What's a good case for under $200?

[CocaCola5]

Hi, I want a case for my system and it has to be very easy to upgrade, looking to spend up to $200 for it. I have already bought a Enermax 430w for it so if it comes totally empty its better so I don't pay for what I don't need. I've heard alot of good thing about the Addtronics full towers(6890A), the Supermicro is similiar but not sure which is better. I also like the YY mini Cube alot but I am not sure if its as nice as it looks, anybody own one? I know their are others nice ones I haven't run into.

 

[hydrobum]

Antec SX830?

 

[damien6]

If you're willing to spend up to that much for a case, you might as well fork out little bit more and go all out. Chenbro Net Series (Net cube). It has two separate chambers inside, one side where the motherboard will go and the otherside for P/S + all the drives. On the wall that separates the both chambers, there are two opennings on it (one on top center and another on the bottom center) for you to route the drive/power (water?) cables through and plenty of spaces for fans/water blocks for ultimate cooling system. You simply have to see the drive rails that comes with this case for you to truly appreciate them. These rails which needs to be screwed onto both sides of the drives (even SB Live drive) lets you just slide them into the case and enables you to remove them by pressing the large end tabs toward the center. Those tabs are only visible when you open up the main front cover that swings out the whole front face plate like a single door. The case isn't any taller than an average mid-size ATX case even on its casters (wheels), about 1 1/2 width of average case and just slighly longer in depth of average case. Must see to believe. Case windows anyone?

I won't even go into specs here, which btw you can find HERE but I think their shipping charges are kind of on the high side. I got mine from Jim Hanson and I think is shipping rates/service were the best that I've witnessed so far. I can't say enough good things about this case.

 

[Sundog]

I would have to second damien6' recommendation to talk to Jim Hansen at coolcases.com. I just received my LiteOn FS020 from Jim. First class operation he has running. He is local for me so I stopped by and talked with him. Talk about cases (DROOOOLLLLL!), he has lots and is set up to modify any way you want. I also didn't need a power supply and that was no problem.

Good luck, let us know what you get!

 

[Davegod75]

enlight 7237 has always worked good for me. A lot of people do that that antec case though.

 

[ericd]

Have you had any problems with getting power to the motherboard in that Cube? Did you have to put any extenders on the connector?

Eric

 

[oreoafk]

Antec SX1030!

 

[CHiMPBizKiT]

With $200, or a little more ... i'd say get an aluminum case .

 

[AznBruin03]

for that price. go aluminum or chenbro.

 

[CocaCola5]

This afternoon I went to call KRI computer in CA about their Chenbro 9891 model($215.00, no PS)listed on their website and I asked them if they had the black color in stock and they told me they had just sold two black ones this morning and were out of them until the end of the month. When I heard this I was really pissed for not just ordering it midnight Sunday, I simply wanted to know if the wheels were option or standard which it doesn't say on the website. Anyways, I asked them about the white one also and it too was out of stock. The only one available now are purple in color. So now I am thinking if I should wait til end of month for the black one which I like most or get the Addtronics 7890A full towers, which is second on my list now, or maybe get a goofy looking purple Chenbro. Jim Hanson has them too( not sure about the exact color) but I haven't check them out because they're priced in the $250's. For those suggesting I go with Aluminum, which one are you refering to, are you meaning the Coolermasters?, I have seen one on a UK website for about $300 US. I read a review one top desktop Coolermaster and it seems that that particular one was very much still a prototype and has some minor kinks still to work out so I am hesitant about it. Anyways, thanks, and I'll be looking around alittle more.

 

[damien6]

<< Have you had any problems with getting power to the motherboard in that Cube? Did you have to put any extenders on the connector? >>



Actually no. The length is just fine from this 350wt Enermax P/S to the power connector on the motherboard but this P/S is a temp until I get the 400wt Enermax dual redundant P/S. Which by the way costs more than the case itself.:disgust: It's smaller than what I thought considering I only saw the pictures online which gave me the impression that it was &quot;bigger&quot; but perfect size IMHO.

 

[damien6]

<< I simply wanted to know if the wheels were option or standard which it doesn't say on the website. >>



It's standard and comes preinstalled. Jim only had the beige color Cube in stock so I had to custom order a white one which I really wanted and that did take some time for him to do. He said he had sold few BK ones just before we started to discuss about this case.

 

[frank828]

just wanted to say that KRI computers is run by some good guys...some of the only guys that i met that talks to me like they really wanna help me, and not just make a buck.

i deal with these guys alot(i work 5 mins from them).

i'd definetely recommend them to anyone.

BTW, call em up and ask for George, he's a good guy, and tell em Frank from CompUSA told ya to call.


BTW, i would definetely recommend any of the Chenbro cases. My friend has a Genie which i feel is one of the best mid/full towers money can buy. Then the Chenbro Net cases are really nice also.

I'd also recommend the Addtronics 7896/120.


BTW i think KRI computers has the YY cube and most of the chenbro cases.


sorry if it sounds like im spamming, i just really like these guys...lol

frank