new case

[driggers]

well im basically building a new computer for when i go off to college, and i need another case (i have to leave one here for my mom). ive never done case mods, but i think id be pretty good with that kind of thing and i want it to look bad ass/tight. i want a case with a side window, that i can cool well very quietly. later i might add a top window. and as far as fans in the side window, ive read mixed things on how they help cooling, some just disrupts the airflow making it hotter, and some help taking heat away from the cpu. i would prefer it to be black, and the cheaper the better. most of them require a psu, if not ill prolly end up replacing it in the near future, for performance and quietness. suggestions for a quiet cheap psu are welcome too. here is a list that i've come up with. if there is anymore to add let me know. or if there is something that is really good or really bad about one of them.

Antec Plusview 1000

Enermax 710B Steel

CaseMaxx 610

Black Chenming UltraLan 301 Elite
Chenming UNEEC Steel Mini-Server Chassis w/ Side Window - Black
Aluminum Chenming UNEEC Mini-Server Chassis w/ Side Window - Black

350 Watt X-Dreamer Mid-Tower ATX Case - Black

Maxtop CSX-7788KEB-Win Case (the fan isnt within the side window make the window "L" shaped which id rather not have)

Solid Multimedia Case

 

[CoBRaXT]

If size isn't a problem, I would go with the Antec full tower you mentioned.
Make sure that it's an aluminum case though as steel cases tend to be much heavier and have higher case temps.

 

[Ardan]

Actually, Aluminum cases are only lighter. There have been more than one website out there that proves this. The CPU/HSF would need contact with the aluminum to dissipate it faster. My friend has an 1800+ Athlon XP and we both had Volcano 9's...mine was just a steel case and his was aluminum. My CPU idled around 110 F, and his idled around 109-110 F...under load it was basically the same, +/- 1 or 2 degrees. Steel cases are more rigid too, as seen in some Chieftec cases and others that i've seen that have riveted connectors at some edges to stabilize the case.

No, that is not blasphemy and I am going by facts. I would say to go with the one that has the most efficient design, aluminum or not.

 

[kaZ8Teen]

id go with the antec one. or the x-dreamer, it looks like a nice case. also has 4 intake fans

 

[MournSanity]

I have a black aluminum Cheiftec w/side window and cold cathode and 2 LED fans. It's awesome(and cheap).

 

[driggers]

The only bad thing for me about the Antec Case (im picky) is first its the most expensive, and I don't really like the side window. Too small, and the grating/fan grill on the side looks weird, plus I saw a review where a fan there actually make the case hotter.


The Chieftec is about the same, a lil cheaper and doesnt have the cut out. I love the X-Dreamer, I've read mostly good stuff about it, and its cheap and looks bad ass. Have ya'll heard anything bad about it? One last thing, do I have to get it from Newegg, and yes I know all the reliability stuff and all that, but its a case, it doesnt normally break. I think I remember seeing the Antec case for $68, instead of $95+, but then again it was prolly free shipping at Newegg, maybe not though.

 

[driggers]

top, help please

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

Do Not, i repeat, Do Not bring a fulltower case to college. Trust me, you will have very little room to fit a fulltower case in your dorm room, unless you have a single. I suggest you get a nice midtower case.

 

[driggers]

well its new on-campus housing...its basically a 4-bedroom apartment, my room will be bigger i believe than most normal dorms

i think im going with the X-Dreamer, just b/c it looks so cool already, i might add a top window later...and some led's...uv reactive stuff...maybe so biohazard grills/etchings. and its cheap, and has a 350watt psu, which will do for now. and great potential for cooling...unless yall have something bad to say?