Looking for a case..

[Cyberkiller6]

Got a really good deal on a p4 3ghz 800fsb and a intel springdale mobo. Now I need a decent case/psu to run it. I don't have a very big budget so im looking torwards the 30-60 dollar range with shipping. The cpu won't be o/c'd or anything, just need a reliable psu to keep her runnin.

 

[Ness]

"reliable" and "$30-60" usually don't go well together.... especially when you consider that shipping alone may be around $30 on a case.

If, however, you've planned for that and that's not a part of the budget, I would look around for one of the many cheiftech cases that are so popular, they have a tendency to have some good prices (40-60 range, if you look around) and fit almost any need.

 

[Corporate Thug]

30-60 for BOTH the case and PSU is hard, in fact antecs and enermax PSU start aroung the $50 case, get any old case you can get your hands on and try to spends as much as you can on the PSU (350W fortron at newegg was 32 or 33 bucks last time i checked)

 

[boyz]

www.pccanada.com, www.directron.com

 

[wasssup]

though this is probably above your budget, you could always order an Antec Plusview 1000AMG from staples, add some free-after-rebate stuff so you can use a coupon, and then try calling later to pricematch the case to another e-tailer...

I found it someplace for $68 shipped, and after using the $50 off $200 coupon (combined with the free-after-rebate peachtree 2003), I got my 1000amg for around $18 :Q

Staples rebates are pretty reliable, so i'm not too worried about the rebate...

*EDIT* oh yeah, the $50 off $200 coupon expires TODAY. So if you're gonna do this, better do this soon...AT hates coupons, so head over to f@twallet...

 

[bootoo]

Check out the xoxide x-dreamer cases although after shipping they might be over your budget. Also a place called microcenter (can't remember the addie, sorry, you can search) has some basic cases for like $25 and up.

 

[bootoo]

svc.com's front page sales have some cases also from $29 to $35.

 

[crystalfusion]

I was thinking of buying the Enermax CSX305LS Silver Tower Case 350W P.S. for a similar setup. Anyone used it or recommend it? Enermax $58.00

 

[calvink]

That's pretty cheap, I got one the black one for $70 then another one for $60. It works pretty well. However, the fan spots in the back don't let much air out. I reccommend taking a dremel and cutting it out and buying a fan grill for <$1. The power supply is good for it's price, but its only has one fan.

 

[Cerb]

One of the Evercase E4252 cases from Newegg. For a powerful gaming rig the PSU might not quite cut it, but should for normal use, and the sparkle one surely should manage just fine. They start at $50 (shipped) w/ a 300w Enhance PSU.

The Enermax ones looks pretty good, but what about shipping?

 

[crystalfusion]

Ground is $15 tho.. Total: $73.00

How is the noise on the fan? I'm hoping to use it for a p4 2.8 w/o OC but not very noisy.

 

[Crucial]

$59 shipped

You will not be disappointed with this enlight case/psu. It's black but can be had in beige for $58 shipped if you don't like black.

 

[Tetsuo]

Originally posted by: csaddict
$59 shipped You will not be disappointed with this enlight case/psu. It's black but can be had in beige for $58 shipped if you don't like black.

That is a nice case

I like how the side panel is on backwards

 

[crystalfusion]

csaddict how is the noise level of that PSU? I am thinking maybe i should buy a nice noiseless or one with variable speed fans. like this one HERE

 

[Crucial]

Don't waste your money. The psu is nearly silent. I just built a system using this case for use in a psycologists office. If you try and listen for it you can barely hear it. Noise was one of his main concerns because he sees patients in that room.

 

[crystalfusion]

I am nearly sold.. 2 things i wanted were aluminum (this is JIS steel ) and audio connections in the front.. hmm

 

[Cerb]

Originally posted by: crystalfusion
csaddict how is the noise level of that PSU? I am thinking maybe i should buy a nice noiseless or one with variable speed fans. like this one HERE

Crystalfusion, the Enlight PSUs are about as loud as they get (my comp uses an Enlight 300w and my case is only differentiated with the one linked by being white and not having front USBs), which is why I will not recommend Enlights. They aren't amazingly loud (not like retail Athlon HSF), but the Enhance PSUs are quieter. Also, the case reverberates with fans, making it loud even with very quiet fans. Also, it won't take long for the fan included to become loud and whiny. After using the Evercase E4252, no more Enlights for me.

The Evercase comes with as good a PSU, is quieter right off the bat, and can be made dead silent with minimal effort (quiet PSU and fans instead of buying w/ a PSU). It has great airflow as is, so as long as cables are tucked off to the side (or anywhere that doesn't get in the way of the air), the cooling is fine with just a rear exhaust fan (Enermax adjustable 80mm at minimum is my preference, but the inlcuded one works fine).
IMO, you don't get better cases until you move up to the Chieftec ones (and higher). It's only downside is that it is a bit cramped--but no more than the said Enlight.
http://www.silentpcreview.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=75&page=2

 

[amdskip]

Evercase from newegg, white or black and it has a power supply too.

 

[Cerb]

Originally posted by: crystalfusion
I am nearly sold.. 2 things i wanted were aluminum (this is JIS steel ) and audio connections in the front.. hmm

aluminum won't be quite as quiet as steel, and won't come at a $60 max (why, I don't know). Front audio connectors...you should wait a bit and get a 3.5" or 5.25" bay gizmo for them (or do a wee bit of modding ).

 

[crystalfusion]

Not sure which of these is the right one according to the website on quietness... they all look similar but non but the last has the audio thing on front (and its sold out) and it also has a Sparkle PSU.. ideas on which one is best or are they the same?
newegg cases

ahh just found out.. those are different option plates i can get from Evercase!

 

[crystalfusion]

EVERCASE Model# E4252-PCT (BEIGE) ATX 300 Watts MID-TOWER CASE with Fan Duct- RETAIL

i don't think i need over 300w for 2hd 2cdr/dvdr and p4 2.8ghz right?

I think thats what I will get.. I would pref the black I think, but I don't care that much. Just want it to sit there and let me never think about it being bad or a problem. I'll buy it on monday so you have until then to tell me something different. With shipping $54.. sweet!

 

[0roo0roo]

i suggest either the chieftec dragon or x-pider. they come with 400-420watt psus generally, and the aluminum versions are very light. http://www.case-mod.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=43_81&products_id=165 very nice aluminum one here for 77bux. a steal. other colors cost more.

you shouldn't cop out on the case. mysterious crashes from poor psu, not worth it. case lasts through several upgrades. trying to save money on case is bad bad idea. not to mention working in a nice big well laid out/engineered case is much nicer. with the one i linked the drives are on rails, and the 3" bays come out totally with a flip of a latch. there are good fan mounts all over with real ventilation, not tiny obstructed holes. you can lock people out too front door covers power/reset buttons, so locking it is semi useful. door covers ugly drives too

your spending on a premium processor, don't cheap out on the case.

its like buying a nice car with really shoddy tires.

 

[Compddd]

 

[Compddd]

Directron had the Xaser III V2000A all aluminum case on sale for only 178$, so I jumped on that real quick seeing how everyone else wants 210-230$ for it.

 

[Crucial]

To each his own I guess. I suggest the enlight because of extensive experience with the case. We built over 150 pc's using that case for my previous job and there were no reverberation problems when you add fans. The case is very solidly built has a great 5-1/4in drive mouting system and is a breeze to work with.

Whatever you choose I hope you find something that works good right out of the box. Good luck.