Looking for $100 or so case with the following features

[unseengundam101]

I am looking for case (No PSU included) in the $100-$150 range with the following features:

-6+ Internal HD bays - REMOVABLE
-Silent case but decently cool also
-Something that doesn't get dust (maybe I will add in air filters on intakes)
-Easy to connect Audio + USB. That doesn't plug into rear port. (I never go front audio port work in my 4 year old yet :frown: )
-Doesn't get me scratches easily

There some of my non-must have features:

-No transparent side window
-Fan controllers
-Temperature reading
-Removable motherboard


One of my main concern my old DEAD system's case was HUGE dust built up and heat. To try get rid of heat, I kept on putting in more powerful fan which in turn pulled in more DUST into my case! I am also suspicious the dust may been MAIN CAUSE of my old system's death. The MB and CPU heatsink was laden with dust. :| I would like to keep my case dust free without having cleaning it.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: thureen
I would like to keep my case dust free without having cleaning it.

Wouldn't we all...

 

[harle]

The Antec P182 looks like it meets most of your needs (besides the no dust requirement). It is currently on sale at Newegg for $109.99 + shipping.

 

[unseengundam101]

Originally posted by: harle
The Antec P182 looks like it meets most of your needs (besides the no dust requirement). It is currently on sale at Newegg for $109.99 + shipping.

Thanks harle!!! That a great find, sure seem like it meet all my requirements, only thing I doesn't seem to have is removable motherboard tray. Though that might not be big deal compared to all great features this case has! I will keep on looking for bit longer to see if any other case sticks out.

 

[Zepper]

A couple others you might want to check out before making a final decision. Some of the Chieftec cases that look like entry level server boxes. Good price and some have what you want. Also the Xclio Windtunnel (aka Tagan Monolith/ABS APlus Monolith). Also a big case but has plenty of cooling.

.bh.

 

[zerogear]

Originally posted by: thureen
I am looking for case (No PSU included) in the $100-$150 range with the following features:

-6+ Internal HD bays - REMOVABLE
-Silent case but decently cool also
-Something that doesn't get dust (maybe I will add in air filters on intakes)
-Easy to connect Audio + USB. That doesn't plug into rear port. (I never go front audio port work in my 4 year old yet :frown: )
-Doesn't get me scratches easily

There some of my non-must have features:

-No transparent side window
-Fan controllers
-Temperature reading
-Removable motherboard


One of my main concern my old DEAD system's case was HUGE dust built up and heat. To try get rid of heat, I kept on putting in more powerful fan which in turn pulled in more DUST into my case! I am also suspicious the dust may been MAIN CAUSE of my old system's death. The MB and CPU heatsink was laden with dust. :| I would like to keep my case dust free without having cleaning it.

Try cleaning your case ever 3-4 months. It actually helps. Even with filters dust does get in. Just put it on your schedule to do it 3-4 months, with filters, maybe 6-7 months, it isn't that big of a deal really. P192 is pretty nice for what you want.

 

[unseengundam101]

I found the RAIDMAX SMILODON to be interesting. Anyone got any more info on that? Might not be better than the P182. The XCLIO Windtunnel doesn't seems ok.

As for keeping dust out, having NO intake fans seem make world of different. My 1 year+ HTPC has no intake fans and I just opened it after a long time. Looks basically spot less, didn't notice any dust anywhere (note I didn't look too hard for dust). However, my main PC with has side and front 120 mm intake I swear started getting dust after 1 month. In 1 year's time it was pretty dust compared to my spotless HTPC. I am sure a filter in the intake will help GREATLY if not completely get rid of most of the dust. In fact, I might try running my main box with no intakes also depending on what internal temps are at.

 

[Zepper]

Just getting your case up off the floor helps a lot with dust. The higher it is, the less dust it'll have to deal with. The Smilodon and similar (Spire Pininfarina, Sigma Phantom/Unicorn), all of which use the same basic chassis, are relatively compact and certainly don't have 6 hard drive bays (they have 4) - nor room for gigantic HSFs either.
. If you've changed your requirements, also take a look at the Ultra m998 (is about $30. cheaper now than a few weeks ago at some resellers - Under $100. from T-D). Amazon's listing points to T-D as well, so no point taking the side trip as shipping is cheaper if you go direct.

.bh.

 

[videogames101]

Originally posted by: thureen
I found the RAIDMAX SMILODON to be interesting. Anyone got any more info on that? Might not be better than the P182. The XCLIO Windtunnel doesn't seems ok.

As for keeping dust out, having NO intake fans seem make world of different. My 1 year+ HTPC has no intake fans and I just opened it after a long time. Looks basically spot less, didn't notice any dust anywhere (note I didn't look too hard for dust). However, my main PC with has side and front 120 mm intake I swear started getting dust after 1 month. In 1 year's time it was pretty dust compared to my spotless HTPC. I am sure a filter in the intake will help GREATLY if not completely get rid of most of the dust. In fact, I might try running my main box with no intakes also depending on what internal temps are at.

The P182 has filters on it's intake fans.

 

[unseengundam101]

Hmm, the Smilodon has 4x internal + 2x external 3.5 inch. Though it had 6. I know I will have 4 HD atleast, but might turn out to be 6 plus. I don't be getting the Smildon after all.

The Ultra m998 is ok, but I don't think it will have good airflow once I install 4-5 HDs. I currently have normal HD facing back (wire plugs). After putting in HD and all wires on back my 120 mm fan hardly push any air through all those HD/wires. The m998 migth be ok with just 2 or 1 HD but don't think its cut out for ton of them.

The Antec P182 or P180 still is the top for me, I will just have do without the MB tray. I will probably buy it next week unless I find something more fitting.