Case reccomendations

[Bodah]

I'm going to build a PC soon, and I don't know that much about cases, airflow, etc. Whats a good case for about $70-$90, I'm not going to have multiple HD or CD drives, so I don't need that much space. And I'm not going to take it to LAN parties or anything so I'd be fine with steel since it makes it quieter. I'd like to buy a case that comes with a nice power supply, so if the power supply raises the price then I'm willing to pay $120 at the most. And color doesn't really matter to me as long as it isn't that ugly beige color. Thanks a lot.

 

[Bodah]

Oh yeah, how big of a power supply would I need for 3500+, 1gb RAM, a 6800 (although I'm still thinking about which video card to get), and a 120gb HD?

 

[pirred908]

Antec Sonata. Only because is comes with 120mm fan support and a quality PSU. And its right in your price range. Check Newegg.com

 

[Bodah]

Thanks, but is 380watts enough, and will BTX be much better, and if it will, is it worth it to get this case which supports BTX?

 

[Bodah]

Also will the 1 120mm fan be enough cooling or should I buy some more fans for the case?

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: Bodah
Also will the 1 120mm fan be enough cooling or should I buy some more fans for the case?

The sonta will be fine, the one 120mm fan is plenty and the included PSU will be fine as well. The stacker is overkill BTX support is meaningless at this point.

 

[Bodah]

And 380 wattas will be enough, right?

 

[darXoul]

Another recommendation: Aerocool Aeroengine Jr.

Pros:

+ looks nice (window, turbine-look front fan, blue LEDs),
+ light (even though it's not an alu case),
+ compact but plenty of space,
+ 3 quiet fans with speed control (2x120 mm, 80 mm),
+ functional front panel,
+ quality of workmanship,
+ thumbscrews on side panels,
+ moderate price.

Cons:

- no removable mobo tray,
- no innovations inside (like screwless mounting of cards or drives).

 

[nowayout99]

The Sonata is fine, I like the Antec Solution series. I have the SLK3700-BQE.

It sounds like you're building a fairly standard system. The 350-400 watt range for the PSU is fine, as long as it's a brand name one, like Antec.

 

[Zepper]

Antek SLK2650BQE...

 

[Bodah]

I'll get the SLK3700-BQE and a seperate psu, any suggestions for the power supply (around 40 or 50 dollars if possible)?

 

[billycat]

Consider the Antec SLK 3700AMB with the 120 front and a removable HD cage. Mainly cos if you decide to go water cool later you can remove the HD cage and the DTek/BIX etc radiators fit perfect there.. Big sale at new egg $64 (free shipping).

 

[MDme]

Go for the Antec Sonata. I have it and the PSU is True Rated meaning it is better than most 400w+ PSUs outthere since the rail ratings are accurate and sustained. As you can see from my system below, itis fairly OC'ed and stable.

 

[Bodah]

OK, I'm going with the Sonata if the psu is that good. MDme did you add any extra fans/cooling to your case?

 

[Adn4n]

If you want your case to support BTX, then get the dremel and start customizing it.

 

[Mik3y]

380W is more then enough, and btx wont be popular in the future. it's got a VERY small increase in advantages for its price. you dont have to worry about btx taking over because it will take a while for it to.

 

[Bodah]

My friend wants to have small LAN parties for friends at his house now. So whats a good case thats light and easy too transport for $150 at the very most, and a good psu. About how much does the Sonata weigh?

 

[tphss]

My suggestion is the Kingwin KT-424-WM.
I think this is the best designed/featured/quality case for up to 100$, it might not be a beauty, but it has it's elegant looks..

You can see it here:
http://www.xoxide.com/kiktb.html

 

[Bodah]

I like the Kingwin, but it doesnt come with a psu, and on zipzoomfly it says it weighs 20 so it won't be easy to take to my friends house.

 

[Degrador]

Originally posted by: Bodah
My friend wants to have small LAN parties for friends at his house now. So whats a good case thats light and easy too transport for $150 at the very most, and a good psu.

The Antec Super LAN Boy sounds almost perfect for your needs - I haven't had much experience with that case though - anyone else had bad experiences with it?

 

[Bodah]

I was looking at the LAN boy, but its mini-tower so will any ATX motherboard and power supply fit into it? And will there be enough space, or would it make it harder for wire managment? The case looks nice too, but I don't like silver that much, would there be a risk in painting it? Would this heatsink (I know it doesn't come with a fan) be too heavy, http://www.newegg.com/app/view...amp;manufactory=BROWSE
Or would the Giant III vid card cooler (or heatpipe?) be too heavy?
I'm also thinkging of OCing the 3500, in a year or so, would a Fortron 350w, be enough?
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-104-966&depa=0

Thanks a lot for the help.