Case Advice for First-time PC Builder

[JackSpadesSI]

I?m working towards building a computer for the first time and I?d appreciate some advice on the case. I was told that the PSUs that come with cases can often be second-rate so I?m only looking at cases without PSUs. My motherboard will be ATX.

Currently, I?m interested in the Cooler Master RC-534-KKN2-GP (series Centurion 534).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119106

If anyone has this exact case I?d love to hear your thoughts? Pros, cons?

Also, please let me know any general advice you have on cases and tips on how to choose one.

Things I do like:
Cases that have external ports (USB 2.0, audio, IEEE, eSATA)
Cases with great airflow (I don?t plan on buying a CPU cooler since I won?t be overclocking)
Cases with some lights

Things I don?t like:
Cases that have a cover over the external 5.25? bays
Cases over $100
Cases with too many lights

 

[Zepper]

I don't much care for that type of toolless drive lock. At least I think you can optionally use a screw or two for a sturdier mount. I have a removable HDD unit here that holds a notebook drive and fits in a floppy bay. When I went to push the drive module into the bracket in the case, it pushed the whole thing back into the case. That was a Mystique 632 which uses the same type of toolless locks. I prefer the Rosewill R5600 series: R5605 my current fave of the series - advantages: more room for long add-on cards (11" measured), better HDD mounts (rubber isolated), stronger all around. It does have a door, but that can be parked against the side of the case out of the way. I owned the R5604 for a while (around a year - about as long as I ever keep a case - I'm fickle). Well worth the extra 10 bucks, IMO. I hope you don't mean you are gonna try to run with passive CPU cooling or just that you're not buying a better one and are using the OEM cooler. I sort of like some of the Sigma versions of the Raidmax Smilodon (Phantom/Unicorn) - less ricey but with all the unusual features (drop down mobo tray on the right side panel, 1.0mm steel, etc.). About the only thing I don't like is the fans are old-school - gotta cut out that restrictive grillwork.

.bh.

 

[Bruizer]

You really can't go wrong with CoolerMaster. I've owned two and both where great, especially my Centurion 532. I love that case. My first was a Centurion 5 which was also good, but not as much as my 532.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

Bruizer, can you send me a Newegg link to your case?

 

[Zepper]

Not available at the Egg and not widely available anywhere, but not yet relegated to the "legacy product" pages on their US site. Only 41 hits for it on Froogle. Looks like SVC.com has the best price on it but their shipping charges can put the kaibash on a deal. At least SVC is a place that most of us old timer's consider a reliable reseller.

.bh.

 

[Bruizer]

Yeah, unfortunately Newegg deactivated it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119094