Nice Black Case...PSU optional

[Bonesdad]

Title sez it all...suggestions pls. For an AMD Barton 2500+, 1 HDD, 2 Optical Drives and a Radeon 9600 Pro.

 

[CrispyPigeon]

The Antec Sonata "Piano Black" might be what you're looking for...

It is designed to be cool and near silent and is a nice black colour, retails about £80 here in the UK - about $135 US.

 

[WobbleWobble]

I also recommend the Antec Sonata. But retailing at $135US? Canada is cheaper, $140CDN ($100 US)

 

[jarsoffart]

The Antec SLK3700AMB BQE offers most of what the Sonata in a larger case, and is cheaper. It's power supply is inferior relative to the Sonata's, but is still a solid power supply.

 

[Sid59]

Sonata is awesome. Great paint job and an awesome 380WATT psu.

 

[Zepper]

Check out the Raidmax hydraulic too. Use the case configurator at newegg - makes shopping easy.
. Also look at directron: Cases > Midtower ATX > Black > a veritable smorgasbord... And, please don't ask us to do your work again...
.bh.

 

[EeyoreX]

Not to mention, computer cases are highly subjective. It's hard to recommend one. Personally, I think the Sonata is an "eh" case. I wouldn't buy one. And don't even get me started on my anti-case door diatribe! Check the links given and pick what you like. It's your computer, and you'll have to look at it.

\Dan

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: EeyoreX
Not to mention, computer cases are highly subjective. It's hard to recommend one. Personally, I think the Sonata is an "eh" case. I wouldn't buy one. And don't even get me started on my anti-case door diatribe! Check the links given and pick what you like. It's your computer, and you'll have to look at it.

\Dan

Yeah, case doors + Nero 5.5 = a case door that stays open all the time

My big fat important opinion is that Antec should make a 1000-series case that leaves the door off and uses a bezel style like their 800-series (meaning, no cutouts on each side of each 5.25" bay). I guess that new Performance One case will address that fairly well: pic

 

[RalfHutter]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
]Yeah, case doors + Nero 5.5 = a case door that stays open all the time

I just set my Nero to "not eject finished CDrs" (or whatever it says) in the preferences menu. Then you're good to go.

 

[Bluefront]

The old case door issue......If you've never had a good case with a good door, you'll never know the noise reduction that occurs when you close that door. Sure you have to open it occasionally. Big deal.

 

[Bonesdad]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: EeyoreX
Not to mention, computer cases are highly subjective. It's hard to recommend one. Personally, I think the Sonata is an "eh" case. I wouldn't buy one. And don't even get me started on my anti-case door diatribe! Check the links given and pick what you like. It's your computer, and you'll have to look at it.

\Dan

Yeah, case doors + Nero 5.5 = a case door that stays open all the time

My big fat important opinion is that Antec should make a 1000-series case that leaves the door off and uses a bezel style like their 800-series (meaning, no cutouts on each side of each 5.25" bay). I guess that new Performance One case will address that fairly well: pic

Yah, I like the look of the Performance One...but have not seen it for sale...know where it can be picked up? I might reconsider the black case if that one were well priced.

 

[mechBgon]

I think they aren't out yet, sorry.

Ralfhutter, thanks for the suggestion I'll still prefer not to have to open the darn door at any time. Appearance isn't a problem, either... I use covers: pic

 

[GregM425]

I have a blue raidmax case with the window, wup2 something or other from newegg, i paid $50 for one with a cheap psu, but the ones without are about half that. I like it, the paint job is fantastic.

its steel though so I dont know if you would rather go aluminum.

 

[fredtam]

I use a chieftec full tower and love it. Plenty of room. Great airflow (side window fan). Lots of places to hide the wires. Hard drive cages. Drive rails. No motherboard tray though..

mechBgon, I have a love/hate relationship with my door. It keeps my daughter out but it is annoying sometimes. With all that modding experience you have maybe you could design me something that will open the door when the tray opens and opens with the push of a button.

Edit: I have also heard the sonata isn't all that cool.

 

[mechBgon]

Hehe, we need some sort of servo system that swings the door open whenever the optical drives get an Eject signal! But that's way over my skill level.

 

[Bonesdad]

shouldna be too hard...the CD drawer gets the signal, why not a secondary "hatch" door?

I like the Sonata too, but the build I am doing is for a pretty casual user...budget won't allow a $100+ case either. I'll probably find something local and go really cheap, then put in a good Fortron PSU.

 

[PCboy]

a Lian-Li PC-61 is a good choice, if you can shell out $125.

 

[ROJAS]

Antec SX1080B very outstanding case. Have used Antec cases on over 20 computer systems.

ROJAS

 

[SWScorch]

there's also the Compucase 6919, which is a clone of the Antec SX1000 series, but without a door. It's a very nice case.

Pic

You can also get it with the grill in silver; looks very sharp

 

[Krueger81]

try this one. I have it and love it.

 

[huesmann]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
I also recommend the Antec Sonata. But retailing at $135US? Canada is cheaper, $140CDN ($100 US)

Methinks he was simply making the point that 80 quid is about 135 bucks. I guess prices are lower in the US due to bigger population and possible more popularity of DIY computers?

 

[WT]

SWscorch, I'm glad you mentioned the 6919. Its overlooked around the Antec/Chieftec cases and clones that appear. The hardest part right now is finding a black one, as inventory is cleared out except for a vendor or two that I found on Pricewatch. I bought one and started modding it (basic n00b mods, nothing hardcore). I love the clean lines and the lack of a door over the optical drive.

Here's a link to my case in stock config.

 

[JokerF15]

Guys don't forget the Kingwin KT-424 case. It is by far one of the better cases that have made its way on the market (recently that is). This thing is beautifuly built and beautiful =).

-JokerF15

 

[Johnbear007]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: EeyoreX
Not to mention, computer cases are highly subjective. It's hard to recommend one. Personally, I think the Sonata is an "eh" case. I wouldn't buy one. And don't even get me started on my anti-case door diatribe! Check the links given and pick what you like. It's your computer, and you'll have to look at it.

\Dan

Yeah, case doors + Nero 5.5 = a case door that stays open all the time

My big fat important opinion is that Antec should make a 1000-series case that leaves the door off and uses a bezel style like their 800-series (meaning, no cutouts on each side of each 5.25" bay). I guess that new Performance One case will address that fairly well: pic

Or you could just turn that option off in nero, so it doesnt auto eject.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Johnbear007

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: EeyoreX
Not to mention, computer cases are highly subjective. It's hard to recommend one. Personally, I think the Sonata is an "eh" case. I wouldn't buy one. And don't even get me started on my anti-case door diatribe! Check the links given and pick what you like. It's your computer, and you'll have to look at it.

\Dan

Yeah, case doors + Nero 5.5 = a case door that stays open all the time

My big fat important opinion is that Antec should make a 1000-series case that leaves the door off and uses a bezel style like their 800-series (meaning, no cutouts on each side of each 5.25" bay). I guess that new Performance One case will address that fairly well: pic

Or you could just turn that option off in nero, so it doesnt auto eject.

For those who don't mind having to open a door to change CDs, doors are fine. I prefer not to have to deal with it, especially if I'm going to have to make a lot of CDs (or make the same CD over and over until it works like I want it to ).