Im tired of cheap cases, I have 2.

[peleejosh]

buy this one, its a little over you price range but well worth it
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=45&threadid=1467537&enterthread=y

 

[Nessism]

Originally posted by: qbackin

Originally posted by: Insomniak
Chieftec Dragon was #1 back in the day, and still holds up very well now. A modern variant with 2x120mm (intake and exhaust), 2x80mm (side and blowhole) instead of 4x80mm would be right up there with the best.

Is there one like that? Or are you suggesting modding the case?

Chenming has one version with a 120mm fan in back - still using 80's in front though. Check around on Newegg's site for photos. Actually, this is a good way to go since there's no real need for front fans other than to spot cool a hard drive.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: charlietee
One thing really great about that style case be it Chieftech, Antec...They are easily modded...Can put 4 92's in one with a pair of side cutter pliers, flat bastard file and a drill. I put a 92m/m blow hole...

What is the value in doing so? (Asking seriously here.) Is there not enough cooling using the 80mm fans, or is it a noise question? Are 92mm fans really that much quieter? Why not just use quieter/undervolt the 80mm fans? And for the HD bays, it seems like the 80mm fans are the "perfect" size, I don't see how 92mm ones would fit. I agree with the additional cooling value of the blowhole, I bought my Codegen specifically because of that. Not sure what the major value is in a full-tower though, as there is usually more than enough room at the back to add additional case exhaust fans which are nearly as effective. But for a mid-tower, the room for those on the top back-panel simply doesn't exist, so a blowhole is an excellent solution in that case.

 

[Steelerz37]

i got a deal on an Antec Sonata with TruePower 380 watt PS, for $69 after rebate. If I were you and this case suited your needs I would hold out and keep an eye open for deals on one of these. I love it. I used to have a big Antec case, similar to the cheiftec dragon i beleive, but I am much happier with the smaller Sonata :

 

[charlietee]

"What is the value in doing so? (Asking seriously here.) Is there not enough cooling using the 80mm fans, or is it a noise question? Are 92mm fans really that much quieter? Why not just use quieter/undervolt the 80mm fans? And for the HD bays, it seems like the 80mm fans are the "perfect" size, I don't see how 92mm ones would fit. I agree with the additional cooling value of the blowhole, I bought my Codegen specifically because of that. Not sure what the major value is in a full-tower though, as there is usually more than enough room at the back to add additional case exhaust fans which are nearly as effective. But for a mid-tower, the room for those on the top back-panel simply doesn't exist, so a blowhole is an excellent solution in that case."

The value of doing so is many fold...I feel that these style cases with 5 80m/m fans provides excellent cooling...But.

Cutting out the grills will decrease turbulence realted noise and is very easily accomplised with a pair of side cutter pliers and a flat bastard file...It does however leave the rear fans without any finger gaurds or grills.

Installing 92m/m fans in place of the 80m/m fans allows more CFM to flow through the case at a set DBA...Better cooling at lower noise levels...Takes a bit more effort and time but can also be done with the above mentioned tools, drill and some drill bits...4 hours should be plenty for even a first attempt.

Blow hole fans are usually a great mod to any case that does not have one...Heat is easily trapped in the top of cases if careful attention is not paid to your layout.

I personally like the newer style cases that provide provisions for 120m/m fans that allow better cooling at lower noise levels and other features incorporated into the newer stuff like rubber mounted fans...Rubber gromets on hard drive mount rails...Just the combination of little improvements that are noticeable.