Computer cases: Windows or not?

[Rhezuss]

Hey all, just want to know your preferences about computer cases.

Simply put: With side window or not?

 

[zokudu]

It depends. My current case has a window but I think my next one will not and look a bit more "refined". I really purchased this case for the cooling but I don't do much overclocking so I think I'll just got for an adult look next time.

 

[Petey!]

I voted no just cause my case doesn't have one now.

 

[alfa147x]

I hate windows and I think they look childish. That's why I wanted a R3 but settled for a P180B

 

[Linflas]

Don't care one way or another. Voted no because none of my cases have a window but if a windowed case came along that met all my needs I would buy it if it was the only choice.

 

[Arg Clin]

Never seen a windowed case that I liked. I suppose, if you like that sort of thing, it's possible to make a window setup look nice, but mine's just always a really boring mess. I only bother to tidy up in the case in order to make room for fans to spin and for airflow. No point in displaying that :whiste:

 

[birthdaymonkey]

I think they looks [sic] childish.

This. I'm a Lian Li man. I like simple, elegant, straight lines, subtle details, and minimal lighting. Computer cases should look more like the obelisk from 2001 and less like a transformer from the Michael Bay movies.

 

[Hogan773]

This. I'm a Lian Li man. I like simple, elegant, straight lines, subtle details, and minimal lighting. Computer cases should look more like the obelisk from 2001 and less like a transformer from the Michael Bay movies.

I agree - some of the cases out there right now do look like they could do a "whap whup whap whup" and transform into an Autobot or Decepticon right in front of your eyes.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

I've had 3 cases without and 2 with. I don't have any fancing lighting or UV water loops so it's really pointless for me to have a window. Although it still looks nice on the K62. I'm especially not fond of windows where you can mount fans to it. There's an increased chance it'll crack if using screws and the fan just blocks the view anyway (unless you're using an LED fan but that just looks tacky).

Also windows probably let more sound through as opposed to a solid panel.

 

[tysjiang]

In Short: No windows.

In Long: No windows. I've had cases in the past that had windows (not cheesy ones but nice windows) and some with lights/etc. They were actually a lot of fun to look at, watching the fans spin, seeing the motherboard... for the first 3 days. Then, after that, you never look at it again. Even friends who first were wowed by it will lose interest after a few stares and then your windowed case will be like a windowless case with more noise and vibrations (each case differs but even the best ones have more noise and vibrations than a normal windowless case of the same brand/make).
That's not the worse thing about windowed cases. The worst thing is that (it could be just me) after a while you yourself start to get annoyed by it mainly cause a windowed case doesn't fit well into any kind of decor your room or office is in (ok, maybe some room decor can fit a windowed case in but not most) and it justs *annoys* you (me).

 

[RockinZ28]

I like windows if the hardware and cable management look clean. Especially watercooling or custom rigs.

Also came in handy when I looked through the case window of my 800D and saw smoke coming out of one of my mcp355s.

 

[Rhezuss]

I think I just fell in love with the Cooler Master CM690 II Advanced...

What a nice looking case!

 

[Bill Brasky]

I prefer a sleek look and noise dampening cases, so no windows here.

 

[Rhezuss]

I just bought the CM690 II Advanced!
Can't wait to install everything in this sexy tower!

 

[aigomorla]

if my computer isnt blingy like flava freshes mouth, its not a blingy system!!!

So... ummm... how would open racks systems fit in this catigory? LOL..

Next to my MM which does have a window, the rack is my second case?

 

[Hogan773]

I just bought the CM690 II Advanced!
Can't wait to install everything in this sexy tower!

That's what I'm planning to buy too for my first build.....but probably the Basic version unless the Advanced has a great BF special somewhere

 

[Ben90]

So... ummm... how would open racks systems fit in this catigory? LOL..

Lol, I was going to say. My computer is paper clipped to a cardboard box on the floor. But if I were to have a case, I much prefer business looking cases such as the P182.

 

[Maximilian]

I just got an antec 902 because it has a window ive always wanted one. Great case, looks good, cools well, solidly built. The only thing that sucks is the dust filters are a PITA to get to and theres not much room behind the mobo backplate for cables.

 

[Rhezuss]

That's what I'm planning to buy too for my first build.....but probably the Basic version unless the Advanced has a great BF special somewhere

You should!

This case is amazing...well it is compared to my 10 years old cracking and noisy case.

This CM690 II Adv is simply wow!

I wanted to get the basic too at first but my local retailer only had the advanced in stock

 

[muskie32]

I love my Antec DF-85 with the side window

 

[Chocu1a]

I prefer a window. I like to be able to look at my components from time to time.
I do agree a windowed case allows for higher noise levels, but I really like to look at the bling more than I care for peace & quiet. Plus, I really can't hear my rig over the fans I keep running in my room.

 

[MrK6]

I actually ordered and just received the windowed side panel for my CM 690 II Advanced. I generally don't "check out" my rig once it's built and have never had a case with a window, but the window this time had two needed functions. First, it allows me to see my cooling loop and check fluid levels without opening the case. Secondly, it reduces the two huge 140mm fan openings in the stock panel to one 120mm opening which I can cover with one dust filter and redirect airflow. Additionally, I think it does look better than the stamped out stock panel.

 

[aigomorla]

Lol, I was going to say. My computer is paper clipped to a cardboard box on the floor. But if I were to have a case, I much prefer business looking cases such as the P182.

back during my hardware testing days....

This is the type of case i would use:

made hardware swapping and thermal probe locations a breeze..

 

[Corporate Thug]

I like em mainly because it motivates me to keep the wires clean.

 

[CurseTheSky]

It highly depends on the case. Normally with something like my FT01 I'd go without a window, since the metal shell itself is pleasing to the eye. However, I got an amazing deal on my FT01-BW, and now that I have it, I rather enjoy the window. It gets me enthusiastic about working on my computer, and it gives me an incentive to go the extra mile to make the cables / etc. look good.

It's also highly dependent on the setting the computer will be used in. In a game room, den, certain living rooms or home theater setups - absolutely. In an office or any other room of the house that's meant to look elegant or "mature," a case with a window would be out of place.