I need a case recommendation

[PascalT]

In the market for a new case.. but I really don't know much about cases.

Needs:

You can see my components in my sig. Right now my case (an 8 yr old generic case) is just too cramped for my wires and all my stuff is cramped up. I also get a lot of shorted components (PSU/mobo) when I move it around because of the space issue.

What is most important to me is ease of use, space, and the more silent it is the better. As far as bays goes, I could use 4 bays for HDs and 1 for a DVD drive. I do OC a bit so fans might be a good thing as well (Silent fans?).

I was looking at the Coolermaster Centurion 532..I heard good things about it. I guess my budget would be a max of 110-120USD.

any recommendations?

thank you!

 

[Zepper]

The Centurions are nice - as are the Mystiques (basically aluminum versions of the Centurion design - see the thread I started on the new Mystique variant). Also check the Rosewill thread here with particular attention to the 560x models. Also take a look at the Aerocool Masstige/CoolView - nice and room while not too expensive - Newegg et al. carry them.

And if you have a fat wallet and can afford more, the Silverstone Temjin 5 (SST-Tj05) is super roomy, cooling, etc. Most cases can be found for less than at Newegg by using Froogle, etc. (especially if you're willing to use ground shipping). The Thermaltake Eureka is similar.

The X series of the TJ05 includes what is essentially the Eudemon fan controller/temp monitor and the CoolView includes the Gatewatch. If you need such a thing, getting them built in almost for free is not a bad deal. If you don't care for such things, the Masstige and the base TJ-05 lack them.

.bh.

 

[PascalT]

thanks for that.

I love the mystiques' features but i hate the look. too "star wars" for me.. I love their weight. Any other cases with the same features but with a different look? They don't have Rosewills at the store I go to, but they do carry a lot of other models.

 

[Zepper]

Yup, you can only get Rosewill thru Newegg/Chief Value - I thought they were coming to Canada... But you might find Yeong Yang versions there - the same model no. as the Rosewill but with different color schemes. See the different versions of the 5600 series at http://www.yycase.com (under gaming cases).

Sorry you're in Canada. You need to disclose that up front with this type of question so that respondents don't waste your time with links to resellers and/or products that may as well not exist as far as you're concerned.

.bh.

 

[PascalT]

Debating wether to spend more money on the Mystique 631 or get a cheaper Centurion 534. I like the weight of the Mystique but I just wonder how do you start up the computer? Do you need to open the bezel each time?

 

[Zepper]

Yup, looks like the power switch is behind the door. If your mobo supports it, you can start your PC from the keyboard - you can set your own key combo in the BIOS setup.

.bh.

 

[PascalT]

True. The price difference between the two is 45 bucks (minus 15 for a 120mm fan that the Centurion doesn't have). Can anyone think of a reason worth the cost difference? Been reading reviews and while the Mystique seems really nice, the Centurion is quite cost-effective.