New Setup - Need case (and general advice)

[gLip]

Hello,

I'm in the process of getting the following system:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
GPU: EVGA e-GeForce 8800GT 512MB PCIe
RAM:Corsair XMS2 DHX DDR2-RAM 4GB PC2-800 Twin Kit (2 x 2GB)
MB: Asus P5K-E WiFi
PSU: Corsair TX650W or Corsair VX550W

I am now looking for a case with the following characteristics:

■Mid-tower
■4 5.25"
■3-4 3.5"
■Stylish looks

I am quite lost, as I can't seem to find a website with a good listing of good cases and bad cases.

Also feel free to suggest improvements to the setup above.


All answer appreciated.

gLip

 

[rgeist554]

Personally, I'm a fan of the Antec 900.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&Tpk=Antec%2b900

I wouldn't buy from newegg atm though. I know you can find this case for 79.99. (Even if it is after a rebate) It has fantastic airflow and plenty of room.

One drawback is that is only has 3 x 5.25" slots. It does have 6 x 3.5" bays you need, butwhat it lacks in a single 5.25" bay, it makes up in beatiful(ness?).

 

[gLip]

Thanks for the quick reply and advice

I like the Antec 900, the issue is the lacking 5.25". I have a huge 2-slot fan controller (the AeroCool PowerWatch) and I don't want to drop one of my DVD combo drives.

I live in Switzerland so newegg shouldn't be an issue

I have found another case which custompc.co.uk describes as "the finest air-cooled case available.", the Antec P180.

http://www.custompc.co.uk/reviews/74276/antec-p180.html

Unless somebody can come up with something awfully wrong with this case, it's at the top of my list at the moment.

Any other recommendations for my setup?

By the way, I think the word you're looking for is "beauty" :lol:

 

[WR2]

I have found another case which custompc.co.uk describes as "the finest air-cooled case available.", the Antec P180.
http://www.custompc.co.uk/reviews/74276/antec-p180.html

Did you check the date on that article? 2005 - and the upgraded P182 isnt reviewed on that site.
Antec P182 Antec P182 review

If you don't enjoy opening the case door to control your fans or change DVD disks check this case out:
CoolerMaster RC-690 CM RC-690 review

 

[gLip]

You're quite right, I didn't look at the date of the article. Ironically, I was wishing that the P180 came in black.

Both the P182 and the RC-690 look good, thanks a lot for the input. I will be considering both of them primarily when making my decision.

Another question, do you think I should focus on the 550 W or 650 W PSU?



Off to bed, 1 o'clock in the morning here in Switzerland.

 

[DiscoDuck]

I have the P180 and couldnt be happier. I only wish the door would swing to the left, since it is placed to the right of my desk.

 

[WR2]

Even the Corsair VX450 is able to handle a single 8800GTX video card in a system like yours.

I think either the VX-450/550 would be a great choice. And both have the slightly longer cables that make bottom installation in cases like P182/RC-690 easy. Review comparison of HX 520 and VX 550
VX 450 review VX 550 review

And I think all the rest of your hardware choices have been excellent as well.

Another P182 review (with links to others)
Another RC-690 review (with links to others)

 

[gLip]

Seems like it's going to be the VX-550 (to be on the safe side) and the P182.

Now I just have to decide between the Asus P5K-E and the Gigabyte DS3P, although I reckon It'll be the cheaper one that wins the race in the end.

You guys are great, knew it was a good idea posting here!


EDIT: I plan to overclock my RAM, will DDR2-RAM PC2-800 be sufficient for 4 GHz?