New Case Time...Need Ideas

[dmw16]

I was looking at those cases with the paint jobs a such, wow...my case would make some of you feel ill. Right now it is a steel box, the front broke off and the sides had to go to keep temperatures down. So now it is time for a new case. I dont want to spend more than $100(doesnt have to include a power supply). I dont really want to go for a full tower, Im hoping to keep it under 20" tall. Im running a T-Bird 900Mhz, One 7200RPM drive, One 5400RPM drive, and 2 optical drives and I need something that will allow me to put my drives in and still give me some space so I dont end up with a jumble of cables and a big hot spot near my drives. Any suggestions? The looks really dont matter much, I just want something effective. If you post suggestion could you please post a link to where I can see/buy the case?
thanks,
-doug

 

[Insomnium]

The FongKai FK-603 is a favorite. Find it at Directron. Buy it without the 250w PS if you already have a good one.

 

[shiner]

Another vote for the Fong Kai 603. I have built countless PC's for myself and other people and have never encountered a case I like as much as this one. Great looks and very functional!

Directron does have the best price on it and they shipped it to me in 2 days via standard shipping.

 

[ZeroBurn]

what do you guys think about the 320 they have ? it's a little pricier however. is the 603 better, price not an issue ?

 

[Insomnium]

From the ArsTechnica and Anandtech reviews, the 320 is basically just roomier inside and comes with a 300w PS as opposed to the 250w. If you want to do a comparison between them, read the reviews from both those sites and decide. There are other subtle differences. I think both those cases are really cool, but the FK-603 will cost the same as the FK-320 if you upgrade its PS to 300w so why not just get the bigger one for the same price?

 

[AznBruin03]

How about an Antec Sx830 or Sx1030? Both are great cases and very roomy.

 

[ericd]

I would put the SX830/1030 above the 603 and I own both of them. Installing 5.25 drives in the 603 in a pain in the a$$. Other than that gripe the 603 is descent, not as good at cooling as the Antecs though.

Eric

 

[SuperGroove]

Easy. Enlight 7237.


4 5 1/4" Bays
3(1 hidden) 3.25" Floppy bays
Power supply is on top, mother board is below. This means, the power supply will not infringe on tall heatsinks.
Easy Rail system.
One 80MM fan included, with room for one more
Good air circulation.
Can be modded.


my GHZ seems to like it

 

[hagbard]

I rather like my two Elan Vital t-10 cases, good circulation at 24c, but I am having trouble with the P3 650 running @46 full (not the case's fault, IMO). As I've said many times in recent days, avoid Antec as they offer no customer support or be prepared to replace the ps.

...hag

 

[hagbard]

I rather like my two Elan Vital t-10 cases, good circulation at 24c, but I am having trouble with the P3 650 running @46 full (not the case's fault, IMO). As I've said many times in recent days, avoid Antec as they offer no customer support or be prepared to replace the ps.

...hag

 

[dadx2mj]

Another vote for the Antec Sx830 or SX1030 these cases are great offer excelent cooling, are well made and roomy.