Best budget case for my needs

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AK P

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Sep 24, 2013
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10,530
Hey guys I am making a new multipurpose desktop for the family home, here is what I have so far:

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/user/AKP/saved/2rxl

The 7770 is provisional and I may instead go for a 7850 2gb (Good price atm)

I wasn't so sure about which case to choose, my budget is <£50 but I would rather spend between 30-40.

I would preferably like a front USB 3.0 port, a 2.5 inch bay for a SSD and at least 2 fans.

Here are cases that have caught my eye so far:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/zalman-z5-plus-black-midi-atx-tower-case-w-o-psu

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/nzxt-source-210-elite-black-mid-tower-gaming-case-with-usb-30-w-o-psu

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Xigmatek-CCC-AD34BT-U02-Asgard-Window-Tower/dp/B00B4TVTOW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1380024217&sr=8-3&keywords=xigmatek+asgard

http://www.amazon.co.uk/BitFenix-Merc-Alpha-Tower-Chassis/dp/B005JRICNG

The Zalman seems to have everything I need, but I can't find any in depth reviews of the case.

The source 210 looks good but I would have to buy a mount for the SSD as it only has 3.5 inch bays

The asgard 382 is my opinion looks by far the best, but it seems to only have one fan and there are no reviews that I can find on the case

The merc alpha has great reviews but it seems to only have 4 USB 2.0 ports.

I also considered the Corsair 200R, but a friend who has it says there is a problem with heat getting trapped around the hard drives and advised me not to go for it.

Which of these would you advise for my current build? or if you have any other suggestions you feel would be better suited to my build in my price range please inform me.

Also if you have any suggestions of any other parts I should switch out for other better ones, please do tell.
 
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Dayle McNeela
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Dayle McNeela

Dayle McNeela

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Jul 17, 2013
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With all due respect, forget what your friend said!
The Corsair 200R is a brilliant case!
Corsair themselves are excellent case manufacturers, Ive had 2 of there cases and would only buy there cases from now on...
(The Corsair 350D and 900D are the best I think)

As down as your put high pressure fans in the front of the case like Akasa Viper S-Flow fans, you will have no trouble will air getting trapped.

The 200R is HIGHLY recommended!
Watch this video about the case.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkuBK9jSvIE

If I have answered your question, please click 'Pick as the Solution'
 
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AK P

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Sep 24, 2013
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Thanks for your time, don't get me wrong it looks like a great case, but that problem my friend highlighted was also brought up in the anandtech review of the case:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6515/corsair-carbide-200r-case-review-how-low-can-you-go/7

They recommend the merc alpha over the 200r due to a few problems highlighted and it's cheap price.

I was actually going to go for the 200r initially, but my friends advice, the anandtech review and amazon reviews highlighting the same issue really put me off. Especially since I would be running an SSD and a HDD in the questionable drive bays.

 
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Dayle McNeela

Dayle McNeela

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Jul 17, 2013
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Oh right, I have never heard about that issue... the 350D is a perfect case but its quite expensive..
The BitFenix Merc Alpha would definitely be my next choice, 4.5 / 5 reviews on amazon, most reviews are saying it have excellent build quality, for for £37.50, you can't argue.

Go for the BitFenix :)
 
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AK P

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Sep 24, 2013
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Hi, what do you think of this one (It's more in budget at £43.90)

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/zalman-case-z9plus

Surprisingly amazon has listed it as more expensive than the one you posted:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004FPQL0E/?tag=pcp0f-21

62 reviews at 4.9 stars average.
 
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