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=N82E168...
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=N82E168...
^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=N82E168...
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=N82E168...
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=N82E168...
^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=N82E168...
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=N82E168...
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.