EverCase build quality.....

[xbassman]

I am getting ready to upgrade once again. (it has been a while)

I am looking at going Matx this time, so my case choices are somewhat limited.

Here is my front runner: EverCase ECE3505 - NewEgg pics

It can be purchased for <$50 shipped. without a power supply.
My biggest concern is how sturdy it will be. I don't have any problems modding the fan grills which don't appear to be the greatest.

Other cases I am considering are: SILVERSTONE SST-TJ08-B
I like the front bezel, but it looks kinda cheap inside. I especially don't like the HD mounting solution. Included fans are a plus though, and no mods necessary as well.

and this one: COOLER MASTER Centurion 541 RC-541-SKN1
My biggest concern with this case is: it looks like it will have a hot spot @ the video card unless a vga silencer is used to exhaust heat.
The power supply I have to use with this build is a PC Power and Cooling Silencer 430. It is a single fan solution PS that won't contribute to case cooling other than cooling itself.

If you have used any of these (or any EverCase models for that matter) your input will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Zepper]

Very nice case - looks like they are finally including the rubber bushings for the HDD rack. You can also add another 2 HDDs in a rack that you can fasten into the bottom front. It may not be pre-drilled like their other cases, but it certainly will fit. Save 87 cents by going to eWiz via Froogle. $29, +sh for the silver/black one w/o PSU - hard to beat that price. I've had a 4252 here and that was very sturdy if a little rough around the edges. I've not had hands on with these new ones, but they should be smoother as general consumer expectations have risen. Nothing at all like the old Ginsu cases - one of the ones I used to work on all the time bloodied me every time I touched it... Only thing I haven't been able to determine is how the intake air gets to the front fan. {OIC, the intakes are in the lower half of the sides of the bezel (maybe in the bottom of the bezel too - hard to see black on black...} The 42x2 have slots all around the sides of the bezels. SPCR found them to be some of the best standard cases OOB for noise. I don't think you can go wrong.

re. the fan grilles - that hexagonal pattern is one of the least restrictive and note that the grills are concave to the fans (and restrictions on the intake side tend not to be as restrictive as on the outflow side). The farther the restriction is from the fan, the lower the restriction it presents. run a fan in free air while connected to your mobo to read the rpms, then mount it up to the grills one at a time and see how much diff there is in the rpm readings. You may not need to cut - but I can see the temptation. BTW, I have a nibbling tool in my listing - click the link in my sig if you can't resist...

If you want something flashier, and don't mind if it's a bit bigger, look at the Lian Li 50 series or 3077 series. The new Silverstone Tj08 is very nice too, if a bit pricey on the lines of the LLs.

.bh.

 

[xbassman]

Thanks for the reply Zepper!

I knew you have used EverCase in the past and was hoping to here from ya!

As to the intake, I believe air comes in through the two openings on either side of the lower front bezel. It might be a little restrictive, but more quiet would be the benefit. I would probably cut out the internal stamped intake grill completely to alieviate some restriction though.

You wouldn't happen to have a link for the HD rack you mentined would you?
(a base mounted HD in front of the intake is definately a better cooling setup)

 

[Zepper]

I think I have an extra rack around here I could sell you and lots of sets of bushings. You can see it on the Evercase site. It's listed as an option on all the 42x2 series pages down toward the bottom of the page. There is a link to a pic on the right of each line. The pic is an old one - all the new ones have the V-shaped bushing guides. Just imagine the rack in the little case turned upside down and you'll have it. I think I also have a description of it in my listing here and probably a link to a pic - just click the link in my sig and go down into the SOLD stuff area.

I also added a LOT more to my earlier post.

Oh, and the little Centurion is not a bad case either. All it lacks is some HDD isolation. Ooops, I rescind my endorsement of this candidate. Exhaust fans in the bottom is a no-no in my book. Also no active cooling on the HDD cage - I suspect they aim for passive cooling with the low fans pulling in thru a grill in front of the HDD cage. Not good.

Looks like I'm muddying the water rather than clarifying...

.bh.

 

[Zap]

I've had an Evercase. Pretty nice unit in sexy black and purple. That was a couple of years ago when 120mm fan spots in cases were more rare than now, and yep, it had one in the back.

If you want really sturdy, I think the InWin 523 series will fit the bill - IIRC it is .8mm SECC. Got one years ago (even before side panel vents and front/side USB ports) and it was the heaviest dang computer as well as the smallest. Back then it came with a shorty PSU, but now with optical drives shrinking (even latest Pioneer is shorter than before) it comes with a standard 140x150mm PSU with 120mm fan.

 

[xbassman]

Yeah, I looked at quite a few Inwin cases, but didn't find any that were configured for 2-120mm fans.

I am glad you mentioned optical drive depth though. I hadn't even thought of that. I had better measure a bit since I am planning on keeping my Plex and Pioneer that are in my current box. It reminded me of the hassle installing into my HTPC box. (1" clearance between my DVD and power supply there)

 

[Zap]

The InWin used either an 80mm or 92mm in the rear and nothing in the front. That being said, the airflow was extremely unobstructed.