Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Simaril on August 16, 2006, 01:24:56 PM

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: Simaril on August 16, 2006, 01:24:56 PM

I've never built before, but I'm planning to do it this time....and I'm window shopping for parts and specs.

But I've found I dont know anything about reputable case manufacturers. Is there a "CH Products" in the computer case world? Who does a great job at layout, fan distribution, heat planning, access,  and materials? Who should I specifically avoid?

I'd like something that looks fairly cool, but even more I want functionality and reliability. I need to be able to get into the case, install the components (avoiding skinned knuckles and major lacerations), and be sure that the airflow and heat characteristics are good.

Appreciate your input.

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: Skuzzy on August 16, 2006, 03:22:09 PM

Antec is good.  Top quality.  All edges are rounded, the cases are laid out well.  Most of thier cases use 120mm fans (much quieter) and thier power supplies aint bad either.

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: jigsaw on August 16, 2006, 03:33:46 PM

I have an  Aspire X-Navigator (http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA21352) and it's great.  
500 watt power supply. CPU temp is usually in the mid to high 20s.

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: Roscoroo on August 16, 2006, 04:20:46 PM

Get a "Skuzzy" Weed blower case . :D


Actually any case with dual 120mm fans and a side fan ussually has good airflow .

I myself drool over the thermaltake , Aspire, Antec, and lian li  cases.

 these all have been designed with Fans and great airflow .

coolermaster and Silvestone have some nice cases too .

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: Skuzzy on August 16, 2006, 04:28:56 PM

Hehe, the Antec Sonata II or P180 is my favorite at the moment.  It'll take the leaf blower treatment really well.

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: eagl on August 17, 2006, 06:42:53 AM

I really like some of the Lian-Li aluminum cases.  Shop around because they have a ton of different models and some suck, but some have a really nice layout with everything removable using thumbscrews, etc.

In general, you're better off with a 120mm intake and exhaust fan, although a 120mm intake and 80mm exhaust wouldn't be too bad because the power supply fan helps exhaust too.  Some cases have side intake fans which are nice because they can direct cold air directly at the cpu fan or video card.

Also, I think it's really important to have the intake fan blowing right across the hard drives.  The newer hard drives can get pretty hot.

Another great feature to look for are vibration-isolating hard drive mounts, or tool-free brackets that clip onto the hard drive and then slide into the hard drive cage without screws.

Make sure the power supply doesn't incroach on where the top fo the motherboard will be.  If it does, it will limit the height of the cpu heatsink/fan you can use.

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: Simaril on August 17, 2006, 07:22:00 AM

Quote

Originally posted by jigsaw
I have an  Aspire X-Navigator (http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA21352) and it's great.  
500 watt power supply. CPU temp is usually in the mid to high 20s.

Who makes the power supply? Relaible output, etc?

And, does it sound like a leaf blower? 1x 120 and 4x 80mm fans!!

Gotta admit...Maybe because I'm probably never going to own a sports car, i find myself looking less at the boxy silver cases and more at the jet-black-and-light-kit group.....

:lol

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: Masherbrum on August 17, 2006, 08:50:54 AM

Aspire X-Cruiser case here.   I love it.

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: Flash on August 17, 2006, 09:44:21 AM

i will have another computer built next month and will use the thermaltake tsunami case again. very nice case.

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: Gunthr on August 17, 2006, 10:46:17 AM

I'd get an Antec server size case with the large side door with a single latch for easy opening/closing, and at least 4 fans and plenty of racks for hardware.  You can easily add a blow hole in the top of these.  If you get a 550 watt PS while you are at it, this case can last you for years of upgrades.  G'luck with your building

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: NOT on August 17, 2006, 08:05:43 PM

I just built with a Thermaltake Armor, and I love it. Lots of room, two 120mm fans and two 90mm fans, and toolless install is nice.

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: OOZ662 on August 17, 2006, 11:49:35 PM

This is what I've got. (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811144176) The front panel is a bastage to get off, but other than that it's a great case. Sturdy and all. Not as many fans as most would probably like, but I don't overclock and use a Northwood chip anyway.

Not to mention the blue UV reactive paint. :O

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: straffo on August 17, 2006, 11:54:57 PM

Get a  Lian-Li or a Antec.

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: Simaril on August 18, 2006, 03:38:34 PM

I'm kinda hoping to keep this case for a while, and become a repeat builder. How important is it to have case space for motherboards bigger than ATX's ~12x12"?

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: OOZ662 on August 18, 2006, 06:07:54 PM

Motherboards are getting smaller, Sim. Everything's getting smaller. ;) MicroATX and BTX, for example.

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: 38ruk on August 18, 2006, 11:16:58 PM

I have an Antec 1080 plusview , its had 6 motherboards and counting .  This case is built so well that ill prolly run it till they change form factors. Its 4 years old and still looks new ,the only *bad* thing is that its heavy as hell , if you consider that bad  hehe .
(http://members.toast.net/rukkee/2.jpg)

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: JTs on August 19, 2006, 10:38:48 AM

pc power and cooling cant be beat for a psu.  get at least a 500W. 600W hundered if you can.  will be in ashtabula exit 223 on monday.  send me a pm have alot of pc info in the truck


http://www.pcpowercooling.com/home/

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: ozrocker on August 22, 2006, 04:18:17 AM

I bought a Cooler Master last year. Am very happy with it. Lots of space, fans, slots available. Rounded off, reasonable price, etc.
                                                                                Oz

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: MOSQ on August 22, 2006, 12:32:43 PM

Quote

Originally posted by Skuzzy
Hehe, the Antec Sonata II or P180 is my favorite at the moment.  It'll take the leaf blower treatment really well.

I agree with Skuzzy, the Sonata II is a great case plus a great PSU. The P180 is a great case if you want to buy a separate PSU.

One decision that will effect choice is weight.  For instance the P180 is steel. It's extremely durable, it will outlive your grandkids. But you won't be carrying it to many LAN parties. If you want a lighter PC that is easily moved, get an aluminum case.

And look for cases with 120mm fans, they are quieter and move more air.

Title: Who makes good cases?
Post by: gatso on August 22, 2006, 12:59:55 PM

I own 2 P180's.  They are great cases but can be a little awkward to work with if you don't plan your build.

SilentPCreview is a good reference for all Antec cases.

The link below is part one of what is a 17 page review of the P180.  Everything you could ever want to know and a bit more.
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article254-page1.html

I'd also seriously consider the P150 which comes with a 430W Antec PSU in the box.

Gatso