Case for Gaming Build

Vindicer

Reputable
Aug 7, 2014
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Hey folks, I'm in the final stages of putting together my latest gaming build and I've run into a snag with availability on the case I was planning to purchase.

Would anyone have any recommendations for a case I should look at? I'm hunting function over form, so lights and other eye candy are supperfluous for my needs; as always the cheaper, the better.

For reference, I'm based in New Zealand.

Here's the build, including the old case that I can no longer get:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($309.00 @ PC Force)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($62.69 @ Ascent Technology)
Thermal Compound: Noctua NT-H1 3.5g Thermal Paste ($11.33 @ Ascent Technology)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($236.55 @ PC Force)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($268.00 @ Paradigm PCs)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($159.00 @ PC Force)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($159.84 @ PB Technologies)
Case: BitFenix Shadow ATX Mid Tower Case ($101.00 @ Paradigm PCs)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($199.00 @ PC Force)
Other: EVGA GeForce GTX980 4GB 2982 ($1033.85)
Total: $2540.26

P.S. The GPU wasn't listed on pcpartpicker, so here's the custom link: Link

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Cheers
-Vin-
 
Solution
The Bitfenix Ghost is only about 15-20 beans more.
Fractal Design MIDI is a similar price to the GHOST I believe but IMNSHO slightly better build quality. (Fractal Design make high quality cases)
Corsair 450-D (Obsidian Series - top tier corsair series)

I can go on and on but they all offer function over form and high build quality.
Sep 14, 2014
116
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4,710
The Bitfenix Ghost is only about 15-20 beans more.
Fractal Design MIDI is a similar price to the GHOST I believe but IMNSHO slightly better build quality. (Fractal Design make high quality cases)
Corsair 450-D (Obsidian Series - top tier corsair series)

I can go on and on but they all offer function over form and high build quality.
 
Solution

Menkes

Reputable
Aug 25, 2014
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Is your heart set on a full sized motherboard? If you are not planning on going SLI with your cards it can be quite a space hog. I often go with smaller boards on single/dual card build such as a Maximus 7 Gene for example (Also cheaper than that gigabyte board with higher reviews)

If you are set on a motherboard this size for future expansion i would recommend the Cooler Master HAF series.
I used to own a 912 and loved it!

If you are on a budget:
Cooler Master 912

Or if you want to go all out on a case that is considered to support high air flow there is also this:
Corsair Carbide Series Air 540

Personally i do think the 912 HAF is more than enough, coming out the box with a rear 120mm exhaust and an 200mm intake and top exhaust that provide ample air flow.
 

Menkes

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Aug 25, 2014
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I would not recommend a 450D for an airflow case, it might accumulate less dust but overall it will have less airflow than a HAF cooler master case. I would however recommend the 450D if you want to have an option to add a H100i CPU cooler for future-proofing your overclock.
 
Sep 14, 2014
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I agree that there are airflow optimized cases and the AIR 240 and 540 are top of the air cooling list. However almost any case can be airflow optimized with the right setup and good fans. For example the 450d's smaller brother the 350d is excellent as an air cooled case.
 

Menkes

Reputable
Aug 25, 2014
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Don't get me wrong, I'm a corsair fanboy.. But it does cost twice as much than Cooler Masters 912 HAF,
Depending on the budget, both are great choices.

 
Sep 14, 2014
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I wouldn't label myself as a fan but I really like their attention to detail and build quality. Its difficult to choose between Corsair and Fractal. I wish the Graphite 230T was higher build quality (never owned one myself though). Good mix of form and function.
 

mouta

Honorable
Apr 19, 2014
15
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10,510
I have a Storm Stryker from Cooler Master, and I'm very satisfied with it. It looks cool, has an ssd docking, two usb 3.0 in the front, fan speed control, comes with 4 or 5 fans (cant remember exactly), lots of dust filters for easy cleaning, and cost me about 140€ or so. You should check it out. ;)