3D Aurora v. Aluminus

[The_Rev]

OK, guys... I need a hand. I cannot for the life of me decide between two cases for an upcoming gaming-rig build. Which would you choose? I'm torn.

Candidate 1: Gigabyte 3D Aurora

Pros:
Plenty of room inside
Comes with 3 120mm blue LED fans
Equipped to handle a water cooling system (which I may or may not want to add at some point down the line)
Filter over front intake fan
Easy entry
Can be purchased from newegg along with my other components

Cons:
Maybe too big?
$140
Not-so-stylish bulge on the front
No removable mobo tray
Smallish side window which lacks vents

Candidate 2: Ultra Aluminus

Pros:
Sleek and stylish with a terrific finish
Giant side window with vents over CPU and VGA areas
Removable mobo tray
Very light
$90

Cons:
Only 2 120mm fan ports
No included fans
No fan filters
No place to mount a 2x120mm radiator for water cooling
Not found on newegg -- would have to be a separate order
Not big enough?

What do you think? Thanks.

 

[doolittle]

As the wife would tell me, "better too big than too little", so 3d Aurora gets the vote. I am not sure lack of a side panel vent / fan will be a cooling issue since you have 3 x 120mm fans...

 

[chuckshissle]

I would get that Aurora for it has plenty of room for more future expansions and mods. It both looks good but I suggest you get the spacious case.

 

[moparman390]

Don't use the Ultra Aluminus, it's El Cheap-O. I live right near the Tigerdirect warehouse, the one where everything ships from. They have hundreds of this case in their store, it's the one they really push, so I have seen many of them in person. Many people I know have them. The plastic door on the front breaks off easily, the area with the Firewire and USB ports looks unfinished, and inside it is just not as nice as the Gigabyte Aurora. Ultra is the cheap brand that makes all kinds of junk. Plus you would have to deal with Tiger, I live witin driving distance, I used to work there (for the old Global Computer division, same company, in the same building), and I still will order from Newegg because their service is better and their prices are better too.

 

[The_Rev]

Thanks for the input, guys. Looks like the 3D Aurora wins in a landslide . When in doubt, bigger is better, I suppose.

Thanks again,
Rev

 

[FITCamaro]

Lian Li V1100B PlusII

 

[The_Rev]

Lian Li V1100B PlusII

Looks like a good case, but it's a bit out of my $100-150 price range. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[vimka]

Another vote for the 3d Aurora. I've built two computers using that case, and it is a dream to work on. Plenty of room, solid components, and not overly heavy or huge (then again I have a Thermaltake Armor, which I believe is bigger than a Dodge Neon :lol: ). In fact, it's so light, when I first picked it up I thought the metal would be very flimsy, though it is in fact quit sturdy.

The front really doesn't look anywhere near as bad in person as it does in the pictures, I promise.

The window is really not that bad, either. The only thing you really miss seeing are your HDDs and optical drives (who cares about that stuff anyhow?).

It's a good case, you won't regret buying it.

 

[pengwin]

yah the aurora is a better case

 

[The_Rev]

Ok... I guess the moral of the story is: More $$$ will get you better stuff.

Thanks again, guys.

 

[rman3349]

In case anyone was wondering who voted for the Aluminus, Here I am. Howver, I'd like to explain myself by saying that I'm in the middle of my first porject currently and I'm using this case (yes it got it from Tiger because they're pushing it super hard). I like it a lot so far. I got rid of the cpu vent and added an 80mm fan there instead. Cooling is pretty solid and it looks really cool.

In conclusion, I don't necessarily think this case is better then the aurora, but I can tell you that you won't get burned with the Aluminus.

 

[pengwin]

agreed its a good case for thje money.


but the Aurora has better cooling especially if u get the one with mesh on the side

 

[hacky_maximus]

ya, I also like the Aurora case. :lol: Wish to have one!