Matx options?

[Terzo]

When I upgraded my processor a while back I went with a matx motherboard since I don't need a ton of expansion slots and I wanted to leave the option of switching to a matx case open (currently using a Centurion 5).

What I'm looking for is aesthetics (subjective, I know), tower orientation, atx psu support, and reasonably quiet. A sturdy build is also preferable, so I would tend to shy away from aluminum.

I've looked around for a while but I haven't really been able to find something that is aesthetically pleasing, reasonably priced, reasonably sized, and still in production. I think the Coolermaster 340 would be perfect for me, but it seems like I'm a bit late to the party, and I don't care for the look of the 341/342 replacement. I know the TJ-08 is supposed to be the same thing, but I don't like the look of its front panel, and it costs twice as much as the 340 did without offering anything extra.
The Antec NSK 3480 seems nice, but the price is a bit on the high side. If I could get it for around $50 or $60 without a psu, that would be much more tempting. The Antec mini p180 seems like a better choice for the cost (slightly cheaper, actually), except it's mini in name only. I actually liked the look of the Inwin Allure (yes, turn in my man card) but it doesn't seem to be as well built or designed as the aforementioned cases.
I know that Silverstone and Lian Li put out quality cases, but I've looked at their offerings and nothing really appeals to me.

It seems like the mini p180 would be the best available case for me. Strong chassis, reasonably quiet, and not too expensive. But then I think about the size, and ask myself why should I bother switching from my Centurion 5 to it. I feel like if I'm going matx I may as well take advantage of the smaller form factor.

Hmm, are there any new matx cases coming out from the big names?

 

[Zap]

Alright, man card revoked!

Do you like your Centurion 5? If so, Cooler Master makes a mATX case that looks just like it, the Centurion 541. I've done a build in one and it was decent. Only issue is that if you have a long graphics card (maybe longer than 9.5" or 10") then you have to remove the FDD bays.

The Athenatech A301BS has the same chassis as the Silverstone TJ08 and Cooler Master Elite 340, with a different face. You can check with Cooler Master's online outlet because I've seen the Elite 340 show up on there for $20.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

A sturdy build, so you shy away from aluminum? You haven't seen a good aluminum case then.

Anyways, in the $50-60 range the mini P180 would be a good choice.

 

[Terzo]

Alright, man card revoked!

Do you like your Centurion 5? If so, Cooler Master makes a mATX case that looks just like it, the Centurion 541. I've done a build in one and it was decent. Only issue is that if you have a long graphics card (maybe longer than 9.5" or 10") then you have to remove the FDD bays.

The Athenatech A301BS has the same chassis as the Silverstone TJ08 and Cooler Master Elite 340, with a different face. You can check with Cooler Master's online outlet because I've seen the Elite 340 show up on there for $20.

If Coolermaster stocks it every now and then, that's probably my best option. I checked and I don't see any now; when is the last time you saw one? If not, the 541 seems like a decent alternative (I do like the look of the Centurion 5), though I wonder about the reversed motherboard layout. Did you have any issues with that and your video card?

A sturdy build, so you shy away from aluminum? You haven't seen a good aluminum case then.

Anyways, in the $50-60 range the mini P180 would be a good choice.

I was always under the impression that the steel cases are generally sturdier. I suppose it's because they generally weigh more. What would you consider a good aluminum case?

Also, the mini P180s I've seen are at around $80. Where have you found them in the 50-60 range? That would be quite tempting at that price point.

 

[Zap]

If Coolermaster stocks it every now and then, that's probably my best option. I checked and I don't see any now; when is the last time you saw one?

Over Summer. Haven't really checked since then, but ya never know.

If not, the 541 seems like a decent alternative (I do like the look of the Centurion 5), though I wonder about the reversed motherboard layout. Did you have any issues with that and your video card?

No, why would there be issues? I mentioned the only one, which was interference with the (removable) FDD bays for longer cards. I put a 9800 GTX in that build, which was 10.5" long.

I was always under the impression that the steel cases are generally sturdier. I suppose it's because they generally weight more. What would you consider a good aluminum case?

You must have never worked with an original Lian Li PC-60. That thing was as solid as can be.

There really aren't many mATX aluminum cases beyond the typical cube style, but for towers Silverstone makes some (SG04? with and w/o handle on top) and Lian Li made one that is now discontinued, and is coming out with another one soon (PC-A05?). Lian Li currently has one but it really is a cube turned sideways.

Also, the mini P180s I've seen are at around $80. Where have you found them in the 50-60 range? That would be quite tempting at that price point.

They go on sale for that price range.

 

[Terzo]

The SG04 and A05 actually look pretty good, but the price tags are scaring me. I think I'll wait and see if the 340 pops up again while keeping an eye on the prices for the 541, 3480, and mini p180.

 

[Zap]

There's also the Lian Li PC-A05 which I don't think is out yet and will probably be even more expensive, but should be a better design.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Lian Li and Silverstone both create amazingly strong alum enclosures. I have one, and it's a beautiful case. Cheap alum cases suck (i.e. super thin sheet metal type crap) compared to steel. If the alum is of sufficient thickness though, it will beat out steel in str:lbs ratio.

That said, a good alum enclosure costs more than just about any good steel enclosure.