Does Higher Price Always = Higher Quality

[Richb1492]

I was in the local computer store looking at computer cases and I noticed that people were buying the cases with the neon lights and windows in the cases. These cases were very expensive. While on the other hand the Antec case was less in price and better built.

 

[Matthias99]

It sort of depends on how you define "function", doesn't it?

If a primary "function" of the case is to look good, then (depending on your definition of "good"), a riced-out case may in fact be "better" than one that is more solidly built/has better cooling/weighs less/is easier to work with but doesn't look as "cool".

Actual *high quality* cases (especially ones for server use, which have tons of drive bays) still cost a lot more than most of the "flashy" models. Compare the high-end Lian-Li and Antec aluminum full-tower cases to everything else; the steel mid-towers with windows and neon everything are still a heck of a lot cheaper.

 

[grant2]

Isn't that pretty much all a case is for? to make the computer attractive (and nominally, to protect the components)?

Otherwise you'd just nail your components to a piece of plywood. (yes i've seen this done).

 

[Topweasel]

Originally posted by: grant2
Isn't that pretty much all a case is for? to make the computer attractive (and nominally, to protect the components)?

Otherwise you'd just nail your components to a piece of plywood. (yes i've seen this done).

The diffrence being some protect better then other some look better then others some are easy to work with. So one company may have made the best looking case but has parts lined up in areas that make proper cooling impossible. To many time I have seen a Poorly built case that is "flashy" sell for more then a better case that more elegant and sturdy.

 

[Cerb]

Antec makes/mods some of the best cases out there.
So does Evercase.
So does Enermax.
So does Silverstone.
So does Coolermaster.
...and so on. I know I missed a couple.

However, a lot of people aren't going to think about noise, or how easy it will be to work with, or that you might get a decent PSU in the deal, a nice design for air flow, or any of that.

Then in a year or two they'll curse themselves for it, get a nice case, and mod the lights and crap into it for the bling, rather than buying it already there 🙂.

The Antec SLK3700-BQE and Sonata-II are probably the best values for case/PSU combos--but I'd bet a sub-1mm thick Raidmax or Aspire will sell better, until the noise becomes unbearable, or the owners get a few cuts when upgrading parts.

 

[knothead34]

i like my chenbro xbomb2 case. i like a case that has room but not a full server case. i only wish my case had a side fan in the see through window. i do have three 120mm fans though.

 

[Valkerie]

I got a 500w PSU from a lesser known manufacturer. It's got a huge fan and offers a nice blue LED. I don't feel anything wrong with this PSU. Running a hot Prescot CPU with tons of case mods.

Personally you have to be smart about what you buy. A lot of cheap stuff that comes with a product for cheap, is usually not an upgradable option. My first PSU which came with my tower was terrible, it died along with my mobo. I was not feeling too happy about it. But don't assume that expensive products will get you the best service, because customer support for some companies suck hell...