Micro ATX Case

[claec]

Hey folks,

I'm looking at building a micro-atx workhorse PC. I already have components selected, but I am having a terrible time choosing a case. I currently use a Thermaltake V5 simply because I got it free with a power supply purchase a while ago. I will be using an i3-2120 CPU, an AMD 6870, and I need the case to be able to support at least two 5.25inch drive bays as well as a standard ATX PSU. I'm looking to go as small as possible, and yet stay under $100 on the case. I won't be overclocking any of it as I really don't need the extra power.

Any case recommendations or suggestions would be highly appreciated!

Cheers, Claec

 

[davcon]

What size of mobo?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007583%20600006306&IsNodeId=1&page=3&bop=And&CompareItemList=7%7C11%2D352%2D008%5E11%2D352%2D008%2DTS%2C11%2D163%2D186%5E11%2D163%2D186%2DTS%2C11%2D112%2D316%5E11%2D112%2D316%2DTS%2C11%2D352%2D009%5E11%2D352%2D009%2DTS

 

[claec]

I will be purchasing a micro ATX motherboard. I like that Fractal Core 1000 case as well as the Silverstone. The other two are a bit on the large side. I'm trying to keep the greatest dimensions at 16 inches or less, and the total volume less than 1800 cubic inches.

 

[swoz]

I have the NZXT Vulcan and it's a great case. The Arc Mini by Fractal Designs is really nice, too. I don't know their volume but a quick look on newegg would help with that.

You will be hard-pressed to find a case with a depth of 16" or less, usually the largest dimension for a micro-ATX case.

 

[claec]

I have the NZXT Vulcan and it's a great case. The Arc Mini by Fractal Designs is really nice, too. I don't know their volume but a quick look on newegg would help with that.

You will be hard-pressed to find a case with a depth of 16" or less, usually the largest dimension for a micro-ATX case.

Rosewill makes a cheap m-atx case that is 14inches deep and 14 inches tall, but it looks kinda iffy from the reviews. I'm looking at the Vulcan, but I'm worried that the handle is a bit weak. Have you found that to be the case?

I looked at the Fractal, but its almost as big as my mid-atx case.

 

[swoz]

The handle is surprisingly strong. I can move the case around easily with it installed.

 

[phamhlam]

Stick with fractal. You are getting a quality case.

 

[claec]

Thanks guys. Pretty sure I'm going to end up going with the Vulcan. I might splurge and go with this Silverstone though: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DDCDH2/ref=s9_simh_gw_p147_d0_g147_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1GAKC78SRKC4H0FWPJ9Z&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

 

[rufus_22]

Fractal Design Arc Mini Black High Performance I like some of the lian li offerings but for the same $ this has better reviews

 

[claec]

Best answer selected by claec.