Sub-$100 Case Shootout

[the3holepuncher]

So, I'm looking for a case, and having a tough time making my decision. I have my preferred case, but if I can get the same features and save money, it allows me to invest elsewhere in my $1000 PC Build, such as in getting a slightly better graphics card.

Specifications that I'm specifically looking for (not by importance, but all important to me):
ATX layout
Overall dimensions(Specifically internal): going to be using a 212 Evo CPU cooler, must be able to fit.
Ventilation: Number of fans/Size of fans
PSU: Bottom mounted
Filters for air intakes
Front Mounted USB/Headset jacks
Preferably front mounted status buttons
Wire pass-thrus, preferably grommeted(I assume grommets keep the wires from being at risk of pinching/rubbing/shorting?)

My baseline case that I'm comparing everything against is:

COOLER MASTER RC-692A-KKN5 Black Steel body / Plastic + Mesh bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119259

It seems to have everything I want in abundance, But is the larger cpu backhole and grommets with $20 compared to it's predecessor?

Others being considered:

COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233

^big, ugly, boring, but a bit cheaper.

ZALMAN Z9 Plus Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811235027

COOLER MASTER RC-692-KKN2 CM690 II Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 69.99(actually 54.99 until monday)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216

The previous generation of my baseline. Ungrommeted pass thrus, but I don't know if that's as big a deal as I think it is.

APEVIA X-TROOPER Series X-TRP-RD Black / Red Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144266

^has a bigger side fan, but no status indicators on the front panel that I can see.

COUGAR Solution AF-2 Black & Army Green Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with 12cm COUGAR TURBINE HYPER-SPIN Bearing Silent Fan and USB 3.0 54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811553007

Like the color, but is ungrommeted

COUGAR Orange Challenger Black Steel ATX Computer Case with 12cm COUGAR TURBINE HYPER-SPIN Bearing Silent Fans and 20cm LED Fan 65.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811553009

front mounted 200mm fan

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Also, if you have another personal favorite that has all of the features I'm looking for and is in this price range, please submit it, I'd be happy to take a look.
And thanks ahead of time for any feedback on this, I'm just trying to get my first build off the ground.

 

[allanitomwesh]

The 690 II Advanced is a very good case.
There's also the corsair carbide 400r,zalman z11 plus,and NZXT Tempest 410.

 

[Rockdpm]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119263

 

[the3holepuncher]

the 692KNN5 and 692KNN2 are both less than the storm scout, and have more features I am specifically looking for(more dust covers on vents).

That Corsair is very nice, but pretty much identical to the 692KNN5, unless there are major differences I'm not seeing.

The NZXT seems like it falls short of the other two, though the Z11 plus has the largest dimensions. I'm not sure if that's exterior only, or if the inside is slightly larger as well.

 

[allanitomwesh]

You're missing corsair build quality. Solid as a rock.

 

[the3holepuncher]

So are the CoolerMasters NOT a solid case, then? like, built with a lesser gauge of steel, or something?

 

[Rockdpm]

So are the CoolerMasters NOT a solid case, then? like, built with a lesser gauge of steel, or something?

Cooler Master makes great cases made out of sturdy metal. Some cases have strong metal than others

 

[the3holepuncher]

I'll keep an eye on them, and pick whichever is cheaper when it's time for me to get one.between the KNN5 and the Corsair)

The USB3.0 might not be something I use now, but future proofing and whatnot.

Anyone else have any case suggestions/preferences?

 

[allanitomwesh]

Lian Li Lancool PC-K58
Antec Nine Hundred

 

[PCSargent]

Rosewill Blackhawk

mid-tower

5 fans

http://sargentd.gps5.com/index.php?c=5132&n=572238&i=B004K4TEA4&x=Rosewill_Gaming_ATX_Mid_Tower_Computer_Case_BLACKHAWK