Case recommendation

[prochobo]

Been looking for about an hour now. I want a side window to show off my stuff and no doors to show off the fan controller. If the case doesn't have drive stealthing, I'd want it to be black to match with my DVD-RWs. I can't find one that matches right yet.

I'm leaning towards an Antec P-160 since the price is right, but it looks a little "robust" if you know what I mean.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

lian li v1000 plus with side window, about $250-275

 

[prochobo]

Oh wow $250! I'm not a fan of Lian-Li's. They're way to expensive and very plain IMO.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Kingwin KT-424-BK=elegant, 2mm thick aluminum case. Froogles at $90.


...Galvanized

 

[leigh6]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119077

Much nicer case than it appears in the photos. I have used a couple without the side window and they are classy looking, well built, and solid.

 

[EPZ Soldier]

Just bought me the P160 !!! i was up in the air over that or the P180 and I went for the Window.. and it just looks sweet! I should be getting it on tuesday. i'll let you know how things go and post a few pixs for you.

 

[DfiDude]

I just ordered my Antec P160W also, should be here on tuesday also

 

[EPZ Soldier]

I'm all pumped up waiting for this thing like a kid in a candy store! haha.. I've seen pix's of the windowed version and it looks sweet! Newegg had it priced for $99 and I was all over it.. I seen zipzoomfly.com was sold out

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee
Kingwin KT-424-BK=elegant, 2mm thick aluminum case. Froogles at $90.

I have the 424 and I like it very well. I got it for slightly less, on sale at Newegg last year. I really do love the slide-out MB drawer, but I really would've liked the Hdd rack to be toolless (for the OM's benefit, if still undecided, the 424 has low-noise rubber grommets for the hard drives instead of a drive locking system).

However, I just bought a case I like as well, if not better (will depend on how spacious it turns out after it houses a system). It does lack the lovely MB tray. But it has twin 120 mm fans, while the 424 has only the three 80 mm ones (two intake, one exhaust). It also has the toolless Hdd cage included. The Centurion 5 has been discounted around the net by a large margin -- roughly half off at Newegg, which is where I bought mine for about $50, plus $15 shipping.

This may be to reduce stock to make room for the newer Centurion 530.

 

[kasia00]

Thermaltake, coolermaster, antec~ They are the best.. but .. of course COSTY

the Rest.. i wouldnt recommend~

 

[mdcrab]

Originally posted by: leigh6
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119077

Much nicer case than it appears in the photos. I have used a couple without the side window and they are classy looking, well built, and solid.

The COOLER MASTER Centurion is one sweet looking case and I am just judging by the Newegg photos. Might have to get one of these next time I get a case. Thanks leigh6.


mdcrab

 

[Denis54]

I got a Centurion 5 recently and I am quite pleased with it. In addition, it looks real nice.

 

[prochobo]

Wow, this thread is still going. Anyways, I just got the P160 with the window. VERY DISAPPOINTED. Now I'm gonna rant.

-What kind of idiots make you take of the front bezel in order to take off the non windowed side and NOT mention it in the instructions. Still, even if they did, bad idea.
-The case freaking amplifies (that's right, amplifies) medium-high pitched sounds so that closed, it's very annoying.
-The front slot for a 120mm fan is TOO SMALL. Jesus, I could barely fit a TT in there and while pushing it in, the sides stripped a wire. AND they don't even give you screws to attach it to the the front slot, normal ones will not work. Solution - velcro, but it resonates like mother.
-You can't just pop off one of the front 5 1/2" drive covers to slide a drive in, you actually have to take the side, then front bezel off. Not very friendly.
-The aluminum is very weak. The support bar going horizontally across the case can be bent with ease as can all the other parts in the case.

I'm seriously considering getting rid of this case. It is quiet, but not by much.

 

[EPZ Soldier]

Originally posted by: prochobo
Wow, this thread is still going. Anyways, I just got the P160 with the window. VERY DISAPPOINTED. Now I'm gonna rant.

-What kind of idiots make you take of the front bezel in order to take off the non windowed side and NOT mention it in the instructions. Still, even if they did, bad idea.
-The case freaking amplifies (that's right, amplifies) medium-high pitched sounds so that closed, it's very annoying.
-The front slot for a 120mm fan is TOO SMALL. Jesus, I could barely fit a TT in there and while pushing it in, the sides stripped a wire. AND they don't even give you screws to attach it to the the front slot, normal ones will not work. Solution - velcro, but it resonates like mother.
-You can't just pop off one of the front 5 1/2" drive covers to slide a drive in, you actually have to take the side, then front bezel off. Not very friendly.
-The aluminum is very weak. The support bar going horizontally across the case can be bent with ease as can all the other parts in the case.

I'm seriously considering getting rid of this case. It is quiet, but not by much.

Wow sorry to hear that....hope things go diff for me..will update when my case comes in. I have big plans for this case.

 

[imported_Sincity]

Prochobo: I put some Dynamat on the large aluminum panels (2" x 4" in the center of panel) and I have no resonance. Also, the front fan cage as a small slit to route the fan wiring.

 

[prochobo]

Originally posted by: Sincity
Prochobo: I put some Dynamat on the large aluminum panels (2" x 4" in the center of panel) and I have no resonance. Also, the front fan cage as a small slit to route the fan wiring.

Yeah, I know about the slit, but the wiring on my fan (and a lot of others) has it sticking out of the surface of the fan just a little. That plus the just enough room for a fan in the front = stripping for me when initially sliding it in. Dynamat is a good idea, but I'd rather not.

 

[Chode Messiah]

the lian-li 6070B is a sick case. throw in laser cut glass window, and a vapochill and you have my old rig.

 

[mdcrab]

Centurion 5 is only $45 at Newegg plus $15 S&H.

Very tempting.as a fe3w good reviews at Newegg. I have been in rut with Antec cases, may heve to try one of these.

Also another trick to dampening panels is to buy AP/Armaflex Insulation tape at Home Depot. Got the 1/8" x 2" x 30' long. Very inexpensive, black closed cell self-adhesive foam tape for pipes.

mdcrab

 

[boyRacer]

TJ06

 

[prochobo]

Originally posted by: mdcrab
Centurion 5 is only $45 at Newegg plus $15 S&H.

Very tempting.as a fe3w good reviews at Newegg. I have been in rut with Antec cases, may heve to try one of these.

Also another trick to dampening panels is to buy AP/Armaflex Insulation tape at Home Depot. Got the 1/8" x 2" x 30' long. Very inexpensive, black closed cell self-adhesive foam tape for pipes.

mdcrab

And you lay strips of it all over the sides right? Gonna have to try that.

 

[EPZ Soldier]

p160
p160 pix2
p160 pix 3
p160 pix 4

This case is a beautiful case but,.. had a heck of a time take off the side panels..the rubber screws for the rear fan arent such a good idea..easily break be careful! but thats about it ... she is light as a feather even with all the goodies inside!