Looking for an Aluminum case.....

[kirkles0206]

I'm looking for an aluminum case that has the firewire and usb ports on the front. I also want to put a window and some lights but I've seen cases that are made this way.

My question is: should I buy a case that has the mods installed or piece it together myself? If so, which one is cheaper?

I would appreciate any help.

 

[Neuroanatomist]

I know that LianLi makes a front-port IO adapter that has both a USB and Firewire connector link @ mpcparts.com $28

You could then attach this to any case.. but it looks like you are looking for one with a pre-built side window
..like a Lian Li PC65. (www.mpcparts.com usually has this at a good price, but it looks like they are out of stock).

 

[CubicZirconia]

I reccomend the lian li pc 65 too. I think the window on it looks much better than most of the windows that people tend to install themselves. I only say this because most people put some sort of black molding around the window to seal it to the case. I don't like the way this looks.

 

[sodcha0s]

Check this Bad Boy out first! Slightly more expensive that the Lian Li's, but much better looking IMO.

 

[Demonicon]

3 windows? I'd like to smack the person who started this PC window craze.

 

[Witchfinder]

"""3 windows? I'd like to smack the person who started this PC window craze""

LOL - it gets worse, not only are there cold-cathode lighting kits but there are now fans available with LEDs on the fins to create a 3-circle effect when spinning ..

All this reminds me of tacky car customizing in the 70s where in the UK you weren`t hip unless you had a Mk3 Cortina with a fur interior, Knightrider lights in the back window, a jack-up kit, lights along the sills, furry Dice and a fake chrome Supercharger intake - Each to their own I suppose ;-)

 

[cobrasvt]

I have this same case, but without the 3 windows. I got mine from Directron though! The case is awesome! I think its much better designed thanthe Lian-Li cases as well. If I would have seen the already modded version from that company, I probably would have saved my time and aggrevation of cutting my side panel to install the window and just went with that case for $30 more! Oh well, not too crazy about the window on the right side of the case. I mean, who wants to look at the motherboard tray?

This is a damn fine nice case though....

 

[Skawttey]

Cobrasvt, how loud are the stock fans in that case and how much air do they push?

 

[sodcha0s]

Hey cobrasvt,

I have the same case on order, the one without the windows. Ordered from
http://www.a-pro.com for $143.00 plus shipping. I'm also interested in knowing how loud the stock fans are, and should I be ready to get some new ones. Thanks!

 

[VTrider]

Funny, I was just about to post here was people thought about this case when I saw this thread. I think this is the case i've been waiting for, and kirkles0206 this might interest you also. I'm also looking for USB/Firewire ports in front, aluminum, ect.

I was originally looking at a couple of Lian-Li cases like the PC60, PC65 USB versions. I have no problem modding windows, it's just that it would cost about the same and if I order this 3-window case, I'd save a lot of time.


So what does everybody else think of this case?. Both that A-Pro store and Directron have it shipped for $200.00, anybody see it cheaper anywhere? Probably Directron is the safer bet, eh?


-VTrider

 

[xbassman]

<< Cobrasvt, how loud are the stock fans in that case and how much air do they push? >>


I have the same case from Directron also.
Here is a link for the fans that came installed:

link

I wasn't really impressed with the airflow considering the noise they generate.

I bought this case as a replacement for a Fong Kai fk320 with 120mm (front intake) and 92mm (rear intake through fan hood) Panaflos.
Using all the same components the Directron case initially ran my processor 1C higher than the Fong Kai.
Than I reversed the fan direction of the side blow hole. (It was setup as an exhaust) This dropped my temps to 1C lower than the Fong Kai.
(I also added an intake foam filter.)

This case is very cool though. It is easy to work with also.
Right now I am looking to replace all the case fans with better ones and install a DigitalDoc 5.

Hope this helps.