i want a new case sub $100

[dragantoe]

I'm finally getting a new case for my build for a max $100(including shipping), and I want something with these features, listed from most important to least;
-good looking (inside must be black or white)
-good airflow
-portable
-good build quality
-easy cable management
-small(optional)
-windowed(really optional)
I want something classy, and minimalist, but it needs to stand up to near daily transport in the back of a car, while holding a large gpu, and heatsink
here are ideas of what I am looking for;
fractal design r4 I love this case, looks like i could cut a small window in it as well.
bitfenix ghost this doesn't get much press, but I like the style(however I won't be getting this)
vengeance c70 white it's on sale
cm storm scout 2 this is really pushing it for looks, but if those handles are functional, then maybe.
cm haf xb I should just bite the bullet and get this, it's a little gawdy but basically perfect for me, however something is making me want to reconsider
corsair 300r this is the style I want, but that window will not last, and it's too big

again this has to be under $100 after shipping, sales are welcome because I will be buying this today or tomorrow, doesn't have to be newegg, but no microcenter and I prefer not ncix
also, hotswap bays are welcome

 

[lehtv]

What do you mean by portable? None of the cases you linked are portable. This is portable.

If we forget the portable part and want to stick to the ATX form factor, I'd recommend the R4. If I was buying a new case, it's what I'd buy. There are windowed versions as well

 

[Eureka]

What do you mean by portable? None of the cases you linked are portable. This is portable.

If we forget the portable part and want to stick to the ATX form factor, I'd recommend the R4. If I was buying a new case, it's what I'd buy. There are windowed versions as well

http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/produc...142&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=63&g=spec

PC-A05... ATX case in mATX form factor.

Also, the case won't really help in transporting the GPU and CPU heatsink, unless you have something like a Dell which is made to transport the GPU safely. The problem is that the GPU is mounted to the motherboard... which is going to be the weakest link. If you lay the case down flat, it will probably help offset the load enough, though.

 

[crabbyman]

I have the Storm Scout 1 and the handle is a god send when needed. It makes moving it so much easier. It is also a very sturdily built handle.

I do not have many complaints about the original Storm Scout. I do not have experience with the other cases either. So my opinion is limited to what I have used.

 

[AustinInDallas]

What do you mean by portable? None of the cases you linked are portable. This is portable.

If we forget the portable part and want to stick to the ATX form factor, I'd recommend the R4. If I was buying a new case, it's what I'd buy. There are windowed versions as well

+1 for this!

I dont have this case because it came out RIGHT after I got my ATX system, but Im trying to get into one

 

[BuffaloChuck]

I also favor the LianLi A05's... creative design inside with the power-supply in the front chin allows for full size MBs although few HDDs. I use two SSDs and two HDDs, although I have another one with a SYBA "hot-swap caddy". We're buying up these because, at this point, they're metal railings and screw-holes, axles, etc. Once they get popular, everything will be remolded plastic. This in an AO5 works AND we have complete access to both of the motherboard's USB3 internal ports rather than Lian Li's intent to limit our use of USB3. I hate that. Why only put up ONE USB 3 port?!!

The Antec 302 has a great airflow if you're filling up the bays with HDDs.

 

[TY-1]

I'm finally getting a new case for my build for a max $100(including shipping), and I want something with these features, listed from most important to least;
-good looking (inside must be black or white)
-good airflow
-portable
-good build quality
-easy cable management
-small(optional)
-windowed(really optional)
I want something classy, and minimalist, but it needs to stand up to near daily transport in the back of a car, while holding a large gpu, and heatsink
here are ideas of what I am looking for;
fractal design r4 I love this case, looks like i could cut a small window in it as well.
bitfenix ghost this doesn't get much press, but I like the style(however I won't be getting this)
vengeance c70 white it's on sale
cm storm scout 2 this is really pushing it for looks, but if those handles are functional, then maybe.
cm haf xb I should just bite the bullet and get this, it's a little gawdy but basically perfect for me, however something is making me want to reconsider
corsair 300r this is the style I want, but that window will not last, and it's too big

again this has to be under $100 after shipping, sales are welcome because I will be buying this today or tomorrow, doesn't have to be newegg, but no microcenter and I prefer not ncix
also, hotswap bays are welcome

OF the ones you have listed here I would narrow it down tot he Corsair C70, the CM Storm Scout 2, and the CM HAF XB. Each of these has their pluses and minuses.

Corsair C70:
+sturdy steel construction
+springloaded carrying handles
+great cable management
+really easy side panel access
-heavy, especially once hardware is installed
-a tower case so your motherboard is going to feel the strain from the CPU Heatsink and GPU during transport
-airflow is less than ideal unless you remove some of the front HDD cages and reposition the front fans (if keeping all the HDD cages I would definitely suggest adding a second set of front fans for a push pull config to get better airflow through the case)
-the window is half perforated (an aesthetic I personally don't like, but you might not care about)

CM Storm Scout 2:
+sturdy steel construction
+large carrying handle
+good cable management (though back panel can be a tight fit if you don't take your time and tidy up the cables)
-only a single fan and dust filter comes with it originally(I think CM is remedying this by offering additional fans and dust filters for now that the white version of the case launched with additional fans and dust filters included but check their site to be sure as I saw a mention of it only in Maximum PC)
-a tower case so your motherboard is going to feel the strain from the CPU Heatsink and GPU during transport

CM HAF XB:
+sturdy steel construction
+good carrying handles on the sides
+nice airflow
+motherboard sits horizontally so little strain on it from CPU Heatsink and GPU during transport
-cable management can be a little tricky
-PSU compatibility can be an issue as PSU gets a metal sleeve put on it to secure it to the case before getting put actually into the case
-be carefully putting any 3.5" HDDs into the hot-swap bays (only 3.5" HDD bays on the case) as people have had their HDDs wiped and ruined because they didn't hookup the 4-pin molex power cable to the hot-swap board correctly (you can remove the hot-swap board and wire any 3.5" HDD normally if you don't mind loosing the hot-swap function)

What do you mean by portable? None of the cases you linked are portable. This is portable.

If we forget the portable part and want to stick to the ATX form factor, I'd recommend the R4. If I was buying a new case, it's what I'd buy. There are windowed versions as well

I agree with Lehtv on the Bitfenix Prodigy. It's too bad that you already have the ATX board or I would also recommend going with the Prodigy. It would meet all of your requirements except the window option (unless you had some custom modification done but that would exceed your price point). It's also nice because unlike a tower your motherboard is horizontal, not vertical, which means that your CPU Heatsink and GPU won't be putting as much of a strain on the motherboard during transport.

I'm curious about, when mentioning the need for portability, you mentioned the near daily transport in your car. What are you using this build for that you are transporting it around almost every day?

 

[dragantoe]

I agree with Lehtv on the Bitfenix Prodigy. It's too bad that you already have the ATX board or I would also recommend going with the Prodigy. It would meet all of your requirements except the window option (unless you had some custom modification done but that would exceed your price point). It's also nice because unlike a tower your motherboard is horizontal, not vertical, which means that your CPU Heatsink and GPU won't be putting as much of a strain on the motherboard during transport.

I'm curious about, when mentioning the need for portability, you mentioned the near daily transport in your car. What are you using this build for that you are transporting it around almost every day?

Yeah, the prodigy came out right after I got an atx board, which sucks i guess. this is a gaming build, but I need to move back and forth a lot, and my source 210 lately isn't up to the task. also, the haf xb was looking good because of the horizontal layout. I have a rather large gpu and heatsink, so I thought a horizontal case would be nice.

 

[dragantoe]

What do you mean by portable? None of the cases you linked are portable. This is portable.

If we forget the portable part and want to stick to the ATX form factor, I'd recommend the R4. If I was buying a new case, it's what I'd buy. There are windowed versions as well

by portable I mean it needs to either be small enough to be easily carried in my arm, or have handles

this will be moved back and forth several times a week in the back of a car, so if the r4 is small enough and has good enough build quality, I could consider it.
But I'm worried about airflow with that case.

 

[Eureka]

If you lay a tower on its side, it's going to be the same as having a horizontal case...

 

[smitbret]

If you are looking at an R4, take a look at the Fractal Design Mini Micro. I've had it for about 3 weeks and I'm still amazed at the noise levels and quality. You might also look at the Nanoxia Deep Silence 2 that starts shipping stateside in less than 2 weeks.

 

[lehtv]

this will be moved back and forth several times a week in the back of a car, so if the r4 is small enough and has good enough build quality, I could consider it.

Oh ok, the R4 is a bit too big and heavy for that purpose. Instead:

Lian Li PC-A05FNB $70 AP (ends today!). It's compact because the PSU is front mounted, and the frame is aluminium which makes it light to carry. It's a meager 9.70 lbs compared to the 27 lbs of steel in Define R4. For added portability: GearGrip LT case harness $18 (+shipping)

 

[sze5003]

Have you looked at the nzxt 410 I got it a while back on sale for $70. Greet airflow and space. You can also add more fans if you want.

 

[ArmyVet88]

Dude i must say, that this case for the money is amazing!!. I have it and it is awesome.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144266

I have an FX4100 with Water in this Mid Tower! Beefy video card MSI Twin Frozr III GTX660. The Stock case fans are awesome and led. 120MM fan and 4 others. Check it out. I think they have it in green and blue. Best of luck, id recomend this case to anyone. Happy Hunting

 

[dragantoe]

Dude i must say, that this case for the money is amazing!!. I have it and it is awesome.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144266

I have an FX4100 with Water in this Mid Tower! Beefy video card MSI Twin Frozr III GTX660. The Stock case fans are awesome and led. 120MM fan and 4 others. Check it out. I think they have it in green and blue. Best of luck, id recomend this case to anyone. Happy Hunting

it looks fine but doesn't meet most of the requirements

 

[dragantoe]

Oh ok, the R4 is a bit too big and heavy for that purpose. Instead:

Lian Li PC-A05FNB $70 AP (ends today!). It's compact because the PSU is front mounted, and the frame is aluminium which makes it light to carry. It's a meager 9.70 lbs compared to the 27 lbs of steel in Define R4. For added portability: GearGrip LT case harness $18 (+shipping)

I really like that case, but the inside makes me cringe, and it doesn't seem to provide enough airflow

 

[Eureka]

I really like that case, but the inside makes me cringe, and it doesn't seem to provide enough airflow

Reviews are positive... it's going to be a little warmer than a fully traditional case but nothing out of hand.

What is wrong with the inside?

Also, $70 AR isn't that great... we just snagged one at $50 AR about a week ago on Newegg. Going to make the build tomorrow... we'll see how good it really is.

 

[dragantoe]

Reviews are positive... it's going to be a little warmer than a fully traditional case but nothing out of hand.

What is wrong with the inside?

Also, $70 AR isn't that great... we just snagged one at $50 AR about a week ago on Newegg. Going to make the build tomorrow... we'll see how good it really is.

nice, and what I meant by not liking the inside is that I can't stand silver interiors, it ruins the look for me, and cable management looks horrid IMHO

 

[lehtv]

It's a sealed case. Who cares what it looks like on the inside? That's what brushed aluminium looks like, if you don't like it that's the tradeoff for ~2.5x lower weight. Since you're looking for a portable case I think it's a reasonable compromise

As for airflow, it's not a problem at all. Your PC's power consumption is around 250W when gaming, even a single 120mm rear fan can handle that fine. Two 120mm fans are provided by the case, and you can add another 140mm exhaust if you wish.

If you do get it make sure your GPU fits into the 280mm clearance

 

[nickzing]

It's a sealed case. Who cares what it looks like on the inside? That's what brushed aluminium looks like, if you don't like it that's the tradeoff for ~2.5x lower weight. Since you're looking for a portable case I think it's a reasonable compromise

As for airflow, it's not a problem at all. Your PC's power consumption is around 250W when gaming, even a single 120mm rear fan can handle that fine. Two 120mm fans are provided by the case, and you can add another 140mm exhaust if you wish.

If you do get it make sure your GPU fits into the 280mm clearance

+1.
Rational comprehensive utilization.

 

[Eureka]

So I just finished the build with this case (PC-A05). I would say, for $50-70, it is definitely really impressive. It is super light, but well spaced out. Wire management is poor, so you won't get that showroom look without a lot of work, but you won't have cables in the way, either. You can tuck most of them at the bottom, next to the PSU.

Everything fits together well, the 7870 Myst EZ fits with about 1.5cm of space. The hardest part was figuring out the HDD bay but once you do, it's really nice.

It's really small, and if I were to build a full ATX build again, I would use this case. I think it would fit your needs rather well.

 

[aarontpx]

Look at the corsair 200R. its super light, great airflow, overall fit and function is excellent.

 

[aj654987]

I second the 200R. I used it for my new build and its everything I was looking for. I didnt want a door on the front like the R4 and just wanted a plain black case without flashy lights or windows.

I know a door can make it quieter but I found that when all your fans are 120mm that there isnt much noise in these systems today anyways so I cant hear anything. Its a huge improvement over the old cases with 80mm fans and gpu and cpu fans used to be smaller and way louder.

 

[billyevans]

If you want portable, the Fractal Define R4 comes in an mATX version:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811352011
You can also buy a standard ATX R4 with a window if that's what you're interested in.

 

[Carson Dyle]

I have a Fractal Design Define Mini (microATX version of Define R4) and it's a _large_ microATX case. Still, I guess you could say that it's more "portable" than the Define R4 and most ATX towers.