Case Recommendations

[nuro]

Hi guys,

Long time reader first time poster. I've been saving up for some time now to upgrade my computer parts and build my self a new computer and I've gotten everything I need except for the Case. I'm a bit stuck as the last time around when I built my first PC, I was living in the city and when I went to purchase my parts the guys working at the store helped me pick a case that suited my needs and fit my parts well and without congestion.

I now live out in the country and am having a bit of trouble deciding on a case. I did my research on all the parts and like I mentioned I've gotten all the parts and now I need a case. Here are the specs for my new build:

MOBO: Gigabyte G1.Sniper 3 Motherboard - Intel Z77 Chipset - Intel 1155 Socket
CPU: Intel Core i7 3770K Unlocked Quad Core 3rd Gen Processor - Socket LGA1155 - 3.5GHz
CPU Cooling: Antec KUHLER H2O 920 CPU Cooler
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws-X 16GB(2x 8GB) Dual Channel Memory Kit
GPU: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 WF2 Overclock Video Card - GDDR5 2GB 256-bit
PSU: Corsair HX-1050 V2 HX Series Modular Power Supply - 1050W - 80PLUS Gold
SSD: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" SATA3 MLC SSD
HDD: Western Digital WD CAVIAR GREEN 3TB SATA III 3.5'' HDD
Sound Card: Asrock Game Blaster Creative Sound Core3D 7.1 Surround-EX THX CrystalVoice GbLAN
Blu Ray Drive: LG CH12 Blu-Ray Combo Drive SATA 12x

I'm looking for something that will be able to fit all those in comfortably and not squish everything together, if that makes sense. I will also most likely be adding another two HDDs at a later stage so I want to be able to have the space to do that. Another factor is the fan noise, if possible the fans need to be silent or low noise. In regards to the look of the case, I don't want something too flashy, or too bland, something in the middle. But the look of the case is not that big of an issue because as long as it runs smoothly I'm happy.

I did really well when it came to buying the parts so my budget for the case is up to$250. Any help from you guys would be greatly appreciated, up until now every question I've ever had about building/fixing/modifying my pc has been solved by this community so I'm looking forward to what you guys have to say.

Many thanks!

 

[FinneousPJ]

Could you fill this in http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/353572-13-build-upgrade-advice

 

[nuro]

Hi FinneousPJ,

Sorry about that, I did read your guide but I didn't think that my post qualified for it since it's only for the case. So once again sorry about that, here's your form filled out:

Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next week.

Budget Range: $250

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Graphic Design, Photo Editing, Video Editing, Sound Production/Editing, Web Development, Gaming, Multimedia.

Are you buying a monitor: Already Bought



Parts to Upgrade: Case

Do you need to buy OS: Already bought

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: www.mwave.com.au, but anything that ships to australia will be fine.

Location: Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia

Parts Preferences: Any

Overclocking: N/A

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: If possible the fans need to be silent or low noise. I don't want something too flashy, or too bland, something in the middle. But the look of the case is not that big of an issue because as long as it runs smoothly I'm happy.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: My current PC was built back in 2007 and nothing on it has been upgraded since. For the last year or so it has been struggling with my work related programs, plus I haven't been able to enjoy high performance gaming on it for the past two years (the games run, but are sluggish and of course the graphics aren't at the highest level)

I hope this helps you guys recommend a good case for me. Thanks again.

 

[bigcyco1]

Case:COOLER MASTER CM Storm Series Trooper (SGC-5000-KKN1) Black Steel / Plastic ATX Full Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119245#top

Case:NZXT SWITCH 810 Black CA-SW810-B1 Steel / Plastic ATX HYBRID Full Tower Gaming Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146089

Case:NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK Black Steel / Plastic Enthusiast ATX Full Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146068#top

Case:COOLER MASTER HAF X RC-942-KKN1 Black Steel/ Plastic ATX Full Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119225#top

 

[bigcyco1]

Sorry just noticed Australia

 

[Bejusek]

With such a high budget, there is plenty to choose from:

Corsair 600T
Corsair Obsidian 650D
NZXT Switch 810
Cooler Master HAF-X
Fractal Design Define R4
Fractal Design Define XL

 

[prototype18]

I would say the Graphite 600 T.

Its a great case with tons of space for cable managment and GPU's.

http://pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_547&products_id=17793

Or even the most loved case for me

http://www.mwave.com.au/product/sku-aa12309-cooler_master_haf_x_atx_full_tower_case_black_nopsu

So its just you that can choose. Its up to your taste.

 

[nuro]

Thank you guys so much, you've given me a whole heap to compare and choose from. I'll let you guys know which one I end up getting!

 

[FinneousPJ]

Well actually, there's a lot I'd change in your build too if you haven't already bought it.

 

[nuro]

Hi FinneousPJ, unfortunately like i mentioned in my previous posts, i have purchased all the parts except for the case. But I would really like to hear what changes you'd recommend and why. Like i said i am new to building/modifying PCs so anything I can learn from you guys would be great.

 

[FinneousPJ]

Guess it doesn't matter much then but the mobo is too expensive, PSU is ridiculously large. I wouldn't recommend green HDDs and I'm not sure the sound card is needed.

 

[nuro]

In regards to the mobo, I actually got it for half the retail price. To be honest I was going to get it anyway despite the discount I received on it, only because of the great reviews I had heard about it. The PSU is large, I completely agree with you on that one, but I really just wanted to be on the safe side just in case I needed extra power (not that I will, just wanted to think ahead).

Is there a reason you wouldn't recommend green HDDs, all my other HDDs are not green, so this is the first one that I have ever purchased and only because I had only heard good things about it so far. Have you had bad experiences with them or is it because they are unreliable or?

And regrettably the sound card was purchased prior to me getting the mobo, but either way it's not going to harm anything.

Thanks again for your input, i'd really love to hear about the green HDDs if you'd be willing to elaborate on your comment.

 

[FinneousPJ]

They're just painfully slow from my experience.

 

[nuro]

Best answer selected by nuro.