Cheap, but quality case?

[James Bond]

I'm putting together a new computer for a friend of mine.

All I have left to find is a case. He would definitely like something that is flashy looking (preferably LEDs + window), but he's not trying to spend much money. I have already got a power supply to put in it, so I don't need a PS with the case.

What would a decent case be, in the $30-60 range?

 

[Bryan]

Antec Solo is $40 AR at Frys.com with free shipping right now.

 

[CalvinHobbes]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129152

 

[Zepper]

.
Rosewill Cases
Hard to beat the Rosewill R6A series or the R560x series (none of the other Rosewill have the casitude of those two lines). I think the R5601 covers all the bases best of those two series but often you can get other models for a bit less. Right now they are all priced within +/- a few dollars of $50.00 - some have Instant Savings while others have free shipping.
. The R6A series is the same inside as the SLK3000-B linked by Calvin above they look better than the 3000 though (probably just familiarity breeds contempt though as that basic Antec style has been around forever). Has very little clearance behind the door if things like fan controllers, etc. may be in your friend's future. The 5601 has the most clearance behind the door of both series. Of course, the R6As that don't have a door have infinite (for all practical purposes) clearance.

Here is my review of the R560x series which also has mention of the R6A series.

And if you live not too far from San Jose, CA, you can get a really good deal on the CoolerMaster Mystique 631 aluminum case (about $10. shipping so about $40.00 for some models after rebate). The Mystique doesn't have the casitude (mostly concerns functionality) of the Rosewill, but they are a bit more exotic. IDK about door clearance, but the doors can be mounted to open to the left or right.

...bh.

 

[Shadowknight]

It's not flashy, but if he's willing to do rebates, the Antec Solo is available for $40 after rebate http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounc...tp://shop1.outpost.com/product/4895610

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Tizyler
He would definitely like something that is flashy looking (preferably LEDs + window)
...
What would a decent case be, in the $30-60 range?

Here's a couple that aren't terrible, and got bling up the wazoo:

XG Box Viper2 10-Bay Aluminum Mid ATX Gaming Case-No PS(Red) $46.99

XG Box Viper2 10-Bay Aluminum Mid ATX Gaming Case-No PS(Blu) $45.99

These have side windows, but otherwise aren't super-bling:

KINGWIN SK523BKWBC Black SECC Steel chass ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $59.99 (couple different colors available)

COOLER MASTER Centurion RC-534-KWN1-GP Black Aluminum/ SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $54.99 (chassis looks like the Kingwin)

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW Black/Silver Aluminum Bezel, SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $49.99

Sunbeam Freezing-Storm IC-FS-BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $56.99 (chassis looks like the Kingwin)

Once you have the side window, lights (LEDs, cold cathodes) are easy to add.

 

[Alone]

The CM Centurion 5 is one of the better looking/performing cases in this pricerange. I really wouldn't consider anything else if it's "bling" he wants.

 

[herbiehancock]

Speaking of the Centurion 5 case, a great case no matter the price by the way............SVC has a MIR on the silver Cent. 5 this weekend, bringing the price down to $9.99 before shipping.

It's $39.99 - $30 MIR = $9.99 after MIR before shipping.

Be advised, it does include a 380W Cooler Master eXtreme power 380W power supply, but I'm sure you can unload that for $10, recouping some of the cost of the case. And while the side panels are silver, the front is the black perforated mesh front just like all Centurion 5 cases. The side panels could easily be transformed with paint to any color you'd like.


http://www.svc.com/cac-ec5-uwc.html

 

[Alone]

Damn that's a great deal!

 

[WelshBloke]

Originally posted by: Bryan
Antec Solo is $40 AR at Frys.com with free shipping right now.

Thats a good price on a great case.

I've got one and they are very quiet with the right components.

He would definitely like something that is flashy looking (preferably LEDs + window),

But flashy they are not. Personally I love the look and build quality (for the price)

 

[iluvdeal]

I picked up an Antec Solo yesterday from Fry's. Good case, but it's definitely not flashy. If he's the type whose into side panel windows, LED fans, etc., that's probably not the case for him.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: Tizyler
He would definitely like something that is flashy looking...

TUX Case, definitely!

 

[adammthompson]

TUX Case, definitely!

[/quote]

I just wish they'd scale that up so it could hold a full-size ATX board.

 

[TFM]

I don't know if you've picked up a case yet, but SVC has the Mystique 631 Aluminum Cases on clearance for half off. They're normally $100 cases and i have read a TON of reviews that say they are awesome cases for that $100 price tag. SVC has them for $45 before a $15 MIR = $30 AR right now. They also accept PayPal which means that you could get another $15 back from PayPal using the PayPal rebate (if you haven't used it yet).

They have either the Silver Model (the one i got), the Black Model, or the Black Model with a Window all for the exact same price.

These are definitely flashy, as they have a very cool look to them with the unique fronts, there is one model with a side window, and they come with 2 120mm fans, one of which is a blue LED fan (which lights up the front waves and looks very nice!)

I could not find a better case for the price and would recommend it for you as well. It's an awesome looking case with plenty of great features for an unbeatable price.

Hope it helps!
Chris