full tower case with top edge controls like Fractal R5

[KLC]

I'm getting ready to build a new system. I have a desk with a built in cabinet for a full sized tower, which means that going smaller form factor doesn't buy me anything and that design, side panels, colors, etc are not important since the case is not very visible.

I like the Fractal Designs R5 clean design and if I were building something more visible I would buy it. But what I also like about the R5 is that the USB ports, power button and other controls are on the top front edge of the case. This is valuable for my setup since the PC is inside the cabinet and this location is the most accessible and easiest to use.

So my question is, what cases out there have this same top front edge controls location? If there is a cheaper box than the R5 with the same access I'll buy it and save some money.

Of course I'm going to do my own searching but there are so many cases out there to look at, I thought maybe I could begin by asking for some help here.

 

[WackyWRZ]

Big question - do you need a 5.25 bay?

Phanteks P400 has top controls and is on sale for $65 now with promo code... Similar in size to the R5 but not as deep because it doesn't have 5.25 bays.
http://www.phanteks.com/Eclipse-P400.html

The Fractal Define S is also the same price with top controls / ports but again doesn't have a 5.25 bay.
http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/define-series/define-s

 

[KLC]

Even though I don't use it often I want to have an optical drive, so I guess I don't absolutely need it but I want it. If I were going small I'd eliminate it but if you're using a full sized case it seems like you might as well use the space, even if it is for something you don't use often. But thanks for the reply, it is something to consider.

 

[XavierMace]

NZXT S430 and H440 both have buttons and port on the top front but they also both lack a 5.25 bay. S430 is $60 after rebate right now. I haven't had one for ages in my computer and don't miss it at all personal. I'd recommend reconsidering keeping the 5.25 drive.

 

[aigomorla]

i +1 in not needing a 5 1/4 bay... all its basically used now is for a fancy OLED fan controller. If you need it for a optical, well, i suggest you get a USB3.0 optical.

Why? because if you get a laptop which is thin, like most are now a days, if you want optical on that your going to need a USB drive, and this way you kill 2 birds with one stone.

 

[KLC]

You all make good points. I have a usable optical drive in the old PC that I can recycle, so my cost is zero. But if I build a new PC without one and then need one what is my cost in money and time when I don't have one available? Like I said, if I were going small I wouldn't think twice about eliminating it. But since I'm going with a full tower why not get the best use out of some of that space, even if it's for something not used often?

 

[WackyWRZ]

USB optical drive is ~$20... So you can save $20-$30 by getting a (good) case but won't have a 5.25 slot... The R5 is on sale for $89 - so might as well go with the original plan. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352048