SOLVED: Looking at these 3 cases. Any comments?

[Herkulese]

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.

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.

I am sure that the reason for the lake of material and build quality is the outsourcing of these items to that far eastern country where things are quoted so cheap, that they have to use cheap materials, and slap them together, in order to make any money on the end product. It is a very sad thing when a good design has to suffer from cheap emplimentation.

I have been looking at the Cooler Master N600, and am curious if their cases are made here in the states or in the far east.

Sadly, I don't have any large computer equipment stores in my area, only small Mom and Pop cumputer builders and repair shops. That said, I am going to one of these this Saturday, to look at the one black mid tower case that they have to offer.

 

[Herkulese]

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

It isn't absolutely necessary, but I will be putting in a DVD-RW, and if I need to install any kind of IO device there, that would still leave another bay for future, as yet, undertermined needs.

For the sake of the discussion: If I were to go for a 2 external bay case, which would you recommend?

Man, it seems that most of the cases have fallen to the outsourced lack of quality materials, and workmanship issues of modern manufacturing today. Sad, Sad, Sad..............

 

[BonzaiDuck]

It isn't absolutely necessary, but I will be putting in a DVD-RW, and if I need to install any kind of IO device there, that would still leave another bay for future, as yet, undertermined needs.

For the sake of the discussion: If I were to go for a 2 external bay case, which would you recommend?

Man, it seems that most of the cases have fallen to the outsourced lack of quality materials, and workmanship issues of modern manufacturing today. Sad, Sad, Sad..............

Well, you get what you pay for. If you want a top-end case, you'll spend above $100 and probably as much as $250. You'll spend more for "all aluminum."

I find it interesting that some manufacturers "trickle-down" innovations previously thought "top-end" to their lesser models. Take my HAF 922, for instance. SECC steel is one thing, but case side-panels with a warp in them created in production are the slightest extra PITA. Easy enough to reseat and secure a side-panel, but I have to have thumbs, fingers -- hands -- in about three different places before locking it shut.

OTOH -- the grille parts, the tool-less drive hardware, the fan-vent options -- all worth about $40 to $50 more than you will probably spend. Notice even so that the original three ~$50 units posted have the tool-less drive installation feature -- or most of them. And I've seen top-end cases recently with some forum members all goo-gah -- which need screws to install your storage devices.

 

[Herkulese]

Well, you get what you pay for. If you want a top-end case, you'll spend above $100 and probably as much as $250. You'll spend more for "all aluminum."

I find it interesting that some manufacturers "trickle-down" innovations previously thought "top-end" to their lesser models. Take my HAF 922, for instance. SECC steel is one thing, but case side-panels with a warp in them created in production are the slightest extra PITA. Easy enough to reseat and secure a side-panel, but I have to have thumbs, fingers -- hands -- in about three different places before locking it shut.

OTOH -- the grille parts, the tool-less drive hardware, the fan-vent options -- all worth about $40 to $50 more than you will probably spend. Notice even so that the original three ~$50 units posted have the tool-less drive installation feature -- or most of them. And I've seen top-end cases recently with some forum members all goo-gah -- which need screws to install your storage devices.

I get what you are saying, and sadly I agree with you. That said, I have a real problem with perfectly good equipment going to crap, because of being outsourced to a manufacturing culture that simply does not get what it means to make a quality product, or to even use anything resembling quality material.

I understand that in todays market, we have to spend a lot more to get decent quality. But 10 years ago, almost any case was at very least made with real steel, thick enough to hold its own shape, and plastic that wasn't so brittle that it brakes if you look at it, and came with the hardware you needed to do your build. Some of these case are upwards of $100 and still they show up broken in a pristine packing box, which means they were damaged before they were ever packed.

I also couldn't care less about tool-less design. Put that money into the quality of the case, and let me use my screw driver. It is not that hard.

I have looked at the HAF 922, but it is just too big, and not as clean looking as I would like.
I don't hate the looks, but do you know of anything else that is as good, but smaller and simpler?

Thanks

 

[nitromullet]

I am sure that the reason for the lake of material and build quality is the outsourcing of these items to that far eastern country where things are quoted so cheap, that they have to use cheap materials, and slap them together, in order to make any money on the end product. It is a very sad thing when a good design has to suffer from cheap emplimentation.

Totally. I think the problem with Corsair is that they are resting on their legacy of well designed and well built cases. I am somewhat disappointed that more reviewers haven't dinged them a little more for build quality.

Their previous stuff wasn't completely top notch, but it was definitely what most would consider well built, and as I said, very well thought out. For this, they charged a premium over other manufacturers that most consumers were willing to pay. Subsequently, they also introduced less expensive lines for the more budget conscious consumer that still had some of the features, but slightly lower build quality. Although, lately it's hard to tell the difference between their lines.

I have been looking at the Cooler Master N600, and am curious if their cases are made here in the states or in the far east.

The only cases that are made in the USA are produced by smaller custom shops. Caselabs is an example of this. These cases tend to be pricey, but can be custom ordered and are built to a higher quality standard than your mass produced cases.

If you really want to get into a higher quality segment, look into Lian Li cases. They do have a few sub-$100 cases, which are almost all aluminum, with very little plastic, and generally well built. The main drawback with Lian Li cases is that the internals are often not as user friendly as something you would see from Corsair, Fractal Design, or Cooler Master.

 

[Herkulese]

Totally. I think the problem with Corsair is that they are resting on their legacy of well designed and well built cases. I am somewhat disappointed that more reviewers haven't dinged them a little more for build quality.

Their previous stuff wasn't completely top notch, but it was definitely what most would consider well built, and as I said, very well thought out. For this, they charged a premium over other manufacturers that most consumers were willing to pay. Subsequently, they also introduced less expensive lines for the more budget conscious consumer that still had some of the features, but slightly lower build quality. Although, lately it's hard to tell the difference between their lines.



The only cases that are made in the USA are produced by smaller custom shops. Caselabs is an example of this. These cases tend to be pricey, but can be custom ordered and are built to a higher quality standard than your mass produced cases.

If you really want to get into a higher quality segment, look into Lian Li cases. They do have a few sub-$100 cases, which are almost all aluminum, with very little plastic, and generally well built. The main drawback with Lian Li cases is that the internals are often not as user friendly as something you would see from Corsair, Fractal Design, or Cooler Master.

I have been looking at the Lian Li cases. I have had one or two in the past and liked them.

 

[Charlie98]

I have been looking at the Lian Li cases. I have had one or two in the past and liked them.

I looked at some of the lower-end Lian Li cases... although I'm sure they are fairly well built, they are a little homely.

I liked the tool-less bays on my HAF922, but they aren't a deal-breaker. What Bonzai was saying about the flexy side panels is true... I had to have my daughter help me get the off-side cover on.

The $40-60 case range is very difficult... it's a pretty severe tradeoff between features and build construction. You buy a $30 case, you know what you are going to get (even in the case of Fractal.)

do you know of anything else that is as good, but smaller and simpler?

The 922 is a mid-tower ATX case, once you drop down to ATX mini-tower there isn't a whole lot left... and understand, the Thermaltake R21 is just as big as the 922.

The Nanoxia is about the only mini-tower I would consider.

Back up to the mid-tower...

NZXT has the 210 and 220, Silverstone has a new case, the PS10B, Antec 300.2... but all those cases are in the 18"-20" size.

If you bump the budget up to $80-100, the field opens up again.

Hate to say it, but a full ATX mobo needs a bigger case by default, which is why I run mATX boards.

 

[Herkulese]

The 922 is a mid-tower ATX case, once you drop down to ATX mini-tower there isn't a whole lot left... and understand, the Thermaltake R21 is just as big as the 922.

If you bump the budget up to $80-100, the field opens up again.

Hate to say it, but a full ATX mobo needs a bigger case by default, which is why I run mATX boards.

I don't know why you would say that the R21 is as big as the 922.
Here are NewEgg's published dims:

R21
17.20 H
19.90 D
7.50 W

922
22.20" x 10.00" x 19.70"
I am gussing 19.70 H (2" Taller) x 22.2 D (2" Deeper)
If these are reversed, than it is 5" Taller (I doubt this is the case, however)
Also 2" wider

What am I missing?

I have been looking at the $80 to $100 cases, and still read way too many reports of broken parts, soft metal, brittle plastic, and missing hardware.
I may just have to bite the bullet and take a chance on ordering one anyway.

I wouldn't mind using an MATX, but I got a really good deal on an a CPU and ATX baord.

 

[Herkulese]

Now this is a beautiful case, and only $100.
This is what I am looking for, it's the Lian Li PC-6.
Take a look. I have attached the Amason sale link, as will as the Lian Li add page.

http://www.amazon.com/Lian-Li-PC-6B-...an+li+atx+case

http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pc-6/

 

[lehtv]

For a $100 case, it's somewhat lackluster in features. It has only three fan locations. It doesn't support 240mm radiators anywhere, not to mention 280mm. Only one USB 3.0 front port. Cable routing could be better, and no rubber grommets are provided. No integrated fan controller. The only thing it really has going for it is high quality aluminium construction and the resulting low weight. Unless you particularly need the case to be light, I'd just go for a steel case with better features.

If you must have three 5.25" bays, check out CM N600 V2 $90, NZXT Source 530 $90 and Nanoxia DS1 $120 (for silent operation).

 

[Z15CAM]

Fractal Design ARC MIDI R2 - I've seen them on Sale for $68 USD.

http://products.ncix.com/detail/fractal-design-arc-midi-r2-13-78227-1296.htm

I own one and have a 280x60x140 Rad up front with 4 Noctua NF 14's PMW in Push/Pull output fans for 2 x's XSPC RAZOR R9 290X in Crossfire and one Corsair H110 AIO with a 280x30x140 Rad on top with 2 Corsair 140 PMW output fans to cool an i7 2700K plus I have 2 more Fractal 140 Case input fans in the back and on the bottom.

Super Quiet with idling temps for both CPU and GPU's at 35C idling and CPU at 4.8Ghz with 1250/1500 GPU OC's under load not exceeding 70C.

Lots of room, well planned case for a Mid Tower whether you use Air or Water cooling.

 

[Herkulese]

Fractal Design ARC MIDI R2 - I've seen them on Sale for $68 USD.

http://products.ncix.com/detail/fractal-design-arc-midi-r2-13-78227-1296.htm

I own one and have a 280x60x140 Rad up front with 4 Noctua NF 14's PMW in Push/Pull output fans for 2 x's XSPC RAZOR R9 290X in Crossfire and one Corsair H110 AIO with a 280x30x140 Rad on top with 2 Corsair 140 PMW output fans to cool an i7 2700K plus I have 2 more Fractal 140 Case input fans in the back and on the bottom.

Super Quiet with idling temps for both CPU and GPU's at 35C idling and CPU at 4.8Ghz with 1250/1500 GPU OC's under load not exceeding 70C.

Lots of room, well planned case for a Mid Tower whether you use Air or Water cooling.

I like there cases, but only 2 external 5.25 drive bays.

For a $100 case, it's somewhat lackluster in features. It has only three fan locations. It doesn't support 240mm radiators anywhere, not to mention 280mm. Only one USB 3.0 front port. Cable routing could be better, and no rubber grommets are provided. No integrated fan controller. The only thing it really has going for it is high quality aluminium construction and the resulting low weight. Unless you particularly need the case to be light, I'd just go for a steel case with better features.

If you must have three 5.25" bays, check out CM N600 V2 $90, NZXT Source 530 $90 and Nanoxia DS1 $120 (for silent operation).

These are all cases that I like, and am considering, along with the ThremalTake Urban R21.
I really like the Corsair Carbide 200R and 300R but it seems that they are poorly built these days, and there have been complaints about the toggle switch for Start and Reset.

I am going to a small computer build/repair shop this morning to look at the cases that they have. He said they have a couple to choose from.
Thanks

 

[coffeejunkee]

Now this is a beautiful case, and only $100.
This is what I am looking for, it's the Lian Li PC-6.
Take a look. I have attached the Amason sale link, as will as the Lian Li add page.

http://www.amazon.com/Lian-Li-PC-6B-...an+li+atx+case

http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pc-6/

I'd recommend this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112304

 

[Z15CAM]

but only 2 external 5.25 drive bays.

Only 2 - Why do you need more then 2 x's 5.25" bays today other then say for one Optic Drive and the other bay for a Koolance 401x2 Reservoir & Pump Combo and there's really not much use for Optic Drives today either - Bootable DOS, EFI and UEFI USB thumbs have pretty well made the Optic drive redundant. About the only use I have for the Optic Drive is to play the occasional DVD and that's rare considering you can stream or download 1280x720 movies online ;o)

You can also mount a 360x60x120 rad in the top with a 280x60x140 in the front of the Fractal ARC MIDI R2 with a 360x30x140 along the side of the bottom parallel to the PSU if need be.

What I really like about the MIDI R2 is that you can off set the Rads in the top leaving lots of room over the Mainboard and with minor mods you can use rads with either 15 or 20mm Fan Spacing.

Plus to get the most out of to days big power hungry GPU Cards you really have to Water Cool them and the Rig is QUIET.

 

[Herkulese]

Only 2 - Why do you need more then 2 x's 5.25" bays today other then say for one Optic Drive and the other bay for a Koolance 401x2 Reservoir & Pump Combo and there's really not much use for Optic Drives today either - Bootable DOS, EFI and UEFI USB thumbs have pretty well made the Optic drive redundant. About that only use I have for the Optic Drive is to play the occasional DVD and that's rare considering you can stream or download 1280x720 movies online ;o)Cool them and the Rig is QUIET.

Optical Drive
Card Reader
One for future use

 

[Z15CAM]

Considering a LapTop can match an Air Cooled DeskTop in performance today, I see the only purposeful advantage of the DeskTop is to Water Cool it for Better or say Extreme Performance. Water cooling has come a long way sense them ridiculous looking round Compensation Reservoirs with the Spiral Core Tubing and Florescent Liquids - Alphacool, Koolance and EK are now making fantastic reasonably priced Reservoir/Pump Combinations that fit into 1 or 2 5.25" Bays. Other then for this reason considering Optics and Card readers can be USB or external Sata there is really no other purpose for the 5.25" Bay.

Unless you go Full Tower, that 3rd 5.25" Bay just eats up rad space in a MIDI Tower.

Actually I wish we still had the Floppy. It made for a Fast DOS Boot - LOL.

 

[lehtv]

Optical Drive
Card Reader
One for future use

Are you aware that there are cheap USB card readers that do the job as well? Like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820208470

 

[Z15CAM]

I've been using and building computers since the Card Punch and Card Read Punch days then progressed from there and still an avid DeskTop Enthusiasts.

If he or she wants Quiet, Better to Extreme Performance in the future, I believe the OP should pay attention to what I'm saying about "DeskTop Cases" and leave room open for expansion into water cooling as it's now much more refined and affordable then it's infancy pricing.

For between $68 to $98 USD the Fractal Design ARC MIDI R2 will do it over a Shinobi can do by a long run.

 

[mikemcc]

You know best what you need, so if you need 3 5.25" inch bays, then get a case with them. For my part, I phased out all but one 5.25" bays long ago because I just don't use them. I need a card reader too, but I have a great one connected to a USB port on the back of my machine and it just sits off to the side and is available whenever I need it. Plus, I can pick it up and stick the (tiny) card in instead of fumbling under my desk with a reader mounted in a front bay.

Lots of nice cases mentioned in this thread and I think Corsairs are top-notch. But for me, I got a Fractal Design Arc Midi when they first came out and I haven't bought anything but Fractal Design ever since. They are truly user-friendly and everything about them is quality. The only machine I have in another case is my HTPC, which is in a Sliverstone case. But I built that before I heard of Fractal Design. I'll be building a new HTPC soon and am going to take a close look at the tiny Fractal Designs, though it will be hard to beat some of the tiny Silverstones.

If you do have a chance to take a look at a Fractal Design case, I think you'll really like what you see, if you can find alternatives that make the 3 external bays less important. The other thing I like about them is they are reasonable on the budget.

 

[Herkulese]

I've been using and building computers since the Card Punch and Card Reader days, 1971. At home I started with a Commodore 64 then a Cyrix 386DX40 - Missed the 286SX, thankfully - Then progressed from there and still an avid DeskTop Enthusiasts.

If he or she wants Quiet, Better to Extreme Performance in the future, I believe the OP should pay attention to what I'm saying about "DeskTop Cases" and leave room open for expansion into water cooling as it's now much more refined and cheaper then it's infancy pricing.

For between $68 to $98 USD the Fractal Design ARC MIDI R2 will do it over a Shinobi by a long run.

That is a very nice case, and I am leaning toward 2 external drive bays rather than 3, but I really do not like having the controls and USB ports on the top of the case. There have been several good 2 bay cases recommended, and I will look them over.

I want to the local computer shop today, and he had the Corsair Carbide Series 300 R, and it was in perfect condition, so I bought it. I discovered, when I got it home that it is huge, and just too blankin large.

The search continues, and again, I will begin considering 2 bay cases.

 

[Z15CAM]

Given up on Editing in this Thread and make my escape.

In my opinion there's nothing more constructive then a Fractal Design ARC MIDI R2 Mid Tower and simply one of the BEST.

By appearance the Corsair Obsidian 450D is about a copy of the MIDI ARC R2

AnandTech Review: http://www.anandtech.com/show/7891/corsair-obsidian-450d-case-review

 

[nitromullet]

I want to the local computer shop today, and he had the Corsair Carbide Series 300 R, and it was in perfect condition, so I bought it. I discovered, when I got it home that it is huge, and just too blankin large.

The search continues, and again, I will begin considering 2 bay cases.

They don't get much smaller for a standard ATX case with two or more 5.25" bays.

The dimensions for that Lian Li PC-6 are almost identical to the 300R:

Lian Li PC-6:
(W) 210mm = 8.26772"
(H) 475mm = 18.7008"
(D) 498mm = 19.6063

300R:
19.1" x 8.3" x 18.5"

You would need to step down to a smaller size motherboard or lose some of the front bays. For example, the up coming Silverstone FT05, which has 0 5.25" bays.

I guesstimate this case to be about 400mm (15.75") deep based on the dual 180mm fans in the floor.

 

[Herkulese]

Given up on Editing in this Thread and make my escape.

In my opinion there's nothing more constructive then a Fractal Design ARC MIDI R2 Mid Tower and simply one of the BEST.

By appearance the Corsair Obsidian 450D is about a copy of the MIDI ARC R2

AnandTech Review: http://www.anandtech.com/show/7891/corsair-obsidian-450d-case-review

I really do like the Mide Ark R2, but it has the ports and switches on the top face, and I cant use a case like that where I have to put it. Anything plugged in there would be knocked of.

I am thinking seriously about the Cooler Master N400.
Small with all the features I like, and well reviewed.

Also, can anyone speak to this case?
The Diablotek Titan: The shop that I bought the Corsair has this one as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Diablotek-Tita.../dp/B0087OV3QG

 

[nitromullet]

Diablotek Titan:
L448 x W185 x H412 MM
17.64" x 7.28" x 16.22"

Corsair 300R:
19.1" x 8.3" x 18.5"

The 300R is a little bit bigger, but I'd keep the 300R over that case.

With regards to the Cooler Master N400, I think think CM had to cut too many corners to make the case as inexpensive as it is. I'd personally spend the extra on the N600.

 

[Herkulese]

Diablotek Titan:
L448 x W185 x H412 MM
17.64" x 7.28" x 16.22"

Corsair 300R:
19.1" x 8.3" x 18.5"

The 300R is a little bit bigger, but I'd keep the 300R over that case.

With regards to the Cooler Master N400, I think think CM had to cut too many corners to make the case as inexpensive as it is. I'd personally spend the extra on the N600.

I sincerely appreciate all your comments, as well as the comments from all posters in this thread. It helped me to look very closely at a lot of cases, and to think of using a bit smaller case for this build.

I went back to the local computer shop to return the Corsair 300R (it really was just too big), and took a good long look at the Diablotek Titan. It turned out to be a very nice case. It may not be quite as sharp looking as some, but it is a simple looking smaller case, and it had all nice rolled edges, and a strong inner frame, with mettle drive supports, that even the 300R didn't have. They were light plastic.

I also thought about the fact that these guys use this case for there Mid System computer builds, and that they don't want people coming back with stupid problems, so it must be at least somewhat robust.

It also has no damage at all, has all required hardware, adequate cable management, and nice tool-less design.

So it looks like my case search is over, but I would not have been able to make the decision that I made without all the research that I did, a lot of which was directed by the suggestions from all of the posters in this thread.

Thank you all very much,
Roger