Why do people go cheap on computer cases?

[tecumseh]

I just don't get it? Peeps on this board will go cheap on a computer case, but will buy a top of the line video card for $400.00 every 6-8 months. Why?? Every time I bring up the fact that I will be buying the Cooler Master ATC-210 case for $325.00 I get flamed!! :|:|:| At least my case will last a good number of years.

Any one here have the Cooler Master ATC-210 case?

 

[kamel]

I agree...especially if you go AMD. You gotta keep that sucker cool!! I got my (cheap) aluminum case for $110, but I had plans to mod it from the start for cooling purposes.

I'm still going to get myself a better case...Lian-Li PC71. I'm going to wait till after Christmas, but I can't wait to drill some holes in that sucker.

 

[mudboy]

Hehe yeah, it's pretty funny. Just the other day, my neighbor asks me if 67C is a normal temp for an Athlon XP 1800+. My response, of course, is "no way" (my temps are 38C). He is always going out and buying the latest and greatest equipment, the guy upgrades his stuff like 3x as often as I do, and I'm pretty bad. So, I go over to his house to check things out. First, he's running the cheapest POS case that one of the local shops carries -- probably set him back a whopping $35 total. I tell him the Antec SX830 is probably the right case for him, he tells me there's no way he's going to spend $90 on a case...I point out all of the components he's replaced in his system in the last month...GF3 Ti200...SB Audigy...120GB WD hard drive...XP 1800+...new motherboard....new memory. Those upgrades were all in the past 30 days and probably totaled $750, which I point out to him. Second, he's got cables all over the place, no clear airflow through the case at all, his case fans are crappy ones, and to top it all off, his PSU fan is sucking air in instead of blowing air out.

It might take time, but I'll straighten him out.

Pete

 

[ElFenix]

i have a couple of friends who decided to upgrade their computers together. the one had consulted me and asked me what he could get for $300 and i was like, well you could go intel route, get a slightly slower system and keep your case, or go amd, get a faster system, and a new case. i was figuring $50 enlight, $60 in ram, $70 for the board, $90 for processor, $15 for HSF then tax and shipping or whatever.

so the one that didn't ask me decided that they should get k7s5as + xp 1600+s + dirt cheap ram + $10 cases. when i was forwarded the email for the orders (from yahoo stores!) i saw "not certified" on the email next to the cases. these guys called me when they were setting their stuff up and i was like, "you know those cases aren't certified." and he says, "yeah i can't believe they're not UL certified."

i just chuckled.

 

[Sundog]

I have watched this for quite a while. Killer system and then comes the post---where can I buy a cheap case. So someone responds that Antec 830 cases are on sale for $79 or something like that. Only to get a response back----Oh, I was thinking more in the $50 range including a PSU.

My reaction WTF A $1200 or more system being stuffed into a case like that. Makes no sense. Kind of like seeing a $5K sound system in a Yugo!

 

[Brian48]

As long as the cheap case has good ventilation, lots of room, enough bays, and the fit is nice - who cares?

Personally, I like modding my cases and it's easier when for me get one that is as generic as possible so I can have more freedom in what I can do with it.

 

[Brian48]

I should also add that the most important thing for me is actually the PSU. As long as it has a high quality unit (Antec, Enermax, Sparkle, etc.) with lots of volts, that 80% of the battle.

 

[tecumseh]

"I have watched this for quite a while. Killer system and then comes the post---where can I buy a cheap case. So someone responds that Antec 830 cases are on sale for $79 or something like that. Only to get a response back----Oh, I was thinking more in the $50 range including a PSU.

My reaction WTF A $1200 or more system being stuffed into a case like that. Makes no sense. Kind of like seeing a $5K sound system in a Yugo!"

My thoughts exactly!!!

Why go cheap on a case? That case will last you for many years if it's treated right! Also, I can't see spending $1,200-$1,500 on computer components and using a $30 case to put them in. It doesn't make to much sense!!!

Maybe I'm just a suker for looks, but I don't mind spending $200-$350 on a new case! It's going to look sweet, venilition will be awesome and it will last a hell of a long time.

 

[ku]

you can get a cheap case and it will last for a long time. If the cooling becomes inadequate for the system inside, you can simply mod it. With video cards, you need new ones to play games. besides, case and video cards are on a totally different page.

 

[Jeff7]

My main system has an Enlight 7237 w/300W PSUl; cost $50.
The other two systems have generic cases that I paid $20 apiece for (plus $16 shipping), and I love them as much as my Enlight. Their panels are all removable, even the top. There's plenty of space in them, room for fans, rounded edges...a very nice case in general. Very easy to mod too.
I just recently got another ATX case for $23 at a computer show. No rounded edges, but it does have panels, and even has drive rails.

You mention that it will last you a few years. Why won't any other case last a few years? It's not like cases really wear out over time.

 

[CStroman]

My cheap $35 case has excellent ventilation because of the suckhole I put in it. It's also pretty roomy inside, and the edges aren't sharp. When I bought it for my original socket 7 system, it had a 250 watt deer power supply. When I got my Athlon, I bought the updated version of the case (still just $35) that came with a 300 watt viking power supply and swapped the power supplies.

 

[gogeeta13]

My main system is in a sx1030b.

All my other 3 systems are in crappy 40$ cases.

While none of my other systems have geforce3s or XPs, there is no point on dropping lots of cash on a case when you only open it a few time a year compared to the weekly part swappign I do on my mian system.

 

[Ragnarock]

When I built my first and only system, a 1.2 Tbird, I got what I thought was a decent generic case. It has a generic 250 watt PSU, fine for my non-overclocking needs, removable side panel, drive rails, removable HDD cage. My processor temp is 40C, after I replaced one of the generic 82mm fans with a 90mm Sunon. My first mod, to be done in a couple of days, will be to cut a big hole in the front for another Sunon. Oh, and I had to crack open the PSU and insulate the edges, which were vibrating quite loudly, with electrical tape. So, yeah, I skimped, and had some issues, but, so far, they're been easy and kinda fun to resolve. No complaints with my cheapo case.

 

[Muerto]

I hear you man. I just bought an Antec SX1030 and already some of my friends are asking why I spent so much, after all it's "just a case!". However these people have lame computers and have never tried to work inside them. My old case was a POS generic 16" case that I got with my K6-2 many years ago. I modded the hell out of it to cool my Athlon. I absolutely hated working inside it cause there's no room at all. But I can keep this case for as long as ATX is still around.

 

[anandfan]

I think there is a lot of room between the $20 special and the $300+ cases. Depending on the USER'S needs, there are lots of cases around $50 that work with Athlon at stock speeds. I've got an Enermax case from NewEgg for about $50, an InWin from a local store (about $50), and an Antec ( I splurged, $60). All run great, and cool (about 37C for the reported CPU temp). My favorite AT case was a $25 special from CompGeeks, compact AT style with a quiet power supply. Sure, I think shiny metal cases look cool, but I save my money for pizza!

 

[jonn]

Maybe one who can spend 300+ bills on "just a case" wants to buy those of us that cant afford such a thing? hmmmm.... i didnt think so........ Besides, all this thread sounds like to me is "my car is better than yours" syndrome.And no thoughts at all about others that cant afford to waste that type of money, or really just dont want too. My thoughts on it are, if a 300+ $ case floats your boat, have at it.But for me ,"i will mod a "cheap" case and be totally happy with it.
Plus i seem to see here that cheap seems to mean small? Not hardly.I have a full tower case, both sides removable, 6 big bays, 2 ext. small and 2 hidden. Has a slide out motherboard tray, came with a 300 watt PSU,cables,feet,etc. total was 59.00 shipped.Oh, and NO, no sharp edges either..And yes i modded the case for more fans, etc. Already had grills for 3 rear and one front fan....Thats the fun of it, modding....... "Real computers are built, not bought"

 

[sp33dracer]

a good case is worth it's weight in gold...almost

antec cases ROCK and they're pretty reasonably priced, most under $100

but yes, the master cooler ones are light, shiny and *cool*

 

[CocaCola5]

<< I just don't get it? Peeps on this board will go cheap on a computer case, but will buy a top of the line video card for $400.00 every 6-8 months. Why?? Every time I bring up the fact that I will be buying the Cooler Master ATC-210 case for $325.00 I get flamed!! :|:|:| At least my case will last a good number of years.

Any one here have the Cooler Master ATC-210 case? >>





Not yet, maybe my next case. I totally agree though, things like Cases, UPS, and PSU, are well worth the extra investment because they last a very long time upgradewise, unlike the other stuff you upgrade.

 

[Daovonnaex]

<< I just don't get it? Peeps on this board will go cheap on a computer case, but will buy a top of the line video card for $400.00 every 6-8 months. Why?? Every time I bring up the fact that I will be buying the Cooler Master ATC-210 case for $325.00 I get flamed!! :|:|:| At least my case will last a good number of years.

Any one here have the Cooler Master ATC-210 case? >>

If you buy a computer and don't plan to upgrade it too often or work on it, then a cheap case makes sense. On the other hand, they still suck. My friend bought a cheap case recently, and when he installed a new video card (Radeon 8500), he cut himself thrice and bled all over the floor; it was funny as hell. On the other hand, he bought it because he's poor.
Personally, I don't have a Cooler Master. I have a Lian Li PC-76 for one computer (that is being built) and a Chen Ming 901B (basically an Antec SX10x0B, but cheaper and without PSU) for the other. I also have a G4, which comes in a very fine case, albeit with limited expansion room.

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

<< My friend bought a cheap case recently, and when he installed a new video card (Radeon 8500), he cut himself thrice and bled all over the floor; it was funny as hell. >>



heh

cheap cases. hmm, by that do you mean cheaply built or just cheap to buy?

got my evercase ece4252 for $55 shipped to me including powersupply. link to evercase's page

I love it. And yes, it was fairly cheap (was $40 + $15 shipping newegg)

 

[Ausone]

I agree completely with tecumseh. A case and a monitor are two things that last longest but seem to be often neglected. Maybe it's not so often the case with a monitor, but definitely with a case.

I have a Chenbro Genie modded by J. Hanson at Coolcases.com that cost a little over $300 with Enermax 330, which I bought last year. This case is not even an aluminium case but it is solidly built, easy to work with, and has a superb design for both cooling and quietness. I purchased this because I wanted to achieve optimal combination of cooling and quietness.
Now I'm going to build another box with absolute emphasis on quietness and some emphasis on appearance and thinking of buying Cooler Master ATC-210 for that.

This is just my guess, but it seems that one has to get a quality case if one wants quietness to avoid any rattle or resonance with fans. I don't think any Enlight or other generic case can be modded to be as quiet as a more expensive case with good construction even if using the same quiet PSU and fans simply because of its inherent poor construction that causes vibration. You can mod those cases for better ventilation, though.

 

[ai42]

I don't know it depends how cheap...

I got a fairly cheap case at a trade show for around 75 bucks the power supply sucked so I got an Enermax fairly quickly. And I've modified it lots added a window neon lights and what not and I'm happy with it. Not to say that paying a few hundred for an aluminum case is bad, but if it works for you great! I'm very happy with it...

Have to admit that when i first got it it had sharp edges and what not... cut myself a few times trying to remove those metal drive plates.... but I got some molding and sanded down some of those edges...

 

[Ausone]

I think there are two types of reasons why people don't pay much attention to a case.

1. Lack of perception, i.e., ignorance
Some people simply don't know the difference between high quality and low quality cases. They may not be aware of difference among cases in terms of ventilation, construction, noise, etc. The lack of perception may account for most cases of indifference on the part of non-enthusiasts.

2. Lack of appreciation
Other people, even though they realize the difference among cases in terms of quality and features, don't feel the need for a higher quality case or don't think it worth their money to get such a case. Most enthusiasts who buy a cheap case may fall in this category. They simply don't care about most of benefits of a more expensive case either they don't need them because they can compensate for it (e.g. modding for better ventilation) or they aren't interested in them (e.g. quietness).

I have to admit, however, that benefits of a better and more expensive case is often not so tangible and difficult to visualize. There is no numerical measure for the quality or performance of a case, unlike CPU or video card. So people may tend to fail to realize the difference among various cases, except for appearance. Moreover, values offered by a better case are often about amenity, rather than about raw performance. It's nice to get a quiet case, and to some people like me it's even a necessity, but for many others, it seems quietness of a computer is something that they can live without. Even such quality as ease in working with a case may sometimes be taken as something that is dispensable, for some people. So people's neglect of a case is understandable, i.e., not irrational, although it may not be well-grounded, i.e., not so reasonable.

 

[anime]

prolly have make two distinction--cheap to buy or cheap built.
Because cheap price does not mean a poor quality case.
ANd why cheap computer case--well --good expensive aluminium case is costing arround 200 bucks--cheap case arround 50 bucks--the extra 150 bucks you can spend on other things that can make your system perform faster. If I have too much cash to spend arround- I wouldnt mind either to get 200ish bucks case.

 

[Bimmer318i]

I don't know...
Like the dude said with his friend getting a Radeon 8500 and bleeding all over the floor. That's funny, hell I've cut myself too on these damn generic cases.
But one thing I fail to see, if you can spend the money on a Radeon 8500 you are not what I consider poor, not that my opinion means a whole lot. I agree with the people in this thread, Cases last forever, man, I have a Inwin AT case from 95, that is still awesome, I spent 4 grand on that system (albeit CDN) and one of the things I noticed was the case when i started to get into computers, It's AWESOME! for an AT case of it's era, no sharp edges, removable hdd tray and slide out MB tray, good strong PSU (hell the fan died and ran for a few months and still works), and I am still using that computer and sometimes even purposely look for AT motherboards just so I can use that case.
There are reasons I have generic cases, why?..Cause they work for stock, non overclocked second, third, fourth machines. But on the other hand I am definitely feeling the need for a better case for my main system. I want better build quality, I want no sharp edges, my fingers look like i puttin in a frickin blender sometimes. I want something that looks decent. Aesthetics are getting more important for me.

And let's clear this up. This has nothing to do with "who's car is better than yours" etc, bull*hit. It has to do with some people's opinions on the fact that higher quality (not always more expensive cases) last longer and are a worth while investment.

Hell, in no way am I against getting a cheap case and modding the heck out of it. Go for it, it's sweet. But on the other hand, if you're looking @ it moneywise. Sometimes the time and effort you put into modding (this is presuming you don't want to be as for many people this is a hobby) can on the other hand be put into getting that extra money to put into a better case.

Respect another's decisions, but don't get bloody defensive when someone questions your actions, if you've made a solid decision you have nothing to get upset about ..

well anyways, there's my rant, probably one of the longer posts i've written.

FLAME AWAY!!!