New case recommendation?

[Avalon]

Hey guys, I've been thinking about upgrading my case the past several weeks. I'm currently running my rig in a Coolermaster Cavalier 3 black case.

Linkage.

I like that the inside of my case is completely tool-less. The drive rails I find to be fantastic, and the PCI/PCI-e clips that hold cards into place get the job done. I also like the aesthetics of my case, but that's about where things end.

It only has room for three HDDs, wasting space on room for two floppies (I do use a floppy, though). Also, you can't do any sort of cable management, because you can't tuck cables anywhere, be it under the drive cages, or behind the left side panel. In addition, the case is very cramped. My Ultra-D reachs almost all the way to my HDDs, and any long graphics card (X1800GTO) renders one of my HDD slots useless.

Cooling isn't that great either, since it only has one 80mm front intake, one 120mm rear exhaust, and one 80mm side intake. This isn't too big of a deal, because if I really wanted I could just cut a larger hole for bigger/more fans, but it does leave something to be desired. Case is extremely heavy comparably speaking as well.

I'm wondering what you guys would suggest for a good case? I've got a budget of about $150. Cable management/degree of tool-less-ness/cooling is my primary concern, roominess my secondary, and aesthetics/# of HDD bays my last concern. I don't like flashy gaming cases for aesthetics, just something sleek and subtle

If you know of anything I might like, I'm all ears. Your thoughts are appreciated!

Jeff

 

[RallyMaster]

Go find a Lian Li full tower. Might be a bit more than you anticipated though. Either that or buy the Antec P180.

 

[Ika]

Lian Li cases if you can find them for your budget (PC-65 is a good case, so is V1000 if you can find one for $150). Otherwise you can get an Antec case (P150 or P180).

 

[Operandi]

The CoolerMaster Mystique RC-631 (WaveMasterII) just started showing up in retail and looks like a pretty nice all AL case that should fit you're requirements.

 

[Avalon]

In addition to those, I've also taken a look at The Silverstone Temjin TJ04, Thermaltake Soprano, and Thermaltake Swing...

I actually used to own a Lian Li PC60B three years ago, so I'm tempted to head back that route...hmm...

 

[pkme2]

Go with Lian-Li. I'm very satisfied with their design, construction and durability.

I so impressed, I now have 3.

 

[Bateluer]

Lian Li cases aren't cheap. Specially for a full tower.

 

[pkme2]

Since you listed a Coolermaster midtower above, I found my LL PC-60s via the eBay route, under $100. Worth every dollar, even at $138 new/or more. You owned a LL and you know what I mean. Naturally, it your choice. Good hunting.

 

[alilxmas]

Forget all the little cases, go for the monster Coolermaster CM Stacker http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/Products.aspx?pid=633

You have room to stick stuff in 10 bays (one is used already for power, a headset/mic jacks/6usb upfront and a 1934)

I have room to fit 8 HD's, 2 CD drives, a fan/light controller and another bank of switches, oh also my cigarette lighter and the little tray that comes with it.

First it fits almost any MoBo that I would put into a PC with E-ATX, ATX, m-ATX;BTX; m-BTX (needs an optional BTX a module)

Also my watercooling is all internal, (3) 120mm fans. And talk about airflow cooling it is fantastic, you can set it up with (2) 120 fans up front where you want them inistead of where the manufactures thigk wherer they should be Higher/Lower. Nice (1) 120 on back + (2) 80's on the back bottom if you wish. I dont know about what another person needs or wants much but I love this setup, where I have control, the removable mesh filters on front that pop out for eash cleaning in the sink, I could ramble on but no need to if you look at it.
Flaws Few :
(1) the thing comes with 1 floppy enclosure. only (1) 4-in-3 cage that holds the HD's
(2) Didn't like the vented side, with that mesh behind it, easily fixed with a circle piece of plexi glass.
(3) the tray where you sit the top PSU wasnt long enough to fit the PCC 1k Power Supply(it's 9" long) So I had to either have it sticking out the back 2" with homemade beackets to hold it in place, or cut the back part of the tray off, So I cut the thing off.
Working on my second build now and grabbed another I was so happy with the first...it is costly about 150-160+ free shipping.

But for the COOL Bling Bling factor factor I'd have to say the ASUS VENTO 3600 http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?modelmenu=1&model=379&l1=7&l2=37&l3=0

 

[Pyrokinetic]

I agree with alilxmas. The original Stackers (the T01 & 810) will easily handle all your needs. They can be had for roughly $140 to $150 new http://www.sundialmicro.com/Cooler-Master-Tower-Computer-Cases_1701.html. The potential airflow of these things is terrific (depending on the fans used) and can hold alot of gear.

I own a black 810 model, and I posted a review here:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=37&threadid=1834919