good case investment for computer lab

[ghostman]

I know this must be asked a lot and I've read quite a few posts. But I want to see what people would recommend for a case for a computer lab (of about 15 computers minimum). This means that it will never be modded or brought to the extremes of overclocking. However, it also means that it has to be fairly cheap and last a really long time. Here is the criteria:

0) Mid-tower ATX, P4 capable.
1) Removable 3.5" drive cage.
2) Rail insert for drives.
3) Removable motherboard tray.
4) **Optional but very desirable**: good ventilation for front
intake fan.
5) Good cooling overall.
6) Less than $100

Not everything has to be fulfilled, but that's what we've been discussing for a while. We've currently got Enlight and Inwin cases in our sights, but that's only because we don't really know much about other cases.

 

[Cerb]

Enlight -- good overall, and quite good PSUs
Evercase -- really nice for messing with a lot...mostly tooless, and enough space that I've yet needed to even check if they have a removeable mobo tray in them
Chieftech
Beige no window
Blue or silver with window (top of page)

Those use rails and all, are extremely roomy, and I believe both steel...and they look really cool...and they have locks (to keep the really dumb people out)

 

[stev0]

Originally posted by: Cerb
Enlight -- good overall, and quite good PSUs
Evercase -- really nice for messing with a lot...mostly tooless, and enough space that I've yet needed to even check if they have a removeable mobo tray in them
Chieftech
Beige no window
Blue or silver with window (top of page)

Those use rails and all, are extremely roomy, and I believe both steel...and they look really cool...and they have locks (to keep the really dumb people out)

i second the chieftech cases because they are lockable, and have great airflow.

 

[everman]

Should consider ease of taking it apart/replacing components. I have an addtronics, I think a 6890 is the model, and it's great. I can easily take out the mobo tray, side panels & top panel. So it's very easy to work with. It has a lock on it too. Case

 

[Lizardman]

A third vote for the chieftec case here. The addtronics is a good case but way too ugly. Go for the chieftec and you will be the cool computer nerd at school. I would get the black chieftec with no windows on them.

 

[OulOat]

4th the chieftech

 

[ghostman]

The chieftec is definitely nice, but it's over 2 feet high and mwave doesn't carry them (newegg doesn't take purchase orders and doesn't offer many barebones selections). And is it just me, or does the chieftec cases look very similar to Antec cases? In any case, I'll bring this up, along with the Addtronics midtower (also not on mwave) to my boss. If you have more suggestions, keep them coming!

 

[mechBgon]

Antec SX630II. It uses the Chieftech-built chassis (or Chenming-built, whatever) with an Antec 300W PSU that has a three-year warranty. Comes stock with one auxiliary rear fan. Lockable, well-ventilated, front USB ports, removable HDD cage with 80mm fan holder (get 18cfm NMB 80mm fans from SVC for $2.50), no sharp edges to cut you, beefy, and looks like it has good EMI shielding, with spring clips around the door edges. The floppy drive and/or Zip drive mount in a slide-out tray held in place with thumbscrews, and the 5.25" drives mount on rattle-free plastic rails. It's 17" high and has really nice rubber feet and they are very beefy.

Because the included auxiliary fan is a sleeve-bearing fan, you might consider replacing it with one of the NMB fans right off the bat, since sleeve-bearing fans don't last so long (and $2.50 is a great price for those quiet NMB's).

I used the upscale 660B's and 660AMG's for some computers I built for work: System rigs Same physical chassis (other than color) but with the deluxe TruePower 330 power supply.

 

[Cerb]

Over 2 feet high (and steel)...when you first lug them in, you'll hate it. When you need to change something out, you'll wonder how you ever managed with smaller cases.
Mwave has some of the same cases by other companies (basically with like an Antec PSU and fans, or some other little stuff). They are the same chassis.
For more selection w/o windows and such, try Directron (www.directron.com). They are a wee bit pricey on other components, but good on cases, and they have an insane selection of them.

I don't yet have the chieftech one, but a few days ago I went out of my way to open one up (I'm gonna get one for sure now!), and it was sweet. Definitely worth the extra $$$ over my current enlight.

 

[ghostman]

Just checked out directron...very impressive on the case listings. They also seem like they'll set up barebones from basically any specified parts instead of limiting it to handful of things. I take it from reseller and retailer ratings that they are a dependable company. Has anyone dealt with their support/contact?

Thanks to everyone. Sooner or later, I'll probably post a request about the best sub-$600 17" LCD monitor for the lab.

 

[Cerb]

Unfortunately I haven't, but many other people on anand's and the hard forums have and have been pleased. I initially linked to newegg because I have had many orders through them and all good experiences.
Best of luck getting the lab working!

 

[RaymondY]

Antec/Chieftech cases would be a good selection or possible a Chenbro Genie. I think the Chenbo Genie is on the more expensive side but it is a heavy duty server case. Got a modded Chenbro Genie with 120mm fans at home and I love it. Not as sexy as some of the other cases but it is heavy duty