Need to pick new case ASAP(planned one out of stock)

[Caldenfor]

Hopefully Zepper and the crew swing by and catch this. My case tabs came broken and I am getting it refunded, but the case is currently out of stock so I can't purchase another one of the same kinda yet. I don't want to wait because quite frankly I fear it won't be big enough for all of my components, beware the size of the Thermalright Ultra 120! HA! I am leaning towards Lian-Li, I am choosing to go more functional than flare and need to pick out a solid case before the end of the afternoon. I can go up to $175 tops, preferably less than $150. Thanks for the input I will be browsing around myself, just wanted to get a help post out!

Thanks,
Dave

*Edit*
Preferably 120mm exhaust and 120mm intake btw. Must be able to fit a Thermalright Ultra 120(the thing is a beast LOL).

 

[Evacide]

a good cheap lian li is the lian li pc 7 plus II
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112099

 

[Caldenfor]

Well I still like the Smilodon I guess, just very scared it won't be able to fit the Thermalright Ultra 120, case is 8 inches wide, but I am guessing thats from outside to outside and the heatsink itself is 160.5mm, without any mountings/motherboard measurements included.

Dave

*Edit*
LIAN LI PC-7B plus II Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
LIAN LI PC-60APLUSII W Silver Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
SILVERSTONE SST-TJ05B-X Black Aluminum front panel/door, 0.8mm SECC body ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum/Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WB Black SECC STEEL ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Are some of the cases other than the Smilodon that I am looking into. The Silverstone I am not sure which model, but the TJ05 seemed like it may fit the Ultra 120, the Lian Li are just windowed Lian Lis I was looking at. I don't need all the flare any more, just want a solid case that can run quiet with good airflow, window is just a bonus. I like a below $100 price, but I also enjoy quality components. The Smilodon is nice setup, I just fear it wouldn't fit the Ultra 120 and it doesn't come with a natural rear 120mm fan spot.

 

[Caldenfor]

Word from Newegg, I can order ANY case and get my free 3 day shipping, not just if I wait for the Smilodon to come in stock. I hate case shopping.

Dave

 

[Zepper]

Aerocool CoolView or Masstige (Bay Dream) - the CoolView basically gives you a GateWatch temp monitor/fan controller for free over the Masstige. Since the CoolView has been discontinued, it is possible to find cheap or with rebates. One 120mm front fan mount (fits in 5" bays) comes with - others like the Scythe can be added or come with drive cages like the Lian Li 34 or CM 4-in-3. The Aerocools have their foibles, but overall are nice cases - I'd block off the 3 side fans as I wouldn't be mounting any HDD's in the internal bays - I'd be using an HDD cage as mentioned above. I call the CoolView/Masstige "the poor-mans Stacker".

The iStar Nitro that others have mentioned is a nice case too.

And there is always the CoolerMaster (spedial edition) Blue Stacker from svc.com for $80. AR + s/h.

.bh.

 

[Caldenfor]

I was looking at some Temjins and Lian-Lis, nice basic look with a window is what I am going for, the Smilodon was nice, but not something I am looking to get again. I already have the 120mm Denki and 2 120mm Yateloons, not expensive to replace, but the 120mm is supposed to run quieter than 80mms. Lowering the maximum budget to $150 bucks, decided I would like a nice case to last now rather than having to upgrade and transfer in a year or so.

Dave

 

[gamefreakgcb]

Get the Antec SOLO, no window but its a very good silent case (even SCPR liked it), its basically a black P150. If you've got a FRY's near you, they have it on sale for 69 bones. I would love to get it but my Smilodon is on the way and I have no FRY's near by.

 

[Zepper]

Let me reiterate - CoolView - look at both the Newegg site and the Aerocool site (linked from Newegg's detail page) for different views of it - imagine the possibilities...

.bh.

 

[gamefreakgcb]

Holy ****, thats a NICE case. Man why didn't I see that one. but the window would be pointless for me since its on the opposite side.

 

[Caldenfor]

It looks interesting, bottom powersupply though? Built for the south paws? I just don't know, might be too good for me to understand the possibilities lol. No Fry's nearby sorry Gamefreak, gotta order from Newegg.com. It definitely looks interesting Zepper, just seems very different than other cases and I am not sure I understand the qualities that make it really good. I guess I really like the look, but please explain what makes it so sweet, I may be able to plan my next computer desk to have it to the left of me =0 It is the same width as the Smilodon so it might have the same issues fitting the Ultra 120.

Dave

 

[gamefreakgcb]

Its a fully inverted solution so should actually work better than the P180 (half inverted, PSU on the bottom, mobo in the same place as normal cases for which you need to have extra long PSU cables). Hows this?

 

[Caldenfor]

gamefreak, who the hell is that rich here? Come on now son! lol. The fully inverted part I didn't catch. Back to the pcitures. No front fan?

Dave

 

[gamefreakgcb]

Well, its supposed to be better for cooling. Give it a try, since they said they'll give you free shipping. The front has a good LCD readout too (better than the generic displays many come with). Gotta go but read some reviews and than decide.

 

[Caldenfor]

It looks cool, but the Newegg reviews were not very friendly over all. I liked the LCD display, but the fans that come with the case are the wrong connection/wire count or whatever, 3 pin 4 pin I think they were complaining about so the original fans couldn't be used even if you wanted to. It may be a bit too tricky for my first case even if it does look that cool, but since its my first I don't know if I would be able to handle it or not lol. I wouldn't mind at all having a south paw (lefty) case, would allow me to stand out a bit at a party!(no I don't go to LAN parties lol). I ordered the Enhance 5150GH powersupply, haven't checked if its intake or exhaust onboard, but the reviews suggested ordering an exhaust one. So many damn cases so many people with complaints, just hard to pick out the good from the bad.

Dave

 

[Zepper]

The air flow for the PSU is isolated - intake via 120mm fan from the bottom - exhaust thru the rear. PSU fan should never ramp up. Can put 120 mm fan in front of any 3 of the TEN 5" drive bays. 120mm in the rear. $40. fan controller/temp monitor for free. Add HDD cages for up to 12 HDDs (14 if you use it's own HDD bays too. Most of the cust reviews on the Egg mention its weight- sturdy. Top mounted ports. Toolless drive bays. Etc. Not likely that anyone you know will have one...

Check some of the other reviews of it around the web on the fan boy sites for other perspectives.

If I didn't get that, I'd get the iStar Nitro.

.bh.

 

[gamefreakgcb]

I have sworn off anymore part shopping till next year. Now I have 3 High-End heatsinks and 1 case on the way for which I am having second thoughts, plus a 7900gto that I'm not even gonna use since I leave for South Africa studies for a year. So please do not tempt me anymore AT.

 

[Caldenfor]

Well if it has a solid front and no vents on the front how can it actually intake just seems like it would push air and not really bring anything new to the climate inside. I won't need 10 Hard drives, but more space never really hurt anyone. I like the look of the Coolview more than the Nitro. The fan controller/moniter does look really nice, I could run 120mm exhaust, 120mm heatsink, 120mm front(if it actually does anything) and an LED 80mm on the side or something for the lights. I haven't done any research on the pins and such, but I have already ordered the Denki and 2 Yate Loons so I am not sure they would be compatible with the built in controller or not. I have the 5150GH Enhance coming in on monday and I am just being overly cautious. If it can fit the Thermalright Ultra-120, make use of the 5150GH and run cool, it seems like it would work for me. Ordering the Smilodon taught me a ton just because before I didn't pay attention enough to size of heatsinks/case and such. Being the same width I just fear the Ultra 120 won't be able to fit.

Dave

*Edit* Why was it discontinued? That is troubling to hear. Discontinued makes me think not profitable which makes me think piece of crap.... I just worry a ton... I think gamefreak could use a little more finicky practices with his ordering habits!

 

[Corporate Thug]

http://www.svc.com/stc-t01-ubk.html

 

[Caldenfor]

The coolermaster is a nice case.. but can I find it at Newegg? I think it would only be fair that I order there for the help dealing with my broken case. Hell they are letting me pick something different any way.

Dave

 

[gamefreakgcb]

They're letting you pick a case at the same price point or they have a limit? How 'bout a centurion 5? Check the second last post in cable management thread for my pics. Was able to fit a ninja in it.

 

[Caldenfor]

Any case I want, free 3 day shipping. They basically refunded the first and are saying here have another free shipping. Guessing I don't get the shipping cost refunded from the first one so I would feel like I am losing out.. I think lol.

Dave

I actually think I am going for a Silver case rather than black so it won't look as dirty... I am such a scumbag lol.

*Edit 2*
Getting out of work now, will continue this once I get home.

 

[MadAmos]

Try the Thermaltake Swing VB600 series. I just got the silver one and it has lots of room and options for fitting drives. The cable routing works out super clean for me with a GA 965p DS. Add a front 120 mm fan and if you want you can leave out the hard drive mounting cage (just 4 screws to remove) and use a 51/2" adaptor for unresticted air flow. IMHO you cant go wrong for the price it is even available in silver or black with or with out a window.

Amos :beer:

 

[gamefreakgcb]

I have the swing and I dont like it. I was looking at the Tsunami though. Look at the second last post in HERE for my pics of the Centurion 5. Cheap, sturdy, functional. the 120MM front intake can be easily added like I shown in the second pic. This is the case I am replacing with the Smilodon. I was able to install the Ninja with the fan in this case.

 

[Caldenfor]

Yea I am mostly worried about being able to fit my Thermalright Ultra 120 in the case I buy. Silverstone Temjins and Lian-Lis seem like they would be the safe bet to fit the heatsink in. The Coolview does look nice and I read up on how the front 120mm would work out nicely, but its the same width as the Smilodon so I am not sure the Ultra 120 would fit. The things the Coolview have are quite nice and the case seems like it would be nice. Do Ultra 120s even fit in mid towers? I mean damn the thing is huge. I am going to try and figue out how much space the mobo, bracket and heatsink would take.

Dave

 

[Zepper]

The Thermalright is 6" tall why is there a clearance problem? I can see where there might be due to the latch on the Smilodon, but maybe not on the CoolView. IAC, I gues you should try find out beforehand.

I suppose a good rule of thumb to promulgate from this is to only buy an oversized HSF after assembling the other parts and measuring. Would save a lot of buyer's remorse... We should kick this yen for ePeePees... There are plenty of HSFs out there of reasonable size that would work as well.

.bh.