Case recommendations

[2Slick]

I'm looking into buying a new case for the purpose of eventually modding it. I've looked at both the Lian Li PC 60 and the Antec SX1030. Can anyone out there throw out some pros or cons about either of these or throw another case out that you really like. Any input is appreciated.

 

[punkrawket]

Lian Li:
Expensive
Aluminum easier to cut, but easier to mess up
Pretty looking
anodizing is kinda pricey

SX1030:
Steel, thick, makes cutting harder
solid build, good case
not too much to do other than windows and fans on top/side and paint

 

[hmsrolst]

From my experience, without modding, the Antec has superior air flow because of it's more open front.

 

[CubicZirconia]

With the lian-li you have a head start of sorts. You could do absolutely nothing to it and it would still look awesome. A quick look around the net at case modding galleries shows tons and tons of regular old cases. Getting the lian li might help your case be a little more unique.

 

[ChrisADuffy]

I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

 

[Watson]

I have the Chieftec version of the Antec you are considering. Excellent case, but very heavy. Very easy to work in, and no vibrations at all, even with lots of fans. You can get great airflow through the case without having to resort to blowholes, etc with 4 80mm fans (2 in front and 2 in back). I have even more cooling in mine, but everything is run through a baybus, so nothing runs at full speed. My case temps rarely go above 27C now, and it can be cooled down a few more degrees by running all the fans at full.

 

[Grendel99]

I have the SX830 which is very similar to the SX1030. This case is awesome, it's heavy and well built. Great airflow already like many have said. Tons of room inside and the easily removed side panel is a major plus when you are constantly working inside your PC. Only thing that I might of liked would of been a removable motherboard tray and maybe built in filters. But I put filters in myself, and it wasn't that hard. Btw I put a window in my SX830, and the Antec's steel is a little thicker than other cases. Just beware, you will need a heavy duty cutting blade if you use a jigsaw or a hole hell of a lot of reinforced cut off wheels for a dremel.

 

[davidrees]

http://www.directron.com/directron/mg.html

I just got this case from Directron - its $149 and it is by far the best case I have ever owned or worked on.

It is actually so much better looking than the pics show. I added a custom side grill (hurricane) and I added some adjustable fans.

It comes with SIX FANS including the top blow hole and the side intake to cool CPU and video.

It is all thumbscrews and has some nice USB and audio ports in front.

It has a blue power LED and there is so much more - holds tons of drives, awsome design - could not be happier - read the reviews on the page...

 

[sodcha0s]

Hey davidrees, glad to see your post. I have been looking at the same exact case, except in
BLACK. Had a couple of people say the case wasn't really that great and has a lot of plastic instead of aluminum. From what I can tell the only plastic is the clear front panel, is that right? How does it compare to say a Lian Li pc60USB?