what's the point of aluminum cases?

[sugarkang]

this may seem kind of dumb but...

i'd always thought that aluminum cases help to cool the system.
according to silentpcreview, this isn't the case.

so then is it just for aesthetics? while admittedly it does look cool, you can still find cool steel cases as long as the designers get it right.

or is it for portability to lan parties?

otherwise, i just don't see the point.

 

[edmundoab]

well if ur talking about full size tower,
full aluminum does make a difference in weight..

but for mid-tower..
I think its not really necessary.

For sure its light, even after all the components have been installed.

 

[RalfHutter]

Originally posted by: sugarkang
this may seem kind of dumb but...

i'd always thought that aluminum cases help to cool the system.
according to silentpcreview, this isn't the case.

so then is it just for aesthetics? while admittedly it does look cool, you can still find cool steel cases as long as the designers get it right.

or is it for portability to lan parties?

otherwise, i just don't see the point.

You're exactly right. Aluminum's for light weight and good looks. The cooling thing is basically a fallacy

 

[0roo0roo]

light, easy to cut mod... nice and clean. costs only a little more for antec/chieftec versions that are aluminum. cases are generally investments that last an upgrade or two,

 

[wetcat007]

Originally posted by: sugarkang
this may seem kind of dumb but...

i'd always thought that aluminum cases help to cool the system.
according to silentpcreview, this isn't the case.

so then is it just for aesthetics? while admittedly it does look cool, you can still find cool steel cases as long as the designers get it right.

or is it for portability to lan parties?

otherwise, i just don't see the point.

Ok, life up a large steel case then pick up a aluminum case, notice the difference? You sure as hell better lol, aluminum internal casing helps keep hard drives cool as well though, and it looks better.

 

[TRUMPHENT]

I have had several steel cases, latest the Antec 830sx and one aluminum case, Lian Li PC60USB. My thoughts about two cases. Steel is heavy, aluminum is light.

Steel has to be painted. Aluminum has to be anodized.

Aluminum looks better as is.
Aluminum is more fragile than steel. It is also easier to modify.

The Lian Li case seems to be noisier than the Antec.

I think it is easier for manufacturers to make precision aluminum cases than steel. Fit and finish on Lian Li cases is outstanding.

Aluminum won't rust. In south Florida that can be an issue even with air conditioning. After a couple of years, every steel case I have owned had rust growing in several places, usually on the inside.

It is still a matter of personal taste, preference and budget.

 

[Peter D]

They make your computer 2x faster! :evil:

 

[stncttr908]

I just bought one because it's a lot lighter. Whatever cooling benefits one might have weren't a deciding factor.

 

[wacki]

I used to wonder about aluminum myself, then I bought a chieftech (alienware style case) for $60. I liked it so much, I decided to try a "nice" case out of curiousity. So I bought a Coolermaster brushed aluminum case. I will never go back. It's not neccessary, and if your on a budget, definitely spend the money on parts. But spending $100 on a well made case makes it soo much easier to work on, it looks and feels so much nicer, and once you've been spoiled you won't want to go back. If you make a wise choice the first time and by a aluminum case with front, top, and back fans, it should last you indefinitely. (who knows with technology) And if you work on your own computers removable mobo trays and the like make everything alot easier. Plus aluminum has a nice shine to it.

Again it not needed, but as I've gone through over 20 cases by building computers/servers for friends and myself I've seen everything, and I highly recommend it.

 

[MrAce72]

My CoolerMaster case is one big heat sink. Overclock the system in the winter and I can heat my office.

 

[ToxicWaste]

0roo0roo is right, a good case will last through a few component upgrades. I just put the third motherboard in the case I bought in 1997. I'm on the second power supply for that case. So, what I'm getting at it, get a case you like and be willing to spend a little for something good because you'll be able to keep re-using it... Of course, cooling wasn't needed to the degree it is today when I got the case. So far, I've cut out the old fan baffles and I've added two fans to the side of the case. I'm adding one on top next...

TW

 

[optimistic]

I'm shopping for one just for the looks alone -to match my 1900FP.

A friend of mine owns a lan place, so I won't be bringing it to any lan parties.

 

[opticalmace]

Aluminum computer cases make your car faster.

 

[beatle]

Not having the magnetic screwdriver stick to your case when you screw in drives, fans, etc. is nice... especially in those hard to reach areas.

 

[ToxicWaste]

Chicks dig them!

 

[Nerdwannabe]

Aluminum case is mostly for looks.
It does not really help cool down the temp inside.
If it does, it will be minimum.

The other thing is weight. A good Al case (cooler master) is about 1/2 the weight of steel case.
A cheaper Al case will weigh like your coke can.

 

[Camofrog]

first a correction for "TRUMPHENT" aluminum can be painted to it does not have to be anodized.

i have a black aluminum case full tower and must agree that the weight factor is a big difference to me, ( my Monitor weighs more than my tower)
I do the occasional LAN party (but usually at my house so i dont have to un hook all my stuff)

Also it is a known fact that aluminum dissipates heat better then steel, but the only way it will make that much of a difference is if the ambient temp in the room is low . either way as long as you have good airflow steel will fill the needs of your comp.

I agree with "wacki" once you get a nice aluminum case though you'll never go back they are just so much better, for reusing, upgrading, cutting, and overall ease of use.