Case Study: Need Input and Suggestions for build =)

congrats

This case I one of the best on the market. It is $20 over what you want to spend, but trust me you will enjoy the pure greatness of it.

It's easy to build in, made of aluminum, quiet, and there is a removable mobo tray.

I have built many computers useing this case. Spend the extra cash you'll be happy.

Although if you do want to go cheap there are other Lian Li that dont have windows. but, are just as good.

They come in silver too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811112024

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811112212

Have fun

You're right and they're wrong on value, the RC-531 is quite excellent. The power supply is probably worth close to $20, you can always use it for another, less potent system.

You can read a full review of the case at SysOpt. Three things that stand out as "less than perfect" are the power and reset buttons (feel loose and plasticy) and the chromed plastic nuts on the side window trim (they look like...chromed plastic). The build quality for these cases is excellent, they use very durable materials, the finish is also extremely durable, and the face panel, an aluminum extrusion with a plastic liner, is very heavy. That extra weight up front reduces drive noise. Oh yes, these are a pleasure to use.

Cooling for the RC-531 is of a great design, but you will need to add a rear fan to make it perfect. The case only comes with a front fan. My testing shows you don't really need the front fan to keep the CPU cool, so if you prefer you can relocate it to the rear and forgoe buying another fan.

Testing with a highly overclocked Prescott revealed that simply using a rear fan provides the same cooling effect as testing the board in wide open air. The chipset gets a little additional benefit of the air being pulled past it.

Basically you're not going to find a much better cooling solution than a perfectly designed 120mm fan holder front and rear. You don't even need "good" fans, an 1100RPM fan will keep the thing running cool and quiet.

One thing I didn't test was the added benefit of a power supply with it's own 120mm fan. Obviously a 120mm fan above the CPU, pulling air out of the case, will improve cooling even more!

Your goals, stable and reliable, have the RC-531 written on them. As for these other guys, they're just showing you what looks cool.

Alright Crashman, thank you! Exactly the review I wanted, from a very trusted source! =) Why I asked on Xion, I was thinking similar. And RC-531 looks like a winner, went to sysopt read review. Good enough! I dont care about cheap "flimsey" buttons... and can always add a fan later moving to rear sounds doable. This looks like my case however, found another well received one, same price range (99):

Antec LifeStyle SONATA II

Anyone have this? Crashman know? =) Only real other case Id consider to the RC-531

Let's clear one thing up, I wasn't "...just showing you what looks cool" as Crashman alludes. The Antec case in my opinion IS a better case. Amongst other things it is all aluminum, not just the bezel as in the case of the Coolermaster. Not to say the Coolermaster case is not a good one, it is, and it may be a better fit for your budget, especially since it does come with a power supply. But let's be real, between the two cases, I do think the Antec is better, by far. Just wanted to set the record straight, since I don't like being accused of being "just for show", especially by someone who, by self admission, needs something as big as the internet to house his ego.

You would spend $100 on a case?

Are you mad?

Mine cost me a whopping $21

Including a not so bad PSU.

When i finally post a pic of my PC you lot will all die from laughter.

My monitor is almost a decade old. No bs.

Commodore, I think the Sonata II and Coolermaster RC-531 are about toss-ups to me. I do prefer the Antec power supply a bit over the Coolermaster, but otherwise for me it's which do you think looks better. The big advantage of the Antec P160W is that being all aluminum, it will weigh much less than steel. If you're not moving your computer around much, or at all, probably not important then. But if you go to lan parties, or move your computer tower around, the weight savings are evident. Aluminum cases are only negligibly cooler than steel counterparts, all else being equal.

Now you made me worry...

I was considering getting the same case as one of my friend's dad, but i can fine it anywhere, it looks very MyPCisfasterthanyours. I think it was a limited offer and you cant buy from corex(SA supplier) very easily.

I am just about to get myself a nice shiny new graphics card, but it is an R580 and therefore not out yet, and if i know ATI it wont be out too soon despite their promises.

Well if the 50$ version of RC-531 is the same as 99, just no PSU or window, seems like still a great case right? I mean is it worth spending 50 more for window (will replace psu anyways).

As I thought... i wont be using that psu, the window is neat but I'll live without, if thats ALL thats different of 50 dollar version, if everything else reviewed and you say is there, (confirm if is, should be I know) then well heck, i say thats a good deal =)

Maybe this is too "old school" but howbout a tower case like an Enermax CSF710 or the Antec Perf TX1088?

The Enermax is VERY well cooled, built like a tank, and has LOTs of room to work in. It's $50 + $23 shipping at Circotech.com

The Antec is the same thing with 120mm fans instead of 80s, and includes a decent PSU (TruePower 480 2.0). NewEgg has it for $139 + $19.

Since you dont need a PSU the Enermax looks perfect for the criteria listed. Tons of space inside makes for easy installs and runs cool.

hmm interesting idea for sure! Any particular ones? Maybe off newegg?

Damned if i know, sorry. And did anyone notice that the christmas hat on the tg sign is gone, good riddance.

Also, the used market will be a great value, just beware of non-standard proprietary designs that won't accept industry std items... I'm thinking of stuff from IBM, Compaq and Dell Dell Dell Damn!

Hey, the classic Cheiftech Dragon, and the updated version!

Newf is right you can get some killer deals on second hand suff esp software, i got a copy of act of war that is in pristine condition for only R145, divide by ~6 to 7 for USD so about 22 dollars, for overseas that might be bad but for here not even games 3 years old are that cheap.