Which case would you use?

[TheMouse]

Building an average everyday browsing and multimedia desktop, which will be upgraded to a gaming machine once the bulldozer drops.

I already have these cases sitting around:

- Ultra Aluminus (ATX, Aluminum, Motherboard tray, front door panel)
- Ultra Wizard (Mid ATX, Steel)
- Cooler Master Elite 330 (Mid ATX, screwless)

They are vastly different. But it's what I have available. Which would you choose and why?

 

[Boyo]

The Ultra Aluminus. It is the biggest.

 

[TheMouse]

Thanks, but is bigger always better? I don't mind it taking up less space.

 

[AeroCarl]

If it's going to be used for gaming, the spacier the interior the better. Not only are big cases easier to work inside of, but they allow for better airflow and cooling which is something to consider because it will be a gaming rig. With current video cards taking up so much space (often extending past the edge of the motherboard by inches) and using up to two power cables, it can get cramped in there very quickly. Not to mention all the heat they generate. All of this gets even worse if you're going to go SLI or Crossfire. You're going to want nice and tidy cable organization for optimum airflow, and only a large case is going to allow for this. So, my advice is to opt for the case with the most interior space.

 

[zagood]

Another vote for Aluminus. Although I would take out the HDD mount that's blocking the front intake, maybe cut it in half and hang it. Would also cut a piece of plexi to cover the door CPU vent/fan mount, and mod the bottom door vent so I could put a fan there.

My 2c. None of the cases are really optimal compared to more recent cases, but the Aluminus is the best out of them.

 

[TheMouse]

Thanks guys. I know they aren't current but I don't want to go out and spend $$ on a new one when I have one already... especially for only 5-10% benefit.