Complete Case for under $150

[ttv3]

I am finally upgrading my machine after way too long, and I am going to spend what it takes to get a case that meets my needs. I haven't upgraded in so long, so I have no idea what the heat dissipation of the new chips is, and consequently what I should be looking at as far as the cooling system goes. I DO NOT plan on overclocking, but I plan on using this machine for a lot of encoding that will bring the CPU to full load on a semi-regular basis. Here is what I am planning on putting into the system:

Athlon 64 3200+ (90nm)
1 GB PC3200 Corsair Value
Mainboard - Not sure yet but most likely an NForce4 or equivilant Socket 939 motherboard
ATI 3700 PCI Video Card - (I don't game)
120GB Western Digital HD 8MB
160GB Western Digital HD 8MB
NEC3500A DVD-RW
Liteon DVD-ROM

Ok so - the case is what I am asking advice on. I already have an Antec TruePower 480W power supply, so the case doesn't need to include one.

My primary concern is adequate cooling without sacrificing my sanity for a bunch of 80mm fans. I would ideally like to have 120mm fans operating at a medium to slow rpm, but again, I'm not sure if that will be sufficient as far as cooling goes.

I have been looking at the Lian-Li cases, especially the PC-65 with the clear acrylic window. I cannot seem to find any information regarding the fan configuration beyond "4 ball-bearing" fans. What kind of fans does it come with? Will it take 120mm fans? And if it will, what is your recommendation for brand/model? I looked it up on Newegg and the only 120mm I liked were the Panaflo fans, but they are HUGE and I don't want to get them if they won't fit and/or are not neccessary.

I am completely open to suggestions, again, I have been away from the hardware scene for a while. Here are my requirements in order of importance - and I guess I should state, I would like everything to be under $150.

1. Silence
2. Cooling - I want the system cooled WELL, ideally with 120mm fans, but not if it requires high-rpm fans.
3. Features
4. Looks

What I am looking for is functionality before looks, but obviously I would like both if I can
The Lian-Li cases are nice, to give you an idea of my preferences for appearance.

Thanks so much in advance guys, I just want to say that the community here at Anandtech is the BEST! You guys have come through with excellent advice since I first started reading here a few years back.

-T

 

[Arcanedeath]

I'd suggest the Antec 3700 BQE, it's fairly nice looking, comes w/ 2 120mm Fan mounts and is fairly inexpensive. w/ the exception of the Antec 3700 AMB this case also has some of the best airflow avi. in a mid tower case.

 

[Mucker]

CM Stacker

Slightly more in black. $172 shipped: http://www.mpcparts.com/skuinfo.asp?sku=50487

or silver, $173 shipped: http://www.sundialmicro.com/cg.../sundial/stct01uw.html

Maybe cheaper here depending on zip code: http://www.sundialmicro.com/cg...r%20&%20Server%20Cases

Scroll down for some great photos: http://www.coolermaster.com/ph...ostorder=asc&start=165
If I didn't get my Super Lanboy for $39.99, I would have been all over this...

Excellent case, do a search for some reviews. It is very impressive.........you can move the front I/O anywhere, something you cannot do with alot of high end cases..........

m

 

[fireontheway]

Silverstone TJ06

 

[LED]

Best bet would be a Full Tower/Server Case that has plenty of room for airflow and the links that Mucker gave looks most impressive...an alternative if you do not have the space and want a Mid-Tower would be something Like This

 

[cleanerPA]

Maybe not the coolest case or the absolute quietest, but the Antex SX series cases are relatively inexpensive, very solidly built and pretty nice in terms of functionality.

I'd get the SX-1040II- tons of space for a big PSU, 4x 5.25" bays with rails for easy install/removal, removable 3.5" drive cages for easy install/removal, front USB and firewire, front fan filter, 2x 80mm intake, 2x 80mm exhaust fans, available side window, lots of space inside makes it easy to work on.

I noticed a huge difference in sound levels by cutting out the fan grilles on this case, though- the sheetmetal grilles just make a lot of airflow noise. I didn't put in grilles in the front because they're covered by the bezel and using the stock fan mounts in the rear, I didn't need grilles back there either- the fans are pretty recessed and I don't have anyone buy myself to worry about putting his/her fingers into the fans.

Also, the heavy gauge steel case is good for damping sound- you can put some sound deadening material to make it even quieter.

The downsides to the case:
Heavy as h*ll- weighs a ton with everything in it.
Big- not something you'd put on your desk, it's a server-size case.
No cool color selection- the PlusView AMG is the only one that comes in a color other than beige or black.
80mm fans- although with good fans and removal of the fan grilles, I've gotten the case to be very quiet.

HTH.

 

[yoshimbo]

may i suggest the antec silver aluminum performance 1 series case? Its here at newegg for $116. Great case. It is large, and comes with two 120 mm fans, one intake one outake that provide great airflow for the entire case. Plus, the intake flows right over the HDD's keeping them nice and cool. Another cool feature is sidemounted HDD's that keep the inside of the case looking really neat and clean.

 

[The Pentium Guy]

Originally posted by: yoshimbo
may i suggest the antec silver aluminum performance 1 series case? Its here at newegg for $116. Great case. It is large, and comes with two 120 mm fans, one intake one outake that provide great airflow for the entire case. Plus, the intake flows right over the HDD's keeping them nice and cool. Another cool feature is sidemounted HDD's that keep the inside of the case looking really neat and clean.

This case is great (at least from the reviews I read) - nice and silent, light, has the features (ex: mobo tray - but not a "real" one ...ex: it doens't slide out like the Lian Li cases), but the only issue I might see with this case is the looks ... it's your preference of course. The fact that it doesn't have a front door makes me turn away from it (only becuase of the fact that I have cd/dvd burners.. floppydrives etc that are different shades of silver and look terribly ugly, uless you have a door blocking it)

For the door problem, wait till you see the Antec P-180. It's coming otu very soon. Just search for it, it's a real beauty.

-The Pentium Guy

 

[Staz]

While I might get my head bit off by the many case snobs who post on this board, what about this???

It is made from aluminum, is very light weight, has 2 120mm fans, and it well known for it's cooling ability. Plus it gets rave reviews. Not an expensive case, but a very popular and good one from what I have read.

 

[Mucker]

That's the one I have.....best $39.99 I ever spent........

m

 

[fireontheway]

Originally posted by: Staz
While I might get my head bit off by the many case snobs who post on this board, what about this???

It is made from aluminum, is very light weight, has 2 120mm fans, and it well known for it's cooling ability. Plus it gets rave reviews. Not an expensive case, but a very popular and good one from what I have read.

I actually think it is a nice case if it was'nt for that plastic light blue grill.

 

[AVP]

Haha sorry I provied a link to lian li but didnt realize you already looked at them...