I need help on cases... for the love of Mr T.

[Brockavich]

Hi. I am buying a buttload of new parts for my computer, like pretty much everything.
Here's what I'm getting:

1. CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Dual Core Processor LGA775 3.0GHZ Wolfdale 1333FSB 6MB

2. MOBO - ASUS P5K/EPU Intel P35 Socket 775 Mainboard, 4xDDR2-1200/1066/800/667 2xPCI-Ex16 Crossfire, 2xPCI-Ex1, 2xPCI, 2xEIDE, 4xSATA300 RAID, 8Ch Audio, Gigabit LAN, 12xUSB2.0, 2x1394a Firewire, 1600FSB, ATX

3. RAM - Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB 2X1GB PC2-8500 DDR2-1066 CL5-5-5-15 Dual Channel Memory Kit

6. VIDEO - 2 EAH4850s

7. CARD FANS - Thermaltake A2426 PCi-Ex16 Slot Blue LED Cooler 80mm 2200RPM 22CFM 21DBA fan

8. And if I need it: POWER - Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750w ATX Power Supply - SLi-ready

9. CASE: - Antec Gamer 300 ATX Mid Tower Case

I have been debating whether or not my rig is going to need a new case, and I think it does. My current case has only one 8 inch fan in the back, and suction sort of thing in the front, so basically, two fans.

It's made by Dell (ew) and I don't think it's made for what I plan to do with my new setup: intense gaming. Like, games out the butt 24/7. COD4, BF2, Crysis, others...

Anyways, my question is: should I get the Antec Gamer 300 ATX Mid Tower Case? I think that with it's 4 fans and greater overall space and airflow, it will perform better. Especially with two of those 4850 cards in there, heating up a storm at 78C idle

 

[yadge]

I just helped a friend put together a build with that case, and it doesn't come with four fans. It only comes with the back 120mm and the top 140mm. We decided to get an additional 120mm for the front. I think it has very sufficient airflow. It also looks great, and was pretty easy to work with. Overall, I would recommend it.

 

[bf2gameplaya]

Like everything else it depends:

The Antec is a typical black steel box lacking a handy sliding mobo tray but does come with a fan filter that needs periodic cleaning...FUN. It also has a pointless grille over the PSUs exhaust port.

If none of that bothers you, it's great. I would invest in a better case...you will be surprised how long you can keep a good case. Get 100% aluminum, get a slide out tray, get a free and open PSU mounting area, get bigger as opposed to smaller. Fans, never get a filter unless you live on the beach.

 

[Brockavich]

Sorry, it has 2 fans, and like 4 vent holes, which help also.

Well I just figured out that my new mobo wont even fit in ym old case anyways, so, Imma have to get a new one!

I would like a case that cools well more than anything, and that is a mid-size or bigger for under $100, any suggestions other than the Antec 300?

Sliding mobo trays probably won't be a big deal for me, cause it's not like I take the thing out every single day... Maybe once every 5-10 years I take it out for a full cleaning? At which point I'll probably clean my whole machine anyways, so a sliding mobo thingy isn't a huge deal for me.

 

[THE_Ted]

Remember that its probably a good idea to get a more expensive case that has free shipping (newegg is what I have in mind) than to get a cheaper case but pay 25$ for shipping. (Cases are about the only computer peripheral where this actually makes a difference, what with the size and weight)

 

[dieseldre2k]

if u dont mind rebates, u might as well get the antec 900. yes the 300 is cheaper, but after u buy good quiet fans and pay for shipping for them also, it comes out to about the 900's price. with this case, u wont need to buy any extra fans either (unless u want to of course).

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


if u do mind rebates, then nevermind this post =P

 

[dirtmountain]

A good place to check prices is www.buy.com ,lots of good deals with free shipping on a variety of cases.
exp. antec 300 $55 free shipping, antec 900 $100 free shipping, coolermaster 690 $80 free shipping

 

[blerb]

check out the NZXT Tempest, no worries about airflow there! Easy to set up, and looks good too.

 

[rahvyn]

It costs a bit more, but the Antec P182 is an awesome case for airflow and hiding cables. I have been using it for over a year now and love it.