Good Budget PC Case - Any Suggestions?

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adamdmiller17

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Dec 26, 2016
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Hi, I am building my first gaming PC and I am sticking to a relatively mid-range budget. I will probably be running an Intel i5-6500 and an XFX Radeon RX 480 8GB card. I am now looking into cases, but there are so many different options that I feel more or less lost. Aesthetics are not a concern of mine; I simply want structural integrity and good cooling. I was thinking that I would want two fans; one front and one rear. Is this necessary? Also, how difficult is it to install aftermarket fans on a PC that comes with just one fan? Finally, does anybody have any good suggestions for cases? I was hoping to drop less that $100 on it, but I would spend more if necessary. I am very new to the world of PC gaming, so any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Here's what you need:
1) At least one intake and one exhaust fan. The power supply fan does not count as a proper exhaust fan.
2) A motherboard tray that supports the size of your motherboard. If you have an ATX motherboard, you need a case that supports ATX motherboards.
3) A warranty.
4) A way to return it if it doesn't work for you. (buy from a seller that accepts returns)

Here's what I like in my cases:
1) Full metal construction. No plastic in the chassis. I can deal with plastic on the outside, but not as part of the structure itself.
2) All of the fans are at least 120mm in size.
3) The power supply mounts to the bottom.
4) Room behind the motherboard tray for cable management. I'm a bit OCD, I even cable manage cases that...
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weberdarren97

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Aug 10, 2015
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Here's what you need:
1) At least one intake and one exhaust fan. The power supply fan does not count as a proper exhaust fan.
2) A motherboard tray that supports the size of your motherboard. If you have an ATX motherboard, you need a case that supports ATX motherboards.
3) A warranty.
4) A way to return it if it doesn't work for you. (buy from a seller that accepts returns)

Here's what I like in my cases:
1) Full metal construction. No plastic in the chassis. I can deal with plastic on the outside, but not as part of the structure itself.
2) All of the fans are at least 120mm in size.
3) The power supply mounts to the bottom.
4) Room behind the motherboard tray for cable management. I'm a bit OCD, I even cable manage cases that don't have side panel windows on them.

My favorite budget cases are the DIYPC Zondda series. The only difference between the models is aesthetics. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=diypc+zondda&N=-1&isNodeId=1
 
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adamdmiller17

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Dec 26, 2016
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Aesthetics is not a huge concern of mine. I would be fine with or without one. However, if the price has little difference, I would take the window :p
 
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adamdmiller17

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Dec 26, 2016
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Thanks so much for the tips. I will keep motherboard compatibility in mind.
 
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adamdmiller17

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Dec 26, 2016
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Thanks for the ideas. I will make sure to check those all out.
 
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weberdarren97

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Aug 10, 2015
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Make sure to read through all of the specs before just assuming it will fit.

In order of smallest to largest: Mini-ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, Extended ATX (not as popular anymore), Ultra ATX (very rare anymore). Most cases support all sizes up to a certain point, but not all cases are like this. The same goes for all other sizes. For example, an ATX case likely supports ATX, Micro ATX and Mini-ITX. Again, read through the specs to confirm this before just assuming it will fit.
 
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adamdmiller17

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Dec 26, 2016
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I think I will be going with the Zondda-B. It has everything I was looking for in a case (Not to mention the cool styling. Bonus!) . What would be your recommendation for a motherboard in this case with an i5-6500 and a XFX RX 480 8GB? Should I go with an ATX or a micro-ATX? Any specific models to recommend?
 
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weberdarren97

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Aug 10, 2015
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Budget? Any specific colors you're looking for on the board?
 
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adamdmiller17

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Dec 26, 2016
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I'm thinking around $75 for the mobo. I'll spend more if necessary, though. Also, the color isn't a huge deal to me, but if I had to pick, I'd go with blue to match the case.
 
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weberdarren97

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Aug 10, 2015
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Sorry, there aren't many blue Skylake motherboards. None of them are anywhere near your budget.

I did find this one that will work for you. http://pcpartpicker.com/product/NdmxFT/msi-motherboard-b150pcmate
 
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adamdmiller17

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Dec 26, 2016
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That one looks good. Has the right size, memory support, ports, and price. Thanks again for all of the help. I really appreciate the assistance.
 
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weberdarren97

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Aug 10, 2015
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You're welcome, Merry late Christmas!
 
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