Case Choice: Building my first PC(Gaming/3d imaging)

[Caldenfor]

I have been reading the boards and find various people asking which case is better than which, I have read many reviews on Newegg.com while looking at various cases and I just can't seem to figure out which is best for me. My friend just bought Raidmax X1 and it got me curious since I put little to no research into my case/cooling/noise prior to now.

I plan to get a Core 2 Duo 6400 or 6600 and haven't picked the board yet either, it will have PCI-E and most likely 4 RAM slots. I don't want to go over $150.00 for the case, but I don't want to be too cheap. I have heard that Lian-Li makes some good cases, but I am not set on anything yet. Would be nice to have some flare too it, but nothing out of hand maybe a window on the side to see inside or what not. I have issues with dust where I live so I will be trying to avoid dust getting in at all costs. I want the case to last as well so I can just continue to upgrade my computer in the future rather than rebuilding if at all possible. The PC I have now is like a P4 2ghz with a GeForce 256mb card and I am making a pretty hefty jump in technology. I have experience with changing drives, cards, RAM, but haven't done anything with the motherboard/processor or cooling. I have owned two computers and both came with adequate cooling (both were gateways *gasp*).

I will be on Teamspeak/messaging systems with a few friends I have met through games that have had experience building so I am not too worried about that. I will either build from scratch or look to see how much it would cost to have the processor/motherboard/case/BIOS/Power supply assembled and tested while I add the rest. Since it?s a completely new PC I will have access to any source on the net so I am not really scared about building it, I just fear I may get pieces that don't fit together and/or suck.

Any suggestions or comments of the non flaming kind are most appreciated, seems like a very nice and knowledgeable community here so I figured this was the best place to start.

Thanks,
Dave

*Edit*
I prefer a darker, so I guess black, case and a light inside is okay as long as its not out of control. Just not a fan of white/silver/beige cases.

 

[sillycheesedude]

MY 4 FAVORITE BRANDS ARE CHENMING, COOLERMASTER, ANTEC, AND LIAN-LI(oops cap lock) First decide if you want to go with micro ATX or ATX and the decide what is most important, better cooling or better acoustics. Size is always a consideration and price seems to be a major factor(untill money grows on trees). I personally would go withthe Antec PERFORMANCE TX640B http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129157 it is a very good case with a 400 watt power supply and it doesn't look like it came from outer space. I have built a lot of computers with many different cases. feel free to email or pm me with any question and good luck on you new cpu. sillycheesedude@yahoo.com

 

[VinDSL]

I'll tell you what...

I'm pretty picky when it comes to cases, and I don't mind spending a lot of money on one, if I like it.

Having said that, Zepper introduced me to the Raidmax Smilodon last week, and the more I look at it, the more I like it!

It's a heavy little sucker -- almost double the weight of my Mountain Mods U2-UFO Opti-1203, but one-fifth the price.

It's less than 100 bones, but don't let its low price fool you. This case has a lot going for it (for gamers)...

Might even get one myself...

 

[Caldenfor]

Yea, I am trying to be very picky as well. So many cases so little money for all of them lol. I don't want it to look too plain I guess because its something I want to be able to look at and be like... ya... thats mine. I know its whats on the inside that counts, but a little style isn't a bad thing.. no completely "riced" out cases though lol. I want to plan for the future as well so I guess I should go with a regular ATX not a micro, I am not worried about tower size too much. Sound... as little as possible, but I understand that there will always be some. So I guess to this point its a stylish, but not too stylish case with room for the future products of tomorrow and decent sound level and good airflow since I will probably be using fans and not any watercooling or what have you.

Dave

 

[Zepper]

Welcome to the AT forums, Caldenfor. Please complete your Profile (at least as much as you are comfortable with) and make it public. Thanks

Yup, the Smilodon Dirktooth (I guess they plan to release other variants down the road) has lots going for it. All it lacks to meet my casitude criteria is a bit of HDD vibration isolation and indirect noise paths at the front. The 80mm fan at the rear is a problem, but not too hard to get around - it looks like that back panel could support at least a 92mm coutout and the fan hole is clean so an 80 to 120 mm adapter on the outside of the case could be done with no cutting. I'm trying to figure out where all the weight is in the thing to cost $20. to ship (eWiz sells it for $12. less that the Egg but charges nearly $34. for GROUND shipping) - that's absurd for a case of that size. eWiz claims a 30 pound ship weight - sheesh! I gotta find out where all that weight is - maybe it's made of the same grade of steel as the CM 4-in-3 HDD module... I'd say their X1 would be a more practical choice, especially if you can find it w/o the junkbox PSU (but the price is low enough with the PSU that you could afford to closet the thing for an emergency backup).

For a nice case that meets all of my casitude criteria, check out the Rosewill R6AS5-BK (identical to the Antec SLK3000-B inside). It has a bit of blue bling on the front and there is a widely available oval window kit that would work nicely for it. Plus the shipping won't break you. Their R5601 also meets all of my criteria and the 5604 hits all but one. See my review here: http://www.techimo.com/reviews/

As far as your dust problem goes, just getting the case up off of the floor 8 or 10" will do a lot. There are lots of things you can buy to get the case off the floor: various CPU stands, racks that can hang the case on the side of your desk, etc. - I use a pair of Rubbermaid footstools from Walmart... Their new gunmetal gray color (some stores may still have the light gray ones) complements most cases Totally dust free is nearly impossible, but you can get close by filtering all the intake fans and creating a positive pressure environment within the case. Positive pressure means CFM in > CFM out (don't forget to figure in the PSU's contribution to CFM out) by a small margin. Pos press. tends to increase temps by a degree or two - up to you whether nearly dust free is worth that cost. You will need to use a fan controller to tune for Pos press with reasonable quietude and temps. Places like SVC.com, jab-tech.com, nexfan.com, sidewindercomputers.com, frozenCPU.com etc. have good selections of filters. I use the two-piece plastic ones that hold a piece of air conditioner foam. They work well and the filter material is easy to clean or replace inexpensively. But you might want something prettier if the filter is exposed to view.

.bh.

 

[Rommel44]

Stacker 830 is my favourite - but not everyone is willing to spend 250USD for case.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

I've been researching cases for my next build, and it looks like I'm going to be getting a Silverstone SST-TJ05. Plenty of room for hds, solid build, and it uses 120mm fans...

 

[IdaGno]

pricewise at least, this is hard to beat

 

[Caldenfor]

Well I have no problems going upwards to around $150 dollars if it lands me a nicer case. I have a computer desk and I try to keep the tower off the floor and it fits on the top of the desk atm. The desk itself tends to cause dust to build up so I am replacing it as well(it has a small edging to prevent stuff falling off the back, allowing dust to build up with ease). I am not overly concerned with dust where I would need to worry about the inside pressure as you were saying, but I can just clean the inside often enough to keep buildups of dust out. I don't go to LANs since I am in a smallish town so I don't have to worry about moving it around too often, but of course I don't want it too weigh as much as a volkswagon or something lol. I really appreciate all the input as its helping me to find cases I wouldn't normally find. Right now I just have 2 DVD drives and 2 harddrives planned, but I like the extra space in the cases incase I need to expand. I will keep looking around and especially at the ones brought up here.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Caldenfor]

Okay... I am a geek I guess... I really like a side window so I can see the inside and wouldn't mind a glow to see in their easier either. Sooo many cases that look good.

Dave

 

[Operandi]

Things I look for in a higher-end ($100+) case.

- High build quality; thicker metal and minimal use of plastic.
- Good unrestricted air flow both in and out. Side panel fans are gimmick in my opinion.
- Clean looks; preferably AL (aluminum), side windows can be ok.

Here are a few cases I can recommend in your price range.

Lian Li PC-7B: Solid Lian Li AL construction, 2x120mm fans, currently on sale, but perhaps a bit too simplistic (styling).

CoolerMaster Praetorian PAC-T01: Very solid thick AL construction, no plastic; everything down to the power and rest button is AL, integrated dust filter on the intake fans, removable motherboard tray, 4x80mm fans not as nice as a 2x120mm setup.

Lian Li PC-V600: All AL build, compact design, 2x120mm fans, compact design dose limit you to low profile HS/Fs (Zalman CNPS7000, 7700, 8000).

 

[Caldenfor]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811147011
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811147001

are both Rosewills and seem to be rated highly. Strong, durable, cool with a little style. I think the second of the two would be better, less plastic and all, but those were just the two Rosewills on Newegg that looked interesting enough to put on here. Been thinking about how Zepper put it and if I save money on my case its more I can put into other parts of the computer lol. So many decisions for my first build. Sorry if I seem like a pain in the ass, but I just want to check out all the options.

Motherboard Compatibility: Micro ATX, ATX Size up to 12.5" x 10.5", is part of the description so I guess it fits both of the catergories? Need to make sure it fits my Conroe, can't wait to get that baby going.

Also to note, I can wait until around December at the latest for anything coming out/prices dropping before I order all the goods, may help out in the long run. I am not 100% on needing the side window, but it just seems that it would be nice to be able to see inside your machine and the glow isn't necessary it just makes it easier to see stuff.

Dave

*Edit* Looking at Antec, they are probably of quality builds, but seem to be most of them are plain looking towers. Lian-Li also looks more plain, but the functionality is probably really good for so many people to like it. Raidmax Smilodon looks great, but I will have to wait a bit and see how people take to it.

 

[Zepper]

Both of the Rosewill cases you linked lack most of my criteria and the PSUs in those particular ones are L&C which are even worse than the Raidmax. Regardless of the plastic bezels the ones I linked are much better than those. If you want a ricey box, you should look at NZXT. At least those are based on decent, widely used chassis. The new Apollo is a good example based on the CM Centurion-style chassis. The Trinity looks simiar to the Raidmax X1 inside. Those only lack some HDD isolation. Fan grills are restrictive and will need to be cut out. Even the Orion PSUs aren't terrible, but they'd go in the closet (or eBay) here anyway. Or maybe the Kingwin 523 would be riced enough - it is also based on the Centurion-style chassis.

My Casitude Criteria:
1- 120mm fan mounts f/r (or reasonably easily fixable) - both of the models you linked have very restrictive fan grills that will need to be cut out.
2- Indirect noise paths at the front (intake vents at sides or bottom of case or front vents louvered downwards) - leaves out most mesh-front cases.
3- at least some toolless features for ease of assembly
4- HDD isolation (rubber bushings, etc.)
5- front to back HDD mountings or sidesaddle if some attention is paid to cooling.
6- If no removeable mobo tray, then decent elbow room inside. Removeable drive racks are a plus for creating elbow room.

Like FMC above, I also really like the Silverstone Temjin 5 (SST-Tj05) - but it is quite a large case suitable for dual or quad processor mobos (will work just as well with std. ATX or microATX mobos, but they will look lost in there). Comes in several versions: black or silver, w/ or w/o window, w/ or w/o integrated Eudemon fan/temp controller (X versions).

And the original Coolermaster Stacker (the 'limited edition' Blue one is linked by another above) is one of the most geek'O'licious cases ever made, but probably not ricey enough for the OP. It's also on the large side.

Shipping charges on some of the big cases can really kill you as their boxes are over 84" (length + girth) so you get an oversized charge as well as having a high weight. Better to look for those at Frys, CompUSA, etc. where they eat a lot of the shipping.

ZZF has a rather limited selection of cases, but they often eat (some of) the shipping thus giving the best bottom line. They were offerng a rebate on the original Stacker too.

If you live near some of these places like Directron (near Dallas), etc. you can sometimes save money by picking a case up. Many of the online resellers don't offer pickup because they don't actually warehouse their products.

Good luck!

.bh.

 

[Caldenfor]

Raidmax Smilodon was brought up and I looked into it, it looks good, some say its a little small. VinDSL brought it up claiming you mentioned it so I tried to run a search and it didn't come up here at Anandtech.com. It doesn't have the two 120mm fans, but it has 1 and space for a few 80mms. I live in New England actually, not really near anything short shipping around here and a few extra bucks on shipping is fine by me, rather have too much space than too little. If I am only spending a little bit now (under 100 base price), it is reasonable that when the time comes I can always find a new case. I only linked the Rosewill because you mentioned them, the YY ones though that aren't on Newegg.com, so I slowly started going through most of the brand names that have been mentioned. I don't want it too ricey where they start getting a ton of plastic involved, but a window on the side is nice to see inside without taking off the sides. I watched the Smilodon 3dgameman video review and he said it was good, but I myself have no idea who that guy actually is and if I should listen to what he says lol. Zepper, you seem to be very very knowledgeable on the subject and I appreciate the feedback, I am going to check out a few more of the cases you mentioned.

Dave

 

[Caldenfor]

Silverstone Temjin 5 (SST-Tj05), checked it out... seems to be great, nothing too fancy which I am willing to live with if it is just that great a case. Its a bit more than the Smilodon, but the decision isn't complete yet! the SST-TJ05 looks like it would last one hell of a long time with how much space it has.

Dave

 

[Zepper]

YW.

If you don't need/want a case that large, then the TJ-04 is also nice. The Aerocool Masstige (Bay Dream)/CoolView have their good points too.

Here is a way to fix the Dirktooth's rear fan (and others) w/o cutting: Outside the box. That's why I mentioned that the fan hole on the Smilodon was clean and wouldn't need cutting. To do that mod on any kind of case with a stamped in grill, you'd want to cut it out like I did on the PSU in the pic. It had a very restrictive grill.

I've done that a few times now - you have to know it's there before you notice it.

.bh.

 

[Caldenfor]

So do you think if I went with the Raidmax Smilodon I would be a happy camper? Its $80.00 so a fair price compared to the rest and has a snazzy look to it. I think to help with the plastic legs on it I would get some sort of rubbermat or cloth for it to sit on to cut down on rattling and movement. That external fan fixture is a pretty good idea and increases air flow.

Dave

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: Zepper
I gotta find out where all that weight is...

Haven't seen one in the wild, but my theory is...

Given the 'wing design' of the Smilodon, I would imagine the metal would have to be fairly thick, to preclude torsional twisting and bending when the sides are open -- but that's just a guess.

The specs say it weighs 23 lb. sans the PSU, so the 30 lb. shipping weight is probably accurate.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: Caldenfor
VinDSL brought it up claiming you mentioned it so I tried to run a search and it didn't come up here at Anandtech.com

Yeah, the search feature, here, is kinda sucky, so I made my own...

Give it a try...

Maybe I should put a link in my sig, eh what?

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: Caldenfor
I think to help with the plastic legs on it I would get some sort of rubbermat or cloth for it to sit on to cut down on rattling and movement...

I wouldn't get hung up on the 'feet' -- they're dirt cheap and easy to replace/upgrade!

For instance: AcoustiFeet Clear Quiet Computer Feet -- 7 bones!

 

[Caldenfor]

Oh the feet are the least of my worries LOL. Those I just remember the guy having an issue with in the video review. LOL I actually read that thread when I was going through random threads looking for information, just never picked it up as the one I am currently looking at.

Dave

 

[Zepper]

Case Feet for 25 cents each

Dancing LED Feet

.bh.

 

[Caldenfor]

LMFAO Zepper on the ball again. I know you haven't seen the case first hand, but from the description do you think it would be a wise investment? May upgrade to dancing feet if I feel inclined to, but I think 25 cents a piece would work lol.

Dave

 

[Zepper]

All it lacks is some HDD isolation. And I've always thought that having the right side panel carry the mobo and add-on cards like that is an excellent idea. Don't know why so few have done it. Other than maybe being a bit tight for long video cards, it should be able to handle a wide range of system configs. I'd definitely shop around for best price and go for it. If you need a PSU, don't miss the Ehance 5140/5150GH at eWiz.com via Froogle (save a buck or so). Let us know how it works out.

..bh.

 

[Caldenfor]

Once I figure out what HDD is I will check out the PSU. I don't plan on doing anything to fancy other than the usual Core 2 Duo, board to handle it, one nice video card and 2gb+ RAM along with 2 harddrives and a sound card. Nothing too fancy just enough to handle next gen games and my 3ds MAX designs.

Dave