Case And Power
Case: Corsair Graphite Series 600T
One of the most extravagant expenses in our original $2000 PC, its $250 case was chosen for purported excellent ventilation and low noise. Our minimum requirement was far less elaborate, as any well-designed case with two 120 mm or a single 180 mm intake fan would do the job (even Antec’s low-cost Three Hundred Illusion). Half-way between our minimum requirements and the excesses of luxury is Corsair’s 600T.
Read Customer Reviews of Corsair's Graphite-Series 600T
The 600T has several design and construction similarities with the high-end office cases of yesteryear, but costs roughly twice as much. It’s also bigger and better-ventilated, with two 200 mm fans and support for six hard drives. Its most unusual design feature—a face panel that vaguely resembles the grille of a 1958 Edsel—has an inner panel dimensionally similar to that of a traditional mid-tower’s face.
Power: Seasonic SS-850HT 850 W
We indulged ourselves in a modular power supply in our original $2000 build, noting that the indulgence comes at a $30 price premium. The basis for that comparison is Seasonic’s high-quality, non-modular SS-850HT.
Read Customer Reviews of Seasonic's SS-850HT
Few manufacturers can compete with Seasonic’s reputation for quality and stability, so we were happy to find an 80 PLUS Silver-rated 850 W model for only $120. Our non-windowed case can help to hide any leftover cables and, as a bonus, has built in cable stowage.
