Which case should I get

[JK16]

It has to fit under a 25.5" desk, have atleast 4 5.25" drives, 2 exposed 3.5" and 3 internal 3.5". Also, it must be able to cool all my components VERY WELL and be quiet enough to watch DVD's comftorably. However, I also want a case that is easy to work with and well built, without excessive use of plastic. Anything under $300 (hopefully much, much less though) is in my budget

 

[SWScorch]

hmm, you want it to be very quiet and yet still cool your devices very well? Sorry to say it, but you can only have one or the other. A reasonable middle ground is reachable though. You could try for an Antec SX1030 or SX1040 (same case, different power supplies) with some quiet 80mm fans. The Lian Li PC70, which is a full tower, is 22.5" high, but also very expensive (at least $200, but still within your budget) The InWin Q500 Full Tower is also 23 5/8 " tall, so that would fit as well.

 

[FlowerMan]

I also recommend the Antec SX series cases, as they are very simple to use and reasonably quiet with the right fans. However, for a bit of a challenge and some great potential for modding, get an Addtronics 6890A or 7890A. check out www.addtronics.com

 

[tchybrid]

i'd say the antec 1030&40 cases. put some quiest fans in them, and all ur components are kepts very well cool, the case integrates a fan on the HDD rack also, so ur HDDs are kept cool. great case, lots of room to work with. I love my case =)

 

[Leejai]

Antex SX1030B....black, and under $100........I remember a hot deal floating on this case somewhere......

 

[tchybrid]

I got my SX1030b from Newegg. it was around 100 shipped. =) yes, i'm happy =)

 

[Bglad]

The description of what you want is the Antec, they are right. I have it and it is awesome and meets all the needs you described. But... it is a big case and needs the 4 fans in it to move air through it and cool its large interior volume really well. In mine, that gives me 9 fans running in total (including cpu, chipset, vid, psu etc.) There is just no way to get this setup really quiet.

 

[Mitzi]

Lian Li PC60 or Antec SX1030 are both excellent cases which should easily come under your $300 budget!