PC Case Roundup: Spring 2008

Conclusion

The conclusion? It’s great to see cases increase in diversity, and each case will certainly appeal to someone based on style, features, or price.

Before we go any further, we’d like to mention that we were indeed paying attention to the packaging of all of these cases. Because it’s a roundup, we didn’t have the space to show pictures of everything, but each and every case was very well packaged with Styrofoam braces and plastic to protect the finish.

There were a few outstanding models in our roundup that deserve a special mention. First, the 3R System R240 Grace was something that we didn’t think too much about at first glance, but we were really won over by its nifty HTPC features, light weight, style, and especially its near-silent case fans.

The NZXT Tempest was another case of special note, offering attractive angular styling paired with an impressive number of fans to deliver tons of airflow, and in a surprisingly quiet fashion. We liked the Tempest so much that, at its low price, it will be included as one of the recommended cases in our June 2008 system builder marathon.

Silverstone’s Kublai KL-03 might not have tickled our fancy in the looks department, but style is subjective and this case has it where it counts: it offers a lot of space, innovative features, quiet operation, and all-metal construction at a very reasonable price.

Finally, while Cooler Master’s Cosmos S case might not have hit home runs in every category, it’s still a pleasure to work with due to its massive frame. And at the risk of admitting how shallow we are, this case looks really awesome. It’s the Lamborghini of computer enclosures: it looks great, and while it might not make for the most practical buying decision. people still buy Lamborghinis, and we’re sure people will buy the Cosmos S as well.

  • geotech
    Nothing on the Thermaltake Armor?
    One of the best case designs and plenty of room and features.
    Reply
  • bf2gameplaya
    Every one of those cases is butt ugly, unwieldy and depressing.
    Reply
  • Gravemind123
    Nothing from Lian-Li, Thermaltake or Antec? In that price range you could review a nice case from any of those companies.
    Reply
  • Yep is a very poor roundup allright !
    Where is Antec Nine Hundred or the new Twelve Hundred and the excelent P182 ???
    The Cosmos S seems to be out of place here.... its in another league: Armor+, Silverstone TJ07B, Stacker
    Reply
  • otheos
    Simple is an uknown word in the aesthetics of the east.
    Reply
  • scherfistv
    Lazy review, the guys from TOM's couldn't find more attractive PC Cases? It's all made in "China"-like?
    Reply
  • TiberiumSoldier
    poor Roundup.. no Enermax Chakra/uber Chakra no EZCool .....
    Reply
  • SinisterCanuck
    All mid tower cases... not one Full Tower! I haven't purchased a mid tower case in nearly 8 years for any of my builds because they are too crammed for my liking. As stated by other commenters, where's the Thermaltake Armor? Where's the Antec Twelve Hundred? etc. These were nice looking cases, but they are all middle of the road as far as I am concerned. You need to do a cases revisited or an enthusiast case round up! ...please do that
    Reply
  • I have my doubts about your praise on 3R System case. I have similar model. Exactly the same inside structure but without the remote control, display and with different front side.

    First of all, it's not that well-built. Sides bend and that inside metal (Al?) is really soft. And if you want to remove the front there are like 6 almost unreachable screws to be unscrewed which is pain in the a**.

    Fans are really quiet though.
    Reply
  • only Cosmos S look good to me.
    Reply