A good case?

[DyslexicHobo]

I put together a fairly decent computer a while ago with an Antec Sonata case (with the 380W TruePower PSU). Now I need a new case and PSU. The case is just too boring and small, and I'm having power issues with the PSU (need more wattage).

What is the best case I could get for around $120 (will go up to $150 if it's the right case).
I want one that looks nice, is built strong, prefferably has a removable mobo tray, has a side window, and good ventilation (most important for me). I have no clue where to even start looking... There's just so many cases out there.

If it matters, my specs:
ASUS A8V mobo
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (2.2 running at ~2.4)
Sapphire Radeon X800 Pro (450/475 running at ~550/550)
WD 30 gig HD (very old)
Maxtor 40 gig HD
Samsung 160 gig SATA HD
Some generic CD burner
NEC DVD-RW
2x 512 Mushkin RAM
A few extra fans and a couple cold cathodes to shine through the Antec logo.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[BW86]

Originally posted by: DyslexicHobo

I put together a fairly decent computer a while ago with an Antec Sonata case (with the 380W TruePower PSU). Now I need a new case and PSU. The case is just too boring and small, and I'm having power issues with the PSU (need more wattage).

What is the best case I could get for around $120 (will go up to $150 if it's the right case).
I want one that looks nice, is built strong, prefferably has a removable mobo tray, has a side window, and good ventilation (most important for me). I have no clue where to even start looking... There's just so many cases out there.

If it matters, my specs:
ASUS A8V mobo
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (2.2 running at ~2.4)
Sapphire Radeon X800 Pro (450/475 running at ~550/550)
WD 30 gig HD (very old)
Maxtor 40 gig HD
Samsung 160 gig SATA HD
Some generic CD burner
NEC DVD-RW
2x 512 Mushkin RAM
A few extra fans and a couple cold cathodes to shine through the Antec logo.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Why would u need more wattage? the antec 380 is enought for the system you posted.
How about a CoolerMaster Praetorian with an antec true 430 or 480?

 

[Gothgar]

the coolmaster is just as "boring" as the Antec, he wants something with some flare right?

I just built a system with a Thermaltake Xaser5 with thier 480w silent purepower, and I am happy with it...

edit, it is damn big, tons of space...



/awaiting the flames...

 

[BF04]

I just ordered http://www.crazypc.com/Merchan...Product_Code=PX8131DBM

will be here tomarrow, meets everything you listed that you want in a case

Little bit more in cost but they have others.


Gothgar, I like the termaltake Xaser cases, decided I just wanted one more custome.

no flames

 

[Mik3y]

Originally posted by: DyslexicHobo

I put together a fairly decent computer a while ago with an Antec Sonata case (with the 380W TruePower PSU). Now I need a new case and PSU. The case is just too boring and small, and I'm having power issues with the PSU (need more wattage).

What is the best case I could get for around $120 (will go up to $150 if it's the right case).
I want one that looks nice, is built strong, prefferably has a removable mobo tray, has a side window, and good ventilation (most important for me). I have no clue where to even start looking... There's just so many cases out there.

If it matters, my specs:
ASUS A8V mobo
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (2.2 running at ~2.4)
Sapphire Radeon X800 Pro (450/475 running at ~550/550)
WD 30 gig HD (very old)
Maxtor 40 gig HD
Samsung 160 gig SATA HD
Some generic CD burner
NEC DVD-RW
2x 512 Mushkin RAM
A few extra fans and a couple cold cathodes to shine through the Antec logo.

Thanks for any suggestions!

a strong 250W psu can power all your components up flawlessly, and it's been proven wtih far more hardcore components then your comp. i really recommend you get the antec sonata though. it's one of the best all around cases you can get.

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Ok then maybe it's not my PSU... I've been having some trouble with my lighting/fan lately so I figured it was probably related to a power shortage.

I really like the XaserV case, particularly this one: http://www.frozencpu.com/cgi-bin/frozencpu/cas-163.html
How's the air circulation in that? I really like the fact that it's got a built in temperature monitor/fan control.

And that dragon case is nice, it's a little pricy, but definitely not out of the question... It all depends on how big my next pay check is.

 

[BW86]

god that is one of the ugliest things ive ever seen...Gothgar how can u say the praetorian is boring?! are u serious? The Xasers are probably the ugliest case known to man kind

 

[Mik3y]

Originally posted by: BW86
god that is one of the ugliest things ive ever seen...Gothgar how can u say the praetorian is boring?! are u serious? The Xasers are probably the ugliest case known to man kind

exactly!

i'm not sure about everyone else, but i prefer elegance over retro styling (exept the super lanboy).

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Hmm... I guess I just like it because I'm so bored of my very conservative/classy-looking Sonata.

I want something really flashy. Have any other reccomendations?

 

[TwoBills]

Antec's always seem to be a little light on the 12v rails (18 on that 380) so you might have a power problem. I wouldn't add watts, but I would take a close look at the amps available on the 12v rail if you do decide to repower. Enermax seems to be the strongest psu (for the money) out there.

 

[LifeStealer]

This and the v2000a are the only new Tt cases I like

http://store.yahoo.com/directron/v1000a.html

 

[slurmsmackenzie]

atop z alien...

5 hidden drives, 4 external 3.25's, firewire, intrusion alarm, pimp ass design, fairly light for it's size. two 120's one in... one out, blue led's, temp gauge, tooless. oh yeah, comes with a highly rated 500 watt psu. paid 92 BT and S for one. plenty of room for water cooling.



Modthebox's review

sorry, 1 80 and 1 120

price listing

 

[LifeStealer]

Same design set as Tt

 

[epileptic]

Originally posted by: TwoBills
Antec's always seem to be a little light on the 12v rails (18 on that 380) so you might have a power problem. I wouldn't add watts, but I would take a close look at the amps available on the 12v rail if you do decide to repower. Enermax seems to be the strongest psu (for the money) out there.

my sonata came with 24a on the 12v rail. maybe its an updated version of the psu.

who else has 24a on the true380s?

 

[Gothgar]

Originally posted by: BW86
god that is one of the ugliest things ive ever seen...Gothgar how can u say the praetorian is boring?! are u serious? The Xasers are probably the ugliest case known to man kind

Notice my quotes around boring... in that you should have seen

the Coolmaster is just as plain as the Antec

I never dissed on that coolmaster, it's a very nice case

 

[prometheusxls]

Originally posted by: DyslexicHobo
The case is just too boring and small...
Thanks for any suggestions!

Your really not being very specific here. What you have is big enough to house any number of additional components. And powerful enough for all your needs and then some. Unless you plan on adding 4 DISK raid 5 arrary that is...

Why even bother gettign a new case now when you have the sonata? BTX will be here before you know it. Besides.... Aren't all cases boring? Aren't all cases ugly? I have never seen any case that I would put in a glass case in the middle of my living room for its aestetic value. Its whats inside thats fun. My $.02

 

[TwoBills]

Originally posted by: epileptic

Originally posted by: TwoBills
Antec's always seem to be a little light on the 12v rails (18 on that 380) so you might have a power problem. I wouldn't add watts, but I would take a close look at the amps available on the 12v rail if you do decide to repower. Enermax seems to be the strongest psu (for the money) out there.

my sonata came with 24a on the 12v rail. maybe its an updated version of the psu.

who else has 24a on the true380s?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was going by NE specs. 24amps make that a fine psu. Let me check the pic of the specs.........yeah the pic says 18a also. You must have a newer version. If the price stays the same, then Antec is going to be able to compete w/Enermax in the 350-400w range Enermax 350w = 32-32-26.

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Ok let me clear this up... I don't like the Antec Sonata because the inside is too cluttered with wires, all hard drive bays are filled, and I'd perfer another external 5.25 bay (for a fan controller, already have 2x CD-RW and a DVD-RW), and I don't have any more power cables to plug into stuff. As for not buying a new case until BTX comes out... I don't think I'll be upgrading my mobo/CPU for a while anyway (BTX is the new mobo form, right?).

I like the look of the Xaser III 1000a, that's definitely going on the list of possibilities. And I love the Alien case, but one of my friend has the exact same case, and I want my case to be eye-catching, and something that I'll be able to work on without a dremel... lol

 

[LifeStealer]

You could look at the Thermaltake Lanfire. Don't have a link handy though. Its very light but kind of small.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: DyslexicHobo
Ok then maybe it's not my PSU... I've been having some trouble with my lighting/fan lately so I figured it was probably related to a power shortage.

I really like the XaserV case, particularly this one: http://www.frozencpu.com/cgi-bin/frozencpu/cas-163.html
How's the air circulation in that? I really like the fact that it's got a built in temperature monitor/fan control.

And that dragon case is nice, it's a little pricy, but definitely not out of the question... It all depends on how big my next pay check is.

that thing is so gaudy looking i want to vomit

SO ugly!

CoolerMaster Praetorian please

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: slurmsmackenzie
atop z alien...

5 hidden drives, 4 external 3.25's, firewire, intrusion alarm, pimp ass design, fairly light for it's size. two 120's one in... one out, blue led's, temp gauge, tooless. oh yeah, comes with a highly rated 500 watt psu. paid 92 BT and S for one. plenty of room for water cooling.



Modthebox's review

sorry, 1 80 and 1 120

price listing

If that case didn't have that stupid looking front panel, it would be very sweet, as it's really nice inside.

 

[slurmsmackenzie]

i like it! i'm getting a big water 12 to put in it. that fvcker's gonna be pimp all lit up. you hurt my feelings, you bastard! lol

i never had a computer as a kid <cue violin> so i'm living vicariously through this case with all of it's nifty superficial, superfluous doodads.

 

[t3hmuffinman]

Thermaltake cases seem to get a lack of love here, but i've been eyeing the Tsunami va3000. Once I build my computer, this is what i'm going to get:

http://www.xoxide.com/tttsunami.html

It comes stock with two 120mm fans and a 90mm fan and has an airfilter for the front. Some people say that the fans are the quietest they've ever heard, and some (more than the others, i must warn you) say that it is very loud and must be replaced with quieter ones.

Right now that place has it for 120, and on sunday their "x-hour" deal is free shipping, and if you're in california, i believe xoxide is in PA or something so there is no tax. Also comes with some dumb mouse pad that lights up, but it retails for like 15-30 bucks lol.

If you are interested in that case you should get it then, I perseonally would jump on it, but i'm holding off until january to build and i don't want to have my case just sitting there empty...

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Ohhhhh Ahhh!! Dude that case is awesome... I was looking at it when I was first building my computer and really liked it, but I decided to get a cheap case+PSU instead. Plus I like that cool light-up mouse pad!