Best case?

[sammyunltd]

Hey!

I'll buy a computer really soon and I was wondering what was the best case available considering my price rance (below $150 US or CAD). It will be my first experience as a ''rig builder'', so I'm looking for a good case, that will be easy to build in and that will keep my stuff cool.

My rig will look like this:
Intel C2D Q6600 (or equivalent)
ABIT IP35 PRO or ASUS Maximum...
GeForce 8800 GT or GTS 512 MB (with a 90-day upgrade thing so I might upgrade to GF9)
2 GB (2X 1GB) DDR2-800 or 1066

So far, the best case I've found is the Antec P182. What do you think? Is it really tough to work inside it?

Thank y'all

 

[Zepper]

The 182 is reasonably roomy. Asdiscussed in another thread here, the IP35 has its CPU power connector all the way to the top of the mobo, so not a lot of standard PSU wiring can reach there while still being hidden out of the way. May need an extension for that.

.bh.

 

[Brutus04]

Look at Lian Li...

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Cooler Master Stacker 830 or 832. Cooler Master 690, Antec 900, Lian Li all, Xclio Windtunnel, Thermaltake Armor.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

go with Lian Li or Silverstone if u like high quality finishes...

 

[Tullphan]

I've got the CM 690 coupled w/a Corsair 520HX PSU. I have no problem running the 8-pin connector behind the motherboard tray to hide it.
It's a good case, I think, for a beginner. Lots of room, pretty much tool-free & nice cable organization. Zepper can fill you in on a potential problem, though, w/the PCB for the top-mounted 1394, E-SATA & USB.
For the money, though, I don't think it can be beat.

 

[TEDDY G]

Look at the Antic 900, a great case. But need a power supply so maybe go modular, should not be a problem with any good one.
Teddy G.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: sammyunltd
Hey!

I'll buy a computer really soon and I was wondering what was the best case available considering my price rance (below $150 US or CAD).

Sorry!

You can't get the "Best case" for "below $150 US or CAD"...

If you're gonna go the cheapskate route, get a CM RC-690 and pretend it's the best!

 

[vincentn44]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?Item=N82E16811119121
Stacker 832 awesome case with rebate 110 bucks on newegg right now free shipping! I stuck 4 extra fans to the included 2 inside and works like a charm
Thanks to the fine people here at anandtech for recommending me the case

 

[s1d3way]

i just recently switched from a CM690 to Antec 900, and to my surprise, the CPU seems to idle 1-2C cooler due to the great air flow created by the front intake fans. The intake fans also help to exhaust the massive heat created by the 8800GT OC as well. The HDDs are now cold as ice. This proved that having 2 intake fans is far more desirable for a gaming PC than any 1-intake-fan cases.

despite the great results, i still wouldnt consider this case the best. The main dis-advantage of the Antec 900 is the relatively small dimension that causing one thing touching another, and thus making cable managing a pain in the A.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: VinDSL

Originally posted by: sammyunltd
Hey!

I'll buy a computer really soon and I was wondering what was the best case available considering my price rance (below $150 US or CAD).

Sorry!

You can't get the "Best case" for "below $150 US or CAD"...

If you're gonna go the cheapskate route, get a CM RC-690 and pretend it's the best!

:T

+1

 

[JustaGeek]

Depending on your definition of "cheap", the Cooler Master Centurion series cases are the best in terms of airflow, with the full front being a "grille".

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...oler+master+c+enturion

But some of you might say that it is "too cheap"...

Well, the one with the window works perfectly on my 2 builds...

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: JustaGeek
Depending on your definition of "cheap", the Cooler Master Centurion series cases are the best in terms of airflow, with the full front being a "grille"... But some of you might say that it is "too cheap"...

Why would we say that?

 

[JustaGeek]

Flirting with me again, Diesel...?

 

[natlus]

I'd recommend the Antec P182, but by asking this questin you know you'll get alot of different answers. lol

 

[Amaroque]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
go with Lian Li or Silverstone if u like high quality finishes...

I have to agree with this. I have two Lian-Li cases, and I absolutely love them.

I'm also planing on building an HTPC with a Silverstone very soon.

Theese two brands are pricey, but you get what you pay for.

 

[Oupavoc]

You should also consider the coolermaster cm690 i think its the best case for the price. You can mount up to 7 120mm fans on it. I personally got 5-120mm and 1-80mm. The case has really good air flow. http://www.coolermaster.com/pr...php?act=detail&id=2908

 

[DerwenArtos12]

In order of price low to high:
Cooler Master 330
" " Centurion 532
"" CM 690
Lian Li PC-7
Antec P-18x
Cooler Master Stacker 810