Question Recommend a high end mid-atx case for this old timer

[Minotaar]

So, I've been building systems for years; my first being a Pentium Pro back in '96. Unfortunately, I'm not a kid anymore and I haven't been able to keep an eye on the case game, so I came here looking for some recommendations for a new case. Specifically, I need an understated ATX case with (a) at least four 2.5" drive bays without having to use adapters, (b) space for two AIO coolers (one single fan, and one dual fan, for CPU and GPU), (c) plenty of space for back-of-the-motherboard cable routing and (d) front facing USB-C and high voltage USB-A for phone charging. I don't care about price, and I care everything about fit and finish with the install.

My favorite cases so far have been the Silverstone FT02 because of the super easy install and vertical motherboard layout, and the Corsair Obsidian 450D. I love both these cases for their fit and finish. It was easy to run my cables behind the motherboard and hide them, and these systems still serve me today, despite the fact that one is almost 10 years old. I actually just built another 450D for my wife, but that case is showing its age because it lacks usb-c and it's hard to install two aios without cutting metal. My only complaints about these chassis are that there should be even more space behind the motherboard and that there should be more 2.5" drive bays instead of 5.25" bays.

Anyways, suggestions? Are NZXT and Be Quiet on the same level of fit and finish, in terms of rubber grommet mounts, silence, and compatibility? I wish Silent PC Review was still around, but they appear defunct.

 

[AnandThenMan]

Have you tried pcpartpicker.com ? There are many cases that fit your needs it depends on what look you like etc.

 

[killster1]

So, I've been building systems for years; my first being a Pentium Pro back in '96. Unfortunately, I'm not a kid anymore and I haven't been able to keep an eye on the case game, so I came here looking for some recommendations for a new case. Specifically, I need an understated ATX case with (a) at least four 2.5" drive bays without having to use adapters, (b) space for two AIO coolers (one single fan, and one dual fan, for CPU and GPU), (c) plenty of space for back-of-the-motherboard cable routing and (d) front facing USB-C and high voltage USB-A for phone charging. I don't care about price, and I care everything about fit and finish with the install.

My favorite cases so far have been the Silverstone FT02 because of the super easy install and vertical motherboard layout, and the Corsair Obsidian 450D. I love both these cases for their fit and finish. It was easy to run my cables behind the motherboard and hide them, and these systems still serve me today, despite the fact that one is almost 10 years old. I actually just built another 450D for my wife, but that case is showing its age because it lacks usb-c and it's hard to install two aios without cutting metal. My only complaints about these chassis are that there should be even more space behind the motherboard and that there should be more 2.5" drive bays instead of 5.25" bays.

Anyways, suggestions? Are NZXT and Be Quiet on the same level of fit and finish, in terms of rubber grommet mounts, silence, and compatibility? I wish Silent PC Review was still around, but they appear defunct.

i think you should just cut high voltage phone charging usb 3 out of the equation and you will find 70-80% of the cases now days fit your build. bequiet look nice to me or a corsair.

 

[dlerious]

I've been looking at the Phanteks Enthoo Pro, NZXT H710, and Fractal Meshify S2. Lokked at Lian Li Lancool II, but not too crazy about their drive sleds. For phone charging I use an external Anker usb charger.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

I've been looking at the Phanteks Enthoo Pro, NZXT H710, and Fractal Meshify S2. Lokked at Lian Li Lancool II, but not too crazy about their drive sleds. For phone charging I use an external Anker usb charger.

I’m pretty happy with my Phanteks P600

 

[Charlie98]

I would probably look at Fractal Design. I have 2 of the older Define Minis (mATX case...) and it's a solid case. Room for 6 HDDs, 2 5.25" slots, give or take. I'm not as familiar with the newer versions... I guess it would be the Define C or the R6.

 

[dlerious]

I would probably look at Fractal Design. I have 2 of the older Define Minis (mATX case...) and it's a solid case. Room for 6 HDDs, 2 5.25" slots, give or take. I'm not as familiar with the newer versions... I guess it would be the Define C or the R6.

I think the Meshify S2 is an upgraded R6, but has no 5.25". The Enthoo Pro has 3 5.25.

 

[KentState]

The NZXT H700 is probably one of my favorite cases so far. I find the quality to be high and very well laid out. The metal bar that runs up the side does a good job of hiding the cables. Plenty of options for liquid cooling and storage as well. Phanteks cases are decent, but I was not nearly as impressed with the build quality as with NZXT. Simple things like a lot more flex with heavy graphics cards, poor threading on some screws and cheaper materials.

 

[Stuka87]

I have had my Lian Li 011 Dynamic for just over a month now, and I have been super happy with it. It has locations for 2.5" and 3.5" drives. It uses a dual compartment setup with quite a bit of room behind the motherboard for both wires and drives.

 

[Campy]

Fractal Define 7 just came out, so take a look at that.

 

[Minotaar]

Thanks for all the suggestions all. This is great!

 

[LOUISSSSS]

I'm an old timer that had many cases from the $250 lian li v1000b to the p180 mini, to a double water cooled cooler master haf932.

I just got a Lian li lancool II for its build quality and features. It has a usbc, but my mb only has 1x USB 3.0 header tho!

 

[Bavor]

Fractal Define 7 just came out, so take a look at that.

I agree, Fractal Design cases meet your requirements.

 

[aigomorla]

Your not going to find a case as nice as a V1000b today.
I'll let you know first off, because a lot of case makers have decided to stop making high end luxury aluminum cases.
My all time favorates is the Lian V1000 (limited) + Silverstone TJ07 Murdermod Edition + Windy Soldom, this being my second most expensive case purchase next to a fully optioned Mountain Mods before my complete transition to a full custom LCS. I really wish they made them like the limited edition V1000 and Soldom again. (sigh)

Your going to see a lot "gamer" cases now with lots and lots of LED's.
If you like that sort of thing, then i guess its a blessing, however if your the type that hates ambient light, then your going to squirm.

Personally if your looking for a case simular to the layout of a FT02, its most likely Thermaltake Tower 900.
You are probably looking rotated 90 degree layout where all your rear I/O and pci is on top of the case.

However the tower 900 is a BIG case, and HEAVY as well, because its a steel case with tempered glass.
I normally would not recommend it to someone who intends to Air Cool, as its a case designed for customized water cooling..
(i mean the ones which break your wallet and not a AIO like a corsair)

There is a smaller one called the Level 20, its basically a truncated tower 900, but i expect that to be heavy for the same reasons as the tower 900.

I am a big fan of horizontal layouts as well as your rotated layouts, as it puts less pressure on the motherboards if you use a heavy air sink, or have a monster gpu.
But if you can afford a heavy monster gpu, you can probably afford a top tier motherboard, which most of them are pretty well reinforced.

You could also try a DIY on the V1000 to make it more modern.
However cable management will be a lot more challanaging then today's cases, as the case makers have learned to leave a bigger gap behind the motherboard panel.

But yeah, if your an old time PC builder like me, you may enjoy some cases, but you will sure miss the classics. (sort of like cars)

 

[dlerious]

I am a big fan of horizontal layouts as well as your rotated layouts, as it puts less pressure on the motherboards if you use a heavy air sink, or have a monster gpu.
But if you can afford a heavy monster gpu, you can probably afford a top tier motherboard, which most of them are pretty well reinforced.

You could also try a DIY on the V1000 to make it more modern.
However cable management will be a lot more challanaging then today's cases, as the case makers have learned to leave a bigger gap behind the motherboard panel.

But yeah, if your an old time PC builder like me, you may enjoy some cases, but you will sure miss the classics. (sort of like cars)

Thumbs up for horizontal (2 Caselabs S8). I was thinking about a few small builds in their BH cases, but they went out of business before I had a chance - boy, do I wish I would've stocked up on accessories. What was the fan situation with the V1000? I have a few older (PC-6x/PC-7X) that I think had 80mm fans.