Case for new pc

[matas]

Mid-tower. No more than $100. Side panel window preferred. Need to fit gtx 260 and aftermarket hsf for cpu.

 

[Zepper]

There are several similar threads just a bit down the page. Nothing there appeal to you? The Rosewill Conqueror (aka Silverstone PS01) in black is a super deal right now - basically the same chassis as the Kublai ATX models but without the fancy drive cage (though you could replace one or both with the Kublai Kage if you wanted. If you can live w/o the window, then the Rosewill (YeongYang) R-5600 series is still an excellent value. I like the R-5605 best of the 3 available versions (the R-5601's external 3.5" bay is only for floppies (unless you want to cut the plastic away yourself) while the others can take about any 3.5" bay device). The chassis is the same on all of the 5600s just different bezels.

SVC still has one model of the aluminum Cooler Master Mystique 632 on sale plus it has the steel version for a bit cheaper. They also still have the aluminum Mystique 631 and a Lian Li in the clearance section (at $30. over what the Egg is charging - some clearance! - as always, it's worth doing your homework). The Mystiques are the same inside as many other Centurion chassis. On the 631 I had here, you couldn't replace the PSU w/o removing the mobo or perhaps just the CPU cooler unless you had a really low-pro cpu cooler because of the front to rear brace that runs right beside it. I solved that problem by replacing the pop-rivets in the brace (drill out with 1/8" bit) with no.6 screws and nuts. Needs a flat head in the rear so the head will clear the side panel, a little countersinking as well. Be careful you could easily punch right thru that soft aluminum - I used my slow speed, battery op. screwdriver to countersink so I could control better. I fastened the nut for that one to the inside of the rear of the brace - otherwise it can be tricky to get/hold the nut in place. I used double-sided foam mounting tape but glue would work as well.

.bh.

 

[gba]

Originally posted by: Zepper
SVC still has one model of the aluminum Cooler Master Mystique 632 on sale plus it has the steel version for a bit cheaper. They also still have the aluminum Mystique 631 and a Lian Li in the clearance section (at $30. over what the Egg is charging - some clearance! - as always, it's worth doing your homework). The Mystiques are the same inside as many other Centurion chassis. On the 631 I had here, you couldn't replace the PSU w/o removing the mobo or perhaps just the CPU cooler unless you had a really low-pro cpu cooler because of the front to rear brace that runs right beside it. I solved that problem by replacing the pop-rivets in the brace (drill out with 1/8" bit) with no.6 screws and nuts. Needs a flat head in the rear so the head will clear the side panel, a little countersinking as well. Be careful you could easily punch right thru that soft aluminum - I used my slow speed, battery op. screwdriver to countersink so I could control better. I fastened the nut for that one to the inside of the rear of the brace - otherwise it can be tricky to get/hold the nut in place. I used double-sided foam mounting tape but glue would work as well.

.bh.

Talk about serendipity... I am sure glad I stopped by here. I was just considering my options bc I cannot remove my PSU from my Mystique 631 and was about to upgrade it. I had thought of the idea of drilling out the rivets you mentioned, and your direction., Zepper, is fantastic, as always.. I am going to give it a go! I really do like this case and want to hang on to it.. BTW, I bought it on your recommendation for about $35 shipped from SVC a couple of years ago. Talk about a great value! So thanks again for the excellent posts over the years, sir... (and all the help with the Cendyne modem back when dinosaurs still wandered the Earth , too)

EDIT: Having just had another look at the Rosewill R5605, I may just put off the mod project and pull the trigger. Not that I do not enjoy a project as much as the next guy, but with the free shipping, I am having to fight the urge big time.

 

[Zepper]

YW, gba.

..bh

 

[gba]

...Well, after looking around the apartment for (more) storage space, I decided to go with modding the Mystique instead of buying a(nother) new case.. 'twas a snap following Zepper's instructions... I used thumb screws for the front pair just bc, well, they fit inside the case nicely, were no. 6 and with the forethought that perhaps I will wind up being a bit happier when/if I change the PSU again and have to remove the now removable front to rear brace.

..thanks again for the excellent guidance, Zepper...