Computer Cases

[CodecX]

I'm looking to buy a case, but I just don't know what to get. $50 seems too expensive for me for a case. Everyone is telling me different things though. Some tell me that you should get an expensive case, others tell me to get cheap ones, because they are all the same. All I know is that I've been running just fine on my generic case for over 2 years now, but I need to get a new one because I've added too many peripherals and the 250W PS doesn't have enough juice for all of that stuff. Is there like a case's buyers guide or something? It seems to me that cases are one of the few overlooked but very important computers parts out there. Any links/resources/suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Cattlegod]

just buy a new PS then

 

[CodecX]

A decent PS is about the price of a case. I'm just looking for answers to the questions above...

 

[Need4Speed]

others are more expensive because of the quality of the PS and the sheet metal work. if its important to u to have rounded corners and quality metal work then mbuy a good case. if u dont care and never open the case anyways, then get a cheapy...

 

[00Jones]

DAmn this site hates me, I keep posting, but I keep getting a blank page.
Oh well. Anyways, I like the Super Power cases. I have the Polaris KS-298 It is really nice, and sturdy.

 

[dadx2mj]

I think cases are very important especially if you have a hot running TBird or are into overclocking. A well designed case will help keep your temps in line and have room to add case fans to improve air flow. Also if you do much work inside your case it is nice to have a roomy case that was well built and has rounded edges so you don't cut yourself. I have an Antec SX830 which I highly recomend it has been one of the best upgrades I have done and one that I think will last the longest.

 

[CodecX]

Hmm. Well, I dunno, are there any good cases out there for around $50, hopefully less? I guess I need at least 300W, maybe I'll do a watt count and exactly how much I need. I will admit, all those cases on pricewatch look REAL crappy. Any links?

 

[Sundog]

<< Well, I dunno, are there any good cases out there for around $50, hopefully less? >>



I gotta pipe in at this point. $50 is not a lot for a case. You get what you pay for.

If you want a good case dish out the $$, otherwise don't whine about how crappy the case looks or what a POS the power supply is.

You want a good case and a power supply for $50. Hmmmmm....well, considering good power supplies run more that $50 by themselves< i would say you are going to have a tough go at it.

Plenty of places with decent cases for sale (like directron, etc). But they won't have good cases w/good power supplies for $50.

 

[Cimmerian]

This is a good place for cheep cases. http://www.logicalsrc.com/ You can order then with different power supplies installed or with no power supply at all. It is also a good place to buy those little extras like mice and floppy drives.

Another site that has some cool cases is http://www.baber.com/baber/products/cases.htm
I really like the Black and Metallic cases.

 

[obenton]

Currently I'm using Addtronics cases - excellent, but expensive. I've used Enlight 7237s - quite good and, I've noticed, going rather cheap these days. If you can pick one up locally or at a computer show you'll save on shipping.

 

[WhatWasIThinking]

Most case reviews I have ever seen are on individual cases, not like a buyers guide with a bunch of them all reviewed at once. If I were you I would look at some vendors (directron, amamax, any others you find on pricewatch), make a list of ones in your price range, then do some searches on things like &quot;<casename>&quot; &quot;review&quot; and see what you come up with.

Speaking for myself, I would not skimp too much on a case because it's one of those things you can't really just replace. Decide what your needs are and go from there. Someone who's into case mods and overclocking may have different needs than someone like me who's pretty hamfisted and just needs a case that I can get around in easily.

Everybody's &quot;safe, cheap bet&quot; seems to be the enlight 7237. Antec's are safe bets too. Remember shipping alone will be a lot ($15-$30) if you get it online. You can buy Antec KS282s at Best Buy and CompUSA for about $60, I think. The SX-830 is about $75 or $80. You might get lucky and get a decent case with a decent power supply for less than $50, but I doubt it.

You can probably save yourself a lot of time by going to your local superstore (if you have one) and just pick one from what they have there. There's also ebay, but shipping will still add a lot to the price.

I have an antec SX830 with an enermax 350w ps. Cost me $117 delivered from Directron. Also check out bestbuy.com. I think the shipping is fairly cheap, although the prices are not the greatest.

 

[m2super]

The reason the cases cost 70-100 is most come with that 50$ power supply your talking about! so 50 for ps and around 50 for tower! Suck it up if you want a new tower with a 300 watt ps your going to have to pay for it, one place not to skimp especially with the faster cpu's/hungry geforce cards today is the power supply!
So maybe you should think of geting a 300 watt power supply and swap it out as an alternative to paying 100 for a tower!

 

[Blain]

That Polaris is one sweet looking case
And almost 10&quot; WIDE! I guess there's room in the back for a 120mm fan?

 

[NelsonMuntz]

I have ordered both the Inwin and Enlight cases from newegg and haven't had any problems. They run $65 for the Enlight and $74 for the Inwin shipped.

 

[Fencer128]

Another recomendation for the Enlight 7237 + 300W PSU. I've built 5 systems with them so far and the quality has been very good. Price is also very good....so what are you waiting for

 

[00Jones]

<< That Polaris is one sweet looking case
And almost 10&quot; WIDE! I guess there's room in the back for a 120mm fan? >>


That case is a lot cheaper at Axiontech.com

 

[Electric Amish]

I usually buy cheap cases and then get a decent PS.

My current case is a CasEdge 734 I get for $50 at a local shop. (That the most I've EVER paid for a case) I bought a Sparkle 300w PS for about $40 to put into it.

amish

 

[Cimmerian]

Addtronics, Enlight, and Antec is all I ever hear from people. This is not a motherboard is not even the power supply. It's the case. It's not rocket science. It?s a box designed to hold your components. You do not need a name brand case.

Now there are some things you need a case to do. You don't want a case to cut you. You want a case that is roomy enough and easy to work on. You want a case with adequate circulation and proper expansion room. Cases also protect your components and stop electronic interference. If you find a case that does all that, it doesn't matter who makes it or if you make it.

You can paint it, draw on it, cut it, weld it, and glue things on it, whatever. We spend so much time downloading desktop art changing icons to fit our tastes why not spend some time making the outside of your case a little personal.

 

[teddymines]

Spend a few bucks and get a good case. Older cases do not have adequate ventilation, particularly the air path across the drives, over the cpu and out the ps.

I have an ancient full tower case with extra 80mm fans to circulate air, as my power supply doesn't push much air out the back.

 

[Blain]

00Jones,

Wow, you weren't kidding about that Polaris being cheaper at AxionTech.! :Q They're one of my favorite vendors.

 

[whitelight]

i recommend the antec sx635 (comes with 350w psu). sells around $100.

 

[CodecX]

Alright then, so where can I get a good Power Supply from? I do have a decent case, but you're all right, power supply is the most important. Thanx

Edit: What makes a good power supply? Being certified by UL? etc.