Computer Cases

[alskahawk]

 Just bought a full tower computer case. Not going to say the name of it. Just a decent case with the requirements I needed. Anyway got to thinking about all the new builders looking to build their first computer. Back when I started playing with computers there were few choices. You just got a case put your best stuff into it and worked around the issues that popped up. Now there's a lot of choices and decisions to mull over. In this forum we like talking motherboards, cpu's, ram and all the fun go fast stuff and we often forget how important a good computer case is.

 After three builds with my Antec 900, which is a very nice mid tower case by the way, it was time for a change.  By the time you put two hard drives, SLI two video cards, a sound card and a 750 watt PSU it gets crowded. Even with a normal sized cpu cooler it got to be a hassle moving a wire around.. I also wanted a bottom mount psu with vents on the bottom so I could get fresh air into my psu and not draw it from the inside of the case. Moving anything or in just adding something as small as a SSD  got to be a major operation moving the wires around. Time for a new home.

 
 

[Spikes]

I had an NZXT Lexa S for my first few part swaps, then I bought a Corsair 900D. While it was way too much for the system I bought it for, the reason for buying it was that it would be my last case upgrade (ideally ever) since it has plenty of room (one of the largest super tower cases on the market).

[BaldEagl]

From my Black Friday Build post (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,376121.0.html) regarding the Corsair 500R ATX Mid Tower Case:

The case is absolutely fantastic.  Lots of room, accommodations for eight system fans (two front, two top, one rear, two bottom, one side) all at 120mm except the side fan at 200mm and excellent cable management for a totally clean installation.  Front, top, rear and bottom of the case are all mesh with removable filters so, along with the fans this thing really breaths and it's tool-less to boot.  The drive bays accommodate both 2.5" amd 3.5" drives without adapters and are removable if you need more room (I can't imagine needing more room).  Highly recommended.

I've got two front, one top, one rear and one side fan mounted (along with the CPU fan, PSU fans (bottom and rear set to eco mode) and GPU fans).  Front and side are controlled by a three position front panel switch that I have set to the lowest setting while I've got the top and rear fans on smart fan.  Earlier today after running for several hours my CPU was running at 29C and system at 31C while fan speeds were less than 1000 RPM across the board.  This is the quietest machine I've ever owned.

[alskahawk]

 I like mid towers but when you start adding things like extra video cards, sound cards they get crowded in a hurry. Loved my Antec 900 but in the end it just got outdated. There are so many more options now than when I started messing with computers in the early '90s. At one point I had maybe 10-12 cases of various sizes laying around. Most got discarded because they were cheap to begin with. In the end a quality case is a good investment.

[Skuzzy]

I moved my computer into this: http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/define-series/define-r5-blackout-edition

Soon I will be moving it again, as I am building myself a new desk which will incorporate my computer into it, along with my file server.

[MADe]

CoolerMaster HAF 932

I liked this case so much, I bought a 2nd one when I redid my bench machine.
Its a full tower, all metal, comes with 2 120cm fans, small rear fan, bottom front fan. I redid some things to get the best possible cooling. What I really liked was that there is a cutout right where the cpu is, I added some cardboard ducting to pull air right past the underside of cpu mounting. My rigged is OC'ed pretty high and cpu runs at a comfortable 45C at idle. My new vid card is a foot long, fits with ease.
Its a bit pricey but I will never have to buy another case again.

 

[alskahawk]

 Yes, I like that one too. Looked hard at the Cooler masters, NZXT's. I have come to accept that for someone like me. That is someone who likes to tinker with his machine, a full tower is the way to go. I like the features that they have like the bottom mounted PSU that you can face downward. And the extra room in case to add a water cooling radiator later.

[Masherbrum]

Corsair 750D is where I am at now.   Great case and I regret not getting it sooner.

[alskahawk]

 That Corsair 750d is one of my dream cases. Along with the Cosmos

[guncrasher]

I still have my nzt tempest from like 5 or 6 years ago.


semp

[Pudgie]

I'm using the original design CM Storm Scout case w/ built-in carry handle on top............

I've noticed that these are practically non-existent these days...........replaced by the Storm Scout II..................

 

[TequilaChaser]

I agree Air exchanging / moving capabilities are very important and plenty of interior room are very important when trying to find a good case

I opted for using Thermaltake's Level 10 GT series Full Tower Cases back in 2011, and quit using Antec 900 & 1200 model cases, they are a pita when it comes to removing a HD or installing, and without modification, it is a pain to do a nice wiring job and hide it with the lack of room behind the side panel  on the MB side, then adding filters to the 900 with easy access for removal and cleaning ( the Antec1200 comes with Intake filters), but they too are a pita to access just to remove and clean....

Thermaltake Level 10 GT product page:
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00001675

Thermaltake Level 10 GT series newegg link:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133188

Newegg comparison Link of 4 computer cases listed in this thread:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007583%2050001459&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=7%7C11%2D352%2D056%5E11%2D352%2D056%2C11%2D133%2D188%5E11%2D133%2D188%2C11%2D139%2D024%5E11%2D139%2D024%2C11%2D119%2D160%5E11%2D119%2D160%2C9SIA6ZP3KD8478%5E9SIA6ZP3KD8478&percm=11%2D139%2D024%3A%24%24%24%24%24%24%24%3B9SIA6ZP3KD8478%3A%24%24%24%24%24%24%24


different strokes for different folks! Find the case that fits your needs, but make sure you have Good Air Exchanging capabilities, and easy to remove Fan Filters are great to have!


TC

[Masherbrum]

That Corsair 750d is one of my dream cases. Along with the Cosmos

My advice.   Wait for Micro Center (or any site) to have it on sale and get it.   The cable grommets do not come out and EVERYTHING is laid out perfectly.   Only additions to it are the 4 - 140mm Prolimatech Blue fans (87 CFM @ 18.1 dBA) and a Lamptron 36W fan controller.    You can barely hear the top fans on at 100%.

Just get what you want and don't settle. 

[BoilerDown]

I purchased this case a while ago, when I built my Sandy Bridge system originally:

http://silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=200

Thought it far outshown any other case I've owned or seen anyone else have either.  So when I built my Haswell system, I bought another one of the same design (except updated for USB 3.0).  Now I have two of these cases, no regrets.  I'll be using them for decades most likely.

[pipz]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811553003

That's what I used in my last build. I got it on sale and didnt spend much at all. Its a mid tower but its almost as big as my old Chieftech full tower. It has cable management that was a first for me and worked out nice. I don't have a lot in there but its pretty roomy. It draws air for the power supply from the outside and is well ventilated with options for many fans. Tool less, pretty sturdy, looks nice. Not bad at all.