Looking for a specific type of case.

RyanGreener

Senior member
Nov 9, 2009
550
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Hello all, I'm building a desktop soon and I'm looking to make it last for awhile. I've got all the components ready, but here are the specifications I need for it to have.

1. Durable construction. This will be used for awhile for a couple of builds. I'm transferring some of my components to it, and of course, when future parts come out, I'm going to use it again.
2. No side panel window..
3. Needs a front intake/rear exhaust. Top exhaust would be preferred too.
4. Bottom mounted PSU.
5. Fits standard sized components. ATX PSU/Motherboard, etc.
6. Some form of cable management.
7. If possible, a CPU Backplate cutout for changing CPU coolers.
8. Mid tower.
9. Minimal fans included, since I'll be installing my own.

Budget: 70 bucks

Any suggestions?
 
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VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,587
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That sounds like an Antec 300, except for the part about the CPU backplate cutout.
 

llee

Golden Member
Oct 27, 2009
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I want to recommended either the CM 690 or CM 692, but they're slightly over your budget...
 

SmCaudata

Senior member
Oct 8, 2006
969
1,532
136
Coolermaster elite 430 has everything except cable routing behind the motherboard. It also has a side window. Only comes with one fan. Microcenter had it for $32 yesterday when I was there.
 

RyanGreener

Senior member
Nov 9, 2009
550
0
76

RyanGreener

Senior member
Nov 9, 2009
550
0
76
Coolermaster elite 430 has everything except cable routing behind the motherboard. It also has a side window. Only comes with one fan. Microcenter had it for $32 yesterday when I was there.

Is a case that cheap any good in durability? I'm looking for something that's thick, maybe 0.8mm stuff.
 

mindwreck

Golden Member
May 25, 2003
1,585
1
81
the lower cooler master cases are great. I use a lot of them when i build for friends or client machines.

but If it was my money. the lian-li is the best deal.
 

SmCaudata

Senior member
Oct 8, 2006
969
1,532
136
Is a case that cheap any good in durability? I'm looking for something that's thick, maybe 0.8mm stuff.

I was surprised at the build quality. The bay covers have foam to keep dust out. It is light but felt pretty study to me. I wouldn't stand on it. The cost saving are things like no rubber rings for the holes if you want to water cool. Also the front panel connectors could be longer. Little things like that but for $32 it would hold up for a few builds. Take a look at them in the store if you have a good computer store near you. It has tool free drive mounts and the cutout for the cpu. I just made a build for a friend with this. If use it for myself in a build if I needed a case. I really liked the black powder coated interior. I too would have prefered no side window.

The cases I know that are much nicer tend to be more than $80.
 
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RyanGreener

Senior member
Nov 9, 2009
550
0
76
I was surprised at the build quality. The bay covers have foam to keep dust out. It is light but felt pretty study to me. I wouldn't stand on it. The cost saving are things like no rubber rings for the holes if you want to water cool. Also the front panel connectors could be longer. Little things like that but for $32 it would hold up for a few builds. Take a look at them in the store if you have a good computer store near you. It has tool free drive mounts and the cutout for the cpu. I just made a build for a friend with this. If use it for myself in a build if I needed a case. I really liked the black powder coated interior. I too would have prefered no side window.

The cases I know that are much nicer tend to be more than $80.

I have a microcenter near me, I might pick one up if it's sturdy enough.