428]

I like the K62, but you might consider it's little sister the K58 for quite a bit less. (Only difference is lack of interior black paint and two 140mm fans in roof.) Below is the windowless model.

http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=47120

 

[stahlhart]

Cooler Master CM 690-II Advanced

I went with this one for my build. Only point of contention I've had with it thus far is that the hole in the motherboard mounting panel does not appear to line up cleanly with the CPU mounting points on P67 motherboards -- it looks as though it's lined up more for a X58 board, where there's six DIMM sockets instead of four. It potentially means that the motherboard will have to be pulled out completely if you ever have a reason for accessing all of the cooling hardware on the underside of the board.

You should be able to eyeball how it all lines up by comparing the mounting holes for your motherboard to the standoff locations.

 

[sandorski]

Spent most of yesterday doing a crash Case selection. Narrowed it down to 2 cases:

Cooler Master Haf 912
Zalman Z9 Plus

Eventually went with the Z9 Plus. There's a crapload of worthy contenders in the price range(<100, although my range was <$80). It really helps to come up with a list of Features you want first, then narrow down based upon that. My list included: Bottom mounted PS, side mounted HDs, multiple 120mm+ Fan mounts, and more. Had to give up my split Door Front feature in that Price range, but I'll manage somehow.

 

[llee]

The Silverstone SG-05 is hands down the best [Mini-ITX] case for under $100. In addition, basing your system off a Mini-ITX will naturally pull down the cost of your computer system by ruling out expensive coolers, elaborate video card setups, and saving money by not buying excess, large, components.

 

[jterrell]

Here are five that I'm looking at now based on recommendations I've read.

Cooler Master Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP
Cooler Master CM 690-II Advanced
Cooler Master HAF932
Lian Li Lancool PC-K62
Lian Li PC-7FN

If you can get the 932 shipped (or local after tax) for 100 bucks I'd jump on that.

 

[Hogan773]

I really like my Rosewill Challenger....got it for $39.99 on sale and its very nicely finished, black inside, toolless design, nice clean look, and 3 case fans included. Has rubber mount for PSU, etc etc.

Maybe doesn't have the cachet of LIAN LI or ANTEC but I like it (and so do hundreds of others based on the hundreds of continuous 5 star ratings on Newegg).

One reason I chose it is its a little smaller than some of these monster cases.....I'm not going to be using 9 HDDs or 6 GPUs or whatever, and while I THOUGHT I was buying the CM 690 II based on my research, when I saw it in person at Microcenter I split like I was on a bad blind date.....too big! I'm now in love with a Rosewill.....

 

[Dasda]

Cooler Master CM 690-II Advanced/Regular
Cooler Master HAF 912 Basic

 

[sep]

Cooler Master CM 690-II Advanced

I have 2 of the CM 690 models.

 

[Corporate Thug]

I think the k62 is on sale for like $60 at newegg.

 

[Raswan]

Antec Nine Hundred Two

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-097-_-Product

Love it.

 

[Petey!]

A question asked again and again, and always the answer is the same:

Lancool PC-K62
CM 690 II Advanced

Buy whichever is the cheapest. The CM has the potential to be a much better aircooler with all the room for additional fans.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

I still like the Lian Li A04 at this price point.