Please help me find a case for my next build

[The Keeper]

Looking for a new case has been incredibly frustrating because I just can't find one that I'd like. Hopefully the fine folks at Anandtech have some good suggestions.

My criteria:
- ATX.
- No windowed side panel, or one that is entirely glass. I don't want to see the guts of my computer unless I remove the panel.
- No extra LEDs. I will be leaving power and HDD LEDs unattached as well.
- Quiet.
- Tool-less.
- Aesthetically pleasing, although preferably nothing that screams "Hey, look at me!".
- Front panel: 2x USB 3, audio in, audio out.
- Easy to install a system into, easy to tinker with afterwards.
- Side panel easy and fast to remove and put back.
- Has room for one large dual-slot GPU.
- Good airflow with sufficient number of fans included.
- 2x 2.5", 1x 3.5", 1x 5.25" should suffice.
- Good build quality.

I will be keeping this PC on 24/7 and in my bedroom. Hence why I like to to keep noise and lights to minimum.

The closest I've found are cases from Fractal Design. My current case is from them as well but I'm not happy with the side panel it has, so I am wary of getting another Fractal Design.

Thank you in advance.

 

[UsandThem]

Since you don't say what what model of Fractal Design you have, I'm not sure of the whole 'side panel is difficult to take off and put back in' issue. Is removing the side panel something you do several times a day or something?

I still will recommend the Fractal Design R5. To remove the side panel you loosen two thumb screws, and then push down a lever. Takes about 10 seconds, if that.

-Quiet -- Check
-Supports a ton of fans -- Check
-Minimalist design -- Check
-One LED --Check
-Supports large cards -- Check
-Good airflow (with added fans) -- Check
-Front panel USB/audio -- Check
-Tooless -- Check

 

[The Keeper]

It's the Fractal Design Arc Midi that I have. From the get-go the panel was difficult to put back unless the case was laying down, with the open side facing up. So after several years of use the hooks are bent or gone entirely. With the hooks now in such state, I have to put the case on its side, open side facing up if I want to put the side panel back without having to fight it 5 minutes. It's the worst side panel I've had to use in all my years of building my own PCs.

Elsewhere I got a suggestion for Corsair Carbide 600Q. The person who suggested it doesn't have it himself. There's also 400Q. Although the 400Q doesn't have any 5.25" bays, I can't remember when I used my blu-ray drive the last time... Does anybody have long-term experience with these two?

 

[UsandThem]

Now that I know what your issues are with the side panel, I can say the R5 does not have that kind of issue.

I own two of them, and both have been nothing but flawless, with no issues with the side panels.....Or really anything for that matter.

 

[aigomorla]

phantek enthoo
fractal design

if you want to get a bit pricey... possibly a lian li....

how much exactly is your budget?

 

[The Keeper]

I can put down a few hundred bucks no problem.