HAF Xb alternatives ?

[DigDog]

Hello folks,

Before i pull the trigger on a £80 HAF Xb, can anyone recommend similar alternatives?
(this guy)

Some things to know:
1) i hate plastic - i'm looking to get all the panels replaced on this case, all i really need is the chassis.
2) i like big coolers n' stuff - not looking for a phoenix or any other micro case, it has to be essentially identical to the Xb: mobo up top, psu on bottom. i'm doing this for esthetic, not practical reasons.
3) im ok with micro atx, will use 1 GPU only, will prob have 1 ssd and 1 hd.i might have a H100, or a "more good looking" tall cooler.

I've been looking at desktop cases for a lifetime, but can't seem to find any that suit me. If you like cube-like cases as well, and have one you can recommend, fire away.
(i've seen the latest corsair box, i like it but, it's actually *too* big)

 

[_Rick_]

The only other smallish ATX cube is the Lian Li PC-V650 but that uses a vertically mounted mainboard, so it's still slightly higher than wide.

For µATX there's much more choice.

The Lian Li PC-V358 has the mainboard mounted horizontally in a middle layer, for example, and has similar width/height ratios. Only 130mm CPU cooler clearance though - limits you to 92mm fans, if you don't go with watercooling. Mounting a 240mm radiator should be easy though.

The Xigmatek Gigas has the mainboard mounted vertically (dis-ease of installation, by the looks of it), but 160mm cooler clearance, which should allow for some 120mm HSFs to be installed.

These are probably the prime candidates. Of course, less interesting if you want to mod them anyways, as you pay for all the aluminum, only to throw it away. But if you're happy with the as-is looks, and not put off by the costs, these are your alternatives.

 

[DigDog]

well, i'm only looking to de-plastify my case, aluminium is ok. On the Xb, i'd get a top-window (enlarged), since i won't be using multiple GPUs and won't have heat issues (*because i said so*). I've seen some mods on the LianLi, the results look pretty good - i'm gonna look into these two.

 

[nitrousninja]

Corsair 540 is one to check out. http://www.corsair.com/us/pc-cases/...eries-air-540-high-airflow-atx-cube-case.html