Case reccomendation

[tim0]

Hello all,

I was wondering wether someone could help me with picking a case for my new computer. I am on a budget, so the case should be around $70. I've got a few standards though:
1. Dust, I've found almost perfect cases but they all seem to collect heaps of dust, such as the Cooler Master Centurion 5
2. Cooling, which needs to be good. I would like if it would already have a good fan.
3. Space, I want to fit one of those huge GPU's in it.

Noise isn't that much of a problem since I always use my headset, so if $$$ could be spared by a noisy case then that's no problem.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Greetings,
Tim

 

[Lionhardt]

antec p180, just got delivered, havent used it in a build yet but it looks like it ownz

 

[Malazan]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811146025

$75, beautiful case, 2 120MM fans and room for one more. Room for a 8800 GTX and GTS.

 

[Fireheart]

Personally, I'm a fan of Cooler Master cases. I think any of the Centurions would do the job perfectly. My choice would be the 534 in Black.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119106

This is a newer design than the Centurion 5. Sadly, like any computer, it will be a dust-magnet. The solution is to install a layer of filter-foam behind the front bezel. This will keep most of the dust out of the box, but you'll still have to clean it from time to time.

Alternately, you could mount filters on your fans, like these: http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=92
Yes, you'll still have to clean out dust, 2-3 times a year, but it will be mostly localized to the filters.

I'd say pick the case you like the most and modify it a little, if you have to. Frankly, you should perform regular maintenance on your computer anyway - including vacuuming the dust out of it.

Be Well!
Fireheart

 

[tim0]

Thanks for your help, I understand now that dust is unavoidable. I think I'll go with those fan filters.

Greets,
Tim

 

[Fireheart]

The centurn 5 is an excellent case for the price, but for a nice step up, the stacker version of it is by far one of the best designed cases I have ever seen,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119103

Yes, the OP mentioned his price limit. The Centurion line is excellent - high quality and good design, without high cost. I disagree that there is a 'stacker version', though.
The Stackers are a completely seperate line-up of cases, server-sized full towers. They introduced some innovative features that were quickly copied by other manufacturers - like the 'Armor', that you mentioned.
The Stacker 830 line is Cooler Master's current 'ultimate' case and, at $250, it costs more than most poeple want to spend on a case - 3-4 times the OP's target. If you're interested in more information, check out the CM site: http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/

Be Well!
Fireheart

 

[hashbrown]

since the majority of people ignored the fact that you were trying to stick to $70, I thought I'd drop one too.

I don't know if you're going for a flashy case with windows or crazy fronts. or how big of a tower it should be, but here are a few.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811125480

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144170

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811125444

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133147

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811209020

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112130
this lian li looks to be a very good one if you're worried about a 8800 fitting in, also, there are only small inlets on the front for the PSU that shouldn't that big of a problem for dust.

Personally, I'm using a Coolermaster Centurion 5, and I have no dust problems on the inside of my case, really the only thing is that I like to wipe the dust off the front of my case with a cloth or something which takes like a second maybe every week. I think it's worth the price of an extremely breathable front side. Plus, on the inside of the front, there is mesh which catches dust that would somehow get through, so maybe once or twice a year, all you'd have to do is take off the front and vacuum that out. that is nothing though. Happy hunting.

 

[cattbert]

I do not have personal experience with it, but I often see people recommend the Antec Nine Hundred. CompUSA has a great deal on it right now ... $90 after instant discounts - $25 rebate (on thru 2/13) = $65 Same case at newegg is $155 (see link in post above).

Case:

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=cat3&product_code=342484&Pn=Nine_Hundred_ATX_Ultimate_Gamer_Tower_Case


mail-in-rebate:

http://image.compusa.com/pdfs/0027452.pdf

 

[NamelessMC]

Cooler Master dominates the sub $75 market.

If you want to impress 13 year old LAN party members, get this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119098

However, Centurion 5 offers all the features a modest user wants. Sexy looks, great cooling, stability and value. I got my Centurion 5 for $11 after rebates. www.svc.com has a $30 rebate on the Centurion 5 but the deal expires tonight.

 

[Hex]

I recommend this case:

LIAN LI PC-7A plus II Silver Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

I own one of these cases and I love it. However, I must warn you that it's a mans case...no plastic sh!t, disco balls, baby rattles, pacifiers, I-hate-my-parents sticker, nor strobe lights to mesmerize highschool kids with.

 

[Animatorelf14]

Hex,

That is not a man's case... it's a blind mans case.

 

[NamelessMC]

Hex,

That is not a man's case... it's a blind mans case.

A blind man that likes things that feel sooo good.

Lian Li's cases, in some rare and unpredictable circumstances, sometimes are more sexy to me than my girlfriend in bunny lingerie.

 

[Lazarus7]

P180B, everything you need plus more. Just had a look at one on the weekend, looks awesome and so so silent.

Do it

 

[Lazarus7]

Out of interest, what problems have you had with it? I am looking at getting one soon.

 

[Lazarus7]

yeah I looked at the 900 but that thing fell out the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down 8O

On the sound side silence is one of my big areas I'm looking and am going with all noctua cooling to help that along....did you still find the noise dampening good but not as good as expected or was it just plain bad?

 

[mjam]

I have an Antec Nine Hundred, it is great and looks as cool as it keeps the hardware. On this week at CompUSA for $90--a BARGAIN!!

 

[cookin]

I noticed some people have suggested the Antec 900. Compusa currently has it for $89.99. I don't think you would find it cheaper, although it is still over your budget.

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=cat3&product_code=342484&Pn=Nine_Hundred_ATX_Ultimate_Gamer_Tower_Case

Edit: someone beat me to it.

 

[Hex]

yeah I looked at the 900 but that thing fell out the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down 8O

LOL! I agree. :lol:

 

[aviator]

sold out for delivery. Wish ZZF or newegg matches the price.