Which case?

[ghoti]

I am going to assemble my first DIY machine once the 939 mb's and socket 939 FX-53's come out. I plan to use two Raptor 74G 10K rpm HDs, and probably a vid card which generates plenty of heat. I have no plans to overclock, and don't care whether the case has a side window or led fans, but would like a mid-tower case (preferably AL) with GOOD cooling (preferably 120 mm intake and exhaust fans with filters). Also, it'd be great to have a case that is roomy, with plenty of bays, reasonably quiet, reasonably easy to work with, and won't require a second mortgage. Front USB, firewire, and audio connectors would be nice. I'll buy a separate power supply. Any suggestions?

 

[Cerb]

Forget aluminum, man!
Cheap: Evercase e4252 and derivatives. Best cooling out there.
Somewhat budget: Antec SLK3700-AMB, SLK3700-BQE. good cooling, slightly more cramped for actually messing w/ stuff, but also look good.
More: Antec Sonata, Coolermaster & Lian-li cases.

 

[AnnoyedGrunt]

I think I'll be using this case for my next computer (won't be building it till, X-mas, but a man can dream, can't he?).

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-163-012&depa=1

There's a black one also, but it is out of stock (I think it is a very new design).

-D'oh!

 

[Cerb]

Originally posted by: AnnoyedGrunt
I think I'll be using this case for my next computer (won't be building it till, X-mas, but a man can dream, can't he?).

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-163-012&depa=1

There's a black one also, but it is out of stock (I think it is a very new design).

-D'oh!

I missed that one. Looks nice!

 

[Zepper]

Kingwin 424 series (the 120mm fan issue can be fixed ), Antec SLK3700AMB/Compucase 6A19 series, Evercase 42x2 series. The Silverstone is the same as the Athenatech 747 chassis with an Aluminum front on it - can also be had under other names.
.bh.

 

[boomer6]

I just bought an Antec P160 - and it is pretty awesome. Removable MB tray, supports 2 - 120mm fans, and I actually like the side facing HDD bays. My front Firewire port is not connected since the cable was too short to easily make the connection on a A7N8X deluxe, but that is the only real gripe. I only have one fan in right now, and it is performing very well for case temps (locked 2500+ at 205mhz FSB) paired with SLK 947U ($40 shipped at SVC).

Since others have complained about AL resonance, I put some thin self adhesive insulating foam from Lowes on the side panels to kill any possibility of resonance. Very quiet, solid case.

 

[ghoti]

Originally posted by: AnnoyedGrunt
I think I'll be using this case for my next computer (won't be building it till, X-mas, but a man can dream, can't he?).

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-163-012&depa=1

There's a black one also, but it is out of stock (I think it is a very new design).

-D'oh!

That is some BEAUTIFUL case! I can see why you like it.

 

[ghoti]

Thanks much for your suggestions/ input -- BIG help!