Coolermaster Storm Enforcer OR SilverStone Precision PS06

[mnhoff]

Want a case with USB 3.0 direct-to-Mobo-header connections that has good airflow and isn't too loud. I'll install a ASUS Z68 PRO with a i7 - 2600K, a 120GB SSD, Radeon 6770 graphics, and a 500W power supply...

I've narrowed my favorites to

1) Coolermaster Storm Enforcer ($70 with MIR)
2) SilverStone Precision PS06 ($85 with MIR)

Anyone have a preference, or suggest a better case for the money? I don't want to spend more than $100.

Cheers
Mike

 

[abekl]

I have the Coolermaster Storm Enforcer and am very happy with it. The silverstone is not as well made.

 

[lehtv]

The silverstone is not as well made.

Can't just assert that.

The PS06 looks like a nice case to me, here's a recent review: www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Silverstone/Precision_PS06/

I think Cooler Master HAF922 is among the best cases for the money if you want good cooling. HAF 912 if cooling isn't as important out of the box (but it has potential if u add fans).

 

[mnhoff]

Yeah, I saw that review, the Silverstone seems like a pretty decent one. The HAF cases look great, but I really want USB 3.0 on the front. Tricky to get that on a budget case that's well made.

Don't really like the razzmatazz door on the enforcer, or the eyesore blue lightning streaks on the Silverstone. Maybe I should go with the Corsair Carbide 400R, not so flashy.

 

[lehtv]

What about HAF 922? Lots of features, roomy, comes with two 200mm fans (can turn off fan LED).

 

[mnhoff]

It looks awesome. If it had USB 3.0, I'd get it.

 

[lehtv]

IDK, USB3 front panel isn't a big deal really. You still have it in the back panel for the (rare?) occasions that you move enough data on one go to require the faster bandwidth.

If only you could find the PS06 all-black version somewhere...

 

[mnhoff]

think to the future. In a year you'll eat those words, already seeing most decent external drives using 3.0. The reason the consumer isn't on top of the importance of having font-side usb 3.0 on a case is because the case companies are trying to get rid of all their high priced old models. I find it very humorous that you can pay $200+ for a case that is out of date...brainwashing man, happens a lot in high tech (take it from a guy who's done his time working in sales engineering for HP)

 

[lehtv]

think to the future. In a year you'll eat those words, already seeing most decent external drives using 3.0.

I don't know if you need it that much, maybe you really do. If you move larger amounts of data than just a few megabytes on a frequent basis, of course USB3 front panel will be useful. Personally I don't have need for external storage in the first place, and if I did, I'd probably use it for backing up files, USB2 would be fine for that - and I could still use the back panel USB3 port if I wanted to, for the occasions when I'd be moving large amounts of data.