SOLVED: Looking at these 3 cases. Any comments?

Herkulese

Golden Member
Jan 24, 2001
1,151
0
0
I had this in General Hardware, and simply missed the fact that there was a cases and cooling forum. It was suggested that it be placed here so I did and corrected the middle link
______________________________________________

I am shopping for a new case for the major upgrade that I am doing, and am considering on of these three from Newegg, and would like any comments or experience that may be out there.

The build will be as follows:

Power Supply - Antec True 480
CPU - Phenom II x4 965
Mobo - Gigabyte 970A-UD3
Video - Onboard
Audio - Onboard
Hard Drives - 2 SATA (Platter)
DVD burner - 1 SATA

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147170

Rosewill LINE GLOW ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
2x USB 3.0 front mounted
2x USB 2.0 front mounted
3x 5.25 external drive bays
16.5" Tall
$54

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133255

Thermaltake Urban R21 Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (CA-1A6-00M1WN-00)
2x USB 3.0 front mounted
Audio ports front mounted
4x 5.25 external drive bays
17.2" tall
$59

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133224

Thermaltake Urban Series S21 VP800A1W2N Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Mid-tower Chassis
2x USB 3.0 Front mounted
Audio ports front mounted
3x 5.25 drive bays
1x 3.50 drive bay
17.2" tall
$69

Not a heck of a lot of difference other that looks, especially with the third one that has the full mesh front. I am not sure how I would like that, and would like comments on this feature.

Also, I am given to understand that RoseWill is NewEgg's store brand. Can anyone comment on this or there quality?

Thanks in advance
 
Last edited:

Tweakin

Platinum Member
Feb 7, 2000
2,532
0
71
I had this in General Hardware, and simply missed the fact that there was a cases and cooling forum. It was suggested that it be placed here so I did and corrected the middle link
______________________________________________

I am shopping for a new case for the major upgrade that I am doing, and am considering on of these three from Newegg, and would like any comments or experience that may be out there.

BTW: I have a nice Antec True 480 power supply.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147170

2x USB 3.0 front mounted
2x USB 2.0 front mounted
3x 5.25 external drive bays
16.5" Tall
$54

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133255

2x USB 3.0 front mounted
Audio ports front mounted
4x 5.25 external drive bays
17.2" tall
$59

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133224

2x USB 3.0 Front mounted
Audio ports front mounted
3x 5.25 drive bays
1x 3.50 drive bay
17.2" tall
$69

Not a heck of a lot of difference other that looks, especially with the third one that has the full mesh front. I am not sure how I would like that, and would like comments on this feature.

Also, I am given to understand that RoseWill is NewEgg's store brand. Can anyone comment on this or there quality?

Thanks in advance

Links don't work for me either...
 

Herkulese

Golden Member
Jan 24, 2001
1,151
0
0
Links are broken for me... how about just listing the name of each case?

The links have been replaced, and the Newegg titles (names) have been added.

The links evidently broke when I, stupidly, moved this post from General Hardware the way that I did.

By the way, I have PM'd the General Hardware moderator to enlist his help to correct this issue of the wrongly moved thread.
Again, the links now work.
 

Charlie98

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2011
6,292
62
91
I like the 3rd case the best, 'cause I like cases with doors, but at $80 price point there are some very nice cases that are competing with it.
 

DigDog

Lifer
Jun 3, 2011
14,095
2,571
126
kinda horribad cases all of them ...
question: are you building this just for web surfing and such? (onboard video)
if so, you could go for a small form factor case, there's many very nice ones (corsair makes a great looking one, the 250d i believe)
 

Herkulese

Golden Member
Jan 24, 2001
1,151
0
0
kinda horribad cases all of them ...
question: are you building this just for web surfing and such? (onboard video)
if so, you could go for a small form factor case, there's many very nice ones (corsair makes a great looking one, the 250d i believe)

I would like a smaller form factor case, but many of those state that they are micro ATX and I have a full ATX board.
 

Charlie98

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2011
6,292
62
91
...but WOW, that one is way to Asgardian for my taste......

:eek:

I was thinking more along these lines...

Nanoxia NDXS4B,

NZXT Source 220,

Corsair Carbide 200R,

Fractal Core 3000,

and, of course, the Fractal R4

All 3 of the cases you listed mount the HDDs lengthwise, which I don't care for... I like them mounted across the width, but that is just a personal preference. It does make the case wider, certainly.

If you went mATX, well... that's a whole other story. :biggrin:
 
Last edited:

FAQdaworld

Member
Jan 23, 2014
52
0
0
kinda horribad cases all of them ...
question: are you building this just for web surfing and such? (onboard video)
if so, you could go for a small form factor case, there's many very nice ones (corsair makes a great looking one, the 250d i believe)

You need to seriously think about what the purpose of your computer is going to be, and what all needs to go inside it. From there you can decide on looks (like whether you want a computer that looks like a transformer, or just a sleek black case).

That being said, I dont particularly like rosewill or thermaltake cases. I have a NZXT switch 810, and a corsair 400R. Corsair makes beautiful cases (IMHO) that are also highly functional, unfortunately none of the ones currently available met my needs.
 

Herkulese

Golden Member
Jan 24, 2001
1,151
0
0
:eek:

I was thinking more along these lines...

Nanoxia NDXS4B,

NZXT Source 220,

Corsair Carbide 200R,

Fractal Core 3000,

and, of course, the Fractal R4 .

I really like all five of these cases at some level as they are all clean, sleek, black case with not an LED in sight. I am inclined more to the middle three as they have open fronts, and lots of air flow options. I am not a real fan of the closed door fronts, as are found on the Nanoxia NXDS4B and the Fractal Design Define R4 . They do look nice, but I just prefer the open front. Also, to be clear, at my age, I turn 60 this year, I really do not care, at all, for any of those Lit Up, Asgardian, Darth Vader, style cases. I would have when I was yunger, but not stage of my life. Thanks for not recommending any of those

Of the middle three, however, I lean toward the Corsair Carbide Series 200R and the Fractal Design Core 300 as they both have 2x front mounted USB 3.0 ports, and plenty of front face venting.

All in all, I suppose that the Fractal Design Core 3000 edges its way to the front with front mounted 2x USB 3.0 and 2x USB 2.0 ports, as well as the really open front panel. With this many USB 3.0 & 2.0 ports on the front, I will not need to use up any of the external drive bays with a front USB header. But on a closer look, I see that this case has only 2 external drive bays, and I really prefer 3. So then I guess that I would need to go with the Corsair with 3 External bays, and 1x USB 3.0 an 1x USB 2.0

Those are the specs of the cases that I originally posted, and that was why I chose them, but I don’t want to get a suspect case either

In the end, of these three cases, it looks like I should really go with the NZXT. The price is definitely right, it has 3 external drive bays, and it has at least one each USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 front ports.

These are all nice suggestions, and I thank you for taking the time to put the forward. I still tend to lean toward the cases that I originally posted because of the over all feature sets, but it seems that these are not highly considered, and I really would be curious why.

Regarding the use of the case:
While I will, for the time being, be using the onboard Video and Sound on the Gigabyte board, I want to keep the options open to add more sound and video components later on, as I plan to be doing some sound and video editing, as well as other apps that may require them. I don’t require those components right now, so I will wait, and to that research, and possibly go with a newer, better power supply at a later time. I don’t plan to be doing an heavy gaming, but other things are on the horizon.
 
Last edited:

Herkulese

Golden Member
Jan 24, 2001
1,151
0
0
You need to seriously think about what the purpose of your computer is going to be, and what all needs to go inside it. From there you can decide on looks (like whether you want a computer that looks like a transformer, or just a sleek black case).

That being said, I dont particularly like rosewill or thermaltake cases. I have a NZXT switch 810, and a corsair 400R. Corsair makes beautiful cases (IMHO) that are also highly functional, unfortunately none of the ones currently available met my needs.

Thank you for your comments. The two cases that you suggest are very nice cases, but way over the top for my needs. There was a time when I would have gone for the larger case with all the expansion possibilties, but I no longer have those needs nore do I want a case that large.

Regarding the cases that I posted: No offence taken, but I am just asking: What makes these cases so horrible? Also, why do you not care for the RoseWill nor ThermalTake cases? Is it quality, style, flexibility? If you wouldn't mind, I really would like your detailed opinion of these cases.

Thanks again for your input.
 
Last edited:

Charlie98

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2011
6,292
62
91
Of the middle three, however, I lean toward the Corsair Carbide Series 200R and the Fractal Design Core 300 as they both have 2x front mounted USB 3.0 ports, and plenty of front face venting.

I had that opinion when I bought my first case... I got a CoolerMaster HAF922... a very open case. Too open. The thing sucked dust like a vacuum and I struggled to keep my case temps under control. I put some effort into closing up all the ports and, believe it or not, it helped a bit with both temps and dust. I added more fans trying to get positive case pressure, but nothing really helped.

It is my opinion that the days of the Big Open Case are largely over for a general compute machine; that is not to say it isn't a consideration for a multiple GPU or other specialty application. Newer hardware uses less energy, creates less heat.

When I built my HTPC I put it in a Fractal Define Mini, one of the smaller, closed cases. Not only was I very pleased with the Fractal construction, I had no problems with case temps even with 4 HDDs in a smallish case with the fans turned down stuck inside a cabinet. I took my build from the HAF922 and put it another Define Mini (components in sig, older hardware, hot GTX560ti GPU) and found... my temps went down! This changed my thoughts on cases for modern systems... I believe a case with better thermal efficiency (that is to say... a way to pump air into the case, carry it through the case, discharge it out of the case) will beat an 'open' case with poor efficiency (that is to say... air being pumped in but it just eddies around with no clear circulation or flow.) The added benefit of a case like the R4, for example, is further sound damping potential... front door, damping material on panels, steel construction, as well as integrated filters.

Don't be afraid of smaller and/or more closed cases... ;)

What makes these cases so horrible?

I live near a MicroCenter so I can go in and play with all the cases they have available. Budget cases are budget for a reason... they are cutting costs somewhere: material, features, design. Even my HAF922 case doesn't hold a candle to the Fractal cases, particularly the Define series; not to say CM cases are all bad, but that is just my experience. I've seen some cases that are built so cheaply it looks like you could almost fold them in half, some weren't even setting square because the build material was so thin.

The reviews of the Rosewill case you linked are very good for a budget case, and it seems like a decent case, but it's full of holes... that's a deal-killer for me. The Thermaltake cases (same case, slightly different features between the two) seem like decent cases as well, but one reviewer mentioned the thin side panel.... deal breaker on a $50+ case.
 

Herkulese

Golden Member
Jan 24, 2001
1,151
0
0
I had that opinion when I bought my first case... I got a CoolerMaster HAF922... a very open case. Too open. The thing sucked dust like a vacuum and I struggled to keep my case temps under control. I put some effort into closing up all the ports and, believe it or not, it helped a bit with both temps and dust. I added more fans trying to get positive case pressure, but nothing really helped.

It is my opinion that the days of the Big Open Case are largely over for a general compute machine; that is not to say it isn't a consideration for a multiple GPU or other specialty application. Newer hardware uses less energy, creates less heat.

When I built my HTPC I put it in a Fractal Define Mini, one of the smaller, closed cases. Not only was I very pleased with the Fractal construction, I had no problems with case temps even with 4 HDDs in a smallish case with the fans turned down stuck inside a cabinet. I took my build from the HAF922 and put it another Define Mini (components in sig, older hardware, hot GTX560ti GPU) and found... my temps went down! This changed my thoughts on cases for modern systems... I believe a case with better thermal efficiency (that is to say... a way to pump air into the case, carry it through the case, discharge it out of the case) will beat an 'open' case with poor efficiency (that is to say... air being pumped in but it just eddies around with no clear circulation or flow.) The added benefit of a case like the R4, for example, is further sound damping potential... front door, damping material on panels, steel construction, as well as integrated filters.

Don't be afraid of smaller and/or more closed cases... ;)



I live near a MicroCenter so I can go in and play with all the cases they have available. Budget cases are budget for a reason... they are cutting costs somewhere: material, features, design. Even my HAF922 case doesn't hold a candle to the Fractal cases, particularly the Define series; not to say CM cases are all bad, but that is just my experience. I've seen some cases that are built so cheaply it looks like you could almost fold them in half, some weren't even setting square because the build material was so thin.

The reviews of the Rosewill case you linked are very good for a budget case, and it seems like a decent case, but it's full of holes... that's a deal-killer for me. The Thermaltake cases (same case, slightly different features between the two) seem like decent cases as well, but one reviewer mentioned the thin side panel.... deal breaker on a $50+ case.

Regarding the open front, and top, cases, I wondered about actual circulation through the case if there weren't fans in every opening, either moving air in or out. Thanks for verifying that for me.

I will go take another look at the cases you suggested, and look further at other cases that are more closed as well, and get back.

Do you feel that all ThermalTake cases are low quality as well, or just that the ones I chose are too open?

Thanks a lot
 

Herkulese

Golden Member
Jan 24, 2001
1,151
0
0
I had that opinion when I bought my first case... I got a CoolerMaster HAF922... a very open case. Too open. The thing sucked dust like a vacuum and I struggled to keep my case temps under control. I put some effort into closing up all the ports and, believe it or not, it helped a bit with both temps and dust. I added more fans trying to get positive case pressure, but nothing really helped.

It is my opinion that the days of the Big Open Case are largely over for a general compute machine; that is not to say it isn't a consideration for a multiple GPU or other specialty application. Newer hardware uses less energy, creates less heat.

When I built my HTPC I put it in a Fractal Define Mini, one of the smaller, closed cases. Not only was I very pleased with the Fractal construction, I had no problems with case temps even with 4 HDDs in a smallish case with the fans turned down stuck inside a cabinet. I took my build from the HAF922 and put it another Define Mini (components in sig, older hardware, hot GTX560ti GPU) and found... my temps went down! This changed my thoughts on cases for modern systems... I believe a case with better thermal efficiency (that is to say... a way to pump air into the case, carry it through the case, discharge it out of the case) will beat an 'open' case with poor efficiency (that is to say... air being pumped in but it just eddies around with no clear circulation or flow.) The added benefit of a case like the R4, for example, is further sound damping potential... front door, damping material on panels, steel construction, as well as integrated filters.

Don't be afraid of smaller and/or more closed cases... ;)



I live near a MicroCenter so I can go in and play with all the cases they have available. Budget cases are budget for a reason... they are cutting costs somewhere: material, features, design. Even my HAF922 case doesn't hold a candle to the Fractal cases, particularly the Define series; not to say CM cases are all bad, but that is just my experience. I've seen some cases that are built so cheaply it looks like you could almost fold them in half, some weren't even setting square because the build material was so thin.

The reviews of the Rosewill case you linked are very good for a budget case, and it seems like a decent case, but it's full of holes... that's a deal-killer for me. The Thermaltake cases (same case, slightly different features between the two) seem like decent cases as well, but one reviewer mentioned the thin side panel.... deal breaker on a $50+ case.

Regarding the open fron cases, I wondered about actual circulation through the case if there werent fans on every opening, either moving air in or out. Thanks for verifying that for me.

I went back and looked at the Nanoxia NXDS4B, and it will only take up to a Micro ATX board.
The Fractal Design Define R4, however seems to meet all my rqmts except that it only has 2 external drive bays, and I would really like 3. I will look around with this new understanding.

Do you feel that all ThermalTake cases are low quality as well, or just that the ones I chose are too open?

Thanks a lot
 

Charlie98

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2011
6,292
62
91
Cases with closed front panels, but that have front fans, are getting their air from somewhere... in the case of the R4, for example, it draws air from the front corner of the case, pulls it through filters, and then into the case. Designs like the Corsair 550D and others do the same thing... as well as the Thermaltake R21 & S21.

I'm sure the R21 will be a good case for you!
 

FAQdaworld

Member
Jan 23, 2014
52
0
0
Thank you for your comments. The two cases that you suggest are very nice cases, but way over the top for my needs. There was a time when I would have gone for the larger case with all the expansion possibilties, but I no longer have those needs nore do I want a case that large.

Regarding the cases that I posted: No offence taken, but I am just asking: What makes these cases so horrible? Also, why do you not care for the RoseWill nor ThermalTake cases? Is it quality, style, flexibility? If you wouldn't mind, I really would like your detailed opinion of these cases.

Thanks again for your input.

No worries! I wasn't actually suggesting those cases, just kinda giving you an idea where I was coming from!

My experience with Rosewill and Thermaltake have generally been poorer quality and I dont like the looks. I like the corsair cases because they are very clean looking, and one of the things I liked about my NZXT case is that its very clean looking (as opposed to some of their other cases). Obviously this all comes down to your needs and how you like a case to look!

The cases you posted aren't 'horrible', I'm just not particularly fond of those brands. I've always felt that with computer cases you should be willing to spend a bit more, its the most visible part of your computer after all! After a few years of experience I've come to the conclusion that as builders we are better off spending the money and buying the case we want, rather than just buying the case that cost the least and happens to suit our needs.

As a side note, The Fractal Design cases are very nice, and if you're looking for a smaller build they are quite nice!
 

Herkulese

Golden Member
Jan 24, 2001
1,151
0
0
No worries! I wasn't actually suggesting those cases, just kinda giving you an idea where I was coming from!

My experience with Rosewill and Thermaltake have generally been poorer quality and I dont like the looks. I like the corsair cases because they are very clean looking, and one of the things I liked about my NZXT case is that its very clean looking (as opposed to some of their other cases). Obviously this all comes down to your needs and how you like a case to look!

The cases you posted aren't 'horrible', I'm just not particularly fond of those brands. I've always felt that with computer cases you should be willing to spend a bit more, its the most visible part of your computer after all! After a few years of experience I've come to the conclusion that as builders we are better off spending the money and buying the case we want, rather than just buying the case that cost the least and happens to suit our needs.

As a side note, The Fractal Design cases are very nice, and if you're looking for a smaller build they are quite nice!

OK, its down to one of these, and they are listed in my order of preference, and mostly based on front panel Buttons and Ports Layout.

- Top 3 pics are Corsair.
- All are black, clean, nice looking cases.-
- Non have the fully, top to bottom, vented front face.
- All have 3 external 5.25 drive bays
- All nave 2 USB 3.0 and Audio on front face (Thermaltake R21 – on top face)

1st) Corsair Carbide Series 300R Black Steel / Plastic ($86)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811139011

2nd) Corsair Graphite Series 230T CC-9011036-WW Black ($74
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811139025

3rd) Corsair Carbide Series 200R Black Steel / Plastic ($65)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811139018

4th) Thermaltake Urban R21 Black SECC ($66)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133255

I really like the Thermaltake R21 but, and especially the price, but I dont like that the switches are on the right vertical corner, and that the front ports are on the top, where things pluged into them can get knocked off.

UPDATE: Sadly the user reviews of all the corsare cases are not all that positive. May have to go eith the 2rd Corsair, or even the Thermaltake. It is really strange that with all the cases out thare that I can't find one that I like, that is also well built, even close to $100. I wll keep looking..............
 
Last edited:

nitromullet

Diamond Member
Jan 7, 2004
9,031
36
91
What I'm not to crazy about on the Thermaltake Urban R21 is the lack of any sort of holes/grommets for cable routing. They make the build look really clean in this pic, but notice that there are no cables hooked up to anything.

pic5.jpg


This looks like a case from about 5years ago IMO. I don't think I'd buy a case anymore that didn't have some sort of cable routing options.

As far as Corsair goes... Corsair has some really well thought out designs, but in their more recently released cases, I feel their build quality has slipped quite a bit. The metal parts are thin, and the plastic they use is brittle.

They have an older 600T next to a newer Air 540 at my local Fry's, and the difference in build quality is staggering. ...not to mention that most of plastic pieces on the newer 540 are broken.

That being said, you probably won't see as many issues with the simpler cases you are considering mainly because there are less little fiddly bits to break.

If possible, I strongly suggest visiting a Fry's, Micro Center, or any other place that has some cases on display. Getting to see and touch them will usually help make your decision easier.
 

Charlie98

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2011
6,292
62
91
I guess I'll ask...

Why is it necessary to have 3 external 5.25" bays? The field really opens up with 2x bays....
 

BonzaiDuck

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
16,058
1,684
126
Of the three listed by the OP, I'd probably pick the S21.

Charlie diss-ed my HAF 922. Not all the HAF 922's are the same. You could say it's "open" because it has three large optional fan ports. It also had a bottom 140mm port forward the PSU. I use two of 'em and block off the top and bottom fan-vents with black art-board -- which matches the case color. But it's easy to pressurize the case with the right 200mm fans, and a little attention to blocking "unfanned" vent areas. I don't expect to get a lot of dust in my HAFs from now on, owing to a robust fan-control strategy. They don't call them the "HAF" for nothing: you really can have "high air flow."

But it depends on what you need and what you want. If you don't need to maximize the benefits of air-cooling, all the ones linked in the thread can fill the bill -- of one sort or another. If the OP wanted to water-cool, I'd say look at something else. And if I want to watercool my HAF, I'll need square Phobya 200mm radiators and the matching fans. But that could be a good thing, too. . . .
 

Charlie98

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2011
6,292
62
91
Charlie diss-ed my HAF 922. Not all the HAF 922's are the same.

Uh, yea, they are.

I did close up as much of the case as I could, including covering the side port, taping up the front mesh, the water cooling ports, etc. Part of the HAF's (any version thereof) is the lack of filtration. I incorporated magnetic filters (bottom and front) on my 922 and while they helped, they were a bandaid, not a total solution.

All things being equal, the 922 is a good case... but it has substantial limitations as far as my experience and the demands I have on a case.

I would take a Fractal Define case over any HAF case, any day of the week, for any purpose. Not trying to bust on you, but there it is.