Windowed Case

Vikesrock

Member
Mar 23, 2005
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I am looking for a case with a side panel window for around $50-$100. This is my first PC build so I will not be modding my own window in this time around. For the same reason I want a case that is big enough for me to be able to install everything easily. I plan on getting a Modstream 520 so the included powersupply is not important.
I have been looking at:
Coolermaster Centurion
Thermaltake VA4000
Thermaltake Soprano
Any comments on these cases or others in the price rane would be greatly appreciated. If any more info is needed about the propsed system let me know and I'll be glad to post it.
 

HardWarrior

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2004
4,400
23
81
Don't over-think the plumbing, Vik. Find a case you like, try to find some reviews or testimonials to justify the purchase and go for it. I'm sure there will be lots of suggetions coming your way, but I tend to think that a case is a very personal thing, and shouldn't be left up to a commitee. You're the one who's going to have to look at it for a while. :) BTW, all of the cases you linked look fine. FWIW, the Centrurion looks better, IMO. Good luck in choosing! :thumbsup:
 

Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
23,643
3
81
I don't own it, I'd just like to.
Right now I'm looking for cases with this same feature. I don't care so much for a window, but the cooling design of the V1000 is great.

Anyone know of a similar case design? :)
 

HardWarrior

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2004
4,400
23
81
I've seen the inside of it before, I just didn't know who made it. Yeah, it's sexy as hell but since it's Lian Li I'd bet it costs a bit. :) I THINK the separate "tunnel" design was an Apple feature at first.
 

11427

Senior member
May 9, 2003
412
0
71
Also look at the Chenming Aluminum Dragon (or one of the many licensed copies from Chieftec, Antec, etc. etc.), and some of the other Antec cases (SLK's, Lanboys)
 

shock311

Senior member
Apr 14, 2003
451
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0
Originally posted by: Blain
I love the way this Lian Li case has a separator to keep air moving over the HDs divided from air around the MB. :laugh:


I have the black windowed version, looks great, here is a pic of my rig:

pic 1

It is a bit pricy but imo it was worth it, fortunately i was able to buy it off someone from FS/FT, besides the window there are numerous things that you'll enjoy about the case.
 

Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
23,643
3
81
Originally posted by: shock311
Originally posted by: Blain
I love the way this Lian Li case has a separator to keep air moving over the HDs divided from air around the MB. :laugh:


I have the black windowed version, looks great, here is a pic of my rig:

pic 1

It is a bit pricy but imo it was worth it, fortunately i was able to buy it off someone from FS/FT, besides the window there are numerous things that you'll enjoy about the case.
Your link is not working for me. :(


 

shock311

Senior member
Apr 14, 2003
451
0
0
Originally posted by: HardWarrior
Works here. Nice UV effects. Do you have anymore picks, shock?


that was the best one i had, the other ones didn't seme to come out that great, i'm getting new uv ide cables, when those come in, i might post some pics, but i'll definately post some when i get my water cooling kit eventually.
 

edjacobson

Junior Member
Feb 7, 2005
21
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Those cases you listed were on my shortlist, along with the Coolermaster Cavalier. I decided not to go with the Coolermaster cases because I heard the rear case fan conflicted with the audio module on my motherboard. Plus I found the Super Lanboy for $40 on sale and with rebate.

Two others you should consider in that price range would be the Lian Li PC-7A Plus at
http://www.xpcgear.com/lianlipc7plus.html

or the Antec Super Lanboy. Both of those cases come with two 120 case fans.

 

NINaudio

Senior member
Feb 3, 2005
526
4
81
Eclipse-62
Originally posted by: Blain
I don't own it, I'd just like to.
Right now I'm looking for cases with this same feature. I don't care so much for a window, but the cooling design of the V1000 is great.

Anyone know of a similar case design? :)


Check out the Silverstone Temjin TJ06
The design is not exactly the same, but it does cool very well.

I'm looking for a new case as well....I think I'm going to end up with the ThermalTake Armor VA8000 unless I can find the Global Win YCC 61F1-B aka the Akasa Eclipse-62 which unfortunately is only available in the UK. :(
 

Pr0d1gy

Diamond Member
Jan 30, 2005
7,774
0
76
I have an Aerocool Jetmaster SS that I love. Nice, big ATX case with a front 120mm intake fan for the hard drive rack and a side 80mm fan with fan guard. The cables are easy to manage, there is a adjustment dial for the front 120mm fan, and the 2 front USB slots help. The case even has a sturdy handle if you ever need to carry it around. The only bad parts was no removeable hard drive cage or motherboard tray.
 

albumleaf

Senior member
Jan 27, 2005
238
0
0
I'll put in a vote for the thermaltake sviking. Aside from the semi-annoying screwless pci retention bracket, this case has damn good airflow (2x120mm fans with integrated fan controller)
 

slash196

Golden Member
Nov 1, 2004
1,549
0
76
I have the Cavalier, which is structurally identical to the Centurion. I believe SVC has some windowed Cavs for 50 bucks, which is a sweet deal. Easy install, tooless everything, basically. My only complaint: the PCI bracket protector things have to be punched out, and there's only one extra protector that will go in. Also, my mobo doesn't totally fit (like edjacobson said, the audio module conflicts), but I cut a notch in the rear fan and it's basically a non-issue. Fans are quiet as anything, airflow could be better, but good cable management. Like I said, the Centurion is structurally identical, so I'd say go for that one. Plus, no annoying front bezel! (I love the clean look of the Cav, but I have to use a copy of Life, the Universe, and Everything to prop it open. Next case I buy will NOT have a front bezel.)