looking to buy a case for new build

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Jskid

Jskid

Member
Feb 12, 2011
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I am looking for recommendations for a mid tower case. Here's what I'm looking for from highest priority to lowest

  1. sturdy/not a piece of junk
  2. usb 3
  3. LEDs
  4. side window
I'm looking at between $100-$200. I notice a lot of the cases claim they are "well built", "sturdy" etc. I obviously want a case that won't break itself but at the same time it doesn't need to be too strong i.e. it's not going to get kicked or knocked over
 
lsv

lsv

Golden Member
Dec 18, 2009
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LED fans or LEDs all over the place? There are some great cases with side windows which do not include LED fans by default.

Off the top of my head;

Corsair 650D
Lancool PC-K62
Antec 900
Silverstone Kublai
 
lsv

lsv

Golden Member
Dec 18, 2009
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Jskid said:
idk I'm new at this is there a gallery that shows the difference? Without a window can you even see LED fans?
Click to expand...

If you can see light you can see the LEDs... for the most part. Like say, LEDs at the front of a case and you'd see it.

For example here's an Antec 1200, even though it has a window it could have a windowless side panel and keep the LED fans at the front;

Antec_1200_Pics_005.jpg
 
lsv

lsv

Golden Member
Dec 18, 2009
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Ah nice the RV02, out of my price range unfortunately.
 
T

Topweasel

Diamond Member
Oct 19, 2000
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lsv said:
Ah nice the RV02, out of my price range unfortunately.
Click to expand...

Why its only $180ish?

I was going to recommend a HAF X (942) but now maybe not. It Buds right up to the $200 range. Maybe a Haf 932 Advanced?

Nvm, Noticed you weren't the the OP. OP might want to look at the Two top Haf models. But it depends on your taste.
 
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lsv

lsv

Golden Member
Dec 18, 2009
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Topweasel said:
Why its only $180ish?

I was going to recommend a HAF X (942) but now maybe not. It Buds right up to the $200 range. Maybe a Haf 932 Advanced?

Nvm, Noticed you weren't the the OP. OP might want to look at the Two top Haf models. But it depends on your taste.
Click to expand...

It was listed as $240 here while the 650D was $170. I didn't want to go over $200.
 
dawp

dawp

Lifer
Jul 2, 2005
11,347
2,710
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http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cases/2010/11/26/bitfenix-survivor-review/1

However, while the shell gives the Survivor a great look, it’s far from user friendly. Removing the side panels, secured by thumb screws, requires the removal of the two rear shell pieces, which inexplicably are secured by recessed Phillips-head screws and as such require a screwdriver to remove. Similarly, refitting the side panels is best done by completely removing the front fascia plate (which pulls away as one solid piece). This is a dreadful design decision and makes constant tinkering inside the Survivor a real headache. It means that once an upgrade has been installed, you’ll want to leave the side panel off while you check that the new hardware works – if you’re anything like us, that side panel might never find its way back on.
Click to expand...

that is a big minus for me as I am pulling my side panel off quite frequently. If you don't tinker with you system much, then it may be a non issue for for you.

here's a Lian Li case that is just inside your $200 mark with 2 usb 3.0 ports.
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=52444&vpn=PC-60FNWX&manufacture=LIAN-LI
 
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BoomerD

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,311
14,720
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If the OP truly wants a mid-tower, then I'd recommend the HAF 922.

Only one LED front fan, but more LED fans can be added as he desires.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119197

That's actually one of the many things I like about the HAF series of cases. They're not all lit up like Times Square on New Year's Eve...but for only a few $$, you can add some LED fans and have all the bling you want.

I prefer the larger HAF cases myself, and bought a HAF 932 for my recent build. I LOVE the HAF X (942) but couldn't justify the price.
THe "new" HAF X Blue Edition has multiple blue LED fans...might be just what he wants...but it's a BIG case.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119239
$189.

Edit...looks like the HAF 922 does not have the front USB 3.0. Many other CM cases DO however have that feature.
 
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sandorski

sandorski

No Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
70,790
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LED fans are so cheap and easily acquired that it seems unnecessary to include them in the search for a Case.
 
Jskid

Jskid

Member
Feb 12, 2011
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sandorski said:
LED fans are so cheap and easily acquired that it seems unnecessary to include them in the search for a Case.
Click to expand...
For that to work does the case need to have a window or the mesh covering the fans need to be a certain way so you can actually see the LEDs?
 
sandorski

sandorski

No Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
70,790
6,349
126
Jskid said:
For that to work does the case need to have a window or the mesh covering the fans need to be a certain way so you can actually see the LEDs?
Click to expand...

Not necessarily. Most fan cut outs will not be completely covered, except in a few cases for Front fans behind doors. It generally defeats the purpose of having fans that are covered that way though, it certainly impedes airflow.

That said, usually the use of LED fans is for showing off the internal hardware, so a side Window/Mesh would be appropriate, unless you just want the lighting for colour. That comes down to personal preference.
 
I

Interitus

Platinum Member
Jan 28, 2004
2,143
9
81
+1 for the Lancool K62.

Side window, blue LED fans stock, and excellent cable management options.

I just built a new system in a different case but you'll have to pry that Lancool from my dead hands.

Really cheap next to other cases I'd consider contenders.

-edit-

The K62 has one flaw IMO, and that's the top 140mm fans. Mounted horizontally, the sleeve bearing fans that shipped with it made a ton of noise. I replaced mine with Yate Loon LED fans and they lasted MUCH longer. Just something to think about. Not a big deal though, might cost you $20 more.
 
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Jskid

Jskid

Member
Feb 12, 2011
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Kenmitch said:
Just find a case you like and don't worry too much about USB 3.0 support as it can be added for a reasonable price to any case with a 3.5" external bay.

Here is an example one I found. Didn't search for anymore but it'll get the job done :)

http://cmstore.coolermaster-usa.com/product_info.php?products_id=664

rausb-3035-in-big.jpg


Just gotta put it in the bay and plug it into the MB header
Click to expand...
Is there any disadvantage to using this instead of using the ones on the motherboard? For example, if the adapter connects through PCI-E would it hinder the speed of USB 3?
 
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