Super budget case?

[Cheezeit]

Well I'm going to build a really budget rig for someone, just doing stuff like web surfing, office, that type. No gaming or very demanding tasks. I know my good PSU's from bad so I will probably just get a 50 dollar Fortron 450 from newegg and not the generic crap that comes with cases.

That leaves enough money for a really cheap case, less than 40 dollars shipped hopefully. It does not have to be great or anything, but just able to hold together and with hold the test of time. This guy wants something flashy w/ a window, so thats all great.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[FAS284]

i had a similar thread - http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=37&threadid=1778930&enterthread=y

hope this helps! let me know what you plan to purchase so I can check it out too

 

[suszterpatt]

This looks alright to me.

 

[Zap]

This one except it is now OOS. Probably one of the better $30 cases available. Probably $42 shipped if available.

This one has the same chassis as the previous one, but doesn't look as good IMO. About $46 shipped.

This $51 shipped Evercase is really good, but a bit above your budget. You can also occasionally find the Antec SLK3000B for about $52 shipped.

$40 after rebate from your local CompUSA. This Antec Super LAN Boy is a great case.

 

[Cheezeit]

THanks for the replies, your help is greatly appreciated

The guy i'm building it for wants something flashy, so thats why I don't want to go with something like the antec 3000b. (shame, I know, I have a p160 and fortron blue storm in my rig).

Is there a such thing as a well built raidmax or rosewill cheap arse type of case that looks flashy?

 

[Jhhnn]

See if any of the matx V or Z series Inwins suits his fancy. The included 300-350w psu's are good quality, and entirely adequate for the purposes at hand... box and psu together coming in at ~$50. Not junque, at all.

The integrated graphics, sound and ethernet on modern matx boards are entirely adequate for non-gamers, as well, and are the way to go with budget systems... If the new owner has cable or dsl internet, no add-in cards are required, at all.

 

[Zap]

See the latest Anandtech case review regarding Raidmax X1 or something like that.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: Cheezeit
THanks for the replies, your help is greatly appreciated

The guy i'm building it for wants something flashy, so thats why I don't want to go with something like the antec 3000b. (shame, I know, I have a p160 and fortron blue storm in my rig).

Is there a such thing as a well built raidmax or rosewill cheap arse type of case that looks flashy?

Glad I read the rest of this thread, was going to suggest the 3000B. I havent seen a case equal it for its price so far although Im sure 1 or 2 will.

Cant you convince him that for a PC, parts are more important than looks?

 

[fireontheway]

I think im about to puke.I'm wearing my protective suit, flame on, throw rocks or whatever. :laugh:

PS
I second that suggestion to convince your friend that quality comes before looks.

 

[herm0016]

skyhawk cases are awsome and cheap

 

[marincounty]

Originally posted by: herm0016
skyhawk cases are awsome and cheap

I'll second that. But you need to do some mods for better cooling.
Aluminum good, steel bad.

 

[Zim]

You won't get much cheaper than THIS, especially if you can pick it up in store.

 

[suszterpatt]

Originally posted by: marincounty

Originally posted by: herm0016
skyhawk cases are awsome and cheap

I'll second that. But you need to do some mods for better cooling.
Aluminum good, steel bad.

Which definition of "good" and "bad" are we talking about here?

 

[imported_rod]

Shipping is often the killer when buying large items (like cases). Just look in a local computer shop for a decent looking case that fits the budget.

RoD

 

[Cheezeit]

Originally posted by: rod
Shipping is often the killer when buying large items (like cases). Just look in a local computer shop for a decent looking case that fits the budget.

RoD

Good, idea, never thought of that

As for the MGE case mentioned, it come with a 30 dollar rebate :/ I typically avoid rebates for computers I build for other people, or I'd be all over the 30 AR dollar super lanboy. Not to mention that I got my own p160 for 70 bucks AR 6 months ago

Is there any cheap kind of case that will stand up on newegg though?

 

[zagood]

Maybe this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811147021

Not TOO blingy, but the added red stripes make it...well, a little more flashy.

Has mounts for 92mm fans front and back. Cut out the grills and get a fan guard for the back one.

Super LanBoy would probably be perfect for him though, if you can find one in a local CompUsa for $40. Make him buy it himself for the rebate. Much better cooling with the 120mm fan.

EDIT: DOh! Rebate expired.

-z

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

$40 after rebate from your local CompUSA. This Antec Super LAN Boy is a great case.[/quote]

Can I get an amen! Dog nab-it Zap. I don't need a case but this is a very good deal.
It is a light weight case=all aluminum but it was reviewed well. With two 1000rpm 120s=silence+good cooling.

-z, I was trying to forget about this thread, then you have to bump it.

OP, have him get this case as -z has suggested.



EDIT: REBATE EXPIRED! You snooze, you lose


...Galvanized

 

[Zap]

Don't worry GY, this deal comes and goes at CompUSA. I got my second one (sold to a friend) for the same deal January 2005 and for $30 AR on Black Friday (gift for brother-in-law).

The included fans aren't exactly silent but that's probably the fault of the case - too much wind "woosh." I'm planning to cut out my case fan spots to increase airflow and decrease noise, plus replace the stock fans with the spare Cooler Master ones from my wife's system (replaced her blue with purple on her request). I didn't like the looks of the "waffle" grill over the front fan and replaced it with a finger guard (that really doesn't keep fingers out :evil: ). I also don't like the door over the drive bays, but besides having a mismatching drive, I haven't pried too hard on it because I don't want to break it.

I purchased mine originally for around $90 shipped and found it well worth the money. It is very good stock, and can be modded for decent improvements.