What is everyone favorite pc case?

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taq8ojh

Golden Member
Mar 2, 2013
1,296
1
81
I probably like my current case the most - Corsair Obsidian 550D. It took me a while to decide though, Fractal Design was in the list as well (it looks better, but I liked some features of Corsair more).

I also moved my wife's PC into Cooler Master HAF XB, which is great too.
 
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Ramses

Platinum Member
Apr 26, 2000
2,871
4
81
Supermicro SC750A, preferably with a pair of slot2 Xeons in it making a lot of noise.


More currently, Silverstone FT02 has made me pretty happy.
 

danEboy83

Member
Jun 7, 2007
176
3
91
i haven't tried any thing other then my p180 antec, i have the old one tho, it's kinda noisy :\ and weighs a ton, actually hurt my back trying to get it into the back set of a car once lol. However, all my cases before then were generic and gave me trouble upon assembly, scratching my hands on cheap metal edges and so forth. Definitely has ample space. sorry for the fragments, i'm used to typing impromptu chat speech.
 

infoiltrator

Senior member
Feb 9, 2011
704
0
0
I suppose I'm fondest of Cooler Master 912/922 just because these were the first really good cases I built in. Nowadays my build needs and what is on sale (or I already bought because it was on sale) suits me (or not, sometimes..)
Am I making sense?
 

BonzaiDuck

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
15,785
1,500
126
I suppose I'm fondest of Cooler Master 912/922 just because these were the first really good cases I built in. Nowadays my build needs and what is on sale (or I already bought because it was on sale) suits me (or not, sometimes..)
Am I making sense?

Sure you are. Some folks don't like the HAF 922/932/X cases because they don't have much bling (they don't have ANY, really, except the LED fan(s)!) Nothing wrong with SECC steel or even the plastic. But I've got three 922's and the sidepanels tend to have a "warp" in them that makes it more tedious to secure them properly.

But I just don't care about that stuff. Who's buying $250 aluminum cases these days? Or -- are they necessary to build a great (superbly operating) computer? I still think the large fan vents have more potential with the right choice of fans.

Works for me! But it's true: once you get accustomed to a case and the advantages you hoped for when you bought it, it easily becomes a sort of "rut." Still -- if I can work a great watercooling scheme in one of my old HAFs next year, I will feel very satisfied. I have no reservations about cutting on it to make things fit . . . And why do that with a new case, anyway?
 

Ajay

Lifer
Jan 8, 2001
16,094
8,106
136
Who's buying $250 aluminum cases these days? Or -- are they necessary to build a great (superbly operating) computer? I still think the large fan vents have more potential with the right choice of fans.

Works for me! But it's true: once you get accustomed to a case and the advantages you hoped for when you bought it, it easily becomes a sort of "rut." Still -- if I can work a great watercooling scheme in one of my old HAFs next year, I will feel very satisfied. I have no reservations about cutting on it to make things fit . . . And why do that with a new case, anyway?

I'd prefer to buy aluminum, just because I don't start with a base weight of 40 lbs w/o liquid cooling. The problem is, finding a good minimal mod Al case for $250 isn't easy. You can get a great case for around twice that from Caselabs or Mountain mods - but that's a lot of dough for a case.

I'll probably mod my 800D for my next build when I plan to add a custom LC system. The thing is going to weigh a ton - and I tinker too often :\
 

BonzaiDuck

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
15,785
1,500
126
I'd prefer to buy aluminum, just because I don't start with a base weight of 40 lbs w/o liquid cooling. The problem is, finding a good minimal mod Al case for $250 isn't easy. You can get a great case for around twice that from Caselabs or Mountain mods - but that's a lot of dough for a case.

I'll probably mod my 800D for my next build when I plan to add a custom LC system. The thing is going to weigh a ton - and I tinker too often :\

I've had two aluminum cases -- still have a CM Stacker midtower. My brother upstairs has been notified that I'll retrieve it for an alternative when I need it. And that case had lots of potential for some things I'm considering for a HAF -- like the hinged Lexan/Plexiglas fan cage inside the left side panel. My thoughts: if you're not going to cut it up, and it will be re-used when you replace the electronics with something newer, a more expensive case is an "OK" investment.

The weight problem is almost something to be ignored (for me) -- as long as I can fit 2.5" double-caster wheels with brakes to case-bottom without making irreversible changes to ANY case -- steel or aluminum.
 

Ajay

Lifer
Jan 8, 2001
16,094
8,106
136
The weight problem is almost something to be ignored (for me) -- as long as I can fit 2.5" double-caster wheels with brakes to case-bottom without making irreversible changes to ANY case -- steel or aluminum.

I didn't used to care, but I hurt my back a few years ago and it's been acting up recently - so it's on my mind. I have a sturdy folding table that I usually lift my PCs up to for repairs/tweaking. Maybe I should just mount the 800D to an air lift and adjust the height as needed :sneaky:
 

Carson Dyle

Diamond Member
Jul 2, 2012
8,174
524
126
This question is a bit like asking someone what's your favorite car. Sports car? Luxury sedan? Truck? Mini-van? SUV?
 

MongGrel

Lifer
Dec 3, 2013
38,751
3,068
121
I still like my pretty heavily modified old Antec 1200 tank, I might try something else in the future on a rebuild.

Yeah, I used a HAF 912 when I built my bedroom HTPC, I like it.

Another tank, The wife still uses one of my old Antec 900's

Those little HAF 912's are even pretty nice for a basic solid case.
 
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BonzaiDuck

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
15,785
1,500
126
I didn't used to care, but I hurt my back a few years ago and it's been acting up recently - so it's on my mind. I have a sturdy folding table that I usually lift my PCs up to for repairs/tweaking. Maybe I should just mount the 800D to an air lift and adjust the height as needed :sneaky:

If it's only about moving it for periodic maintenance, service or an ongoing modding evolution, I wouldn't know how to answer that. I can see there are times you just have to lift it up. For me, the most I ever did that after the hardware was in the case was to lift this or that computer up on a very solid glass-slab coffee-table. Sometimes -- I just flip it on the floor after I've spent some time thinking about what I'm going to do -- so I don't strain my back. My solution: I stopped thinking about large drive arrays in workstations, or the difference between SSD and HDD weight. So my heaviest system is my server.

But suppose you didn't mind spending maybe $60.

In the industrial section of many towns or cities, there is usually a "metal-supply" warehouse. The have a large yard, with corrugated iron shelters and bins for various sizes, pieces, shapes and metal types. They often have precut pieces of aluminum and steel. There is a standard 2"x1/4" metal bar, which you'd ask to have cut to 12" lengths, but I'd found they have bins with these sizes in the rear of the store-front. In the store-front, they sell tools, and you could probably pick up a $5 drill-tap kit for a 6-32 screw, or for any screw size you preferred. the 6-32 Is a standard computer case screw shipped with PSUs, and used to secure rubber feet to the bottom of some cases.

There's a web-available hardware store somewhere in Ohio or Indiana called Lawless Hardware. They have extensive menus, but there's a category for "casters and wheels." The casters you're looking for would be of various wheel diameter -- I had put a 3.5" dia double braked casters on a Compaq server case ('95) once. That sucker was heavy! Get the casters with the square mounting plate, likely to accommodate 4 stubby 6-32 screws.

Cut the aluminum bars with a hacksaw and clamp to exactly the width of the case bottom. [Or -- you could extend the "feet" and wheels on either side -- for whatever practical or aesthetic reason.] Precisely mark and drill holes for the four screws of each wheel on each end of the aluminum bar. Tap these holes for the thread of the 6-32 screws.

With the right case and a little luck, you should be able to remove the rubber feet on the bottom of the case. After drilling two more slightly oversize (> 6-32) holes properly measured for the case's screw-taps for the rubber feet, use the case's threaded holes to secure a bar at front and case-rear, each fitted with two of the caster wheels.

Now you go out to MNPC Tech ( http://mnpctech.com ) and buy a pair of aluminum billet or similar handles from their categories. You only need drill holes in the case-top to install them with their sturdy hardware parts.

You can roll it, lift it, dance it around . . .
 

infoiltrator

Senior member
Feb 9, 2011
704
0
0
There is an abundance of simple cases. like several Roswell cases for simple builds,, especially mATX ones.
Roswell Redone and Backbone(top power supply), Ranger-M, others. Always a risk, but the challenges can be fun.
I need an excuse to build in a Cougar Spike, just makes me smile to look at. Wanted a white one, do not see white anymore.
 

evident

Lifer
Apr 5, 2005
11,938
538
126
i am absolutely positively loving my nanoxia deep silence 4 micro atx case as my main rig.

my trusty rocket fish lian li huge behemoth tower that i picked up for $20 at best buy is equally awesome.

my silverstone GD05-B for my HTPC is also pretty great for its purpose, though i feel it could be smaller.
 

Ajay

Lifer
Jan 8, 2001
16,094
8,106
136
<snip>

Now you go out to MNPC Tech ( http://mnpctech.com ) and buy a pair of aluminum billet or similar handles from their categories. You only need drill holes in the case-top to install them with their sturdy hardware parts.

You can roll it, lift it, dance it around . . .

So, basically, you are describing a scissor lift? Even if you are not, it's a great idea. Thanks for the link too!
 

BonzaiDuck

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
15,785
1,500
126
So, basically, you are describing a scissor lift? Even if you are not, it's a great idea. Thanks for the link too!

Well, I'd think it is within the grasp of someone who might be reasonably familiar with tools "around the house," so to speak. Only common sense would tell somebody the threads tapped in the metal bars need to be in holes drilled with attention to precision. The rest of it isn't a lot of work.
 

exar333

Diamond Member
Feb 7, 2004
8,518
8
91
Lian Li V2000B Plus

It is FANTASTIC for air-cooling, but I do miss some more 'modern' features like cabling behind the MB and out of the box support for water cooling/radiator mounts. Have used this case for 6+ years now and it still looks brand-new and people really like the design.
 

monkeydelmagico

Diamond Member
Nov 16, 2011
3,961
145
106
Those little HAF 912's are even pretty nice for a basic solid case.

+1 another vote for the HAF 912. I've done a couple builds with these and always felt like it should cost more.

Big fan of the CM N200 case for smaller Matx builds. Versatile, sturdy, understated, and inexpensive without feeling cheap.

Picked up a CM N400 case recently thinking it would also be nice. It's not. Avoid.
 

AnitaPeterson

Diamond Member
Apr 24, 2001
5,960
446
126
I must admit I like two cases in particular..

1) In the mid-2000's, I came across the Antec SLK3700. It's solid, looks good, it's easy to work in, and very sturdy.
2) A couple of years ago, I acquired a Bitfenix Outlaw. I liked it so much, I acquired another one for a second project.
 

mcbaes72

Member
Oct 10, 2014
53
0
16
Corsair 600T White, own two of them. One with 3770K, Sabertooth, 780 SC, etc. The other is sitting in a box waiting to be the next gaming/htpc build. I prefer cooling over asthetics, so using the mesh instead of acrylic window.

 

natto fire

Diamond Member
Jan 4, 2000
7,117
10
76


Had this case for 4 years now, and it will probably be the last one I ever buy. I like the clean look, it never gets dusty inside, and cable management was very easy, although I only have one HDD, one SSD, and a smallish HD7950 graphics card.

Most of my gaming these days is light duty enough to be done by some of the great integrated solutions. I got my mom a NUC with Intel HD5000 last Christmas, and it surprises me how well it does in 1080p with light duty games. I have a 1440p monitor at home, and am satisfied with my 7950, but I think I will get to the point where I turn off eye candy to get the performance I need instead of upgrading video cards.
 

Cerb

Elite Member
Aug 26, 2000
17,484
33
86
Nobody makes what I'd call perfect, so it's hard to pick. I really like the Silverstone PS07 (my PC's) and TJ08-e (same basic case), Corsair's 300R, and Fractal Design's Define Mini, for normal use.

I suspect I would like the Node 804, FT05 (if they made one like it in MicroATX, I'd buy one even without a need for it), and Nanoxia cases, but would need excuses to use them, to see.
 
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