Looking for case with side that opens without screws

[Jesustechie]

Hi. A buddy of mine is trying to build a PC, and I had thought we would go with the Antec 300 case (per AT's recommendations) but he's wondering if we could get a case that opens the one side without screws (like a lot of the older Dell Dimension cases). Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[Billb2]

Lian Li for one.

 

[Zap]

Nothing wrong with screws that a screwdriver can't fix. I personally prefer screws over anything toolless because parts are just more secure when screwed in, plus the chassis becomes more rigid.

There are some Antec cases (such as Sonata III), Thermaltake cases, NZXT cases... quite a few with side panel latches. Just look at the pics on Newegg.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Don't care for thumbscrews? They are just as quick, and don't require a screwdriver.

 

[Zepper]

I agree with Zap and as he said there are a number of cases with various kinds of latches on the left side door at least. The C-M Mystique 631 and 632 cases also have left side latches (svc.com has been running deals on these for some time), but you will want to add at least one t-screw to keep them from rattling (at least in some circumstances). The Mystique cases are fairly short and can't really handle the longest vid cards.
. The side panels on the Raidmax Smilodon and similar (Spire Pininfarina or Sigma Phantom/Unicorn) drop down from the top on a hinge-like rail and latch at the top with a spring-loaded latch handle. The whole mobo pan/ mobo and all drops down with the right side panel on these which makes working on them an easier job. Needless to say, cable management on those can be "fun"... These cases are all fairly narrow, so tall CPU heatsink/ fans may also be out of the question.

.bh.

 

[BassBomb]

My case has screws and then latch, I just leave the screws removed

 

[alkalinetaupehat]

I'm the same way with my case as BassBomb, and I would recommend the Antec 300 after getting a great deal on Newegg for it. Got it for a friend for Christmas and it is very well built for the price, good plastics and a smart layout; the case came with literally 30 thumbscrews! Only problem now is the old PSU popped and now the PC won't boot, even with a new power supply. Wire management is pretty straightforward, there's a section of the motherboard tray which has a hole with a rounded edge and serves as an area to stow extra cables out of sight and out of the way of front fans. Worked good even with a Silencer 750.

*Should also add that the front fans install easily to metal plates which swing off the front, the dust filter and side panel come off quickly, and so does the front panel.