What differences would a better case make?

[Staz]

This is my current system:

AMD Mobile XP 2500+ overclocked to 2400MHz(12x200)
Gigabyte Nforce2 Ultra mobo
2x512MB Hyper-X PC3200 memory sticks
80GB SATA hard drive
BFG 6800OC videocard
Chaintech 7.1 sound card
DVD and DVDRW drives
450W PS w/120mm fan
Cheiftec Dragon case with five 80mm case fans


While this setup works nicely, I am always looking to upgrade, and my case is getting outdated, so I am in the market for a new one. The case that has caught my eye is the Antec P-160WF as it has everything I am looking for without being too pricey.

Other than cosmetic, my current case is doing a decent job. While it's not quiet, I use low noice Panaflo fans, thus my system is really not that loud, though it's not as quiet as I would like. The 5 fans keep it nice and cool. While I would like a new look for my system, I need a reason other than cosmetic to warrent dropping the money on a new case.

Thus my question is what benefits can I expect if I did switch from my old case to the Antec P-160WF case or something similar?

 

[Zucarita9000]

A better case may improve airflow. Try to get one with two 120mm fans (intake and exhaust). You can then mod the side panel and put an extra 120mm fan. With three 120 at low speed, you'll have a quieter setup with excellent airflow.

 

[akira34]

You'll get the 'benefit' of the P160 acting like an oven for your rig. As otherwise noted in another thread, the P160 will hold heat inside more than many other cases. With you having an overcocked processor, you want to get one that won't trap heat like that...

Look at Lian-Li cases. Yes, the lower priced ones won't be flashy, or have otherwise useless items on the front (like the platic faced p160 with the blue led's and f'd up temp readouts), but it WiLL help keep your temps down without sounding like a jet everytime you power it up.

 

[Staz]

My current case isn't bad and does the job just fine. If I am going to upgrade, I want several specific things in my next case, and so far, the P-160 is the only one in my price range(<$130) that has the features I want. Those features are...

1) Nice looking, but not over the top or too plain. Black or silver in color.
2) No front pannel. I hate opening one every time I have to use a drive.
3) Top mounted powerbutton and other interfaces. My desk has my system recessed, and it' a pain to reach down to push a middle to lower mounted button or plug in a USB device that low.
4) Sideways mounted hard drives. Is this really better?
5) Good thermodynamic properties. One front fan, one back fan, and one side fan minimal. Dust filters would be nice.
6) Slient as possible.
7) Under $130 without PS. I have $150 to spend, but presume I will need to upgrade a few fans.
8) Quick release drive rails on all drives.
9) Motherboard tray, LCD readout, and see through side pannels are nice, but not needed.


The Antec P-160 does fit a lot of these. If anyone has any other suggestions, by all means, please let me know.

 

[Zepper]

Quieter, better airflow. Take a look at the Silverstone Berserker. It its looks are your cup of tea (and it looks better in person than in most pix of it), it's a great case.
.bh.