Need case advice on new build

[addylo]

I'm about to attempt my first build and trying to keep costs down. I'm currently looking at the lower-end Cooler Masters such as the Cavalier 3 CAV-T03-UK ($64.99 on NE). Looks are less important to me than price, air flow, and efficiency.

Will I be OK with one of these budget cases (<$100) or will I regret it? I see quite a few "favorite cases" mentioned here in the $200+ range but I have a hard time justifying that just yet. My build budget is topped out already.

Build components:

Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition AM2 NVidia nForce 590
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+
MSI GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI-E
Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X2048-6400C4
Thermaltake TR2 RX W0134RU 550W PSU
Seagate Barracuda 320GB SATA
Two as-yet chosen DVD-RW drives

 

[CurseTheSky]

There are plenty of cases for less than $100 that will treat you well. You won't get ALL the bells and whistles that the $200+ cases get, but you should get all of the important stuff.

Basically, stick with a well known brand name, and try to go with something that doesn't come with a power supply (most of them are horrible), and the least amount of cosmetics possible. If something comes with a million glowy lights, it's probably either going to cost more, or burn up (at least, those were my experiences). Though many can't stand the company, I'm a big fan of Thermaltake cases. Try Google for some reviews.

 

[imported_sushicide]

I'm gonna get the CM690, latest incarnation of Centurion chassis from Coolmaster with many fan slots and cable management for only $80.....having a hard time finding one though, their warehouses distribute at a snail's pace



review

 

[Zepper]

I think they still have one of the CM Mystique 631 cases on clearance at SVC.com . Great value for the money. It's basically a Centurion design case done up in aluminum.

.bh.

 

[imported_i2k]

Antec P180 always a quality case

 

[M1KEV]

I would go with this case. There are a lot of fans for good cooling and there is a perfect amount of room to fit your build.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811144125

 

[MarcVenice]

I'm shopping for a case as well, so far I've got my eyes on the p180/182. The case M1KEV mentioned is way to flashy for my taste.

 

[Quiksilver]

I think there was a thread not long ago talking about Rosewill cases and them not being bad despite being budget cases. So I would have a look at those too might be worth it.

 

[addylo]

Thanks for the replies, folks.

I like the CM690 but doesn't look like it's on the shelves yet. Might be worth waiting for.

The Antech Nine Hundred and Enermax Chakra look interesting too. Get a load of that side fan on the Chakra.

Also looking at the Thermaltake Matrix VX and Cooler Master Mystique. All look like they provide good cooling, most have top ports, and none have too much unnecessary bling.

 

[addylo]

I stand corrected. There's the CM690 right there on Newegg for $79.

 

[imported_sushicide]

Nice find, looks like 'egg is the only place that actually has it in stock.

I wonder if I should bite the extra $20 s&h now or wait for ZZF's free shipping deal :roll:

 

[Mhudon]

Here's my pick:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...pNo=1215768&CatId=1510

Removable mobo tray. Full tower size, 2x120mm fan front and back, hard drives well oriented, 5 external 5.25" bays, toolless design, dust filter in front, all aluminum (but the front bezel) and finally, very nice glossy finish.

At 80$ you can't go wrong. I've switched my rig into one of these three mounts ago and I'm very please with it.

 

[addylo]

After looking at several hundred cases I just pulled the trigger on an Antec P180.

The design might seem bizarre but I like the concept of a separate PSU compartment. Seems to have great cooling properties and the 'quiet' factor is VERY appealing. And hey, it's about as clean and sleek a look as you can get!

Now the big question will be whether the Thermaltake TR2 RX 550W PSU cables will be long enough to reach everything. From NE reviews it looks like others were able to do it so I'm expecting to be OK. We'll see when everything gets shipped.

Should be building by Labor Day weekend!

 

[RallyMaster]

Your PSU choice is lacking but the cables will definitely reach (I had a TR2 470W as my first PSU for my dual core build...always complained about the cable length because they were built for eATX cases...jeez). A Corsair HX520W would blow that Thermaltake out of the water and then curbstomp it. The TR2 line I believe are CWT made...which is famous for their use of Fuhjyyu capacitors that blow or bulge.

 

[addylo]

RallyMaster, thanks for the head's up about the PSU. The TR2 550W is new enough I had a hard time finding reviews. The voices in my head kept warning me about that unit but I went with it anyway based on the ThermalTake name. Don't know that much about PSU's.

After checking the PSU forum I see where the TR2 units are not well thought of.

I just canceled that order with NE (barely in time) and placed an order with Google (Buy.com) for a Corsair 520HX for $89. Whaddadeal!

 

[MarcVenice]

Good job addylo, I just bought a p182 myself. Similar to the p180, but it has some cable management behind the motherboard. Other guy I talked to said he had to buy a 4pin extension cable * the cable that powers the mobo * because his corsair 520hx couldn't reach it without crossing over pci cards or his videocard. Just a headsup.

When I read the first posts I was thinking, hmz, you should have gone with the sonata III that way you at least get a decent powersupply

 

[JHallas]

hey sushicide, zzf's got em in stock