Good resources for first timer picking a computer case

[bob347]

I found this article that gives an intro overview of choosing computer cases: http://www.obsessable.com/feature/computer-cases-101-more-than-just-a-pc-guts-container/

...but I'm not sure how accurate or good it is as I haven't seen this site before. Are there other good introductions to this? Anything here wrong or missing? I'm looking to build my first PC from the ground up (in the past I've basically just added components and sort o frankenstined my PCs) and cases are probably my largest blind spot. I would appreciate any guidance provided!

 

[foolycooly]

If you look at proximon's sticky guide in this forum it has some good advice. Basically when planning a build you should first think about its primary uses. Are you looking to build a gaming PC? An image/video editing and rendering rig? A multimedia powerhouse?

There are a list of I'd say 5 or so cases that are the most popular and highly recommended on this forum. All of these cases work for most any build and choosing comes down to your preference on looks IMO.

some of the more popular ones:

Coolermaster RC-690 (Mid Tower):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

Coolermaster HAF 932 (Full Tower):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160&Tpk=coolermaster%20haf

Antec 900 (Mid Tower):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021

Antec P182 (Mid Tower):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129025

These are just some of my personal favorites.

In terms of highest performance (best air-flow and cooling), I believe the HAF takes the cake.

 

[bob347]

Hey, thanks for the quick reply and sorry I didn't give more details in my first post.

I do some graphic design work, no video though, and I like to play games. COD4 rules! So I basically am planning on building a machine that can serve both purposes.

I'll definitely investigate these 5 options. Thanks again!

 

[wimcle]

I'll chine in with my $.02

Coolermaster 590
Antec 300

by far the most popular two cases (and happen to be the most affordable)

 

[Outlander_04]

Your biggest sngle resource for choosing a computer case is ..... GOOGLE


Browse newegg or other places you might buy a case .

If you see something you like then plug in a search like " antec 300 review "

The 300 is a good case ... but its a gaming case and is fairly noisy because the front is open mesh . It wont suit everyone but its is good at what it is designed for .

etc

 

[bob347]

Ah good idea to search with "review" tagged on. Thanks!

 

[sprucebr1]

Antec, Coolermaster, are the popular cases, though don't forget Lian Li. I have heard a lot of good things about them. And I guess Thermaltake is the other place to check out cases. G Luck.,

 

[MRFS]

There is no CM 590: it's "CM 690":

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for excellent cooling / ventilation:
be prepared to buy & install extra fans, e.g. in top & bottom panels:

also, remove the factory fan bracket from the bottom panel, and
replace with a 120mm + matching dust filter: that way, you won't
need to tip the entire case 90 degrees to clean that dust filter.


MRFS

 

[MRFS]

Generic 120mm fan filter:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999208
(only needed on intake fans: NOT needed on exhaust fans)


MRFS

 

[wimcle]

There is no CM 590: it's "CM 690":


MRFS

yes there is: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119152

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

Lots of good midtowers suggested already. But if size is not to much of an issue I would really recommend a full tower with E-atx support. These have much more room between the HDD and the mobo which makes larger GPU's easier to install.

This would be most coolermaster full towers. the stacker, cosmos, and the HAF.

 

[Crashman]

I found this article that gives an intro overview of choosing computer cases: http://www.obsessable.com/feature/computer-cases-101-more-than-just-a-pc-guts-container/

...but I'm not sure how accurate or good it is as I haven't seen this site before. Are there other good introductions to this? Anything here wrong or missing? I'm looking to build my first PC from the ground up (in the past I've basically just added components and sort o frankenstined my PCs) and cases are probably my largest blind spot. I would appreciate any guidance provided!

Here you go:
http://www.sysopt.com/tutorials/article.php/3611871

 

[geofelt]

If you want a quiet case, go to www.silentpcreview . They review a number of quiet cases and other products.
My favorite is the Antec SOLO(no psu) which is also sold as the Antec Sonata designer 500, and Antec Sonata plus 550 which include 500 and 550w psu's.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129018
The only caveat is that long vga card(>10.2") will need a bit of work to fit. My GTX260 needed a 1/4" nibbled out of the drive bay support to fit. It's not that big od a deal with tin snips. Something like a 8800GTS fits fine.

1) Is it big enough to fit your motherboard? You can't stuff a full atx motherboard into a micro case.
2) Will it hold the required number of hard drives?
3) Does it have enough front bays for your dvd drives, floppies, and card readers?
Most mid-size cases will fit these criteria.

I happen to not like cases with front doors. They are always getting in the way.
I do like cases that come with washable filters for the intake fans.

For any candidate case, google for a review. Download the case instruction manual to see exactly what will need to be done.

 

[Outlander_04]

My favorite is the Antec SOLO(no psu) which is also sold as the Antec Sonata designer 500, and Antec Sonata plus 550 which include 500 and 550w psu's.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129018
The only caveat is that long vga card(>10.2") will need a bit of work to fit. My GTX260 needed a 1/4" nibbled out of the drive bay support to fit. It's not that big od a deal with tin snips. Something like a 8800GTS fits fine.

The solo is one of my favorites too. Along with the P182 its antecs best work .



The other quality case manufacturers that havent been mentioned are Silverstone and Lian Li

Buy a good case now and it will be the basis of years of updates and rebuilds . For that reason I prefer cases that look like computers instead of a 12 year olds fantasy . In 10 years time they can still look classy .

Things like the HAF are just going to look old and be an embarrassment