case recommendations/price/where to buy?

[Goi]

My bro is in the process of looking for a reasonably priced case(i.e. below $200, of course the cheaper the better). I haven't really been keeping up with cases since I bought my Addtronics 6896A.
Anyway, he needs a mid to full tower case with 3-4(preferably 4) 5.25" and 2 3.5" drive bays, and good cooling options. I've narrowed it down to the following cases, but I don't really know the average price or where to get them.

1) Addtronics 7896A (probably too large, highly unlikely to be considered)
2) Inwin Q500 (just barely small enough to fit under his table)
3) Antec SX830 or SX840 (leaning towards the SX840 due to its extra drive bay and 400W PS, but at what price?)
4) Area Electronics Systems C990 (aka the GENIE)

It seems like a tough fight between #3 and #4 because of size concerns(the Inwin Q500 might be too large). Are there any better recommendations?

 

[moolman]

antec ks282 for $65 from onvia.com, or full tower ks188 for $90 from onvia.com. both have 300watt power supply.

Alex

 

[Goi]

How do those compare to the #3 and #4?

 

[Smbu]

I think that's a misprint in the spec sheet for the SX840, because it says that both cases have 8 bays, so it should be the same as the SX830, except with the 400w psu. I bought an SX1030B, it has 10 bays. 4x5.25", 2x3.5" external, and 4x5.25" internal, 300W psu. Here are the specs. You can get either the SX1030, or the SX1030B. The SX1030B is the black version and the SX1030 is the beige one. They both sell at onvia for like $90 shipped. Here is a review of the SX1030B, if you want to see what it looks like.

 

[Goi]

Thanks smbu that's exactly the info I needed...the sx1030 looks like a really good case for the price. How does the GENIE compare though(or the Area Electronics Systems C990)?

 

[Smbu]

I haven't really been following the many different types of cases around and I had never heard of the GENIE until you mentioned . I've just been checking out a few case reviews while I was deciding, which, case I was going to buy and I ended up choosing the Antec SX1030B. I'm still waiting for my SX1030B to arrive in the mail from Onvia.

 

[KBtrade]

The Antec KS282 with 300 watt power supply can be bought for $55.91 shipped from mychaseshop.com when you factor in free shippping and 5% discount for having a Chase credit card.

 

[StickHead]

I have a In-Win S500 and I love it. I would reccomend this over the Q500.

 

[Goi]

Thanks, I think the Q500 is out, as well as any cases of that size. I think my bro wants a slightly smaller case, something like 21" or smaller. As for the KS line, I think those are out too coz of the drive bay issue. The sx1030 is just plain better. As for the Chenbro GENIE, I think its too expensive too. He might get reimbursed for the case, but probably not by $200.

What about the Liteon FS020? How does it compare to the sx1030? The sx1030 can be had for around $90, how about the FS020?

 

[squirrel dog]

wiredzone.com has the addtronics 7890 for $109 with the 300w p/s,it was 130 shipped to me.

 

[Goi]

Thanks squirrel, but as I said, its down to either small full towers, or mid towers. Full size full towers(24" or above) probably won't be considered.

 

[pamchenko]

onvia for their price and timely delivery and customer service

 

[Goi]

OK, I think its between the Antec sx1030 and the Liteon FS020. If price isn't a consideration(since it might be reimbursed), which of these 2 is better? Also, other than outerloop.com, who sells the Liteon? And how are the Liteon power supplies? I know the Antec ones are good.

 

[Garyrom]

Just a FYI.....Fry's had thye SX1030 on sale last weekend for $80.

 

[TheAndyPandy]

#1 you wont use all the 400 watts that is alot 300 is plenty for AMD or INTEL systems fully loaded. the Antec sx1030 is awsome and very very cheap with free shipping over from amazon
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005141H/qid=973369349/102-4089791-1761723

and if you push the price to over a 100 you can use the 15 off 100 cupon over @ techb@rgains. Atleast i think so....someone correct me if i am wrong....awsome case... i have that with an Enermax P/S cause its whisper quiet.....very cool and cheap. Andy