First Aluminum case, need input.

[ShotgunSi]

Hi, I'm looking for suggestions for a case for my new computer. I currently have a 5 year old full tower case, that I love, but need to retire. I'm looking for any input, as there are literally 100's of choices out there. I've been reading tons of reviews and obviously have looked at the Lian Li's and some others. Anyone have any recommendations on specific models and online shops that I can buy them from? Thanks!

Needs-
1) Aluminum case. (Light weight for LAN parties)
2) Mid Tower. (Enough space for 2 HDDs and 2 Rom drives)
3) Front mounted USB.
4) Price below $200 / Best bang for the buck.
Nice but don't need/can add later.
1) Window
2) Fan/Baybus
3) Any modded case fan positions.
Dont Need at all.
1) Power Supply. (Already have Antec Truepower 330)

 

[Rick67]

I've got the Lian Li PC-61 and it's really nice. The only drawbacks are you'll need to find black drives or else it will look really silly. Also, if you don't wash your hands before touching it, you'll leave fingerprints all over it. Everytime I get into it I have to wipe it down with Windex to wash the fingerpints off.

 

[Skooch]

I also have two of the Lian Li PC61 cases which I think is are very good cases overall for ease of use, build quality is good (better than most cases), but not great IMO. Cooling seems to be good with the four AddA case fans which I just recently replaced with Antec LED fans. I also have one of these on the way Coolermaster 201b which should arrive by Wednesday so I can compare the two.

 

[CubicZirconia]

I've been happy with my Lian-Li pc-65. Seems to fit your needs and price range. Plus, its easy to add a couple of extra fans if you feel the need. If you have specific questions just ask.

 

[Austin5]

I agree with all these guys. The Lian Li cases are vary nice. I had a PC-60 that I stupidily sold. But will buy another one soon.

 

[drewdogg808]

i'm happy with my pc-65. i got it from mpcparts.com, and they generally have pretty good prices on lian-li's.
link

 

[scoobydooby]

Read me
Scoob

 

[ShotgunSi]

Thanks for all the info guys, keep it coming!
Does anyone else have any input on the Directron line of Aluminum cases? From all the reviews I read I hear they are rebadged Altas cases? How is the build quality compared to Lian-Li/Coolermaster? The price seems really good, but I just don't know if I want to chance it. What also worries me is the fact that Directron has conflicting pictures on their webpage. Oh well.

 

[cipher00]

I've got a Coolermaster. Easy to work with, pretty good quality, but $$$$. Plus, it's loud (not the case's fault, really) and the standoffs are kinda cheap. Other than that, it's pretty good, and it sure keeps the temps down. FWIW.

 

[scoobydooby]

Rebadged Atlas?? Where'd you read that. The one I'm talking about (201) is a rebadged Sun Flower case. Which conflicting pics are you talking about?

The price seems really good, but I just don't know if I want to chance it

What don't you want to chance? Directron is a great company, I've ordered lots of stuff from them, great service. Let me know if you want to see pics of my case.
Scoob

 

[ShotgunSi]

Sorry, I'm not talking about the company Directron, I have ordered from them before with no problems. I mean I don't want to chance buying a case and not liking it. I have seen the Lian Li's in person and know I would like one.
However, the Directron case's I have not seen in person, however the price has me intriqued.

If you look at the SF-201-B http://www.directron.com/201b.html. Most pictures it shows the front of the case with gold accents all around. However if you look at a few of the other pics, it shows chrome accents like this one.
Shows chrome
http://www.directron.com/lib/directron/SF201-inside1
http://www.directron.com/lib/directron/SF201-Blue-light

Shows gold.
http://www.directron.com/lib/directron/201bfusb
http://store1.yimg.com/I/directron_1704_9635861

 

[scoobydooby]

lol The black case comes with gold trim and the silver comes with silver trim.
Scoob

 

[hmsrolst]

I have a Coolermaster 201C and an older Lian Li (which might make it an unfair comparison if their build quality has improved). The build quality of the Coolermaster is much higher. The fans in both are too noisy so I replaced them. With some mods (opening up the front and cutting out the fan guard in the rear), the Lian Li provides better cooling, but the fit and finish of the Coolermaster are in a class by themselves.

 

[ShotgunSi]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I ended up getting a Lian Li PC-65 I think. There model numbers are so confusing.
I know it has 12 drives bays total. 2 intake, 2 exhaust and 1 blow hole fan, and a nice big window.
MY old co-workers hooked it up for me at CompUSA for $135(retail was $199!) I'm a happy camper

 

[scoobydooby]

Wow good deal!
Scoob

 

[littlezipp]

Originally posted by: ShotgunSi
Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I ended up getting a Lian Li PC-65 I think. There model numbers are so confusing.
I know it has 12 drives bays total. 2 intake, 2 exhaust and 1 blow hole fan, and a nice big window.
MY old co-workers hooked it up for me at CompUSA for $135(retail was $199!) I'm a happy camper

Good choice, I have the same case and love it...
Just make sure to clean out the front intake filter!!!

 

[cookj]

I got This one ,but at compusa. I liked the look better than the Lian Li's.The picture here doesn`t do it justice. It`s $199 at compusa with no PSU, $165 + shipping Here

Edit :Manufacturer Link with no windows in them.

 

[Ilmater]

I played with that one the other day at CompUSA for about half-an-hour and I hated the way it was set up. I'd personally rather have a PC60 USB witha window in it, but that's just me. You also might want to look at this one from FrozenCPU.com that is pre-modded with a nice window, a side fan and a top exhaust.

 

[ShotgunSi]

Yeah after I took the case home, its looks a little cramped. I also have read mixed reviews about the blow hole fan, some like it, some say it actually hurts air flow in the case. Well for the price, I don't think it could be beat, the PC-60 they had retailed for $130 and I could have got it for $99.

 

[warrenpeace]

I have a 65' also (from MPCParts too, but their local to me)... I added a rectangle of furnace filter material over the factory filter... blue fiberglass looking filter media... and i can't even believe how clean this thing stays inside ! I have the front fans on high speed all the time too. The added filter will develop grey spots on it where the panel holes are, and there will be some dust in the factory filter when i clean it, but the case stays really clean (not _totally_ clean, but about five times better than my last case).

Granted i don't have any cats or anything, and the case is on my desk.

 

[warrenpeace]

FWIW, i have white drives in mine (3 CD type things and an audigy platinum breakout box) and maybe i'm a dork, but i am quite pleased with how it looks...