Budget case ideas needed

[Sunrise089]

I am in the process of planning a decent gaming PC build with a self-imposed budget of about $800, not including the Power Supply, DVD-R, and Display, which I have. Considering the budget, and my desire to have decent componants in every caregory (namely A64 3000+/3200+, x800 Pro, and a gig of decently timed memory) an expensive Lian-Li type case is not on the menu. Specifically I do not wish to spend more than $50 on the case, preferebly less.

With the understanding that my Power Supply is taken care of and that I plan to overclock my processor (on air only) which cases would you reccomend? Also, here is one case that seems to be pretty cheap (actually very cheap) but the lack of a name brand concerns me. Any imput anyone may have would be greately appreciated. Thanks

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=CLRCAS-3LED-N&cat=CAS

 

[JE78]

Give this one a look: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119077 you can also get it without the side window for a little less cash. I too am in the market for a new case because I have enough compnents to build a backup rig but the only thing i'm lacking is the case. I was thinking of taking my old case a using it for my back up rig and getting this case for my main one. The only thing that worries me is it only has 2 case fans, my current case has 5 so i'm not sure how the airflow would be, especially for OCing a CPU. I made a post about this case but haven't heard anything yet.

 

[Zap]

There's been some talk about this $26 case being pretty nice. I think I'm gonna get one. Newegg also has it for same price, different faceplate. Needs the rear fan area cut out for a fingerguard, and then it's basically a $26 Lian-Li clone.

 

[doinmybestatlast]

A 1.2 mm aluminum case for $26? The Thermaltake case everyone is enamored with is 0.8 mm. This is a no-brainer.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: Zap
There's been some talk about this $26 case being pretty nice. I think I'm gonna get one. Newegg also has it for same price, different faceplate. Needs the rear fan area cut out for a fingerguard, and then it's basically a $26 Lian-Li clone.

Lian-Li's are 2mm thick aluminum, so that would not be a clone But for $26 that is a very good buy. It only comes with one fan at the rear with the three others MT and thats not a big deal. Its got a slide out mobo tray too.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee
Lian-Li's are 2mm thick aluminum, so that would not be a clone But for $26 that is a very good buy.

Okay, the Kingwin KT424 is the real Lian Li clone, with 2mm thick aluminum, slide out tray, rubber grommets for HDD mounts (hey, one-upped Lian Li) and filter for front intake fans.

The Skyhawk case is more like the bratty younger cousin, twice removed. :laugh:

I really think I may get one for some modding fun. Gonna cut out fan areas and make a custom window.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

If you really want to save money, you have some time, a few tools with a Dremel drill and/or Radio-Shack nibbler-tool, you might want to engage in my own ongoing obsession of recycling used full-tower cases from vintage (ATX compatible) OEM computers.

My preference is Gateway or Gateway 2000 cases, but I have obtained at least one InWin full-tower that was probably made and marketed around 1999.

You shouldn't need to look hard to find FREE cases. (I see recommendations above for cases priced at $29 or so, but consider (a) the joy of planning the project, (b) the joy and skinned knuckles of doing the work, and (c) a FREE computer case.) In most major cities, you can find "Computer Surplus" centers, where a small company has rented warehouse space to receive cyber-junk and recycle it. They make their money as much from recycling the precious metals and computer-case sheet metal, and I have found -- INVARIABLY in both Southern California and Tacoma, Washington, that all you need to do is collect some of your useless cyber-junk, dead hard disks, burned-out motherboards, and obsolete phone modems or network cards, then visit one of these warehouses, where they will gladly take your junk and allow you to select a bare computer case of your own choosing.

If you need additional sheet-metal panels, the stuff can be had for a few dollars in 2'x3' sheets at a local sheet-metal store, and they also sell the equivalent of "modder's mesh" or perforated sheet-metal. Beyond that, you only need to obtain a cheap $5 or $10 pop-rivet tool at an auto-parts store, and you should be ready for about anything.

Some people prefer Aluminum computer cases, like the Lian-Li models described in this thread. I AM very much impressed with the Lian Li V-1x00 and -2x00 cases, and they manufacture some marvelous full tower cases. I also like the CM-Stacker cases. But what I like even more is not spending $200 or $300 for a computer case.

It is also true that aluminum conducts heat three times more efficiently than SECC steel sheet-metal. However, if you design your computer system with cooling efficiency in mind, the amount of heat-reduction achieved by an aluminum case will be insignificant. I can also say that the use of sound-deadening pads, while it also reduces the cooling capabilities of either aluminum or steel, does not have that much of an adverse effect if you strategically choose your fan-deployments, ducting and other techniques -- especially toward the goal of sequestering warmed-up air and getting it out of the case before it mixes with other air inside the case.

How does "FREE CASE" sound to you?

 

[Bull Dog]

I personally own and love the CoolerMaster Centurion 5 NON-Windowed silver case.

I A. don't really care for windows and B. the non windowed one comes with a place a mount an 80mm fan (remove CPU duct) and a 92mm fan (you will need to drill the holes out to make the fan screw on properly).

I'm working on making a review/guide of sorts about my last batch of upgrades. Should be done with it soon.

 

[JE78]

So how is the airflow with your CoolerMaster Bull Dog? Does it keep your CPU and GPU cool or did you need mod the case some to add fans? I really like the looks of that case, but the lack of fans worry me.

 

[monster64]

Newegg=not good place to buy cases-way too expensive/overpriced.

Try http://amamax.com/cases.html

 

[Bull Dog]

Originally posted by: JE78
So how is the airflow with your CoolerMaster Bull Dog? Does it keep your CPU and GPU cool or did you need mod the case some to add fans? I really like the looks of that case, but the lack of fans worry me.

I really like the cooler master becuase of the 80mm front intake fan which cooled my 2 harddrives. The stock fans (80mm in front 120mm in back) push a reasonable amount of air without making much noise. By not much noise I mean that they are silent. The loudest fan in my case is the 120mm Panaflo (Low speed) fan blowing on my XP-120 and I even have it slowed slightly off its full RPM. The airflow seems to be sufficient. PSU, 120mm fan exhausting, 2x 80mm fan and a 92mm Panaflo pushing air in.

 

[vanvock]

You might consider an Enlight. They are good quality & can be had for cheap.

 

[JE78]

Thanks Bull Dog. I have an extra side window that has a 80mm fan spot that will fit this case so if I do go with it i'll probably put that on the case just so I have an extra fan blowing air in. I'll probably pick it up once I get some extra money.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I still like my "used ATX full-tower case-modding" idea. But I would think the case-manufacturers aren't enthusiastic about it. I'm getting ready to install my Lexan window now, with some LEDs strung like beads on a necklace I got at NewEgg for $7.

Can you imagine the stunning benchmark scores I'm going to get with all that neon?