How many builds have you reused your case?

[BonzaiDuck]

I'll throw in on this question. [Maybe, I can even find some "pics."]

From 2002 through 2008, I chose to visit a computer-recycler and buy old 1990's-era ATX full-tower cases for at most $2 each. Then I'd use my Dremel and other tools to mod them.

Eventually, my friend the recycler had a 1994 Compaq ProLiant Server case with sliding hot-swap bays and trays for SCSI drives. I modded those so I could stack two to four drives per tray and still utilize the tray mechanism. Somebody gave me a cheap IBM midtower case which had a PSU cage that swiveled out and away from the case -- a "toolless" design for the PSU. I incorporated that into the ProLiant project.

The huge Compaq case got a bottom fan-tray (x2 140mm fans), reinforced bottom frame and four 3" double-wheeled caster wheels with locks:

http://webpages.charter.net/psywar_sentinel/chrome window.jpg

I custom-fit the Lexan sidepanel window, and applied auto-window-film to present a mirror when the interior LEDs of the computer were turned off.

Other machines in the house were built of salvaged pre-millennium ATX cases from OEMs like Gateway, or case-makers like INWIN. Still have two of those running 24/7, modified fan-holes and larger fans, etc. etc.

I was going to keep the "Chrome Window" case, but it's just too big. So I passed it and the Q6600 rig that it contained to a sibling.

What I learned with that case gave me focus in further case-selection, purchase and modding. I settled on the CoolerMaster HAF models, discovering that I could still add 2" double-wheeled casters with brakes -- little or no modification to the case sheet-metal itself.

These days, my case-modding is simpler and more subtle. If case has ample ventilation and I want to pressurize and direct the airflow, I may block off extra ventilation or fan ports with black foam art-board -- as I've done for the top 200mm fan-holes in the HAF cases.

I will certainly recycle the cases I have as long as practical with newer processors and motherboards. Nor will I spend money anymore on expensive all-aluminum cases like my CM Stacker. Certainly, the Stacker will be re-used, and I have plans to use it for an Ivy Bridge build or a Haswell -- sometime after September, with no urgent deadline for that project.

 

[yhelothar]

I'm still on the lian-li PC60

 

[WoodButcher]

I always liked to see your ducts Duck. I'd be willing to bet a manufacturer or two saw your stuff and thought twice.

 

[IGemini]

I say two. Pretty much all of the components have been upgraded in one way or another, except the fans. It has a lot of mileage for $35. Next build will be an all-new case.

 

[Arcanedeath]

My antec P180 went through 4 complete new builds before I retired it to my current P280

It started with an A64 3200+/ 4400+(same motherboard) to a Xeon 3060 to an E8400 to my current I7 920

 

[Kerry56]

I'm reusing one for the second time, and transplanting its contents to another that has held four computers up to this point.

I tend to reuse cases a lot. But I don't game anymore, so the long video cards aren't an issue.

 

[danjw]

I have an original Antec P180, and I have done at least three systems in it. I also have swapped out a number of components over the years.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I always liked to see your ducts Duck. I'd be willing to bet a manufacturer or two saw your stuff and thought twice.

It wasn't an original idea. Several "project" articles by others had gone back to the millennium year to blaze the trail. I notice that some boards, like Asus' Sabertooth, have added panels covering the bare motherboards we're used to seeing, but I don't know how they promote airflow through that restricted space.

With 200+mm intake fans, there's hardly much worry about hot mobo components that need special attention, and if the air from the intakes can only go through one place -- namely a heatpipe cooler and out the rear, that just about cinches it.

If I did any "ducting" for my SB-Z68 system, it was to use two clear-plastic "glued-together" fan-shrouds to mate up the Panaflo [120x38] exhaust fan to the output side of the NH-D14.

 

[rickon66]

I allways intend to reuse, but end up buying new.

 

[sqlagent]

I'm still using a CHIEFTEC Dragon case. Had it since 2003.

For the longest time it was housing my Dual Athlon MP 2400+ Home Server (Domain Controller, File/Print Sharing).

I recently replaced my server with a Xeon build and upgraded one of my workstations. Using the parts from my old work station, I built an HTPC with the Dragon Case. So basically since 2003 it has been in 2 builds.

Over the years the door broke off and the USB ports got broke because of the kids randomly poking stuff in it. Been trying to find a door replacement for it.

 

[Rvenger]

I'm still using a CHIEFTEC Dragon case. Had it since 2003.

For the longest time it was housing my Dual Athlon MP 2400+ Home Server (Domain Controller, File/Print Sharing).

I recently replaced my server with a Xeon build and upgraded one of my workstations. Using the parts from my old work station, I built an HTPC with the Dragon Case. So basically since 2003 it has been in 2 builds.

Over the years the door broke off and the USB ports got broke because of the kids randomly poking stuff in it. Been trying to find a door replacement for it.

I remember mine from back in the day. That was the best full tower case for the money, period.

 

[Meghan54]

Depends on the case and the build. For one of my cases, a Silverstone TJ-07 with watercooling, I used that case through 3-4 different "builds."

On the other hand, I've had "builds" that went through more than one case, that is, I got bored or was dissatisfied with the current case and moved the guts into a new case. Done this more than a few times, too.

 

[lakedude]

I get new cases most every time. Seems like I typically either give the old systems away or find an alternate use for them.

Got systems running from every year or 2 back to the P4 days. One is a server and the rest are BOINC or Folding@home crunch boxes. Don't need no heat in the winter!

Currently running dual 9800 GTs, dual GT 240s, Dual HD 6950s, a HD 5770 (was dual but I burned one up running it 24/7), a GTX 560, a GTX 570 (down at the moment), a HD 4850 a single GT 240, and finally (phew) a HD 7850. Oh and a PS3 running "life with playstation" and the ZFS server...

 

[Zorander]

Still sporting my Antec P180 case from a 2005 build (and which is now housing my current build).

 

[KyrosKrane]

I bought a Coolermaster Cosmos 1000 a few years ago. It began life housing a Core2 Duo. Later I dropped in a Core2 Quad, and eventually I upgraded to the Core i7-930 it currently houses. I count that as three builds, despite upgrades to the video card and various other components along the way.

If not for the lack of a cutout behind the motherboard, there's a very good chance I'd keep it for my next build -- probably around the Haswell timeframe. I just love this case.

 

[WoodButcher]

KK, if you like the case why not cut the mobo tray yourself?

 

[SparkyJJO]

I've been using my current case through I guess you could say 3-4 "builds" although I never replace everything at once. I've had 4 CPU/board combos in the case, 3 video cards, same power supply the whole time, added a hard drive but still using the original, sound card has not changed, etc.

I've customized the case for an internally mounted radiator, and no other case has really struck my fancy, so I keep using it.

 

[Big Roger]

Antec P180 since 2006. Hmm let's see.

E6600 2GB 7900GT P5WDG2 WS Pro ST56F Strider
E7200 4GB P35-DS3L 7900 GT ST56F
E7200 4GB P35-DS3L 8800GT ST56F
Q9550 4GB EP45-UD3 8800GT ST56F
Q9550 4GB EP45-UD3 GTX460 ST56F
Q9550 4GB EP45-UD3 GTX560Ti 448 ST56F
Q9550 8GB EP45-UD3 GTX670 HX850
i5 3570K 8GB Z77-D3H GTX 670 HX850
i5 3570K 8GB P8Z77-V Pro GTX 670 HX850

Before that I had a Lian Li case that went through a load of builds for about 3 years and ran two systems with my old E7200 and P35 motherboard in a few of them til I gave it to a mate recently. Miss that Lian Li case, think if I do buy a new case soon it'll either be the Fractal R4 or for more money some kind of Lian Li. not sure I'll stick with Antec and get a P280, not much need really anyway, it could easily keep me gojn g but I'm getting to the point where I want USB3 ports somewhere and SSD mounts by design.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

video cards have gotten HUGE, honestly the current ones wont fit in most of my older cases, i have 2 lian li cases that you would be hard pressed to get a 7970 or 670 in

same with CPU coolers, at least one of the older lian li cases wont fit a larger tower cooler

The VooDoo 5 was 10.5" long. High end haven't gotten any bigger, really. The largest cards hit 12" now, but the last couple inches is usually just HSF hanging off past the PCB. (The real size differences are in the 2-3 slot coolers that are all the rage now.)

I do have an ATX case out in the garage that probably wouldn't fit my CPU cooler though.

Anyway, I "upgrade cycle." - not replacing everything at once, usually just a couple parts when the current "weakest link" gets bothersome.

My current case has lasted me since 2003, housed my "main" rig for all but a year of that time, and I honestly hope it lasts another 9 years.

I was sad about BTX not working out, honestly.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Over the years the door broke off and the USB ports got broke because of the kids randomly poking stuff in it.

Yeah, I bumped mine one too many times. I just grumbled, gave my floppy drive a viking funeral, and filled the external 3.5" bays with a variety of hubs and card readers instead. :awe:

I took the door off a while back because it was annoying and got in the way. (And all my drives match now.)

 

[KyrosKrane]

KK, if you like the case why not cut the mobo tray yourself?

Missed this reply, sorry.

Sadly, I'm not a particularly handy person with a Dremel or similar tools. In fact, I've never really done anything with power tools more sophisticated than hanging a couple of paintings around the house.

 

[Muffinsrevenger]

P183 is up to four now, last one being a closet-based file server

 

[karder]

I used my Haf X 932 for about 3 years (2 builds).

Now I have a Rosewill BlackHawk Ultra. And judging by my current love for the space and comfortability, I believe I will be using it for several years/builds. Simply awesome.

 

[ch33zw1z]

I've had an Antec P182 for like 5 years now. I'll be using it for as long as possible. Love it.

 

[MCZ]

My Lian Li case has survived 4 builds so far...an AMD 754 build and AMD 939 (Opteron) build. Then I switched to intel q6600 with asus deluxe board which lasted about 4 years. Last week I just installed a 3570k into an ASRock z77 Extreme 4 making this the 4th build my Lian Li has housed. Wish I could remember the model number but it's no longer listed on their website. Would like to actually upgrade my case next time as this mid towers are a hassle to work in compared to the larger full cases.