Case Suggestions? (can this be moved to the Case forum?)

[cjvitek]

I am looking to get a new case for my computer. Price is the biggest factor, I can't spend more than $75. If it is closer to $50 than $75, that would be great. I know this prevents me from getting any of the really good cases, but that's okay.

First off, what I do NOT need.

I have a power supply, so it doesn't need to come with one.
It doesn't need to have a handle, and be easilly transported. Basically it is just going to sit under or near my desk.

I would like it to have good airflow - I may be moving to Florida, and so I don't want to have to keep the AC on all the time to get good case/CPU temps. I currently have a ALX-800 (I think that's what it was) HS with a Thermaltake Case Fan II, keeping the temps with full load at about 51 to 53 degrees.

I would like it to have a side window if possible. I have all these LED fans (including on my power supply) that are just going to waste.

For fans, as I mentioned, good airflow is key. Ideally 1 (if not both intake/exhaust) fans would be 120mm, but if there are a couple of 80mm fans (intake and/or exhaust) that's fine. A fan on the side panel would be nice, and a blowhole fan would be nice.

I only need to front USB ports (and I don't really "need" them).

Color isn't vital, but I would prefer a black or silver model.

Mid tower size is what I am looking for.

So far, I have found a few different cases that might fit the bill, but none of them seem to have ALL the features I am looking for. Here they are

Maxtop CSX147KBF - http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=11-150-044&depa=0

Logisys CS601BK - http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-148-007&depa=0

Aspire X-Dreamer II - http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=11-144-026&depa=0

Enermax EN5171LBFS-S - http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=11-124-061

and a few others, but these are probably the front runners. I have a few other Enermax ones I am looking at, but I can't tell if they have blowholes or not. Any comments on these, or suggestions for another one to take a look at? The Enermax is probably the one I am leaning towards right now.

Chris

 

[compfreak999]

antec sonata

 

[cjvitek]

Originally posted by: compfreak999
antec sonata

Thanks, but it is out of my price range by a lot, doesn't have a side window, or a top fan. It looks like it would be a good one, but the killer (for me) is the price.

Thanks for trying, though!

Chris

 

[DaveSimmons]

Antec SLK3700 AMB has excellent cooling out of the box with its 120mm exhaust fan, and you can add a 120mm (x25mm) intake fan in front of the hard drive cage if you still want extra cooling.

I'm running my FLAC music server (Tualatin 1.3a but 5 hard drives) with one, and I only added a low-speed intake fan for peace of mind, the temp was quite cool without it.

 

[Tostada]

Originally posted by: compfreak999
antec sonata

He wants a cheaper case. He wants a case with a window. He already has a power supply. I can't imagine someone coming up with a more irrelevant suggestion.

I think the $59.99 Aspire X-Dreamer is a really good deal, but it also comes with a PSU. The only con I see is the lack of a 120mm fan. I really like the Antec BQE cases (not the Sonata) that have 120mm fans, but they don't have a window. The $125 Thermaltake cases are really nice and have a window and 120mm fans, but obviously too expensive. The Antec Super Lan Boy is a very nice aluminum case with window, no PSU, and two 120mm fans, but it's $90 with shipping.

The $48 Chenbro cases ($64 with shipping) might be right up your alley. Mid-tower, no PSU, front USB, window, and they have a cool-looking black/silver one. It only comes with an 80mm fan, but the case fits a 120mm fan in the back.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-123-027

 

[Arcanedeath]

In your price range the Antec SLK3700AMB is by far the best case you can purchase + since you already have a power supply you can sell the 350 watt one that comes w/ the Antec to reduce the cost of the case, this is 69 shipped from newegg, the only downside is that it doesn't have a window although they are avi. for purchase from a 3rd party or you could mod it yourself. this case is a moders and OCers dream, dual 120MM fans, removable drive cages, drive rails, front pannel USB, ect.. and it's charcoal black despite being listed as Metallic bronze, it's a wonderful case and has arguably the best cooling it its class. Anyways hope this helps...

 

[cjvitek]

Thanks for the suggestions. At this point, I think I have narrowed it down between the Logisys Phantom and the Chenbro - both have 120MM fans in the front and back, and windows, although the Logisys has a side fan as well.

Decisions decisions.