Looking for a Sturdy Light Weight Aluminum Case that isn't Ugly

[Blitz1775]

My Message is pretty simple I'm in the market for a new case due to building a new computer to replace one of my older ones. The case I'm using for my computer is an antec sonata. It was a good case except the case itself weighed 25 lbs.

My main reason for wanting this case is for Lan Party's I need something durable, but yet light. I am hoping one of you could help me with this. My hope is for the case to be less
10 lbs and be less than $150 if possible.

I am also hoping it looks good Black Preferable.

 

[Zepper]

Aspire Turbo Case X-Sonic. Very like the original Antec LanBoy inside and will fit the LanBoy carrying strap. About 10 lb w/o PSU. 15lb Gross shipping weight including 350W PSU. Link .
. Even this one has only .8mm Aluminum which will be pretty flimsy unless it's high quality, relatively stiff Al-Mg alloy (often called "aircraft grade"). The Aspire Turbo Server would work and is stronger (1.0mm Al). It is also about 15lb Gross with 400+W PSU. The PSU in the X-sonic is a L&C bottom feeder - dump it to a noob on eBay (or closet it for an emergency backup) and put in a real psu. They try to fool you with the PSU in the Server as the model begins with CWT (one would think Channel Well Technology, right - well, one would be wrong... ). Made by some unknown co. called Real Power etc. Handle this PSU as above.

I doubt you will find anything lighter that would be at all sturdy - though some out there are .6mm Al. IOW, made from heavy-duty Reynolds Wrap...

Some of these are available in the Chieftec or Chenming brand w/o PSU, but the price diff isn't much - a testament to the "quality" of those PSUs. :roll:

Enermax has the CS-517AL (and others with diff fronts) that I would estimate weigh about the same (can't find the spec on mfr web site) and are around $50. w/o PSU. These don't have any modern conveniences inside like drive rails, removable bays, etc. which the Aspires have.

All are available in at least Silver and Black and any with a window may weigh a bit more.

Some Skyhawk Al cases are being blown out for around $25. here and there - about what they're worth (some of those are .6mm)... Check the Newegg clearance section.

.bh.

:moon:

 

[Operandi]

If I were building a black PC for myself the CoolMaster Praetorian would be at the top of my list.

 

[Zepper]

Praetorian is a very nice box but it weighs about 14 lbs w/o PSU...
.bh.

 

[Blitz1775]

Thank you both for your comments I really appreciate it and I'm gonna go for the Aspire Case since it seems the better of the choices presented and I found it in black .

I will probably listen to your advice and get me a modular powersupply and another 80mm fan maybe more if i feel the color led's are evil.

 

[Zepper]

Enjoy!
. re. modular PSU - avoid the Ultra X-Connect modular PSU - it is substandard electronically. The TTGI (sold under the Link Depot name on Newegg and possibly MadDog at CrapUSA) one is pretty good for those on a budget. Other than that, stick with the well-respected brands and you'll be OK. Instead of selling the OE PSU, you might want to closet it for an emergency backup. I would feel guilty selling the L&C to anyone...
. Another thought: SVC.com et al. has a kit that you can mod any PSU to modular. It's pretty neat, but if you don't already have some tools (Dremel, soldering iron, contact crimper, etc) the cost can mount up and up...
. I found out recently (within the last 24 hrs) that the PSUs sold under the CoolerMaster name are also made by that Real Power company. I doubt they would risk their rep on total crap...

.bh.

:moon:

 

[Blitz1775]

Thanks and dont worry I was planning on getting the OCZ Modstream 450w since it was under just under 100 and heard good reviews ^^

 

[w00t]

get an xpc

 

[hondAS2ooo170]

centurion

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: Operandi
If I were building a black PC for myself the CoolMaster Praetorian would be at the top of my list.

that or the kingwin 424

 

[imported_KFC]

There's new Praetorian coming very soon.. Check Coolermaster homepage.

 

[Zepper]

Yup, the Kingwin 424 is one of my all-time favorite cases too, but with 2mm Al all around, it's as heavy as a good steel case.
.bh.